Lyune stood motionless under the sun, staring blankly at the passing crowd.The town of Lumindell was as lively as ever — merchants shouting, kids running around, people chatting about quests and market prices — and yet, she felt strangely disconnected.
"…No money," she muttered to herself. "No clothes. No food."
Her stomach growled softly in agreement.
She sighed. "What a flawless start to a new life."
She began walking anyway, because standing still wouldn't change anything. The streets were lined with stalls selling fruits, accessories, and bright fabrics that fluttered in the breeze. It was beautiful — but each price tag stabbed her soul like a dagger.
"Everything costs money, huh…" she mumbled, glancing at a vendor frying skewers. The smell was divine, smoky and rich.
The vendor noticed her. "Oi, little lady! Want a meat skewer? Just three silver coins!"
"Three… silver coins?" she repeated.
"Yup! Freshly grilled! You won't find 'em cheaper anywhere!"
Lyune's eyes softened with longing for a brief second, then she shook her head. "…I see. Then maybe in my next life."
"Huh?"
She walked off before the man could say anything.
After wandering aimlessly for a while, Lyune found herself near a tailor's shop. A neat wooden sign hung over the door: "Stitch & Charm – Fine Tailoring."
Through the glass window, she could see colorful dresses, shirts, and cloaks displayed on mannequins. Some elegant, some casual. All of them… clean.
"…Maybe I should at least look," she murmured.
She opened the door. A soft bell rang above her head, and a pleasant scent of lavender greeted her. Inside, fabrics of every color lined the walls, and threads glittered under the sunlight that poured through the windows.
A woman in her thirties looked up from behind the counter. She had a gentle face, blonde hair tied in a bun, and a measuring tape around her neck.
"Welcome!" she said brightly. "Oh my, dear, you look like you've had quite a day."
Lyune looked down at her robe — torn, dusty, and frayed at the edges. "…You could say that."
"Well, you've come to the right place," the tailor said, smiling kindly. "We'll have you looking like a proper lady in no time! What kind of outfit are you looking for?"
"…Something that won't make people stare," Lyune said. "And easy to move in."
The tailor nodded thoughtfully. "Alright, practical and modest. We can work with that. How about a simple traveler's set? Tunic, shorts, and a cloak?"
"That sounds fine."
"Great! Let's get your measurements then."
Before Lyune could protest, the woman was already wrapping the measuring tape around her arms and waist with surprising speed.
"Hm… you're so small, dear," the tailor said. "You sure you're old enough to travel alone?"
"I'm eighteen," Lyune said immediately.
The tailor blinked. "Oh—! My apologies, I didn't mean to—"
Lyune smiled faintly. "Everyone says that."
"Well, you just have that… fragile look, I suppose." The tailor chuckled. "But you've got strong eyes. Like someone who's seen more than most."
"…Maybe too much," Lyune murmured.
"Pardon?"
"Nothing."
After a few minutes, the tailor stepped back and nodded. "Alright! I think I have something that'll fit perfectly."
She went into the backroom and returned with a folded set of clothes: a white blouse, black shorts with belts at the sides, knee-high boots, and a dark gray cloak with a silver clasp.
Lyune's crimson eyes glimmered softly. "It's… nice."
"Glad you like it! It's lightweight and good for travel. I'll even throw in a small pouch belt for free."
Lyune tilted her head. "Free?"
The woman laughed. "It's included in the set price. Two silver coins, that's all."
Lyune blinked. "Two… silver…"
She froze.
The tailor's smile faltered slightly. "Um… do you not have—"
"I don't have… money," Lyune admitted quietly, eyes downcast. "Not even a single coin."
"Oh…" The woman looked surprised for a moment, then sighed softly. "That's… unfortunate."
Lyune nodded. "I understand. Sorry for wasting your time."
She turned to leave, but the tailor called out, "Wait!"
Lyune stopped.
"You don't have to go empty-handed," the tailor said. "Tell you what — I sometimes need help carrying deliveries around town. If you can help me out, I can lend you the outfit until you earn enough to pay for it. How's that?"
Lyune blinked. "You'd trust me that easily?"
The woman smiled warmly. "You don't look like a thief. Besides, the guild wouldn't let just anyone register without a check, right?"
"…That's true." Lyune nodded slowly. "Then I'll help."
For the next hour, Lyune helped carry bundles of fabric, delivering them to nearby shops and stalls. She moved lightly, efficiently — almost too efficiently. The tailor had to ask her to slow down because she was finishing routes in half the time expected.
"You're like a little wind spirit," the tailor laughed. "I can barely keep up!"
Lyune blinked innocently. "I'm just… walking."
When they returned to the shop, the tailor handed her the clothes. "Alright, debt temporarily waived. Go change in the back, dear."
Lyune nodded and stepped behind the curtain.
A few minutes later, she emerged — and even the tailor looked momentarily stunned.
The clothes fit perfectly. The white blouse contrasted beautifully with her long silver-white hair, and the gray cloak framed her small form elegantly. Her crimson eyes stood out vividly against the subtle colors.
"…Oh my," the tailor whispered. "You look like a noble's daughter who lost her way."
Lyune looked down at herself, turning her wrist slightly. "It's comfortable."
"That's the point!" The woman grinned. "Now you look ready to take on the world."
Lyune smiled faintly. "Thank you."
"Think nothing of it. But remember — you owe me two silver coins once you start earning."
"I'll remember," Lyune said seriously.
"Good girl. Oh, and dear?" The tailor leaned forward, whispering playfully. "If anyone asks, tell them Martha's Shop gave you your first outfit. Word of mouth helps business."
Lyune tilted her head. "Word… of mouth?"
"Means you tell people about me," Martha explained with a wink. "So more adventurers come here for clothes."
"…Understood."
As Lyune stepped out of the shop, she felt… lighter.The wind brushed against her cloak, and for the first time in a long time, she didn't feel out of place.
"Better," she murmured to herself.
She walked aimlessly for a while, watching the people go about their day. The city truly was alive — unlike the cold void she had escaped from.
It's strange, she thought. So noisy, yet peaceful. So bright, yet… fragile.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Hey! You actually bought clothes!"It was Ryn — the swordsman from the guild — waving from across the street. The rest of his party followed behind.
Lyune blinked. "I didn't buy. I borrowed."
Ryn chuckled. "That still counts. You look a lot better now, though."
"Thank you."
Mira, the mage, clasped her hands together. "Aww, she's adorable! Doesn't she look like a little heroine?"
Brok nodded approvingly. "Looks more like a lost angel to me."
Lena smirked. "Or a demon pretending to be an angel."
Lyune blinked. "…Not wrong."
"Eh?" Lena laughed. "What, you are a demon?"
Lyune didn't answer — just smiled faintly.Something in her eyes made them all pause for a moment. There was no malice — just… mystery.
Ryn cleared his throat. "Anyway, we were just about to grab lunch. You wanna join us? We'll cover you."
"Cover… me?" she repeated.
"Yeah," Mira said cheerfully. "As in, we'll pay. It's on us!"
Lyune hesitated. "I don't want to owe favors."
"It's not a favor, it's lunch," Ryn said. "Consider it a 'welcome to the guild' meal."
Lyune stared at him for a moment, then nodded. "…Alright. I accept."
"Great! Come on, then." Ryn grinned. "There's a place nearby that makes the best stew in town."
As the group started walking, Lyune followed quietly behind, her cloak fluttering in the wind.For the first time since she'd escaped her long darkness, she felt a little warmth — not from the sun, but from the laughter around her.
Maybe, she thought, this world isn't so bad after all.