Karen pov
“Um, I guess it was here…?”
As I continued to explore the room, the lighting proved to be a challenge for my eyes to adapt to. The air carried a heavy aroma of mustiness, as if it were saturated with the essence of ancient artifacts. The weight of history itself seemed to bear down upon me, casting a solemn atmosphere. The room overflowed with an abundance of captivating objects, each one more fascinating than the previous. Some were carefully enclosed in glass cases, while others found their place on shelves or dangled from the ceiling.
These are the items that I purchased during my time as an adventurer and the items that were given to me as rewards.
“…But anyway…uh… I don’t think I have any proper equipment left.
In the attic, there exists a set of armor that cannot be classified as high-quality, even when considering its durability and magical defense.
None of them have beautiful embellishments and cannot be considered suitable for adventurers.
“There was. But, um, this equipment ability is perfect, but it had a drawback—it was extremely revealing.”
As I reached for the equipment, memories flooded my mind. This was the same equipment I used to wear all the time, back when life was simpler and more carefree. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me as I slipped it on.
As I buttoned up the equipment, I couldn’t help but notice that my chest felt a little tighter than it used to. It was a subtle difference, but it was there. It was a reminder that I wasn’t as young as I used to be and that time had taken its toll on my body.
The outfit she wore was a combination of red and black, fitting her body snugly. It featured an enchanted choker and a wide belt around her waist, serving as a storage space for her belongings. Her appearance could be likened to that of a sophisticated escort or a commanding dominatrix.
“Is there any practical defensive purpose behind the diamond-shaped chest opening and the protruding shoulders, or are they purely ornamental? Can these design elements actually provide any form of protection? She still does not know the answer.”
Anyway, she wears gauntlets that extend to her upper arms and cover her palms, as well as lightweight plate armor on her chest.
“I wonder whose idea was this…”
I mumbled as I went down.
Low-rise trousers that taper in at the waist, coupled with a mini skirt-style loincloth. Essentially, it is a combination of pants and boy shorts stitched together to create a cohesive outfit.
She wasn’t sure what was worse—the constant feeling that she was being watched or knowing it was because her ass is as tempting as it looks.
She proceeded to secure the garter belt in place. This accessory was used to fasten the tight undergarment that offered coverage and support for the legs.
“Complete. This… it’s really tough.”
Standing in front of the mirror is a woman, her attire exuding a provocative charm. Her cheeks are flushed, radiating a rosy hue.
“I can’t complain. It’s for Otis-kun’s safety.”
Her hands are intertwined behind her back, while her hips gently sway from side to side. She’s an amazing beauty, with pale skin and long black hair that falls down past her shoulders.
As I gazed into the expansive mirror, positioned before me was a carefully selected outfit that stirred a wave of discomfort within me. It dawned on me that I would be obliged to wear this garment and accompany him on our journey.
Him. The thought of him made my cheeks flush with heat. He was my son, my light in this dark world, my everything.
The rest of her attire is meticulously designed to obscure her genuine persona. It functions as a disguise, concealing her eyes—the defining characteristic that could potentially reveal her secret identity.
The disguise takes the form of a basic black fabric fastened around her head with sturdy leather straps. It masks her nose and mouth, leaving only her eyes visible to the world. This particular ensemble differs from the elegant attire typically worn by women in social gatherings. It prioritizes practicality and functionality, serving the singular purpose of maintaining her anonymity.
The significance of the pestle handle that you acquired in the past cannot be understated. Bravo to my former self for recognizing its importance and taking it into possession.
The equipment is no longer causing any issues at the moment. However, another factor that needs consideration is the color of her hair. If someone catches sight of her black hair, it will undoubtedly be noticeable.
Utilize the power of illusion magic to alter the color of your hair and secure it neatly behind you. By keeping her hair short, it won’t obstruct her during combat. A belt encircles her waist, holding two curved knives in place.
Yeah, it looks like it’s okay somehow. Maybe I should modify my demeanor slightly.
As she looked at herself in the mirror once more, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of disappointment and disgust. Her outfit, which had seemed so chic and trendy when she had picked it out in her adventurous days, now looked cheap and vulgar. Her chest was wide open, her shoulders were exposed, and the thin straps of her top were barely holding on.
But what bothered her the most were her pants. The low-leg pants she had chosen were supposed to be the perfect complement to her skirt, but instead, they were making her look like a slut. The fabric was thin and stretchy, clinging to her curves in a way that revealed everything. As she turned to the side, she could see the outline of her pants through the material, which made her recoil in discomfort.
Purchasing new adventure equipment may be the best solution. But it would take more time and money to find suitable equipment, delaying our journey and increasing expenses. As a duchess, I must also think about the message my actions send to my subjects. If I buy new equipment without thought, it could be viewed as a waste of resources and damage my reputation as a responsible leader.
She knew that she had made a mistake by trying to be too edgy and provocative with her outfit. She had wanted to stand out and be noticed, but now she just felt exposed and vulnerable. What would Otis think of her when he saw her like this? Would Otis judge her? Would Otis assume that she was easygoing or promiscuous?
She didn’t fit the typical beauty standards. Would Otis, a firm young man, open his heart to her?
“Huh, what am I thinking? I am his mother.”
She inhaled deeply and made an effort to regain her composure. In terms of her outward appearance, she didn’t anticipate any issues as long as she wore a cloak. It would effectively conceal her from Otis and anyone else who might be observing her.
The cloak extended to just below her hips, providing ample coverage. It featured small leather pads strategically placed throughout the cape to provide additional cushioning. Additionally, there was a convenient opening at the bottom, allowing her hands to move unrestrictedly. The design of the cloak prioritized both comfort and mobility.
It’s important to note that the cloak should be worn at all times, especially in the presence of Otis. Any slip-up or mistake could lead to disastrous consequences.
“In my adventurous years, I reveled in daring exploits, never revealing my true identity. I cherished exploration and constant movement, preferring the freedom of anonymity. Keeping my true self hidden allowed me to blend in, make friends without expectations, and avoid preconceived notions. As the daughter of a noble, maintaining this secrecy added an air of enigma and detachment, safeguarding me from the watchful gaze and skepticism that would inevitably arise if my true identity were to be unveiled.
I could choose any name I wanted, free from expectations. But it was lonely. I wanted to be known and accepted. Looking back, anonymity was both good and bad. It let me explore and find myself, but it kept me from connecting with others and being my true self.
“But as I reflect on those times, I realize that my desire for anonymity was rooted in fear—fear of judgment, fear of failure, fear of not meeting societal standards. Paradoxically, it was also an act of defiance—a means to assert my independence and reject the constraints imposed by others upon me.”
As I sit in the grandeur of my magnificent fortress, enveloped in lavishness, I am overcome by an intense feeling of emptiness. There was a time when I was just an ordinary girl with aspirations of a fairy-tale love story with a blissful ending. But destiny had other ideas, guiding me towards a union with a deceitful spouse who displayed little concern for my emotions or welfare.
“In the midst of grappling with the challenges of my unhappy marriage, there’s a constant source of light—my precious son. He’s the reason I wake up each morning, greeting the day with a smile. His innocent laughter, curious questions, and unconditional love provide the strength to endure even the darkest times, keeping me grounded and hopeful.”
“Ah,I am excited to go on an adventure with you, my dear son. No matter the challenges we face in the dungeon, we’ll face them side by side. Winning isn’t our only goal; it’s about creating cherished memories together. So, let’s prepare and set out on this incredible journey that will strengthen our bond like never before.”
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
