Chapter 18: Dressing the PartAs we walked through the vilge, I scanned every building, searching for anything that resembled a clothing store. We couldn’t just keep walking around like this—Iris was practically naked, wearing nothing but my shirt. Which meant… yeah, she was going commando. Not on purpose, of course.

  Aha! Found it.

  A wooden sign above a small shop read “GURDURR CLOTHING” in bold letters. I still don’t understand how I can read all this gibberish, but thank God I can.

  We stepped inside, and I was immediately surrounded by rows upon rows of dresses, skirts, and every possible article of women’s clothing.

  …Am I even supposed to be in here?

  “Could we get some service, please?” I called out, still feeling out of pce in what looked like a fashion paradise.

  A moment ter, a woman appeared from behind a counter, dressed in a neat uniform. “Yes, sir, how may I help you?”

  “Well, as you can see, my partner is wearing nothing but a shirt, so could you help her pick out some clothes?”

  “Absolutely, sir. And what would the madam be looking for today?”

  Iris turned to look at me. Her grey eyes, filled with uncertainty, felt like she was asking for my advice.

  “Well…” I hesitated. “She doesn’t really know herself. All of this is pretty new to her.”

  Iris gave a small nod.

  The shopkeeper smiled. “Well then, right this way, madam! We’ll find something that fits you to a T. Something that’ll get Mr. Boyfriend here to start barking.”

  “Mr. Boyfriend? Barking?” I repeated, confused.

  The shopkeeper just giggled.

  I cleared my throat. “Ahem. I’ll go get us a room at the guild and come back to pick you up ter.”

  Iris simply nodded, and with that, I stepped out of the store.

  It had been a while since I was alone. The vilge streets were quieter now, bathed in the dim glow of nterns. It was already dark.

  Better hurry to the guild and come back for Iris.