Searching for Possibilities 2

Yuzuru: I see, so you were looking around the boutique in search of ideas for a project, Anzu-san.

...Yes, I am in a similar situation, myself.

I’m embarrassed to say, but I’ve hit something of a wall with the streaming project we discussed...

I thought that visiting a boutique might give me some inspiration.

? Well, I don’t mind joining you, but I imagine I’ll want to look around in shops that are unrelated to your project...

Hm. There’s still time to think about that project, you say? And now you’re so invested in me that you can’t focus on your own work?

(If someone had overheard only that part of the conversation, I fear they would have been too shocked to recover...)

I appreciate your passionate display. All right, then; I was actually hoping to get some objective opinions, as well, so I will accept your offer ♪

However, I would ask that you keep this matter confidential and not share it with my master.

I must not cause him any worry. My desire to be a flawless servant in his presence has never changed.

...That isn’t everything I’d like to ask of you. I’ve said this once before, Anzu-san—

During the streaming program, I would like to display aspects of myself that no one has seen yet.

No longer the mature, composed image that they have of me now... instead, I’d like them to feel new possibilities for me.

...? Yes, that’s correct.

It is as you said: in order to fulfill that wish, it will require ingenuity not only in the composition of the song and the stage direction, but also in the costume.

But I’m still searching for what to do with that costume so as to convey my feelings...

Oh? You have a recommendation for a boutique, then? And you think a newly released fashion magazine should be of some help, too?

That’s reassuring.

Ah, wait just a moment, please. I’m overjoyed that you want to assist me, but don’t you think dangerous to start running without any warning?

A few hours later

Yuzuru: (Whew. I bought more than I thought I would. I had no idea there were so many fashion magazines...)

(It seems that visiting a boutique was indeed the correct choice. If I hadn’t, I would not have been able to narrow down the potential styles and would have instead ended up purchasing magazines indiscriminately...)

Hm? Oh, yes, Anzu-san. I have the magazines you bought as well, so there’s no need to worry.

Oh, don’t look so apologetic, now. I am the one who insisted on doing this.

Hmm... you wanted to help me, but you worry that you may have held me back instead?

That’s not the case at all. Do you recall when I was trying on clothes at the boutique? You could call it the habit of a servant, I suppose.

I kept subconsciously selecting more formal wear, or otherwise more lightweight garments that would allow me to act swiftly if my master were in danger.

To prioritize practicality over aesthetics only serves to reinforce the impression of me as calm and composed...

Without your input, I might never have realized this.

And besides, you did offer to brainstorm ideas with me later, did you not?

It wouldn’t be fair of me to not carry your bags. So please forget about this matter, and just consider it as you doing me a favor.

Fufu, I had wondered what I would say if you hadn’t nodded in agreement.

In any case, we mustn’t linger in idle chitchat forever. We ought to head back, don’t you think? Before we forget the image that’s begun to take form... ♪

Yuzuru: ...... (reading a magazine with the utmost austerity)

(I’ve been looking through these magazines with Anzu-san’s advice in mind... but it isn’t enough to simply pick out colors opposite to that which I usually wear, is it?)

(While it may make a strong impression, it will also fade away in an instant, like a firework. A transformation which doesn’t leave a lasting impact is hardly meaningful.)

Hm? Anzu-san, your gaze is rather easy to read. What’s caught your attention this time?

I see; these types of accessories are in style currently? I agree, the design and the conscious placement of them can influence the overall look of an outfit quite a lot, but...

Hm. In that case, perhaps I can keep the base color of the costume more subdued, and then utilize accessories to add a playful touch?

I’ve never seen a servant who wore accessories quite like this. They seem rather simple to arrange, as well...

Fufu, from the look on your face you seem to agree, Anzu-san... ♪

This design has a somber, almost enchanting quality to it. I believe it could give off a different sort of maturity than I have up to now.

—Oh, I’ve received a message from my master. My humblest apologies; might I read it?

Then if you’ll excuse me. Let’s see... “viminhum soob.”

(Is this a code of some sort? No, it seems too short for that.)

(Ah, he sent another while I was thinking about it. I’ll read this one, too...)

Oh, so that’s what it means.

Pardon me, it seems that he sent the message in his sleep. I imagine what he meant was “Coming home soon.”

He participated in a collaborative stream with someone else late into the night yesterday, so he must be utterly exhausted.

Even this morning while I was fixing his hair, he was nodding off...

(Speaking of hair, I remember... I wore my hair quire long back in the day...)

(If I change a few things while keeping the first idea in mind... hm, it seems to be worth a try.)

The next day

Izumi: Huh? I thought I saw someone... wait, haven’t we had this conversation before, Fushimi? It feels like I keep running into you.

Yuzuru: What a coincidence; I was thinking the same thing.

By the way, were you ever able to find Tsukinaga-sama?

Izumi: Sure did. I found him at the arena yesterday after I left. You know he was sleeping with this carefree smile on his face? Just once I wish he’d put himself in our shoes when we’re out there looking for him.

Yuzuru: Fufu, I’m happy to hear you found him, though.

Izumi: And we made it to the meeting on time, too. But that’s just how things go with us.

Anyway, I caught a glimpse of something... Is that a sketch for a costume you’re holding?

Yuzuru: Yes, it took quite some time to arrive at this design, but with Anzu-san’s advice, I managed to create something I’m satisfied with.

Izumi: Really now? I didn’t expect something like this out of you.

Not bad for someone with basically no presence.

Yuzuru: If I’ve managed to surprise even someone as fashion-forward as you, Sena-sama, then I’m confident in my success.

(Now that I think of it, the master doesn’t know anything about my costume, either... It seems he wanted to deny himself of any information about the program, as he wanted to wait to see it all at the show.)

I wonder what he’ll think when he sees me on stage wearing this costume.)

(Fufu, I’m already looking forward to his reaction... ♪)