Virtues of the Grand Couturier
While walking, I encountered Scarlet, burdened by a massive backpack.
Oh, Captain?
What's all that?
Oh, this?
It's all fabric! I crammed it in full. Hahaha!
Looks like you bought a lot.
Haha! I'm planning to try making various things I haven't before!
You don't need fancy, top-shelf fabric for practicing. That's another nugget of Dragon's wisdom!
Only using expensive materials for practice would drain my allowance... *groan*
But don't despair!
I might not be able to make something as cool as the last gift, but with my skills, I can definitely make a truly majestic Captain's uniform... Huh?
Scarlet suddenly stopped. I followed her gaze—and saw a group of children rushing toward us.
S-Scarlet!
*Huff Huff* W-we are in trouble! Help us please!
What is it, human kids? Why the pale faces? Help what?
W-well, just a moment ago, she was definitely there...!
Alright, tell me slowly.
Sophia... is missing!
Sophia?
...They always hang out all together and Sophia's the youngest among them.
But she's missing?
Yes! We were playing Savior Party.
We were playing the part where the Savior Party reunites after being separated in the ancient forest ruins...
She disappeared while we weren't looking for a second!
She must have wandered deep into the forest... What do we do?!
Scarlet's face fell as she heard their story.
Take me to the last place you saw Sophia, human kids.
Got it!
If she's lost deep in the woods... this is going to be a headache.
This forest is huge and dense—it's not a simple search-and-find mission.
If I were chasing bad guys, I could burn down all the trees in my way...
But that would put Sophia in danger.
Human Captain, I'm sorry, but I need your help.
Of course.
Let's go.
We searched the forest thoroughly. As the sun began to set, we finally found Sophia.
Guys! Hey, guys! Scarlet, you're here too!
You dummy! We told you to stay put if you got lost before we started the adventure.
Hehe... But a Savior wouldn't just stay put, right? I thought I should search for my companions.
It's good you're safe.
Let's go home. I'll give you a piggyback.
Okay!
Brr... Scarlet, I'm a little cold...
The wind is pretty strong tonight, it might be a bit much for a small human to handle.
Looks like her clothes got torn on a branch.
Hmm. Yes, you're right.
Just wait a moment. I'll whip up some clothes with Tailion.
Scarlet rummaged through her bag, pulled out some fabricTailion, and quickly cut and sewed it with Tailion.
Wow, Scarlet, you're amazing at sewing!
This is the first time I've ever seen you make clothes like that!
Are you all awestruck by my skills, human kids?
It looks... incredibly warm.
Haha. Of course! Who do you think I am?
In the blink of an eye, she'd made a coat of about the right size.
I made it without measuring tools, so it might be a little big.
Wow... Scarlet, it's so cool!
Hahaha! Now you just realized my shining talent?
Put it on. You'll catch a cold.
Okay!
Huh...?!
Any problem?
Scarlet, this is really warm!
Wow, it really is!
Well, I made it, so it has to be warm.
No, I mean... the coat itself feels warm, like it's literally heating up!
Hmm?
As Sophia said, a gentle warmth emanated from the coat Scarlet had made.
Magic...?
No. I couldn't sense any magic.
...
They say clothes made by a Grand Couturier sport utilitarian features that can't be found in ordinary clothes.
Such additions greatly aided the first Savior Party in saving the world.
I'm still a long way off, but... I think I finally see which way I need to go.
It wasn't a fancy coat, with no expensive fabrics or elaborate decorations...
But perhaps this is the closest thing to a true Grand Couturier's creation.
Sewing with genuine care and concern for the person wearing the clothes.
That might be the special technique the Grand Couturier spoke of...
Oh nooo... It's super late already. Mommy will give us a mouthful...
Hey, but we saved Sophia!
That's true! Thanks, Scarlet!
Hahaha! So show this magnificent Dragon some respect in the future, human kids!
Respect? What's that?
Uhh... So, you... venerate a great and benevolent dragon like myself...
Ah, whatever! It's a good thing to do!
The wind carried winter's bite, but an unexpected warmth held the cold at bay.