THE ARCHAIC SKY

CHAPTER: THE THIN LINE BETWEEN NOBILITY AND SERFDOM

Delphic

A sub-human race whose ancestors were not fortunate enough to receive the blessings of the gods. not gifted enough to be able to do anything that allows them to manipulate and bend the elements and natural order of this world. Perhaps it was that which gave them the motivation to strive for highest rank in this world. But perhaps they were merely not studious.

haru's eyebrows raised ever so slightly "ahh, you know me, I can't stay still long enough to keep out of the thrill of life" Haru said approaching with bright smile. "how have they been?"

"your siblings? they're doing fine. Your eldest sister? Her temper is only growing shorter" kichiro replied, his eyes not peeling off the fabric he sewed meticulously. "then again, that's not much of a change... is it?" his voice became unsure, but he still continued. Was he testing Haru? "Well, that is saying something since she changed so much when-"

Haru slammed his fist on to the counter, startling the two of them. His darkened face slowly returning to a bright mask. "let's not bring up something we both do not wish to talk about" the two stared at one another, as if exchanging messages through their gazes before Haru turned to Amara, a smile now on his lips he gestured for her to move closer.

"y-yes, I nearly forgot to ask, why are you here?" kichiro narrowed his eyes again before placing on glasses, turning his face to Amara. "a dress, I suppose? so late though? "

"yes, indeed, would like the finest yukata you have in store for her, stylized, traditional... anything would fit her" Haru glanced behind kichiro. "how about that one?" he pointed at the only one on the display. Amara raised her eyebrows.

The dress was stylized, so much so Amara nearly forgot it looked more like a Houmongi or furisode than a yukata kimono. "are you just saying that because that's the only one you see or because you actually think it would look good on me?" Amara huffed folding her arms.

"oh she's very diligent and she isn't wrong, I don't think that colour would fit her, and it's far too pale for a beautiful lady like she is" kichiro teased. Amara stifled her scoff, for a tailor he certainly has no shame. must have quite a bit of customers to be able to joke so lightly. So kind and smooth talking, with a ketchup face, was he married?

Haru sighed loudly. "does that one come in deep indigo?" gesturing to the reams of fabric that decorated the shelf covered

"but are you sure? Indigo? It nearly looks purple, what if-"

"it's supposed to look purple" he looked back at the dress the tailor has brought out. rubbing the silk between his fingers as if to examine it. But Amara couldn't help but think that he would burn it all to a crisp. "I can't have you running around in a pale blue dress anywhere near the emperor now can I?" Amara tensed up as she turned her gaze on to the very beautiful dress. The long rectangular layered sleeves that starts ruffled and short slowly turning into long straight smooth fabric and a long pleated skirt that reminded her of a hakama was made out to be long with the cape like scarf that ran behind it. From what she saw, the yukata under the hakama was short, above her knee and ruffled under the decorated obi that came with it.

Amara stood with arms open as kichiro took her measurements so he could adjust the dress only for him to be stopped by the woman who has been watching from a corner all this time. She spread out her arms wide to stop him, her mouth pouting.

"ki-kichiro, we can't have you touching the lord's guest now can we? M-morning, my lady, I'm Mitsuki, Hideki Mitsuki" Her skin was olive and slightly darker that his. Her hair was straight and long whilst his was lighter and messy, as if he hasn't laid his head down on a pillow.

"you're his..."

"wife!" she cleared her throat "I am his wife, it really is a lot of work to be a tailor as a woman, seeing people say I should do other things instead of sit at home and sew... like searching for a more stable job or go to an academy in decarabia, I'm glad I met my helpful husband" oh what a shame, he was married. To a flustered woman who seems too shy in front of her own husband.