The three young nobles and Colt stood outside a store draped in purple and gold.
Those colors, of course, were a clear signal of wealth—enough to keep most commoners at a distance.
And the prices inside matched the appearance.
Still, there was a reason the academy partnered with this particular shop. The quality of their work justified the cost.
The academy always insisted on the best for its students. That included uniforms, housing, equipment—everything.
This was one of several factors, aside from the 100-gold entrance fee, that made commoners wary of applying.
After all, no commoner family could afford that kind of expense on their own, even the rich merchants.
Fortunately, the kingdom provided low-interest loans to any commoner who passed the entrance exam. The credit covered all academy-related costs, including uniforms.
Anyone who graduated would have no trouble paying it back in a few years.
And those who didn't...
Well, they'd work for the kingdom for a very long time. It wasn't technically slavery—but it came close.
Colt, of course, hadn't applied for the credit. He had over 950 gold in his hunter's account alone.
And if he counted the gold sitting in his inventory, he was probably richer than the kingdom.
They stepped inside the shop, joining a growing crowd of students waiting for their turn.
Measurements were done inside private cabins, but the waiting area was a wide open hall where boys and girls sat together.
The setup resembled a cafe. Tables were scattered about, and staff moved between them, offering drinks to those waiting.
A well-dressed woman approached and gave a polite bow.
"Are you here for the Lofpus Academy uniforms, sirs and ladies?"
Her tone was respectful—nobles were frequent customers here.
"Yes, we're all getting measured today," Myrin answered.
Since the uniforms were tailored to each student, they would be delivered to their homes within a day.
"Understood. Please wait for your turn. When it comes, someone will escort you to the specialist for your fitting."
The four thanked the woman and were about to head toward the café-style seating when a commotion broke out nearby.
"What do you mean I have to wait? Do you know who I am?"
Sigh... Colt didn't think he'd be seeing one of those today.
"Sir, I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait. The new Lofpus Academy term is about to start, so we have many customers."
"So you're not even going to ask who I am, huh? Someone important must be backing this store... but too bad for them—I'm the son of Duke Peirce! I could match any noble behind this store!"
Students around him murmured at the name, but the staff didn't even flinch. They just kept working, calmly ignoring the outburst.
Why aren't they reacting? the boy thought. Could they actually be backed by the royal family?
"Sir," one of the attendants said politely, "this store isn't supported by any noble house. We operate independently. But you should be aware—only we are authorized to make the Lofpus Academy uniforms.
And without a uniform, even if you passed the entrance exam, you will not be allowed to attend the academy."
It was a subtle threat. They didn't have to raise their voice to make their point clear: misbehave, and you might lose your spot.
Colt approved. If this store let itself be pushed around, it wouldn't have earned the academy's trust in the first place.
The duke's son froze. He needed that uniform. But staying here, after being talked down in front of everyone, was unbearable.
So, he made the only decision his pride allowed—he turned to leave, planning to come back later once the memory of this humiliation faded.
But as he spun around to storm off, he suddenly fell flat on his face.
Face down. Arms splayed. Just like that.
Red with fury, he shot to his feet and shouted, "Who tackled me?! I swear, I'll ruin your entire family!"
"Sir, I'm terribly sorry," said the same attendant, smiling sweetly. "But there was no one near you. You must have tripped."
His face turned an even deeper red. He was a level 62 warrior—there was no way he'd just trip over nothing. Not even a rock could make him stumble like that.
But when he looked around, there was truly no one nearby. And worse, everyone already thought he was a sore loser.
If he insisted, it would just sound like an excuse.
Grinding his teeth, he turned and left. This time for good.
Everyone burst into laughter once the boy left—none of them had dared to laugh earlier, afraid of earning the duke's son's wrath.
Of course, Colt had been snickering inwardly the whole time. After all, he was the reason for their laughter, having tripped the boy with a subtle touch of magic.
"Let's go grab a drink," Hei said once the laughter died down.
***
It didn't take long before their turn came.
Thanks to the many specialists using their abilities to assist, the measurement process was quick and efficient.
The four of them were led to separate cabins for their fittings.
Colt's was handled by a tall man who didn't use his hands at all. Instead, a tape measure floated through the air, gliding around Colt and automatically recording each measurement.
While Colt was still inside, the other three finished and stepped out of their cabins. The same woman who had greeted them earlier approached with a pleasant smile.
Beside her, coat racks displayed samples of both the boys' and girls' uniforms.
"Thank you for your patronage," she said. "Now that the measurements are complete, your uniforms will be delivered to your residences tomorrow.
If you're from a noble house, we can send the bill directly there. Otherwise, you may pay here. The cost is one gold per uniform.
If you order more than five, the extras will be delivered to your academy dormitory in two weeks.
How many would you like to order?"
The trio didn't need to think. They knew the routine.
"Ten each," Seila said.
But then Hei paused, glancing at Myrin. "Hey… do you know if Colt gets credit from the academy?"
"I'm not sure. Why?"
"How's he going to pay for these?"
Myrin blinked. "Oh, right. I heard commoners usually just buy two sets. Should we help him out?"
Hei frowned. "I don't know… That might not go over well. It could come off the wrong way."
Just then, Colt stepped out of his cabin and spotted them talking with the woman. He also noticed the uniforms on display.
"So that's what they look like?" he asked.
"Yes, sir," the woman replied. "These are the standard first-year academy uniforms."
"Perfect," Colt said with a grin. "I'll take twenty."