I Have Tamed a Spider Monster - Chapter 220, Chapter 221, Chapter 222

Choosing Accessories
"Accessories, huh? I never really gave them much thought."

"Choosing accessories is an essential part of dressing up. Of course, some can be made from fabric, but..."

"In this case, you're talking about silverwork, right? I get what you're trying to say, Famille."

Today, we're having a discussion at the Magic Butterfly about which accessories would complement the dresses.
The members of the Wildcat's Claws, who have never been involved with accessories, seemed to be lost, but at least I understand their importance.
In my past life, I used to order accessories designed to match my outfits.
Up until now, we've been dealing with clothes for the common folk, so accessories weren't really necessary, but moving forward, it might be a good idea to stock some in the shop.
Alternatively, we could partner with a workshop to have them prioritize selling their goods to us.
Once I've made up my mind, I act quickly.
I took everyone, including Famille, to consult with Alizée.

"Hmm, accessories, you say? I was planning to discuss this with you eventually, but as expected from a maid of the Darsche Principality, you've brought up the need for them before I did."

"I'm honored. So, do you know any good stores?"

"The thing is... there aren't really any good stores around."

Huh?
Are you telling me there aren't any good stores in Vardmoi?
I decided to ask for more details.

"Most shops are already partnered with some clothing store. There are some unpartnered shops, but most of them were rejected by the clothing stores that approached them for partnership. Honestly, even the Trade Guild is struggling to decide which shops to recommend."

Hmm, if even Alizée is having trouble, it must be quite a situation.
But we can't just keep worrying, so I decided to check out those unpartnered stores.
This time, without Alizée.
I asked her to investigate if there are any better shops or workshops in the meanwhile.
Alright, we've reached the first shop, but... the vibe already screamed 'We don't want a partnership'...

"Lady Lily, I don't think that shop is suitable for us."

"Yeah, I don't like shops with that nouveau riche style."

"Aren't you even going to check inside? There might be a hidden gem."

Famille and I agree that this shop is not worth a partnership, but Plum seemed curious.
I don't really want to go in, but we decided to enter anyway.

"Welcome... Oh, it's just a kid."

"... I am a customer, you know."

"My products aren't suitable for children. I suggest you leave."

Yep, that's what you call being turned away at the door.
He didn't even bother to ask about my background.
This shop is definitely a no-go.

The next few shops weren't much better.
Some were filled with gaudy rings and hair ornaments that seemed to cater to upstarts, while others only stocked shabby designs.
Even if they claim it's traditional, fashion is about incorporating tradition while staying ahead of the curve.
This is especially true for accessories.
To only make things in old-fashioned designs is just... no.

Having checked all the shops Alizée mentioned, I decided to wander through the street market on the way back.
It's been a while since I last visited the street market.
Aprons and such are sold in stores, and considering security, it's not feasible to go without an escort.
What should I do...?

"Huh? Isn't that...?"

I was just wandering aimlessly, but something caught my eye.
Let's take a little detour.

----------

Artisan Anny
What caught my eye was a butterfly hair ornament displayed at one of the stalls.
It was likely made of silverwork, and for some reason, it really drew my attention.

"Hey, miss. Are you interested in that?"

"Huh? Yeah, it just caught my eye. Could I see some of your other items too?"

"I don't mind, but I'd appreciate it if you bought something. You know, business is business."

As I listened to the lively girl's words, I examined the accessories displayed at the stall.
Hmm, they all seem a bit rough.
Could it be that she's making these accessories by self-teaching?
When I asked, she admitted that was indeed the case.

"Yeah, that's right. I left home to become an accessory artisan. I've had my share of struggles, but now I'm skilled enough to work with silver."

So, she is self-taught.
What a waste.
I’m also self-taught, in a way, but before my reincarnation, I was surrounded by numerous resources from which I honed my skills.
I didn't have anyone I could call a mentor, but with system assistance, I developed the skill to tailor dresses for nobility.
I wonder about this girl.
Would she flourish more with a proper mentor?

"... What’s wrong? Why are you peeking at my face like that?"

"No, I was just thinking it's a shame."

"A shame? What is?"

"You've managed to create pieces like this all on your own. If you found a proper mentor, your skills could improve even more."

"Ah, that. I haven't been fortunate enough to find a mentor. Every workshop I joined kicked me out in less than a month. My face is well-known in this town, so no workshop here would take me as an apprentice."

I see, that's really unfortunate.
What should I do?

"Lily, is this really something for you to worry about?"

"Plum?"

"Matters like this are better left to Alizée from the Trade Guild. Even if you fret, you won't find an answer."

Well, yeah, that's true.
Guess I'll have to rely on Alizée.

I asked the young artisan girl, who apparently goes by Anny, to close up her stall and come with me to the Trade Guild.
Since Anny seemed concerned about sales, I bought the butterfly hair ornament I had initially been interested in.
This should more than cover her stall fees for today.

Once we arrived at the Trade Guild, I immediately consulted with Alizée.
Anny seemed puzzled that I was so friendly with the guild's staff, but explanations could come later.

"I see, so every well-known artisan workshop in town has turned you down."

"Yes. So there's nowhere that would take me in..."

"Actually, I know of one place that might be willing to accept you."

"Really, Alizée?"

"It was originally a backup option we researched in case you couldn't find an accessory artisan. But I believe she might have a chance."

"Seriously? If they'd take me in, they must be quite the oddball!"

"Yes, they are indeed quite the oddball. Anyway, let's give it a try."

Since the workshop was a bit far, Alizée arranged for a magic carriage, and we all traveled together.
Anny grew more suspicious of the favorable treatment I was receiving, but when should I explain this?
I seem to have missed the timing to explain. Hopefully, there'll be a chance soon.

The magic carriage smoothly navigated through the artisans' district and stopped in front of a workshop located off the main street.
It seemed we had reached our destination.

"Lady Lily, this is the Sunderely Silverwork Workshop. The owner is a very stubborn artisan, so please be cautious. They are not the type to be swayed by status."

"Understood. I just need to show respect and have a proper conversation, right?"

"That's right. Well then, let's go."

A silverwork workshop in such a back alley, my heart's starting to race!
I wonder what kind of artisan we’ll meet here?

----------

Sunderely Silverwork Workshop
We got out of the magic carriage and opened the workshop door.
As we did, a bell attached to the door chimed softly.
Right at the entrance, it seemed like there was a display area for accessories.
Wow, there are so many accessories shaped like various animals, plants, and fruits!
These designs could easily look childish, but they've been made elegant through clever use of shading and the arrangement of gemstones.
This is pretty impressive.

"Yes, yes, who's there?"

From the back of the store emerged a woman with fox ears and a tail.
She looked like she was quite advanced in age.
Could this person be the owner of this workshop?

"Excuse me. Are you the master of this workshop, Mrs. Rajah?"

"That's right. It's rare to see someone from the Trade Guild coming by."

"Yes, I have a few matters to discuss."

"Matters to discuss, huh? What sort of matters?"

"The first is about my client, Lady Lily’s dress shop, and whether you would be willing to supply accessories for it."

"Hmm, not an exclusive contract?"

"No, we are not asking for that much. We just want to buy what we need when we need it."

".. .I see. So, which one of you is Lily?"

"Oh, that would be me."

Since she called for me, I stepped forward.
The woman, who was called Rajah, looked me up and down from head to toe and then said:

"... You look just like an adventurer."

"I usually run a clothing store for commoners. We also sell leather armor for adventurers, and I'm registered as an adventurer myself."

"I see. So, do you have one of your dresses with you?"

"A dress, you say?"

"Yes. I don't care much if you just want to buy something, but if you're asking for accessories to match a dress, I need to see the dress as well. Can you bring it after it's finished?"

A dress... it's not completely done yet, but I think this one should do.

"I have it with me right now, so it's fine. Would it be better to see it worn?"

"Oh, do you have it with you? It would be better to see it worn, but who's going to wear it?"

"One of my escorts, Plum. The dress itself is finished, but the accessories that go with it aren't completed yet, so I haven't handed it over. Is that alright?"

"Ah, sure. You can use the room in the back to change."

"Thank you. Let's go, Plum."

"Mm. But when did it get finished?"

"Around the day before yesterday?"

Yeah, it was just finished recently.
I'm glad I made it in time.

The room in the back, as Rajah had mentioned, turned out to be a fitting room, complete with full-length mirrors and all.
This must be where people change into dresses and try on accessories.

With Famille's help, Plum finished getting dressed.
Famille wanted to do makeup too, but that would have to wait for another time, so we headed back to the shop.
When we showed Plum to Rajah, she seemed quite surprised.

"Oh my. Did this young lady really make this dress? It looks like the work of a seasoned dressmaker."

Oh, so that's what surprised her.
I've only been in this world for a short time, but I guess my skills from my past life make it look that way.

"So, Rajah, will you sell us your accessories?"

"No complaints here. I'd be happy to sell you my accessories. Just make sure to handle them well."

Great!
Now that the issue of stocking accessories has been settled!
I'll leave the actual selection of accessories to Famille and Alizée.
The accessories for the store will probably be like samples, after all.

"And since you said 'first,' there's more, right? What's next?"

Rajah prompted Alizée to bring up the next matter.
Having confirmed that we had finished our discussion, Alizée began to talk about the second issue.

"The second request is regarding this young girl here, Anny. We would like to ask if you could take her on as an apprentice and mentor her. What do you think?"

"An apprentice, huh?"

Oh, Rajah seemed to be pondering this.
Is there some issue with taking Anny on as an apprentice?

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