Chapter 24 — Scars (1)
For a while, Allen stood at the other side of the curtain, listening attentively to the rustling of fabric and the giggles of the girls.
"Seems like it's the clasp at the back of the neck. Let me see... Can you turn around for a sec?"
"Like this?"
"Hm... I see. It's definitely difficult to fasten, huh?"
It was just a simple and ordinary conversation.
Just then, Allen furrowed his eyebrows.
'Didn't Eruka's voice sound muffled just now?'
It was as if she had noticed something, causing her to gulp for a moment. However, the change in her voice was so subtle that she managed to skillfully conceal it, leaving Charlotte completely oblivious.
This made Allen tilt his head in confusion.
As he did, the curtain was swiftly drawn open.
Charlotte had undergone yet another transformation, presenting herself in a completely different outfit than before, while Eruka stood proudly beside her, sporting a satisfied smile.
"Look, brother. Doesn't she look suuuper cute in this outfit too?"
"...Isn't this one quite as revealing as before?"
If earlier, she was wearing a mini skirt, this time it was hot pants.
Feeling a familiar surge of desire, Allen nonchalantly averted his gaze upwards. Fortunately for him, the top she wore was relatively modest, giving him a little peace of mind.
Eruka, who was observing his reaction, let out an exaggerated shrug, as if to say, "Good grief."
"You're so conservative, brother! Us women need to make moves as bold as this to prove ourselves, you know?"
"What exactly are the women of the world trying to prove themselves against, huh?"
In Allen's opinion, he would rather lessen the exposure and prioritize boosting defense.
"That aside, did something happen in the fitting room?"
"Hm? What are you talking about?"
Putting on a poker face, Eruka pretended to be clueless.
To Allen, it was an obvious attempt to dodge the question. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, he hesitated to press further.
At that moment, an indescribable sense of unease began to spread within him.
"Anyway, c'mere! Make sure you take a good look at Charlotte-chan. This outfit is also pretty impressive from behind."
"Behind? You mean, her back…?"
"Yeah, exactly! It's looks veeery bold."
Eruka replied as she winked at Allen mischievously.
At the same time, she placed her hands on Charlotte's shoulder as if to escort her.
"Come on, Charlotte-chan. Show us a twirl right here."
"Uu… But this outfit is so embarrassing…"
"No buts! Do-ryaa!"
"Kyaa!?"
Charlotte spun on the spot.
Thanks to that, Allen was left speechless…
"How is it, how is it!? This outfit may seem normal from the front, but the back is so widely open! It's suuuper bold and stylish, right?"
"Uuu... could I have a bit more cloth, please..."
Charlotte blushed and lowered her head in embarrassment.
However, she soon noticed Allen's state and tilted her head.
"E-eh. Allen-san? Is there a problem?"
"Ah, no. It's nothing."
Allen replied, putting on a smile.
As Eruka left the fitting room, Allen took her place. He positioned Charlotte to face away from him and guided her gaze towards the mirror.
Through the reflection, Allen smiled reassuringly at Charlotte, trying to alleviate her uneasiness.
"I just thought that… while I'm not a big fan of clothes that exposes the skin too much, this one really suits you."
"I-Is that so?"
"Yeah. Have some confidence in yourself."
Placing his hand gently on Charlotte's shoulder, Allen made a coy smile.
Slowly, he shifted his gaze downward, careful not to be noticed by her.
Her back was heavily exposed, with her skin exposed to the open air. There was a faint reddish tint to it… and there, numerous scars were engraved.
'...Based on the shape of the scars, it's from a whip.'
