Thea narrowed her eyes at Ryle as they walked through the bustling streets of Velbrath's capital.
"Why are we even here?" she muttered, kicking a stray pebble.
Ryle stretched lazily, yawning. "Because, Thea, you need new clothes."
Thea blinked. "Huh?"
Ryle glanced at her outfit—her usual white blouse, brown corset, and worn-out boots.
"You've been wearing the same outfit since I met you. It's falling apart."
Thea looked down at herself. Sure, there were a few frayed edges, and some dirt stains, but…
"It's still wearable!" she protested. "Besides, we don't have the money to just—"
Clink.
Ryle tossed a small pouch into the air.
Thea caught it, feeling the weight inside. She opened it—
Her eyes nearly popped out.
Gold coins.
A lot of gold coins.
"Wha—?! Where did you get this?! Did you rob a noble?!"
Ryle smirked. "Nope. It's mine."
Thea stared at him, utterly confused. "How are you this rich?!"
Ryle shrugged. "I'm the World's Strongest Journalist."
"That doesn't explain anything!"
Ryle grinned. "Let's just say… my stories make a lot of money. Big newspapers, foreign kingdoms, nobles who want exclusive reports… they all pay well."
Thea gawked.
All this time… Ryle had been loaded?
And yet, he always acted like a broke traveler.
Thea squinted at him. "So, when we were eating stale bread last week—"
"A journalist must experience the struggles of the common folk."
"When we stayed at that rundown inn with bedbugs—"
"A journalist must understand all aspects of life."
"When I had to mend my clothes instead of buying new ones—"
"A journalist must be frugal and resourceful."
Thea clenched her fists. "You were just being cheap, weren't you?!"
Ryle turned away, whistling innocently.
Thea groaned. "Unbelievable!"
The Shopping Spree Begins
Despite her grumbling, Thea soon found herself being dragged into one of the most expensive boutiques in the city.
Inside, the atmosphere reeked of nobility. Elegant chandeliers, velvet carpets, and mannequins adorned with silk dresses filled the space.
Thea froze.
"...Ryle, we don't belong here."
"Nonsense," Ryle said, waving at a nearby attendant. "She needs a full wardrobe upgrade."
The well-dressed attendant bowed politely. "Of course, sir. Right this way."
Thea gave Ryle a suspicious look. "How do you even know how to shop in a place like this?"
Ryle smirked. "A journalist must be adaptable."
"That doesn't even make sense!"
Outfit #1 – The Noble Lady
The first outfit was a blue silk dress with silver embroidery.
Thea stepped out of the dressing room, visibly uncomfortable.
Ryle stroked his chin. "Hmmm. You look like a noble's daughter."
Thea sighed. "Exactly. It's too much."
"It would be useful for infiltrating noble parties."
Thea glared at him. "We are not turning this into an undercover mission."
Outfit #2 – The Battle Dress
The second outfit was a leather tunic with reinforced plating, paired with stylish combat boots.
Ryle nodded approvingly. "Now this is more like it."
Thea flexed her arms. "Feels easier to move in. But… it's kinda expensive."
Ryle tossed a gold coin to the shopkeeper. "We'll take it."
Outfit #3 – The Casual Look
Thea stepped out wearing a simple white blouse, a black vest, and slim trousers.
Ryle smirked. "You look like a young reporter now."
Thea folded her arms. "I do not."
Ryle leaned forward. "Then let's hear your best 'I'm Thea, reporting live from Dragon Mountain' impression."
Thea punched his arm. "Shut up."
By the time they finished, Thea had acquired an entirely new wardrobe.
Three battle outfits.
Two formal dresses.
One casual set.
As the shopkeeper handed Ryle the bill, Thea peered over his shoulder.
She almost fainted.
"T-Twenty gold coins?! That's enough to buy a house!"
Ryle casually flicked another pouch onto the counter.
"Keep the change."
Thea's jaw dropped.
Ryle turned to her, grinning. "See? A journalist's salary isn't bad."
Thea just stared at him.
"...You absolute menace."
Ryle laughed. "Come on, let's go grab some food. My treat."
Thea squinted. "Oh, NOW you're willing to spend money?"
Ryle patted his wallet. "Only for important things."
As they left the shop, Thea sighed.
At least now, she wouldn't have to wear the same clothes every day.
But she'd never let Ryle forget how long he hid his fortune.