[You continue your shopping trip in Gloucester with Artoria.]
[Artoria pauses in front of a clothing store's glass display, muttering to herself.]
"These clothes are so beautiful. I feel like if I wear them, I'll just sparkle... so pretty, I really want to try them... but they're probably not for a plain faerie like me."
[You silently make a note of this.]
[You continue shopping, and not long after, you hear a cry for help in the distance. It seems that some pet mice have escaped from their cages and the owner is asking for help to catch them, offering a generous reward afterward.]
[You notice several small creatures coming toward you.]
[Motivated by the promise of a reward, you decide to help.]
[However, after you suggest helping, Artoria says two things that make you feel something is off.]
"Ah, Guinevere, are you still not used to this? Well, if it's your decision, I'll go along with it... but I think you'll regret it. Just consider it tuition fees."
With that, Artoria raised her staff, her posture ready, as if preparing for a very dangerous opponent.
"?"
Guinevere looked at Artoria, who was standing ready, and then at the small creatures approaching in the distance, not understanding her intentions.
Then, as the creatures neared, Guinevere blinked, and when he looked again, the small creatures had transformed into several giant dragons, each towering over him.
"What the heck?"
Looking up at the giant "mice," Guinevere slowly typed out a question mark.
[Under the attack of these giant dragons, you are in a perilous situation.]
[Fortunately, while these dragons look intimidating, they are all in a "level zero" state, meaning their attack and defense aren't very strong. Even with your E-level attributes, you can fight against this dragon group.]
[Additionally, in Gloucester, where all beings are forcibly locked at LV1, you don't feel any weakening of your abilities, and in fact, your physical abilities seem even stronger than before.]
"Are you kidding me?"
Guinevere felt his forehead tighten as he continued to battle. This system was really making fun of him.
[After managing to catch the so-called "mice," their owner arrives and thanks you, offering a few coupons as a token of appreciation.]
"No, no, no. Coupons? That's too insincere. Look at these new wounds I have! Please, give me something more substantial. Otherwise, I can't just hand these 'mice' back to you willingly."
Guinevere started arguing with the faerie owner.
[You blackmailed the "mice" owner.]
[Reluctantly, the owner pays you a hefty reward.]
[You take the money and go shopping with Artoria.]
[On the way, you discover that the store that gave you the coupons has already gone out of business.]
[You reach a clothing store and decide to buy the beautiful outfit that Artoria had been admiring earlier.]
[This dress is said to have been made by a highly experienced faerie tailor from Manchester.]
"Wait, you're buying me clothes? And such expensive ones?"
When Artoria heard that Guinevere planned to spend all the money they earned together on buying her clothes, she immediately waved her hands in protest.
"Let's forget about that. This money is for both of us. It's not right to spend it all on me. I think we should use it for travel supplies or something more practical. Besides, a dress this beautiful would be wasted on someone like me."
"No, no, the clothing of a Prophecy Child is very important! If you can't wear something dazzling and beautiful, how can you stand out in a crowd? Forget the travel supplies! This is clearly the priority!"
Guinevere replied confidently.
"And besides, you said this money is for both of us, so it's my choice to buy you a beautiful dress."
"Plus, you definitely deserve it! Artoria, you're so cute. The dress would be lucky to be worn by you!"
[After your repeated insistence, Artoria accepts your gift.]
[Artoria, now wearing the new dress, looks absolutely stunning.]
[Artoria's charm has greatly increased.]
"Honestly, Guinevere, you spoil me too much... This really isn't good."
Though she said this, her radiant smile and the system's prompt revealed her true feelings:
[Artoria's mood has greatly improved.]
[Her affection for you has reached its maximum.]
[As night falls, you and Artoria finish shopping and head back to meet Oberon at the designated location.]
"Oh, you're changing into a shiny new outfit before heading to the auction? To make a grand entrance and become the center of attention? Good strategy, with this, you'll have more leverage to enter the auction."
Oberon briefly commented when he saw Artoria in her new dress.
"Alright, let's get in. I've heard that the ancient sword will indeed be at the auction, though it won't be the star item. There shouldn't be much competition, and with our 70 million moles, we should be able to get it easily."
"Great!" Guinevere gave Oberon a thumbs up. "You're so reliable, Oberon!"
"Well, it's just some trivial matters..." Oberon started to modestly respond but suddenly felt something off. "Wait, Oberon? What kind of nickname is that?"
"Just a sign of familiarity! It means we've reached a new level in our relationship!" Guinevere threw an arm around Oberon's shoulder, casually joking.
After saying this, he suddenly felt a cold chill down his spine.
He quickly turned around, only to see Artoria standing behind him, smiling at him.
"What about me?"
"Guinevere, what's my nickname?"
[Although Artoria's face is full of smiles, you can't shake the feeling that there's an icy chill coming from her.]