The welcoming bell chimed as the door opened.
A sweet-sounding woman immediately greeted and turned to look at the new customers with a warm smile.
"Hmm~" Julian greeted the woman with a nod and turned to look at all the suits available.
After taking a long shower at the inn, he looked much more refreshed and had gained back his handsomeness. The hot shower felt like it washed away all his tiredness and soreness.
He had also shaved off the small budding beard that was forming on his chin.
'It's seven in the morning, but this store has already been open for hours.' Kiernan thought with interest. 'I shouldn't be surprised, but this island doesn't work alongside the World Clock.'
World Clock—every place in the world followed the same time, but some places, like the night islands, operated on their own schedule.
"May I assist you two in any way?" The clerk came with a sweet smile on her face.
"Looking for two suits for a fancy party!" Julian said. "I'd like a silver suit—I like that color."
"Well, here we have a few three-piece suits. Tell me if you like any of them."
While the two went to check on the suits, Kiernan felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. When he retrieved it, he saw that his father was calling.
He answered and sat down by the corner.
"Kiernan…" Karma's sigh sounded from the other side. "You finally answered."
'I suppose Julian didn't answer any of his calls. No wonder.'
"Yeah, sorry about that." Kiernan said with a wry smile. "Is something wrong?"
"Well, the school is starting soon." Karma said. "When are you planning to come soon?"
"I'll start heading back tomorrow, most likely." Kiernan said. "I might meet my mother tonight."
The line on the other side suddenly turned quiet.
Then, he heard a deep sigh.
"Is that so… Just don't be disappointed if she doesn't greet you as warmly as you'd like. I never saw her smile during the time we were together, so she might not be the most warm person."
"What can you tell about her?" Kiernan asked. "Anything so I can at least try to recognize her."
"Hmm…" Karma thought deeply. "Well, she could've always dyed her hair, but she used to have beautiful black hair, and like I've said before, red eyes. I didn't see any tattoos or any scars that might help you to recognize her."
Kiernan nodded and then saw Julian motion for him to come check the suits.
"Anyway, I must go now. I'll call you once I am back on the ship."
After doing their farewells, the phone call ended, and he pocketed the phone and walked over to Julian.
Julian was excitedly checking out the silver suit. It looked nice, but the price tag read "880 GC," which was translated to 880 Gold Coins.
"Quite expensive, no?" Kiernan asked.
"We can't go to the party while looking like scrubs!" Julian said.
"Oh, are you two going to the True Moon Party?" The clerk asked in surprise.
"Yes, we are," Julian said with a smile.
The clerk looked really surprised and even wondered whether these two were nobles, but they weren't wearing any high-fashion clothing.
'True Moon Party?' Kiernan tilted his head in confusion. 'Why is it called that?'
As if he could hear his thoughts, Julian answered.
"Nobles from many corners of World Seas attend this event. Tonight is a rare 'night' in Nightingale because the True Moon appears in the sky. It only happens three times in a year, and it is said that the True Moon brings luck and prosperity to those who witness its glow.
"That's why you should wear something nice, Kiernan! You're also meeting your mother. You wouldn't like to look like someone who doesn't belong in that party, right?"
"Right…" Kiernan sighed and checked some of the black suits. "I'll get one of those black three-piece suits, please."
"Very well~" the clerk said with a smile. "Do you want to try it on before purchasing?"
Julian and Kiernan entered their own dressing rooms. Then about three minutes later, both emerged in their new suits, looking sharp and handsome like princes.
"Hmm…" Kiernan touched his lapel and adjusted the fit slightly.
He then looked at himself through the full-body mirror and into his eyes. The suit fit him perfectly as if it was tailored just for him.
The suit looked somewhat simple, but it was an expensive one—thus, the material was top class, and the craftsmanship was impeccable.
The black tie fit against his crisp white dress shirt, and the overall ensemble made him look incredibly sharp and sophisticated.
Julian looked at himself through another mirror and smiled with satisfaction. The silver suit really matched with his silver eyes, making them stand out even more.
"Oh my~" the clerk looked at the two with approval. "Those suits are perfect!"
'Expensive as hell.' Kiernan thought. 'This suit is 800 Gold Coins, ugh. I wanted to save for the lottery, but I guess I gotta do this.'
"We will take them!" Julian said.
After switching back to their casual clothes, they put their suits in the bags, paid for them, and walked out of the store, but their shopping trip wasn't over yet.
"One last stop…" Julian said. "Time to cut our hair. These longer hairs are our pirate hairs. We must look proper."
"Right," Kiernan replied as they made their way to the barber shop.
The barber shop was by the corner of the street, and as they entered it, it was completely empty except for the barber, who was sitting in the corner reading a newspaper.
"Hey, boss!" Julian said.
"Ah, welcome!" The barber folded the newspaper and stood up. "What kind of cut would you two have?"
"My hair has gotten a bit long." Julian said and sat down on one of the stools. "I'd like a trim, please."
"What about you, sir?" The barber asked as he looked at Kiernan.
"Hmm…" Kiernan sat on the stool and looked at the mirror.
His wild-looking hair had already reached below his shoulders.
"Make it shorter on the sides, and on the back, but keep the length on top."