Chloe SSR: Like Blooming Flowers

[shivalries]

Story Title: Like Blooming Flowers
Unlock with: SSR [Matching Presents] Chloe



Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3


Chapter 1

[Lounge]

Arthur: Oh, here you are, Master Sage. May I have a moment?

Akira: Sure. What is it?

Arthur: I wanted to hand you this invitation.

Akira: An invitation?

Arthur: Around this time every year, we hold a ball in the Central castle to celebrate the harvest.

May I ask you to attend?

I'd like you to be able to enjoy yourself while you learn about our world, so I hope this can be a good opportunity for that.

Akira: Oh, thank you for going out of your way to invite me, Arthur.

I'm very happy you thought to ask. But I can't help but feel I'd be a bit out of place in such a grand event...

Arthur: Not at all! We would happily welcome you.

If you attended the ball, I'm sure the castle residents and all the guests would be delighted. Myself included, of course.

But the final decision is up to you. If you don't feel up to it, then please, don't hesitate to tell me.

Akira: Thank you. I'll think about it.

Arthur: Understood. Once you've made your decision, please let me know.

[Arthur leaves]

Akira: ...I said I'd think about it, but... how do I decide?

I would feel really awkward in a place I'm not used to... But Arthur invited me because he wants me to learn about it...

Chloe: What's wrong, Master Sage?

Akira: Ah, Chloe...

Chloe: You've been groaning about something for a while now.

Akira: Sorry. Did it disturb you?

Chloe: No, not at all! I was just wondering if you were alright.

Oh, is that a letter you're holding...? ...Is something bad written in there?

Akira: Oh, no, Arthur handed this to me...

Chloe: Whoa! This is a party invitation, isn't it?

A castle ball... Wow... Beautifully clothed people as far at the eye can see! Ooh, I wish I could go.

...Oh, right! Have you decided what you're gonna wear to it?

Akira: Uhh... Well... I haven't really figured out how I feel about it yet...

Chloe: If you haven't picked an outfit, could I make one for you?

You're always supporting us as best you can from the shadows, right? Kinda like the earth that makes flowers blossom.

So this time, I wanna thank you by being the earth that makes you blossom.

I'll make an incredible outfit that'll make our own Master Sage into the most beautiful flower at the ball.

Akira: Chloe...

Chloe: So, can I?

Akira: ...Actually, I still haven't decided whether I want to go to the party at all...

Chloe: Huh? Really?

Akira: That's what I was moaning about earlier.

Chloe: I-I'm sorry...! I got too excited and jumped the gun...

Akira: It's fine! I'm really happy you feel that way about me, Chloe.

Thanks to you, I've made my decision. I think I'll go to the party.

Chloe ...Really?!

Akira: Yes! So could I ask you to make the outfit I'll wear to it?

Chloe: Of course! I'll sew up something stunning for you!

Uhh, let's see, until the party, I have... three days?!

I-I gotta get moving! Let's go to my room, Master Sage!



Chapter 2

[Foyer]

A few days later, on the day of the ball...

Akira: (...It's about time to go...)

(My outfit's not here yet... I wonder how Chloe's doing.)

Chloe: ...Master Sage!

Akira: Chloe!

Chloe: Sorry to make you wait! I finally finished! Am I still on time?!

Akira: Yeah, I'll just about make it!

Chloe: Thank goodness...! Here's the finished product! I hope you'll like it.

Akira: ...Wah... What a lovely outfit!

White fabric, embroidered with gold... It's so beautiful. And this embroidery design—is it a flower...?

Chloe: Yep! I sewed it in with you in mind.

Flowers make people feel nice, after all... Ehehe.

Akira: Chloe...

(...There are dark circles under his eyes... He used his sleeping hours to work on this...)

...Thank you so much for doing this for me.

Knowing that I get to wear such a beautiful outfit really makes me look forward to going to the party.

Chloe: ...Really?! I'm so glad you like it...! Have lots of fun, okay?

Akira: Okay! I will!

(...I can't be acting all bashful in an outfit Chloe put all his sincere feelings into. I have to stand tall...!)

Cock Robin: Master Sage! It's almost time to leave. Are you ready?

Akira: Ah, Cock Robin! I'm just about ready, yes.

Cock Robin: Hm? It looks like you haven't gotten dressed yet... Ah! You don't have anything to wear, right?

Don't worry. I thought that might be the case, so I brought an outfit for you.

Akira: Huh...?

Chloe: ......

Cock Robin: It was really sudden, after all, so I thought you might not have enough time. Here, have this!

Akira: ...Ah, umm...

Chloe: ...You know, Master Sage. I think you should wear that one today!

Akira: Chloe?

Chloe: It's really gorgeous, after all. You'll definitely stand out at the party!

It's a royal ball, so you need to wear something luxurious!

So don't worry about me, okay? Just have fun!

Akira: (Chloe... He's acting cheerful... but I know he's hurt.)

...Cock Robin. Thank you for your concern.

But I'm sorry. Today, I want to wear a special outfit that a dear friend made for me.

Chloe: ...!

Cock Robin: Ah, I see! So you have procured a new outfit! Oh, thank goodness.

I only brought this one in case of emergency—please don't worry about it! Now then, let's be off!

Akira: Alright. See you later, Chloe!

Chloe: Yeah! Have fun!

(...Thanks, Master Sage. Thank you for choosing my outfit.)



Chapter 3

[Outside Granvelle Castle - Evening]

Akira: Phew, that was so extravagant. As expected of a party at a castle...

This sun's already set. It's nice and cool outside.

Chloe: Ah, Master Sage!

Akira: ...Chloe? What are you doing here?

Chloe: I figured the party was almost over, so I came to pick you up.

How was it? Did you enjoy yourself?

Akira: Yes, very much! Everyone commented on my wonderful outfit.

I was able to meet many kinds of people, and the tables were just packed with all sorts of dishes...

Chloe: ......

Akira: ...Chloe?

(...He's looking at my clothes...?)

(...Oh? Is there a spot on them or something?)

Um... Did I get it dirty? Like with some sauce...

Chloe: Oh, no! It's not dirty, I was just looking at the color.

Akira: The color?

Chloe: Look. It was all white this morning, but now it's dyed in the evening colors.

Akira: ...Ah, you're right. It's like I'm wearing an orange outfit instead.

Chloe: Mm, yeah...

I chose white for its clean, crisp feeling, but looking at you now, orange might've been a great choice, too...!

If orange is the base tone, then it might not be good to use gold for the trim... Maybe adjacent color, actually?

Akira: (...He got lost in his thoughts. He's really so passionate, isn't he? That's how much he loves to make clothing.)

(...Right, he stayed up for a few nights just to finish this outfit...)

...Chloe, shouldn't you be resting?

Chloe: Huh? Why?

Akira: I just... feel kind of bad that you came all the way here to pick me up even though you're tired.

Chloe: Oh, I'm fine! I slept a bit after that. Plus, I wanted to come here.

...I mean, today's the day you make your main appearance as the most beautiful flower at the ball, right?

I wanted you to wrap up your day in high spirits!

Akira: Chloe...

Chloe: Ehehe. So hop onto my broom and I'll fly you home!

If you fly at this hour, you can go somewhere the sunset looks amazingly beautiful.

I'll make sure you get safely home in the end, so can we make a short detour?

Akira: ...Yes, absolutely! I've had so much fun today, it feels like I'm living a dream.

Chloe: Hehe, it's all real, and it's still going. Now let's go!