S1026B

Long time no see, strangers. Word is you've been having all kinds of fun without me around; is that right? I would've come running ages ago to join in, but... ugh. You wouldn't believe how much work I've had piled on me.

<She really can turn up anywhere...>

... Since you've already dropped in, answer me one thing. What exactly does it mean to be "lacking in virtue"?

What a tedious question. Nearly as tedious as that antiquated arm you've got there.

Just answer the question, will you?

Hmm, fine. You won't get a different ending anyway, so I suppose I can tell you that much. Besides... I'm sure it'll come to that runt soon enough, when its instincts kick in.

<... Won't get a different ending...?>

To lack virtue means to lack nobility. Which is to say... become noble, become prestigious, and you'll be granted entry into this place. Do you get what I'm saying?

I comprehend it not in the slightest... Ah. Could this, perchance, be... a matter of fashion?

I would have been terribly disappointed if you still hadn't grasped what it means to "become nobler" in here.

In any case, bingo again. Nobility demands consumption befitting one's station - and garments befitting it as well. And the one thing in this store certain to raise that station is...

A garment fashioned from the material known as Golden Hide... or Golden Resin.

The next time we meet... do try to return with the outcome I desire, hmm?

As fun as it is to watch you idiots fumble around in the dark, I'd much prefer it if you got on with the "melting this stupid Grand Magasin to the ground" part.

Be seeing you~

... She's gone.

<She helped us again, but I still can't tell what she's really after.>

<And I mean, if that was something Pwie could've realized on their own, it's not like she actually helped us that much, did she? Does she just show up randomly to unnerve us or something...?>

... As before, she appears disinclined to provide us with information of genuine utility. Perhaps her purpose lies nearer to mockery than aid.

Hey... Do you think she went ahead inside? Looks like there are people in there...

... If "nobility" is prerequisite to entry... then mayhaps those within are themselves persons of noble standing.

Those people...

It looks like all they can do is... sit where they're told and eat what they're given...

Hm... The order of ceremony, too, seems predetermined. A repast of pomp and circumstance... I believe it is called "dining of fine nature."

.......

Why are they waiting for the next course instead of eating everything all at once? Aren't they wasting eating time?

Why do they sit in assigned seats and eat assigned food in assigned amounts?

I don't get it. Why don't they just eat and eat? Why don't they just clean a dish and move on to the next one until there's nothing left?

Well... different "classes," different cultures, right?

For a long while, Pwie silently watched the banquet beyond the curtain,

like a starving child salivating at a lavish feast past the display glass.

I'm... I'm so hungry. And I want... to wear it.

A Golden Shroud... made of Golden Hide, flayed off the walls...

... Huh?

<Did that thought just come to you?>

Did the thought occur to you without prior deliberation?

Mhm. Just came to me.

A shroud, you say? A shroud is... a garment reserved for one embarking upon their final journey. And you wish to wear such...?

Mhm. The last attire that will ever be put on my body.

Because I'm going to... grow up.

And to grow up, I'll need clothes made to fit what I'll become.

<If it's made of Golden Hide that's been peeled off... then the production process must be different from making Golden Fabric.>

If the handbag designer's statement was accurate... there should be an employee underground capable of processing hides.

<That's B3F, right...? We'll probably have to locate its escalator first, just like we did for the fifth floor.>

<All right, let's head down and have Pwie's clothes made.>

... We will make an article of clothing that fits you.

... Why?

Because that is what you want, and in turn, our desire as well.

.......

... Thanks.

<.......>

Hey, Manager Bud. What are you doin' there staring into space?

<No, it's just... hearing Pwie thank us...>

<It reminded me of the first time all of you listened to me. Really listened.>

... And for all that has transpired before that moment, and what came thereafter... I remain ever grateful.