Foxtails and Fairytales: Facades and Fables of the Phantom Prince

[Arc 5] Ch. 6 Pink Samite

Sebas

In my old life I would have killed to walk into a lingerie store with a girl to pick out swimsuits. However, I'd been desensitized by Lilith's awkward advances before I had a large part of her slave curse reworked. She was still an awkward and desperate flirt, but it wasn't as bad as it had been. Her flirting had become more calculated with cleavage peeks, 'Chance' Skirt flips, and any chance she found to 'accidently' press herself against me... and It's just gotten worse as I've gotten taller than her.

I'd 'acquired' Lilith who was a former assassin that had tried to take my life. After a list of embarrassing circumstances, the seductive assassin once known as 'the Succubus' was made my slave in an effort to preserve her life. With her help, I met with her boss and had the price on my head called off. That boss later became my ally in my fight against the Nightclaw.

Lilith was the type of demonkin girl that loved skimpy clothes and was too seductive for her own good. However, she had no tolerance for being teased back. We developed a healthy...ish back and forth over the years. And Lilith had the body to live up to her Namesake of the Succubus... so I thought I was prepared for shopping with Minerva.

So why...

...why was that frilly pink top and bottom too much for me!

*

We walked into the store and between my scowl, and her sheepish blush, it was easy to tell I had been dragged along. Bras... bras... panties... lace... swimsuits... Pink... so much pink. It was Lilith's closet, only full of giggling girls that stopped when we walked in.

I didn't ask to be here, ok! No! Especially don't look at us like 'awe what a cute couple'.

I try glaring at those people with a dash of killing intent and they just giggled!

"Alright, Red. Where do we start?" I asked, glaring meaninglessly into the unaffected crowd.

"I don't know," Minerva blushed wildly while quivering.

"What do you mean you don't know? Haven't you ever purchased clothes before?" I glared.

"I have, just not in a store like this. Why are there so many? How did you even know about a place like this?" She half covered her face with her hands.

"Don't ask meaningless questions. Let's just get this over with." I sighed. I didn't want to admit that I had been the cause of this. How was I supposed to know one letting Tiera interact with Lilith in the capitol would lead to this mess? And swimsuits... it was kind of a passing comment. How was I supposed to know Tiera's genius would do this much? I don't hate it... but a part of me feels guilty for some reason. And another part of me realizes that I screwed my self over for this one.

"Hello, welcome to Pink Samite. How may we help you?" One of the store's clerks came up to us. Seriously Tiera! Pink maid cosplay! What kind of closet otaku did I turn my sister into?

"We're here for a swimsuit," I point my thumb at the nervous Minerva. "Something tasteful. She also probably doesn't know her sizes. Involve me as little as possible and I'll toss in a healthy commission."

"That's no fun, silly." She bounced around me and locked her arms with Minerva and me. Then she Dragged us into the store. Oh no. I knew I recognized this girl. It was Angela! How did she get here? Angela was one of the servants that I healed from Minerva's tantrums. She didn't recognize me, but by that gleam in her eye I knew she recognized Minerva. So why was she being so friendly?

"Angela, Wha-what are you doing here?" Minerva stuttered as we were pulled along.

"Cedric and I thought that you would get lonely, so we got permission ahead of time to stay behind. So we got an apartment and jobs. I thought you'd be by sooner though. Every girl needs underwear after all." Angela dragged us along with a mischievous cat-like grin.

"You and Cedric got an apartment together?" I asked without thinking.

Angela stiffened. Go Cedric, Angela turned into a real beauty. She doesn't hold a candle to Julie or Nerinin though.

"We can talk about that later. Minerva, I thought you were still chasing the Phantom Prince, but you were quick to get a new boyfriend." Angela deflected, laughing it off.

Chasing the Phantom Prince, that was a joke I made before? Why was she really after me? Did she want revenge? When Minerva stiffened, I realized that last part was pointed at me.

"Cut the boyfriend assumptions. I'm a reluctant peer with an ounce of sympathy that is quickly wearing thin." I growled, but I was unable to free myself from Angela's death grip.

"Wow, you even sound like him." Angela giggled. "No wonder the princess became interested in you."

I don't even know how I want to react to that comment.

"Cut it out, Angie. This is embarrassing enough as it is." Minerva protested.

Angie? When did they get on good terms? And Cedric is here? I'm missing a piece of the puzzle... Quickly! Allow me to leave so I don't have to discover needless information! Damn Angela, how many push-ups do you do every morning?

"Too bad you don't have a fluffy fox tall. Minerva still goes on and on about her ex's. You'd sweep her off her feet in no time at all if you invested in the costume piece down the street." She teased me. Doubtless that my tails were my only redeeming feature for Minerva. But I am not about to buy any fake tails, I also don't want to get into this world's cosplay.

Angela pulls us up to the section of the store that has some of the skimpiest swimsuits and lets me go. As soon as I'm free I try to run but I'm caught by the back of my pants. NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO BE BOLD! WHAT WOULD CEDRIC SAY!

"Not so fast, boyfriend. You need to pick out your favorite for her to try on." Angela cooed.

"No way, I did not sign up for this!" I protested.

"You came all this way." Angela smiled in a way that sent a shiver down my spine. When did she learn the scary smile?

I stopped trying to run away and she released me.

"Okay Minerva, how about you go try on this one?" Angela picked up a black one that was more string than anything I've seen Lilith threaten to wear. No way Minerva would consider it, it wasn't even clothing! Who came up with these things! Tiera! We need to talk!

"If you are sure..." Minerva picked it up and started carrying it toward the dressing room.

"ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!" I steal the 'clothing' out of Minerva's hands. My heart couldn't handle that!

But I had played right into Angela's trap. Her teasing smile tells me that I've stepped over the line where I can remain a spectator. "But boyfriend~. You said you wanted something tasteful. This is one of our more expensive items. Maybe you could point out something a little more 'tasteful'?" Damn you, Angela. When did you become so EVVVVVIIIIIILLLLL?

I held up the piece of nothing and held it so Angela could see. "Put it on my tab." I announce then I burn it right in front of her. Angela flinched and I watched her start to sweat. "Take her sizes. I'll pick something that I won't have to light on fire."

"S-sure." Angela stuttered as she pushed Minerva back behind a curtain. She laughed nervously as I glared at her pointedly until they were out of sight. Glares alone don't work but property destruction does... got it. I guess.

I could probably guess Minerva's size just by looking at her, and swimsuits were easier to adjust than bras. Or so I assumed, how hard is it to tie a knot? However, I'm smart enough to not say that out loud in this kind of setting and there is no way I'd get away with accurately guessing Minerva's bust size. Plus, I need a break from both of them so I can get my bearings.