Ayame climbs onto my back and clings her arms together in front of my chest. I then hold her firmly by the underside of her smooth thighs. Actually, I'm amazed by how smooth it is to the touch. I expected her to be a bit hairy after living in captivity for over a year.

Not only that, but her skin is smoother than even the skin of the few ladies I've gotten close to in my previous world, though I heard somewhere that Asian women have smoother skin than western ones in general.

I summon my inner scholar and immediately begin to write up multiple hypotheses to attempt an explanation for this strange but very welcome phenomenon of her body being completely hairless below her eyelashes. Well, at least those areas that I can see.

1, It is a known fact that she was 'cleaned' by a caretaker before meeting me, so perhaps shaving was involved in that process, though the short time frame of said 'cleaning' leaves me with many doubts regarding the validity of this hypothesis.

2, Multiple assistants were included in the 'cleaning' process to make it swift yet thorough, but I was explicitly told that 'a caretaker will clean her up' or something along those lines, indicating that it was the work of a single person.

3, Humans, or at least women in this world are simply less hairy than on Earth. I also lost my body hair during my transmigration, but I was under the impression that that was because of me becoming a primordial.

4, Perhaps her unique bloodline from the faraway eastern continent is the one causing this pleasant occurrence. The only possible way to verify this is to rigorously examine other oriental beauties. Yes, there's no other possible method of verification, and yes, they have to be beauties.

5, Due to her relatively high level some bodily imperfections were expunged as she leveled up. This matches up with what I read in some cultivation novels with them not having to sleep, eat and stuff after reaching a high enough cultivation state.

6, Some other, currently unknown effect is at play here.

I really, really want to ask her for confirmation but I don't dare. I can tell that she would refuse to answer and instantly get off me. I don't think she could beat me up for this as I wouldn't be breaching the contract, but I also don't want her to hate me and ruin my future chances with her.

I shelf this intriguing phenomenon to be meticulously studied later and just delight in the blissful feeling her delicate thighs and chest give me for the time being.

"You are really light, Ayame. Should we start with lunch instead of shopping?"

"There's no need. I would rather get the shoe first so that I can walk and then change into clothes meant for humans so that I can throw these filthy rags away."

Damn. I was hoping I could chauffeur her around for a bit longer.

"Alright then we will do as you suggested, but make no mistake, I will make sure to fatten you up properly in the long time we will be spending together."

"I'm short and I've always had a slender frame, I don't think there's an issue with my physical build."

"I agree. I like petite girls just as much as voluptuous ones, so you don't have to worry about that," I get a scoff and a "dumbass" murmur straight into my ears, which I, of course, completely ignore. "However, that doesn't mean that a bit more weight wouldn't do you good."

She doesn't seem very responsive so I take that as her consenting to getting fed properly from now on.

After about ten minutes of silent walking, we arrive at a shoe-making shop. They display a variety of products in their window, giving passersby a clear view of their offerings.

We decide to check it out.

We step into the shoe-making shop, greeted by the rich smell of leather and the sight of various footwear lining the walls. The shopkeeper, a burly man with a thick mustache, approaches us with a welcoming smile. "How can I help you today?"

Ayame glances around, her eyes scanning the different shoes. "I need something practical for combat, but also durable for long journeys."

She gets completely ignored by the attendant who doesn't even acknowledge her existence once he sees her iron collar and the general perilous state of her wardrobe. It seems people don't take slaves into consideration. As the master I'm the one with the money pouch and the final say in what she gets anyhow, is what he must be thinking.

"Please attend to the lady." I instruct him before my companion lashes out. I don't know how she deals with such humiliation. Personally, I wouldn't take it well.

The shopkeeper nods and leads us to a section displaying sturdy boots. Ayame, who didn't seem overly bothered by his previous antics, starts trying on different pairs, testing their flexibility and fit. She moves with the grace of a seasoned warrior, and I can tell she's accustomed to finding the perfect balance between comfort and utility.

As she tries on boots, I decide to look around and see if there's anything that might suit me. I pick up a pair of boots and examine them. They seem solid enough, but as soon as I put them on, I can feel the stiff leather digging into my feet. I wince and quickly take them off, muttering under my breath about how impossible it is to go from Kobe sneakers to medieval boots.

The shopkeeper notices my discomfort and offers another pair. "These might be more to your liking, sir."

I try them on, but they aren't any better. The fit is awkward, and they lack the cushioning and support I've grown accustomed to. Frustrated, I set them aside and watch as Ayame continues her search.

My shoes are my least eye-catching piece of attire so I decide to allow myself to at least keep those for now. Footwear is also the most important part of one's wardrobe (after good protective armor) if one wishes to explore the world and fight while doing so. It is smart to allow myself the comfort of wearing my current shoe.

After trying on several pairs, Ayame finally settles on a pair of boots that are both sturdy and comfortable. They have reinforced soles for combat and a snug fit that will keep her feet protected during long travels. She walks around in them, testing their flexibility and making sure they suit her needs.