For a moment, Allen stood outside the curtains, listening to the sound of the clothes shuffling and women's giggles.
"Maybe it's the clasp on the back of your neck. Let me see. Can you turn around a little bit?"
"Like this?"
"Yep... Oh, I see. This one's a little hard to fasten, isn't it?
It was an ordinary conversation.
Then Allen suddenly frowned.
Now, Erika's voice sounds a bit hushed, doesn't it?
It was as if she had noticed something, she gasped. The changes were subtle and Charlotte didn't seem to notice as Erika managed to cover it up well.
Allen tilted his head.
As he did so, the curtains were opened.
Charlotte had transformed into a different appearance than before, and next to her, Erika was proudly smiling by her side.
"Well, brother. Isn't she super cute this time?"
"... Isn't it still too revealing?"
Earlier it was a mini skirt, but this time it was short hot pants.
Allen was about to get bothered again, so he casually glanced upward. The top was rather modest -- that was a relief.
"Brother is tough. If you don't put forth this much, we girls won't be able to compete."
"What are the women of the world fighting against?"
Over here, He would like to see them 'lower their exposure' and 'raise their defense'.
"Yeah?What do you mean?"
Erika was a little confused.
From Allen's point of view, it was obviously just smoke and mirrors. However, for some reason he was hesitant to pursue it here. An ominous feeling spread through Allen.
"Anyway, look at Charlotte. This outfit is amazing, especially from the back."
"From the back...?"
"That's right! It's super bold."
Erika winked mischievously.
She placed a hand on Charlotte's shoulder as an indication to lead her.
"Come, Charlotte. Turn around and show me."
"Oh but... this outfit is embarrassing too..."
"No point arguing about it. Come on"
"Heyy?!"
Charlotte spun around on the spot.
... Allen was speechless.
"What do you think? This dress looks modest from the front, but the back is completely wide open! Isn't it super bold and stylish?"
"... Please give me something with more fabric..."
Charlotte casted her head down in embarrassment.
However, she suddenly noticed Allen and tilted her head.
"Hey, Allen? What's wrong?"
"Oh.. no, there's nothing wrong."
Allen smiled.
Erika exited the fitting room and went to where Allen stood.
Allen stood in place of Erika as she exited the fitting booth. She made Charlotte turn around and look into the mirror.
She looked anxious, but Allen smiled at her through the mirror.
"It's a little revealing, but I think... it suits you."
"Oh, really?"
"Yeah. Have some confidence."
Allen put his hand on Charlotte's shoulder and looked shyly at her.
Then he gently lowered his eyes so she wouldn't notice.
Her back was wide open and her skin was exposed to the open air. There were faint reddish marks with several... bruises etched onto it.
Judging from the shape... they looked like whips.