The Department of Policies, the most powerful, mysterious, and fearsome division within the Thirteen Departments of the Clock Tower.
In the minds of most magi, the daily life of this department should be something like this:
A dark stronghold resembling an abyss, with a hellish and eerie atmosphere.
Members are cloaked from head to toe, speaking in hoarse, low voices as they plot conspiracies too dark to see the light of day.
Today they decide who to target; tomorrow they scheme to lure in their next prey; the day after, they draft an even more severe regulation that will make the entire Clock Tower groan in resentment.
However, if they were to witness the following scene, they might change their impression of the Department of Law and Governance.
"Hey? Have you heard?"
"Heard what?"
"The Lord is taking a day off today."
"What? That Queen? A day off? Haha, that's a rather poor joke. Since assuming office, she's never taken a break except for Christmas and New Year's."
"I didn't believe it at first either, but the Lord's leave application has already been submitted to the Internal Affairs Department."
"She didn't need to go through all that trouble. She's the highest authority in the Department of Policies, after all."
"That's true, but everyone knows how the Lord operates. She always sets an example."
"Indeed, things have been slow recently, and people are getting a bit lazy—Oh, by the way, did the Lord mention a reason for her leave?"
"She did. She wrote that she's going to experience the life of an ordinary person."
"Uh… What does that even mean?"
"Don't ask me. That's exactly what the Lord wrote. Maybe she has her reasons for doing so."
Lorelei, who was respectfully called Lord by her subordinates, also wanted to know why this had to be done.
"Why? Give me a reason."
"Why does everything need a reason? Don't you get tired of that?"
The only person in the entire Department of Policies who spoke to the Queen in such a manner was Shinji.
"I'm leaving. I still have important matters to attend to."
Lorelei made a move to leave, but Shinji quickly blocked her path.
"Stop using that excuse. There's hardly anything going on these days, and missing a day or two won't hurt. Besides, don't forget, we made a bet before, and you lost. You agreed to listen to me on trivial matters. You're not going to go back on your word, are you?"
"Of course not. I just don't understand."
"You don't have to understand. If you could, you wouldn't be Barthomeloi. Now, come on. You've been cooped up in your office for too long. This is a good chance to relax and refresh your mind."
After contemplating for a moment, Lorelei nodded.
"Fine, I'll let you take the lead."
"Here, put this on first."
Shinji handed her a shopping bag. Lorelei opened it to find a set of plain, unremarkable clothes inside.
"Why should I wear this? I have my clothes."
"I know. But my dear Lady, today you're not a Lord, nor are you a Queen. You're just an ordinary person."
"And what's wrong with that?"
"Ordinary people don't have magical attire, nor can they afford to have every piece of clothing custom-made."
"Then how do ordinary people get their clothes?"
"Change into these, and I'll show you."
...
When it comes to shopping in London, Oxford Street is undoubtedly the top choice.
Unlike many so-called commercial streets designed to rip off tourists, this is a genuine shopping center frequented by local Londoners.
It's a major thoroughfare into and out of the city, making it easily accessible. Not only does it feature some of Europe's leading supermarkets, but it also hosts various British brand stores and the renowned Selfridges department store, which has been thriving for over a century. On the first working day after Christmas, the discounts here tend to be shockingly low, allowing people to buy great items at incredibly cheap prices.
Shinji brought Lorelei to a department store called Debenhams, a favorite among the British. You can purchase everything here, from sewing needles to home appliances and furniture, and of course, clothes.
"Here we are," Shinji said, standing at the entrance to the clothing section.
"It's just a department store. I know that," Lorelei said indifferently. It seemed that some branches of the Barthomeloi family were involved in operating department stores.
"Though the Barthomeloi are aristocratic, they still gather detailed information about other social classes."
"But that's just gathering information. You probably know what a department store looks like and how it functions, but I bet you've never personally visited one. Even if you have, I doubt you've ever picked out clothes like ordinary people do, right?"
Lorelei fell silent. She indeed had never been to such a place personally. Whether at home or away, the Barthomeloi always had personal lifestyle consultants. She never had to concern herself with matters of clothing, food, or shelter.
"Come on, my Lady," Shinji extended his hand toward Lorelei.
"I know you're not satisfied with the clothes you're wearing now, so let's pick out something you'll like."
"Fine."
Since she was already here, she might as well go along with his suggestion. At worst, she'd waste a day, and her leave form had already been submitted to the Internal Affairs Department anyway.
With that thought in mind, Lorelei relaxed and followed Shinji, browsing the clothing section as they went.
"This one looks nice."
"If you like it, try it on. There's a changing room over there."
"Huh? Try it on right away?"
"Of course. How else will you know if it fits? What size do you wear? I'll ask the staff to get it for you."
"I'll have to think about my shoulder width and neck circumference…"
"Stop right there, my Lady. You're buying clothes, not getting them custom-made. It's not that complicated. Let the professionals handle this—Miss, could you please help find the right size for my friend to try on?"
"Sure, please wait a moment."
Five minutes later, Lorelei emerged from the changing room.
"So? Does it fit?"
Wearing a high-collared jacket, she walked somewhat self-consciously toward Shinji. She had never shown anyone besides her lifestyle consultant or designer what she looked like in newly tried-on clothes.
Shinji gave her a quick once-over and clicked his tongue.
"I think it looks pretty good. Take a look for yourself; there's a mirror here."
Lorelei pointed to a few spots.
"Hmm… It doesn't feel very secure here, and here—it seems like it could easily pull apart."
"That's because it's a casual style, not an athletic one. Even if it were athletic, it wouldn't hold up to the kind of activity we're used to. This is just the ordinary world. Anything else?"
"It seems a bit short here. If it could be lengthened, that would be better."
"Sorry, that's not going to happen. Everything here is ready-made. Apart from hems that can be folded, the rest of the clothes can't be altered. You either accept a few imperfections and buy it, or you keep looking for something that satisfies you. That's life for ordinary people. It's hard to find something perfect right away."
"Compromise or persistence… just like working in the Department of Policies. I choose persistence."
"Then let's keep looking and hope you find something you're truly satisfied with."
Shinji chuckled and once again gestured forward.