Back when I was an assistant at the shop, I filled the binders with hundreds of customers' preferences. Materials, hem lengths, even the number of buttons they wanted on the cuffs. Rhodes Island's paperwork couldn't be more complicated than––oh, w-wait, so much?

This strap buckle came from a Carnival stall, and the strap itself is an old measuring tape of mine. The hairpin was customized with a beading needle, and I embroidered this pattern here myself... It's too flamboyant? How silly, this is the pinnacle of Siracusan style. Get with the times.

The tailor shop isn't half bad. Let me tell you about two of my good friends: one went to the police academy, the other joined a famiglia. They don't speak anymore. But they're both customers here at my shop. They come to me when they need clothes made.

Nonno used to tell me all sorts of fanciful stories, so I wouldn't get bored in the shop. I've known those stories backwards and forwards my whole life now. There's no way I would believe—oh, by heaven! D-Doctor, a doll just floated by! In midair! Y-You didn't see it? No-no-no, I'm not kidding!

Once upon a time, I wanted to join the ranks of Siracusa's worthies, but Nonno only taught me how to hold a ruler and a pair of scissors. Still, with nothing but these two tools, he managed to win the respect of so many such worthies... There's still a lot for me to learn. And for now, I want to start with a new suit of clothes.

I thought the end of Carnival was just as cruel as Siracusa's old fairy tales. But when midnight came and the fireworks burst into the night sky, everyone could still truly celebrate together... I guess that's how a fairy tale should end. Ah, will future Siracusan fairy tales also be like this?

It's alright, I can sort out these letters on my own. See, they're from our neighbors, de Montano's regulars. Even though they know that Nonno isn't around anymore, they still send their regards to the shop... Hmm, maybe this is what he meant by 'decency'.

Doctor, did you not sleep well? I can see the bags under your eyes. Why not take a page from my book and use some eyeshadow to make yourself look more energetic? Ah no, pretend I didn't say anything. I can tell that you're the type who never gets enough rest, but can always freshen up when it's time to get serious. I'll keep all the makeup stuff for myself.

Fold this corner first, go around twice like this, and finally tie it around your neck... Hmph, the scarf doesn't match your outfit. How about I just make you a complete Siracusan ensemble? It won't take anything I don't already know, so you might as well say yes.

This thread goes here, this goes there... Ugh, it's all tangled anew. What, you think tailors never get their threads tangled?

This is where I report in, right? Sorry, I came without getting changed first. Oh, I don't need to do that? Thank goodness, I feel more comfortable in familiar clothes.

Uhhh… can't be any harder than learning to tailor.

I appreciate the thought, but you really don't have to go out of your way to treat me like a child.

Ah, does this second promotion mean I can finally take charge on my own?

Trust me, I'm capable of handling field operations.

Formulating strategies? Phew... Okay, I can do this, nothing I can't handle. It's just like threading a needle…

Suit up, it's time to set out.

Hmph. Tough customers.

Got a style in mind?

Got a fabric in mind?

Time to take measurements.

Ready with the needle.

A waste of perfectly good fabric.

Oh, such awful tastes!

Hey! Stand still while I'm measuring!

Keep your back straight—tsk, tsk. Who told you to keel over?

Mmm, a perfect stitch!

This tactic was tailor-made for today's battle!

Thank goodness we accomplished our mission. Hmm, why is there a loose thread...?

Don't worry. It's only natural to waste some material when tailoring a suit.

Any place to stash my toolkit?

OK, OK, I'll focus!

Doctor, have you settled on the style you'd like to have made?

Arknights.

The mafiosi had their own secret ways of exchanging New Year's greetings. Back in the shop, we'd sew lace onto sleeves and gift leather wallets to our clients to celebrate the occasion. But none of these rituals seem appropriate for Rhodes Island. For now, I'll have to make do with a simple 'Happy New Year'.

Ah, Doctor, what a spiffy ensemble you've got there today. Oh? This is what you always wear? Err... Well, that's worth complimenting too!

When I set out, I grabbed all the spools of thread from the store, thinking I would advance beyond Nonno's level before they ran out. Now, with plenty of thread still left, I wonder, Doctor—if I might have already reached my goal long ago?