If you trace the history of underwear, it all started with loincloth-like garments that simply covered the waist and crotch. Though details varied between cultures, those evolved into fundoshi-style wraps, and in medieval Europe, into lightweight trousers tied around the waist and thighs—sometimes worn under tights.
Back then, both men and women wore similar undergarments. Because people often relieved themselves while standing, early drawers typically had an opening in the crotch for convenience. This was true even in my previous life, back in the early modern era when drawers first appeared. And honestly, even though this world’s bathroom situation is more advanced, things haven’t changed much.
Drawers eventually shifted from wrap-style to pants-style, not so much for practicality but because it was seen as improper to expose one’s legs. From there came long trousers reaching the ankles, and even one-piece garments connected to shirts. After many iterations, briefs and boxers didn’t actually come along until the 20th century.
Why do I know all this? Because in my previous life, I had a cosplay-loving best friend who roped me into an overly authentic historical costume. I got way too into it—making sure even my underwear matched the era. I even tried sewing and wearing drawers myself. The feeling was… weird. Really weird.
Anyway.
In this world, the popular style is the robe à la française, which lines up with late pre-Revolutionary France. There’s no rule against showing legs, so drawers as underwear aren’t strange in context. Still…
『Why are you telling me all this?』
“Because the Showa-Heisei part of me just can’t accept pumpkin pants.”
『…I see.』
Hyourin-sama sat on my bed, calmly crossing his long legs. He stepped lightly on a foot pedal, which channeled magic into the sewing machine, and it began stitching neatly into the fabric.
After our rather illuminating talk about underwear with Viktor-san, I had run straight to the sunroom. I handed Tara-chan some magic and asked her to spin me a tatami-mat-sized sheet of soft, stretchy fabric. I even gave her the image of elastic, and after a brief pause, she made exactly what I’d envisioned.
And now, here we are.
『So you wish to recreate the underwear from your past life. Perhaps even mass-produce it?』
“Well, I don’t have to spread it around. I just feel weird about forcing my preferences on a naturally developed fashion system…”
『A little late for that, isn’t it? Was this curry powder you introduced something that existed in your former era?』
“Ugh… Fair point. That was… presumptuous of me.”
『Indeed. It’s not unreasonable to question whether you're disrupting natural evolution for personal comfort. Still, you are already doing so in other areas.』
Ouch. But… yeah. He’s right. After all the innovations I’ve introduced, drawing the line at underwear just because it makes me feel weird? That’s pure hypocrisy.
Boxers and briefs only came into being because people needed them. If the same conditions apply here, maybe it’s okay to bring them in too.
If people here don’t mind the look, maybe I should pitch it on comfort and functionality instead. Though honestly, if you're used to wearing pumpkin pants, I doubt you’d think they’re uncomfortable.
Maybe I’m just being selfish because I find them weird.
My thoughts spun in circles, but my hands kept moving in sync with the machine, stitching steadily. As he watched me work, Hyourin-sama narrowed his eyes and stroked his chin.
『There’s a soul in my realm who refuses to move on to the next life.』
“Oh… really?”
『Yes. He was an adventurer in life. His cause of death, however…』
I imagined something horrible—maybe he’d been torn apart by a monster.
But Hyourin-sama shook his head, sensing my assumption.
『He was fighting a weaker foe. His underwear’s string snapped. That distracted him just long enough for a fatal opening. The moment he thought, “Ah—”...』
He made a slicing motion across his neck. I felt a chill.
I mean, dying in battle is one thing, but… because your underwear broke? That’s just tragic.
And apparently, this wasn’t a one-off.
『It left a deep scar on them. So much so that several souls now refuse reincarnation, saying they’d rather not live again than risk dying like that.』
“…Yikes.”
Talk about trauma.
Wait, hold on…
“So, what you're saying is—pumpkin pants might literally be dangerous?”
『Well, who knows what life will throw at you? The underwear you describe from your old world clings to the body, right? Even if the elastic breaks, it’s unlikely to fall off.』
Ah! So this is his way of suggesting I could sell the idea. A life-saving innovation!
Perfect.
As it happened, I had just finished my first boxer prototype. I handed it to Hyourin-sama quietly, and he pinched it delicately, inspecting it with curiosity.
『And… what happens when you wear it?』
“…I mean, it’s underwear, so…”
『Yes, but what exactly does it do?』
Though his expression seemed cool and detached, I could see the glint of curiosity in his eyes.
He wants me to model it, doesn’t he?
Well…
Let’s just say several prototypes and a one-on-one fashion show later, Hyourin-sama was very satisfied.
And that little runway event?
That secret stays between me and Hyourin-sama.
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