nobles are fickle creatures. You never know what kind of things they'll do. Someone has to wear fancy padded armor at some point. Right?
Got me there.

I still think it would be better as clothing tho ...
Even if only for my Wizard to steal and wear it. :3

Oh, I totally agree. It 100% doesn't make sense as Padded Armor. Not really. It's a REAL stretch to say he found fancy Padded Armor ever anywhere.
Real Padded Armor
Https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambeson#/media/File%3AEdward_Fiennes_de_Clinton%2C_Earl_of_Lincoln.jpg
Worn by a Lord Admiral. Not fancy and not just some random noble person.