# 41
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Episode 41
* * *
On the way home, Ruelia and Melissa stopped at a jewelry store in the commercial district to choose a gift for the Duke's birthday.
“How about this? A sapphire blue cufflink that looks like Duke Abert’s eyes.”
Ruelia shook her head at the sight of the jewel that the merchant had taken out of display.
“Why, isn't it good?”
Ruelia sighed loudly in response to Melissa's question:
“The color of the Duke’s eyes does not resemble anything at all.”
Not dark and faded blue like this.
It's purer and clearer. Others see him as cold as an abyss, but he carries a hidden warmth.
In front of the demanding Ruilia, the shopkeeper took out another piece with a serious face.
“How about this? Cufflinks decorated with amethyst and aquamarine, which makes it even more luxurious.”
“Hmm...”
No, this is not appropriate either.
I felt that cufflinks or cufflinks were not very meaningful to the Duke.
“Not that too?”
“It doesn't touch me very strongly. Maybe it's because it's a ready-made product...”
“There's still time until the Duke's birthday. Why not make something custom-made, even if it's more expensive?”
Melissa stifled a laugh as she looked at her sister.
She was saying exactly what Ruelia wanted, as shown by the trembling of her lips.
Ruelia concealed her excitement and asked cautiously:
“Is this better?”
“Yes, you received a lot from the Duke at the party. We should give a thank you gift of this caliber.”
“Okay, I'll do it.”
Ruelia's eyes sparkled with her sister's strong support.
The shopkeeper's face also lit up. Once Ruelia made her decision, he took out a box hidden under the shelf.
“A rare blue diamond from the last excavation at Greenhill. Its color is pure and transparent, fit for the Duke Apert.”
The merchant's face was full of confidence as he opened the box.
“Wow, it shines even before polishing!”
Melissa looked at the stone in wonder, and got a chance to touch it with gloves.
“What do you think, Ruelia?”
Melissa raised the stone in front of her eyes.
“Well, nice sure, but...”
Ruelia looked serious. Melissa nodded as if she understood.
“Is he too young for a gift?”
"Greenhill's diamonds are top-notch. Since last month, the mine owner has banned mining to increase the value of the stones, making them rare. Fit for someone as special as a duke."
The merchant quickly added, eager to l.
Melissa spoke for her sister, who was still frowning.
“They say they won't allow extraction?”
“Yes, we heard that the mine closed last month.”
Ruelia's eyebrows rose. Her eyes shook for a moment, then widened and she smiled happily.
“Okay, I'll choose this one.”
The trader took out a contract immediately upon confirmation.
Ruelia, who had decided to design the jewel, quickly finished discussions with the merchant about the design and signed the contract.
When leaving the store, Melissa said in surprise:
“You never tremble when paying? I thought you would because it's more expensive than I expected.”
Ruelia shrugged, her lips trembling with excitement.
“Ellie?”
Melissa's eyes widened in surprise, and Ruelia laughed freely.
“I won't have to save anymore. I think I'll be able to secure my retirement soon.”
Maybe because the future had changed, it would have happened sooner.
'Great, the more secure your retirement is, the better.'
Funds will be limited, but if she out-negotiates competitors, she can buy at a lower price.
'Countess Bellona, right? The largest trade in the empire has achieved great success.'
But it was unfortunate that Countess Bellona was across the street from the store, accompanied by the priest who she said was her relative.
“Not that miss?”
“No, it looks like it's not her.”
“No way… Brillion, did you check carefully?”
Incomprehensible, but it seems important.
Ruelia looked at them uncomfortably. The priest noticed her first.
He gestured to her lightly, and the countess turned.
Suddenly, the Countess opened her arms.
“Oh my God, Ruelia, Melissa! What a coincidence that we meet here.”
Ruelia realized at that moment.
'She was waiting for me here?'
No doubt the Countess wanted something from her.
* * *
“My lord the Duke, the commander of the Crown Prince’s guard is here.”
Scenario looked at Kyles at the servant's announcement.
He saw Caelus with raised eyes, a sight that would normally make servants shudder.
But Senior asked calmly.
“Shall I show him to the reception room?”
We misuse Mr. issuing orders!
Kyles was unusual today.
“Sir Duke?”
“No, bring him directly to the office.”
Cayce gripped the quill tightly.
Senior raised his eyebrows for a moment, then lowered them.
“Okay, sir.”
"I am waiting."
Caelus suddenly relaxed his hand, resting his chin on his clasped hands.
"I'm busy. Tell him to wait until I'm done."
“Okay, I will.”
Senior did not object to his master's orders, he just smiled as if he found it cute.
“If he asks about Ruelia, don’t answer. And don’t tell him where she is today.”
“Okay, I won't say anything.”
“Good, get out.”
Senior came out.
Meanwhile, Caelus rubbed his forehead, letting out a short sigh.
“Huff, fucking.”
He didn't understand what this feeling was. It was similar to what he felt when seeing Belin and Ruelia together previously.
Is it jealousy?
But there is no relationship between him and Ruelia. It seems she doesn't even know the Viscount.
Moreover, she said that he was the most handsome man in the empire and she wanted to stay with him forever as she was now.
So, there is no reason to be jealous. Even if Ruelia got married, she wouldn't leave her position as assistant, so there was no need to worry.
However…
“Annoying.”
The only thing for sure is that he doesn't like that handsome knight.
And he hates the idea of getting closer to Ruelia.
He suddenly thought that if Ruelia announced her marriage to him, he, the Crown Prince's ally, might get rid of him without permission.
This would be considered treason and make the imperial family an enemy, but…
-What is the difference between an unwanted marriage and a kidnapping?
Kyles rubbed his face with his dry hand.
Can he retract his words before the Crown Prince? Gallion will mock him forever.
But even without that, he wouldn't have done something so cowardly.
Or not?
Wouldn't it be more comfortable if he kept her by his side like this? Don't other nobles resort to worse actions to get women? They threaten their families, or take them by force.
If he imprisoned her and got her...
“I'm losing my mind.”
Kyles pressed his temples and shook his head, trying to drive away these crazy thoughts. Instead of becoming a vile, hated vermin, it would have been better to remain a respected president.
Grab your quill to finish the papers.
But he accidentally wrote Ruelia's name and the word “help” on a blank piece of paper.
Think about what exactly he wants to keep.
He glanced at the pile of papers piled up due to Ruelia's absence. He still needed help, not the Duchess…
He stared at the two words for a while, then dipped the quill into the ink. Draw a big “X” over the word “Help.”
One word remained.
Ruelia.