Chapter 34. You, Me, And The Nameless Store IV
Fennell looked at the three people that were frozen stiff, starting from his disciple. Then, he lightly beckoned both Jasmine and Samua over to him. The two of them exchanged glances with each other before carefully approaching him.
Fennell did turn his glance towards me as well. Plus, the two that were caught by him had their sight fixed towards me. It was as if they were troubled with the situation and were pleading for help. Looking at the two who are dear to me, I couldn’t say no. I had no reason to.
Kaid and I stood beside each of them so that the two of them would be flanked by us. It was quite comfortable to see the relief on their faces when we did that. I’m sure Kaid must have thought the same too. He laughed and patted Samua’s head who was standing next to him, and Samua looked at me with a troubled look. Seeing that, Kaid gave me a sad look. Samua wore the same look of helplessness that he had.
As a blue box got pushed into our view, all eyes were then fixated on the box.
It was a box that had pale blue scale-like textures around its surfaces. Could its color change depend on the angle of where the light reflects? Sometimes it’s dark blue and, sometimes, it’s pale blue. It’s captivating enough that you will not get tired of it no matter how long you look at it.
“It’s so beautiful…”
I could only agree with Jasmine’s exclamation that unconsciously leaked out from her mouth. It was uttered so softly and as natural as breathing that you wouldn’t feel any force behind her words.
It is truly a beautiful box, to the point that I want to just have a touch of it. I still couldn’t believe that it was created to store something inside it.
Fennell halted his actions just as he touched the box with both of his hands. He then asked.
“This question is for all of you who have now seen the box. What kind of impression do you have on jewels?”
Being unable to determine the possible reason behind his question, I reflexively kept my mouth shut. Many people who had themselves been pulled off the rug and lost their lives when they had accidentally said unnecessarily things. However, Fennell wasn’t the type of person who would probe using questions like that, yet, my body naturally went on the defensive. I felt so ashamed of myself.
“Uhh… It’s beautiful, yet cute but expensive!”
Jasmine was the first one to answer, her eyes twinkling with excitement. She was excited to see what was inside the box. She was shaking her body gingerly and her excitement was plain to see in everyone’s eyes.
“Erm… I know my analogy may sound quite weird, but it’s like a one-of-a-kind piece of candy sculpture made by a craftsman!”
“Right! Samua’s father is a confectionery artisan! He is really good!”
Jasmine continued on with a bright smile. Her tone and expressions were as if she was talking of her own parents which had made Samua flushed sheepishly. Fennell was slightly astounded by the sight of the both of them.
I am tempted to brag to the whole world that these two adorable people are the child of Laius, that they work in the house of the Laius’s lord, and are my dearest friends.
“I don’t think it’s strange. It’s quite a nice metaphor. That’s what I think.”
“T-Thank you very much.”
“Namon. Since you always give such stiff answers, you should learn a few from him.”
“I-I asked you to keep that fact a secret, didn’t I?”
However, Fennell completely ignored the complaint that came from Namon, as he was looking towards Kaid who let out a slight grin upon seeing the scene. The moment their eyes had met, Fennell gave an eye signal towards Kaid of sorts – urging him to respond. At that instant, Kaid’s expression turned serious.
“I have to do it as well…?”
“Of course.”
“No…I … I think it’s better if I don’t?”
“I was honest enough to admit that the boy who is under my wing might be strange, and I answered him sincerely. How is it that a man who is a Lord over a territory should run away?”
Kaid looked troubled as he got thrown with the sound statement. He had this ‘weakened’ look all over his face. Seriously, as long as he doesn’t keep his guard up, he is surprisingly an easy person to understand.
“It hurts to hear you say that… But, don’t get angry, okay?”
“No, I will.”
“Namon, your teacher is quite strict.”
Namon immediately nodded his head with such vigor and agreement with Kaid. At that moment, Fennell’s hand, while still looking at Kaid, swatted the back of Namon’s head. It made me smile to get a glimpse into the daily life between the two of them.
Kaid took a glance at me and then took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.
“You can’t eat it.”
“Obviously.”
Fennell retorted as soon as Kaid made his point.
It was a perspective that was understandable, given by Kaid’s upbringing. Yes, jewels may be valuable, expensive, and beautiful. However, no matter how many of them you have, they are useless to the starving people that are right in front of you. I heard that the winters in Korchia are very harsh. So, regardless of how valuable the jewel may be. It is just a beautiful stone that isn’t capable of filling anyone’s stomach as long as there isn’t any food available in the land to exchange for it.
But that doesn’t mean that the jeweller couldn’t nod his head in agreement with the answer.
“What about you, my Lady?”
An awkward silence fell into the room, and as an attempt to lift the atmosphere, Kaid prompted for my response even before Fennell could do it. Whenever he is in trouble or if he feels uncomfortable, I want to help him get out of that situation as soon as possible. I turned to Kaid and gave him a small smile.
I’m not sure if it’s considered fortunate or not, but my impression towards jewels was already firmly established. So it wasn’t that difficult for me to answer.
“A charm.”
All of them blinked widely at my answer. But Fennell was different, his eyes were wide.
“Did you mean a good luck charm?”
Jasmine asked me with her eyes full of wonder, and I said yes.
“Jewels are very expensive and valuable after all.”
“You’re right! They’re surprisingly so expensive! Also, they’re so beautiful where you would think it’s natural for them to be that beautiful! It’s really amazing!”
“Yes, it is. As such, you would want to be worthy of it if you’re going to use it. Most of the time, I would wear my jewelry in public. So that if I ever end up becoming very tired, if my head hurts, if my feet hurt, if I’ve had a long chat with someone I don’t like, if I want to go home; I will remember that I am wearing a beautiful piece of jewelry and it makes me stand up firmer. It gives me strength, because I know I can’t afford to look bad when I’m wearing something so beautiful.”
“Ah! So that’s why it’s a good luck charm! I have something like that too! When I wear my new clothes, shoes, or even hair ornaments, I feel like I will try a bit harder. If it’s a cute outfit, I would want to do my hair properly too!”
Jasmine was the only one who had caught the gist and understood my words easily. But, for the men, they seemed to be having trouble taking it in.
But there was something wrong with Fennell. He kept staring at me. If it weren’t for the frightening seriousness shown in his eyes, you’d think that he was glaring at you. I’m not sure it was because of what I had said that might be odd, but I feel like it’s wrong to look away now, so I stared back at him.
Then, in a flash, like a swift flow of currents, Fennell slapped Namon on the back of his head.
“How could the disciple of a jewelry artisan be dumbfounded by the response he gets?”
“Y-yes! I’ll be more diligent!”
When Samua saw Namon struggling so desperately to straighten his posture and his back, he muttered softly, “I’m glad I’m a butler…”
However, that didn’t go unheard by Jasmine as she whispered to him, “A butler that fails to understand the heart of his mistress will get reprimanded, you know~”
Hearing that, Samua turned to face me with a very saddened expression on his face.
However, I noticed. I noticed that the sad and anxious stares towards me didn’t come from Samua alone. Kaid was looking just as melancholic.
I ended up becoming flustered as I tried to tell them that I wouldn’t get angry with them. Just after I finished my words, I heard a soft clack sound and focused my attention back to Fennell. He was trying to open the lid of the box without bothering to give anyone any warning. Jasmine quickly rushed up and tried to peep into the contents of the blue box.
“Go ahead.”
Except for the first sound, the box opened with little noise made, I didn’t realise that initially. The reason being that I was entranced by the beautiful blue that was filling the already mesmerizing blue box.
“It’s beautiful…”
This time, it was my turn to let my thoughts escape from my mouth.
The silver body of the box was studded with blue jewels, which, depending on the angle, would appear in different shades of blue. The multiple layers of blue light resembled the beauty of the natural creation despite it supposed to be artificial. It was so beautiful that it seemed like it’s something that I should not touch. It felt as if I got swallowed up by a terrifyingly enthralling blue light.
In that box revealed a delicate teal necklace that took my breath away.
“Well then, can you tell me the motif for the necklace?”
I was so mesmerized by the item that I could barely hear Fennell’s words. However, if it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t be able to snap out of it. That’s right. That was his original intention for opening the box.
They must have been just as fascinated as I was. Jasmine and the others appeared flustered and started to stutter.
“Er… Let’s see… Flowers!”
“Wrong.”
“It’s no use! Even if I get it right, I can’t afford to buy it!”
It’s nice to see Jasmine thinking and grieving with all her might at the same time. The focus that was lost due to the jewel’s beauty returned almost instantly. As expected, Jasmine is amazing.
“I know I’m wrong but… sugar sculpting.”
“You’re right. It’s wrong.”
“Of course, isn’t it…”
It seemed that Samua gave the answer despite knowing that it’s definitely a mistake. His standard of beauty must be art produced and created by confectioners. That itself is a lovely sensibility.
“Stars.”
“Definitely wrong.”
“Hey…I knew that it would be wrong, but you’re being quite hard only towards me.”
The three of them were utterly defeated. Which means that I am the only one left who had the right to answer. Earlier, I was taken aback by the allure, but now, I had to think this through.
As I gazed at it, I saw a small blue jewel, reflecting in the light and scattering a shimmering blue light. At first, I thought that it might be ‘Water’. However, something didn’t sit right with that and denied my thought. Something… was bugging me. Ever since meeting Fennell for the first time – something was gnawing at me.
Who is he in the first place? Kaid did mention that he had some sort of relation with me. Child… and jewels…
The necklace was embellished with other smaller pieces of the blue jewel. A blue necklace that seemed to move according to the angle. Yes, it may undulate but it isn’t water. It’s a living thing. However, I don’t know any creature that has this color. I don’t know but…
I actually don’t have any confidence in it. I didn’t even mean to say it in the first place. But the word slipped out my mouth without me realizing it.
“…Dragon.”
Fennell’s eyes that had been staring at me for quite some time, widened in surprise.
『Then, I will make a necklace that is strong enough to protect you, my Lady.』
I remembered. The child that wore the hat lower than needed.
『So, I would like to request my Lady to name my shop when the time comes.』
Wasn’t there a lock of silver hair that was peeking out from the hat? I recalled the boy whose name I did not know of, whose features that I could only remember, was the smile reflected on his face. As soon as I knew what the necklace was based on, it came back to me all of the sudden.
『It’s a promise.』
He…is that child.