Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 115: Do Gifts Need to Sparkle?
Chloe and Caro weren’t the only people to whom I wrote. I also sent a letter to Fabienne, whom I intended to draw ever deeper into magic pharmacology.
Letters to the royal capital and distant estates took time, but Fabienne lived within the Heine Margraviate and replied quickly.
“The Ambert family has completed a compounding room,” I said after reading her invitation. “She wants me to inspect it. Of course I must go.”
“Kyu!”
“You want to come as well? You must be tired of walking only in our garden.”
“Kyu!”
The gardens of House Heine were larger than those of most noble estates, yet they still seemed too small for Mira.
I immediately replied that I would visit whenever convenient.
A few days later, an agreed date arrived, and I began preparing.
Bringing sweets was customary, but I wanted to give Fabienne something more personal. Ingredients for toner and hand cream would be practical, though hardly memorable as a social gift.
“Julius, what’s troubling you?” Mother asked when she found me brooding in the salon.
I explained. She narrowed her eyes over the top of her fan with a knowing smile.
She had clearly misunderstood my relationship with Fabienne. We weren’t engaged—or anything similar—at least not yet.
“Why not give her jewellery?” Mother suggested. “A piece you choose yourself would surely please her.”
Jewellery was a conventional gift for women, but I had never selected any. I summoned a jeweller to the estate for advice.
The following day, the shop owner arrived with numerous samples.
“I know very little about jewellery,” I admitted. “Please guide me.”
“That’s why I’m here, Lord Julius.”
His professional smile contained a hint of amusement.
Of course. I was an eight-year-old boy announcing that he wanted to give jewellery to a girl. Anyone would find the scene entertaining.
“She’s approximately my age,” I said.
“Then I recommend a necklace. A child will outgrow a ring, and wearing a ring on a chain may irritate the skin.”
“A necklace, then. Please show me suitable examples.”
I should have asked Fabienne about her favourite colours and gemstones. Our conversations always concerned plants, potions, or Mira.
Choosing the most popular design felt impersonal, so I considered the options carefully.
Eventually, I selected a clear diamond. Colourless gems were less fashionable in this kingdom, but their clean brilliance reminded me of Fabienne’s gentle nature.
“With a diamond,” the jeweller said, “a gold setting would be more elegant than silver.”
The combination of white light and gold looked beautiful.
I liked it enough to want one myself.
“Can you prepare two identical necklaces?”
“Certainly.”
He produced a matching pair remarkably quickly.
Matching jewellery could carry implications, but no one needed to know I intended to wear mine. It was merely a design I personally admired.
I paid from the income generated by selling magic-tool blueprints through the Magic Tool Guild. The price was significant but easily affordable.
With Mira accompanying me and Rosalia remaining at home under Mother’s instructions, I travelled to the Ambert estate.
Fabienne waited with Baron and Baroness Ambert at the entrance.
“We’ve been expecting you, Lord Julius,” the Baron said.
“It’s good to see you again,” the Baroness added.
“Thank you for welcoming me. Mira, greet our hosts.”
“Kyu!”
Mira raised one forepaw, and every watching face softened.
Snow lay thick around the estate, so we were quickly led indoors. The Ambert mansion also had a hot-and-cold air blower, and warm air met us in the entrance hall. No wonder nobles in the royal capital were demanding the devices.
The family salon was smaller than ours but comfortable, with winter sunlight pouring through broad windows.
Fabienne served herbal tea made from plants she had grown and dried herself.
“This has a lovely fragrance,” I said.
“I’m glad you like it.”
I presented the sweets I had brought, and the servants arranged them for tea.
After exchanging formal greetings, Baron and Baroness Ambert withdrew with the unmistakable air of parents leaving two young people to speak privately—though servants remained nearby.
Something about the Baron concerned me. He had spoken little, and his complexion had looked unusually pale.
For the moment, however, I brought out the necklace case.
“I have a gift for you, Fabienne.”
She tilted her head, opened the case, and stared in astonishment at the diamond inside.
Thanks for the chapter.
Thanks for the chapter.!
Why is he this dumb? I mean sure you want to give a present fair enough… don’t make it something that could be misunderstood and especially don’t get a pair.
How does a noble not know basic etiquette to not create misunderstandings?
tbh, there are people who may kave the knowledge but failed to apply them due to various reasons like inexperience, etc. I know I had many missed opportunities now that I thought of my younger days.