Kays Translations

Chapter 395: The Value of Magic Crystals Stones

I moved around the second floor of the jewelry store, searching carefully. As a result, I managed to find a total of three raw magic crystal stones—two small ones and one slightly larger one.

The store clerk was surprised when they saw the gemstones we had chosen.

“Sir, are you sure these are what you want? They are certainly rare gemstones, but as you can see, their color isn’t very good, so they’re not very popular.”

“I don’t mind. I’ll take them.”

The clerk had a slightly uncertain expression but didn’t say anything further. They probably thought that pushing the issue would put me in a bad mood. We proceeded to the checkout counter. Compared to other gemstone raw materials, magic crystal stones were significantly cheaper. Even all three combined cost less than the raw ruby that Rosalia had chosen.

“What would you like to do with these raw stones? Our store offers polishing and processing services.”

“I’ll take them as they are.”

“Understood. By the way, are you specifically looking for these gemstones? If so, we can arrange to find them for you.”

The clerk said this while looking at the raw magic crystal stones. I see, that’s an option too. If I arrange for the jewelry store to prioritize buying them when they go to auctions, I could efficiently collect more magic crystals.

However, at the same time, it would become widely known that the Heine Count’s family is gathering these raw stones. That might draw attention to magic crystal stones, causing their price to skyrocket.

“No, that won’t be necessary. I’ll just come back to this store and purchase them again when I need them.”

“I see,” the clerk said, lowering their eyebrows. Were they hoping to charge a fee for the service? They looked slightly disappointed. Seeing that Alex-niisan didn’t say anything, I assumed my decision was the correct one.

After finishing the transaction, we headed downstairs. On the way, my brother asked,

“Are you sure you don’t want to have the raw stones polished?”

“I don’t mind. I’ve been wanting to try polishing them myself.”

“I’d like to try as well.”

“Then we’ll need to make a polishing machine when we get back.”

Alex-niisan gave us a wry smile. Well, we did just casually say we’d make a polishing machine. That reaction was understandable. But the truth is, I can make one. After all, it’s a tool that exists in the game. As long as I have the materials, I can easily build it without even needing a blueprint. And all the necessary materials are already in the workshop.

When we returned to the first floor, we reunited with our parents and told them about today’s findings. They didn’t say anything about Rosalia sneakily buying a raw ruby, and Alex-niisan seemed relieved that she didn’t get scolded.

“For such a large store to only have three available, it must be quite rare.”

“That’s what I thought too, but there’s also the possibility that they don’t stock them simply because they don’t sell well. The clerk asked if they should prioritize buying more, but I declined for now.”

“I see. It wouldn’t be good for others to find out that we’re collecting them. I checked the first floor too, but I didn’t see anything similar.”

“So it seems like the ones mixed in when we invited jewelers to the mansion were just a coincidence.”

As we talked, we began looking for decorative accessories to give Fabienne as a present. Unlike the second floor, the showcases here were filled with sparkling items, and Rosalia’s eyes sparkled just as brightly while looking at them.

“It’s hard to decide. I’ve already given her a necklace and a ring before, so maybe I should go with earrings this time?”

When I looked into Fabienne’s face, she gave me a bright smile. That must mean it’s OK. I feel like I’m gradually starting to understand her.

With that in mind, we focused on looking at earrings. Would large gemstones be too heavy on the ears? I wouldn’t know since I’ve never worn them myself. For now, I’ll keep an eye on Fabienne’s expression and pick out something that seems good.

“Father, I like this one!”

Rosalia was pointing at an expensive-looking bracelet. It was obviously too big for her wrist. It would slip off easily. Father was smiling, but he was probably troubled inside. Even now, he kept glancing at Mother, silently asking for help.

“What about that one, Fabienne?”

“The earrings with the blue gemstone? I think they’re lovely.”

Even while keeping an eye on Father, I didn’t miss the way Fabienne’s gaze stopped on those earrings. I immediately called a store clerk to have her try them on. The color closely resembled her eyes—it was a perfect match.

“It’s a beautiful color. It really suits you.”

“D-Do you think so?”

As I said it out loud, I realized what I meant. A beautiful color—meaning, Fabienne’s eye color was also beautiful. She seemed to have already noticed, as her face turned bright red. My parents and Alex-niisan watched us warmly. This is kind of embarrassing.

I decided on those earrings as Fabienne’s present. I had planned to look for more, but she insisted that one was enough and wouldn’t budge. I still had plenty of pocket money, so I wished she wouldn’t have held back.

In the end, Rosalia didn’t get the bracelet she wanted—Mother had convinced her to give up on it. As expected of Mother, she’s reliable. Instead, Rosalia picked out a small gold necklace.

Should I buy something too? Since I came here with Fabienne, maybe I should have her pick something for me.

“Fabienne, if you don’t mind, could you choose a gemstone for me too?”

“I don’t mind, but… the money…”

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about that. Of course, the Heine Count’s family will cover the cost.”

Mother must have overheard our conversation because she said that with a smile. Could it be that she’s been concerned about how little jewelry I wear? Father and my older brother both wear some as accents, after all.

In contrast, the only jewelry I wear is that one ring. Occasionally, I wear the matching necklace with Fabienne. Maybe, as a noble, I should start wearing more accessories.

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