Kays Translations

Chapter 116: Matching Necklaces

Fabienne’s slender fingers opened the case fully. Her eyes widened, and one hand rose to cover her mouth.

Was jewellery truly such an overwhelming gift? Choosing it had been difficult for me, but I hadn’t expected the atmosphere to become so tense.

“This is the first time I’ve given jewellery to a girl,” I said carefully. “I hope you like it.”

When I had given special-effect rings to companions in the game, their response had been a simple word of thanks. Real people were much more complicated.

“No, it isn’t that I dislike it,” Fabienne said quickly. “I’m very happy. May I try it on?”

“Of course.”

Relief loosened my shoulders.

“Kyu!”

Mira tugged insistently at my sleeve, then gestured between my hand and the necklace.

I understood. They wanted me to place it around Fabienne’s neck.

“May I fasten it for you?”

“O-of course.”

Fabienne’s face turned red, and mine felt suddenly warm as well.

I lifted the necklace and moved behind her. Fortunately, I had practised opening and closing the clasp on my own matching piece. Fumbling now would have been humiliating.

I fastened it quickly, doing my best not to become distracted by the porcelain smoothness of her neck.

“There. What do you think?”

A servant produced a mirror with impeccable timing.

Fabienne examined the pendant from several angles.

“It’s beautiful. The colours are gentle and elegant.”

“I’m glad. For future reference, what colour do you like most?”

“I—well…” Her expression changed. “You seemed very accustomed to fastening a necklace.”

There was a faint edge in her voice.

Did she think I had done this for many other girls? That would make my claim about a first gift sound dishonest.

“No, you misunderstand. I liked the design so much that I bought the same necklace for myself. I only know the clasp because I practised with mine. Look.”

I pulled the second necklace from beneath my clothing and held it beside hers.

Fabienne froze.

Then her face turned an even deeper red.

“Fabienne, are you all right?”

“I-it is… I am…”

She seemed unable to complete a sentence.

I returned to my chair and waited until she recovered.

Once the colour in her cheeks began to settle, I raised the concern that had followed me since our arrival.

“Fabienne, is Baron Ambert unwell?”

Her happiness dimmed.

“You noticed. We tried not to worry you, but Father has been ill for some time.”

“What happened?”

“We don’t know. He’s taken several magic potions, but none helped. Eventually, he refused to drink any more.”

Considering the usual taste and appearance of local potions, I could understand his reaction.

“Would you allow him to try my antidote?”

“You made it?”

“Yes. Please keep this within your household, but I compound the potions used by House Heine and our knight order.”

I emphasised the secrecy. The servants present appeared to understand and nodded discreetly.

“I won’t tell anyone,” Fabienne promised. “But… is it safe?”

“It has completely neutralised killer-spider venom. The knights even call it the Goddess’s Secret Medicine, although it’s actually only a high-quality antidote.”

“The Goddess’s Secret Medicine…”

Hope appeared in her eyes.

“If the ordinary antidote fails, I can prepare a strong antidote next. For now, my attendants always carry emergency remedies.”

At my signal, a servant brought a pouch and removed two bottles.

“The yellow one is the antidote. The red one is an elementary stamina-recovery potion. Poison and illness can leave the body exhausted even after the cause is removed, so he should take both.”

Fabienne studied the clear liquids, then took a steadying breath.

“May I give them to Father?”

“Of course.”

I smiled to reassure her, though I was already considering what stronger treatment I would make if these failed.

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