Chapter 252: Present

“Brother Julius, that one is good!”

“Kyu.”

“Uh, I think it’s still a little too soon Rosalia, don’t you?”

　Rosalia pointed to a ring with a large, rugged gemstone on it. I’m guessing emerald, judging by the color.　It was quite large. It didn’t seem to fit Rosalia’s small finger. On the contrary, she might scratch her finger with the ring and hurt herself.

“Rosalia, you musn’t bother Julius.”

“I’m not disturbing him. I am helping him.”

“Kyu!”

　The salon became lively after Rosalia’s arrival. Mira also came with her, which added to the excitement. While mother was soothing Rosalia, I looked for a present for Miss Fabienne.

　It seems that a hair clip would be good, but there are so many different kinds that I have no idea what’s good. If I use my “Appraisal” skill, I can at least get an idea of the quality.

“How about this one, sister-in-law Daniela?”

“Isn’t it a bit plain?　I’ve never met Miss Fabienne, so I don’t know, but it gives a dark impression.”

“I see.”

　I don’t know if it was because I was a guy or if I had no sense of style, but I tended to choose dark blue or green colors. Then, when I chose a safe-looking diamond, I was told, “Isn’t that too common?” What should I do?

“It’s difficult, Father.”

“Yes, it is. I wish you had a wife next to you like mine.”

　Father said in a whisper that only I could hear. Next to him, mother, her eyes shining brightly, leaned forward, her eyes devouring the jewelry.

“I like this one, Max. It goes perfectly with the dress I just bought.”

“Hmm, it looks great on you, Amelia. I’m looking forward to seeing your new dress.”

“I know you are. I know you are.”

　Mother is in good spirits as she selects jewelry. If only Miss Fabienne was next to me. Gunnu. Looking closer, I see that both Alex and Cain are choosing jewelry together with their fiancées. Gununununu!”

“I want to go home. I want to go home and shut myself in my room.”

“Julius, if you don’t fight, you won’t be able to face reality.”

　Somehow, with some encouragement from Nero, I look for a present. I think Miss Fabienne is a neat and tidy young lady, so I think something cool and refreshing, pale blue or white, to match her.

“Then it’s possible that she already has something in a similar color.”

“Indeed, Nero may be right.”

　Just as I was about to wince in despair, a black crystal came into my vision.

　Magic crystal stone: A stone that can accumulate magic power. Its color changes depending on the nature of the magic power it contains.

　Magic crystal!　I didn’t think it existed in this world. Magic recovery potions are consumables, but this is a recycled product that can be used over and over again as long as it is refilled with magic power. Moreover, it doesn’t make your stomach chatter like magic medicine.

　I picked up the hair clip without thinking. Even if it wasn’t a gift, I would want it.

“Oh, you’re choosing something quite plain again.”

“Oh, did you perhaps choose it to match your eye color?　That would be nice too.”

　Sister-in-law Meeka giggles. Brother Cain was standing next to her holding a tray with rings and necklaces on it. It seems that he was able to pick out a gift without incident. He looks like a pastry chef, though.

“Heavy ……”

　When Brother Cain was about to say something, Mother covered his mouth. How rude of him. It’s not heavy at all. It’s going to change color from now on. It’s not like I want to dye it any color!

“I’m buying this.”

“Julius-chan, are you sure you want this one?　I don’t think it’s bad. ……”

　Daniela-sister-in-law said so with reservation. She’s probably thinking, “this isn’t it.” I would have thought so too if things had stayed this way.

“It’s okay, this Is fine.”

“This is a black crystal. It is a very rare gemstone. I think it would make a nice gift for someone special.”

　The jeweler was desperately trying to make an appeal. Although it is special, the price is not that high. I should buy this one before the price goes up. mother looked a little troubled, but did not say no. She placed the hair clip she had purchased on the tray Nero was holding.

“Julius, don’t you think you should pick something else?”

　Brother Alex lowers his eyebrows. This is the expression he makes when he is troubled. It seems that he is worried about me. But don’t worry.

“It’s all right, Brother Alex. This gemstone is a mysterious gem that changes color when you put magic power into it.”

“It changes color?”

　My mother, who let out a high-pitched voice, closed the distance with a squeak. She was quick. And the distance is close. Her ample breasts swayed gently in front of my eyes.

“tha-that’s right.  So I thought I would put my magical power into this and present it to Miss Fabienne…”

“Does that color have any meaning?”

“It is the color of one’s strongest attribute. If it’s fire, it’s red, if it’s water, it’s blue, and so on.”

　While I was talking with brother Alex, everyone gathered around. Naturally, father was there as well. He was looking at us with stern eyes. Rosalia and Mira were both tilting their heads. They probably had no idea what was going on.

“Well then, Julius, give it a try.”

“What?　Here?”

“Yeah”

　I don’t know what it is, but I have a bad feeling about this. Don’t do it. It’s dangerous, dangerous. It’s a trap. It’s a trap, it’s a trap set by brother Alex. I let my eyes wander, hoping to find a way around it. But no one helped me. On the contrary, they were looking at me with interest.

“Oh, I understand.”

　In the end, I couldn’t refuse and put magic power into the magic stone. The only thing that will happen is that it will change to the color of the attribute that you are good at and you will probably be a little surprised.

　…… Wait, what was my specialty attribute again?　As I recall, I had maxed out all of my magic skills for all of my attributes – bad, I feel very bad!

“What …… is this ……?”

　 mother exclaimed!

“It’s so beautiful!”

　sister-in-law Meeka rejoiced!

“It’s changing its color to seven different shades. It’s so beautiful.”

　Sister-in-law Daniela is oohing and ahhing!

“…… Julius, what attribute color is this?”

　Brother Alex, your smile scares me. You know that, don’t you?　You already know, don’t you, big brother?　You’re hunting down your cute little brother, you demon!

“Uh, all of them?　Hahaha ……”

　I tried to cover it up with a dry laugh. But, however, father and mother grabbed me by the shoulders!

“Julius, may I have a word with you?”

“Yes, that would be good. I was just getting tired, you know.”

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter