By Zephyria 
Sierren nobles often adorned themselves with jewels in various forms.
Among these, tiaras, made by closely connecting anywhere from dozens to hundreds of gems into a semi-circular shape, were ornaments primarily worn by women.
They were usually placed on the head, but could also be worn around the neck, hung on the chest, or at the waist. Some noblewomen even wrapped them from their wrists to their forearms. Thus, they had more surrounding components compared to rings or necklaces.
I wondered if I was the only one surprised by the fact that the center piece of this tiara, made of small diamonds intricately woven into a tangled net, was detachable. Ruben, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, led me to the fifth room where the dresses were displayed.
I had previously admired the accessory organizer placed beside the dresses.
I looked again at the countless ornaments, displayed in various colors on shelves raised to adult eye level, around chest height. Ruben, among the many jewels, skillfully found those that had been used as center pieces for that particular tiara.
The child used my hands as a shelf. I followed Ruben, cupping my hands together and placing gems of similar size and every color upon them.
“How do you… change this?”
“Some jewels have mechanisms that allow the attendants to easily change the center piece. This one is probably similar. If you cross and remove this pin at the back… See. It separates so easily.”
It was truly amazing to watch, even from right beside him. As I watched the knot loosen and re-entwine with just a few twists of the wrist, I was reminded of the first day I saw magic.
Thus, a round-cut red ruby took the place of the original Dragon Heart in the center of the tiara. It was the most transparent and sparkling gem among those that had landed in my hands.
“Let’s look for a jewelry box that can hold this… and the other center pieces. We should put the original one back in the basement, just in case.”
“Yes. I’ll be right back.”
“Alright, go ahead. After you put the items away, it will lock again if you just swap the positions of the sheep and camel reliefs. Call me if you have trouble.”
“And let’s go pick out something that would suit Ruben.”
“Mine?”
“That’s why I asked you to come along in the first place.”
Just as Ruben’s eyes widened in surprise, Benjamin’s footsteps were heard from over there.
“Your Majesty. If you’re not busy, could you tell me which of these five would best suit Marianne…?”
“…Ah. Yes. Bring them over here.”
Watching them, I couldn’t help but let out involuntary chuckles, finding their antics both cute and absurd. They poured what they were holding onto the shelf next to Ruben and then dashed off to the basement, only concerned with the Dragon Heart.
After that, we spent the rest of the time playing in the first room.
Ruben, still chuckling, was panting continuously.
The small tiaras slipping from the child’s head and mine were the kind a young girl might wear. Ruben and I both wore twenty rings on our ten fingers and seven necklaces layered around our necks.
After a while, Ruben, still catching his breath, took off the rings on his hands and rolled them over the pile of gold coins.
“Certainly, even a bank wouldn’t have this much gold coin gathered in one place. Even a rough estimate would put it well over hundreds of billions of gold, so it would cause major problems if it were all released into the market at once.”
“Is there a problem with just distributing it as monthly wages for workers or buying construction materials?”
“Yes. Gold coins are the basis of the Empire’s currency. The Empire constantly adjusts the amount of gold coins circulating in the market to prevent the price of gold from falling. Even now, they are cautiously increasing the circulation by recovering gold coins bearing the previous Emperor’s accession date.”
“Hmm.”
“It would be best to pay the reward money for the initial discoverers, a total of two million gold, from your personal assets. Also, have them sign a non-disclosure agreement. And let’s consider the rest as your emergency fund.”
“All of this?”
“Empress Argentia did the same. However, if you need to spend money, let me know too.”
“Hmm… Yes. I will.”
I wanted to hear Ruben’s opinion if he thought it was better to hoard this wealth. Still, my heart was filled with satisfaction at having gained some extra money that I could readily give him if the child ever needed gold or treasures.
Benjamin, looking utterly exhausted, waddled over with several ring boxes in his large hands.
“Please take a look at these as well.”
“Isn’t it about time we stopped and left? I’ll take the second one from the left.”
“Hmm… I’ll take the one on the far right. Young Lady Philodendor tends to wear flashy and lively outfits when she goes out.”
“Flashy and lively… How about this one?”
“These days, cutting the back of the gem into a heart shape to embed a pattern isn’t commonly used. It’s fine if you want to give the impression of gifting an antique, but since it’s not a family heirloom and something Young Lady Philodendor acquired in a way she knows, a timeless design would be better.”
“Then… then I’ll take this one. No, wait a moment. Just one more time.”
This was already the nth time.
Ruben, stopping me before I could scold him, acted kindly.
“There isn’t much time left until dawn. Bring the third one from the second batch you chose, the second and fifth from the seventh batch, and the fifth ring you just chose, and let’s examine them one last time before we leave.”
As Benjamin nodded with a serious expression, we began to take off the items we were wearing one by one and place them back on the pile of gold coins. Still, we decided to keep the necklaces we had each put on, one for Ruben and one for me, as souvenirs, so we didn’t feel entirely empty-handed.
❖ ❖ ❖
Saturday dawn.
Benjamin, his mind preoccupied, was sent back, and I knocked on the jeweler’s door.
As Ruben had instructed, I had three individuals, two Marcus and one Grimsvein, who were still groggy and bewildered, sign non-disclosure agreements and gave them promissory notes. Since I was already there with Ruben, I had them re-measure finger sizes and shapes and carefully confirm the precautions for the design Ruben requested.
Upon returning to the Imperial Palace, I immediately borrowed Ruben’s study.
It was the third Saturday of last month when Ruben and I visited his mother-in-law. Ruben had said he saw the Empress Dowager every two to three months, which was quite often, but from next month, we would have to visit the Sapphire Palace frequently to prepare the wedding attire. It would be better to curry favor beforehand.
With that thought, I took out some fine stationery, and Ruben peered at me curiously.
“Are you writing a letter to Mother? Shall I help?”
“No, it’s fine. I’ve learned enough not to write anything disrespectful now.”
“That… is true.”
Comparing Ruben’s and Lucilla’s actions, I felt I could be a bit more at ease. Even if things went wrong, Ruben wouldn’t mistreat me or drive me away. I should give what I must, say what I need to say, and return comfortably.
Firmly resolved, I picked up my pen.
However, even writing the opening greeting was a hurdle. I couldn’t bring myself to write anything, constantly bothered by Ruben, who kept peering and showing interest in the letter’s contents. I hunched over, blocking Ruben’s view with one arm while pointing at the stationery.
“Don’t look.”
“What is it? It’s a letter to my mother.”
“Still, it’s embarrassing. If things go wrong, I’ll be sure to inform Ruben and ask for help.”
“…And if they go well, you won’t tell me?”
He feigned disappointment so convincingly, his expression was truly beautiful and endearing. After pondering for a moment, I shook my head.
“Hmm. I will tell you even if it goes well.”
“Why not now…?”
“For now… please think of it as me being in the middle of Circulating Qi. I’m trying to control my emotions as I’m starting to get a grasp on how to treat my mother-in-law.”
“…Huh?”
Pushing Ruben slightly away, I refocused and began to write.
“To the most exalted and benevolent, Empress Dowager Kate Anti-Sieran.
The early summer sunlight has reached my feet. As a subordinate, it is only right that I should not be ashamed of serving my superior, yet I am unable to quell my anxious heart, having not properly served you since our last meeting. I have recently had a good opportunity…”
However, I hesitated for a moment before writing these words. Yes, it would be fine.
“I have managed to acquire a precious item that would suit you well, Mother-in-law. I humbly request that you grant me even a moment of your valuable time. I will rush to you as soon as you summon me.
With utmost respect, Michael Ernhardt.”
I handed the written letter to an attendant and instructed him to deliver it to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager when she was having her breakfast.
Although I had heard it extensively last night, Ruben had a lot of work to do today as well.
I felt a pang of pity for Ruben, who had stayed up all night playing and was now leaving for work. While he was busy on weekdays, he always made time on weekends, but whether it was because the wedding was approaching or for other reasons, I couldn’t tell. I just assumed state affairs were truly busy.
What could I do by pestering someone who claimed to be busy? After seeing Ruben into his office, I stood in the Martial arts training ground.
There must be realms higher than the Life-Death Realm, but I didn’t know how to ascend to the next step in my current state.
However, there were many things I wanted to attend to before focusing on raising my realm.
I leisurely refined the Moves I knew. I spent time arranging the sequence of the Righteous Sword, which I would later teach to Ruben, and eventually to the Knights of Duke Ernhardt’s Territory. It would take quite a long time to master this as well, to polish it with martial arts that could be performed by a human body.
Perhaps because I was bored.
The Empress Dowager’s reply arrived before noon.
“To Duke Ernhardt of the Crystal Palace.
I have heard you possess many things more precious than mere objects.
I will open the gates of the Sapphire Palace at any time this afternoon, so please feel free to visit.
Your friend, Grace.”
This meant she knew I was investigating the Melatia matter and was telling me to hurry over immediately.
The cold sweat that hadn’t fallen even a single drop while I was practicing sword strokes all morning trickled down my spine.