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Chapter 26
4. What Do You Mean, Two Lights?
“Your Highness, a gift has arrived from Demeter.”
“Demeter?”
At the unfamiliar name, the Princess closed her book and tilted her head slightly. Ella carefully set a red box down in front of Adeline.
“It’s the name of the merchant guild that mined the gemstone said to emit two kinds of light.”
“Oh, that one. I heard the rumors were false. They say it’s a fake made with magic, disguised as a real gemstone.”
Even as she said that, Adeline’s eyes sparkled with interest as she examined the box. The red case alone radiated luxury.
“Let’s see whether the liar is the Ezeid Trading Company—or this Demeter. We’ll know once we see it for ourselves.”
Ella, equally curious about the truth behind the rumors, stared intently at the box. With a soft click, it opened to reveal a hair vine crafted in the shape of delicate blossoms.
Slender, intricate branches stretched in several directions, each adorned with clusters of tiny flowers blooming in brilliant splendor.
At the base of the branches sat a single, large flower carved entirely from one massive piece of Alexandrite, its presence commanding attention.
It looked as if it had just bloomed—alive with vitality, glowing in a teal shade neither of them had ever seen before. It resembled emerald, yet its mysterious luster was distinctly different, impossible to look away from.
The gemstone’s natural beauty played a part, but the synergy between masterful cutting and the unconventional design was nothing short of revolutionary.
They didn’t even need to check the appraisal certificate.
This was real. Who dared call it fake?
After seeing such beauty, no one would recklessly utter such nonsense again.
“So the rumor was a lie. They couldn’t get their hands on it, so they spread malicious gossip. I knew it already, but that old man is still just as shady as ever.”
Though it was praise, her tone remained blunt from start to finish. Ella inhaled softly, as if to caution her about her language.
“Your Highness…”
Even while speaking, neither of them could tear their eyes away from the Alexandrite.
Beneath the hair ornament, the name Alexandrite was written in elegant gold cursive.
“Alexandrite…”
To think such a beautiful gemstone existed.
“It seems they’ve given it as a gift.”
“They’re probably aiming for publicity.”
There was also a clear confidence behind the gesture. The box and the ornament were all that had been sent.
There wasn’t even a note politely asking for favor or consideration. No flattering words. Just the box and the jewelry.
That boldness intrigued Adeline.
Rather than offend her pride, it earned her favor. In truth, she had no intention of refusing such a gem.
If she rejected it out of stubborn pride, who knew whose hands it might end up in?
Demeter’s intention was obvious: they wanted her to wear it to the upcoming banquet.
“I’ll gladly wear it.”
Above all, sending it to her—and not someone else—meant they acknowledged her aesthetic taste and influence in high society.
They had discerning eyes.
Ella handed her a neatly folded description sheet.
“There’s an explanation included. It says the color changes depending on the lighting.”
“They advertised it as a gemstone with two colors from the beginning. Bring a lamp—and dim the room.”
Then something astonishing happened.
The gemstone’s color shifted from teal to red—no, closer to a deep violet hue.
Under sunlight, it had bloomed like a green-blue flower full of life. In darkness, it radiated mystery.
As Adeline traced the hair vine with her eyes, hardly daring to touch it, a thought suddenly struck her.
The Empress had also contacted Asura at the same time she had. The only way to reach Demeter was through Asura.
“My mother?”
“Her Majesty the Empress must have received hers as well. You both made the request through Asura together!”
“I must go see it at once.”
She wanted to see another Alexandrite design. It had been a long time since a gemstone had made her heart race like this.
Just as she prepared to leave—
“Her Majesty the Empress arrives!”
“Mother?”
The doors opened, and the Empress entered with graceful poise. Behind her, a maid carried a red box. The Empress’s gaze briefly settled on the box before Adeline.
“My dear, may I see your gemstone?”
“If you show me yours as well.”
“As much as you like.”
The Empress had received a necklace.
It featured a rare design: irregularly cut raw stones linked together. Yet it did not look crude in the slightest. Rather, it displayed a craftsman’s boldness and brilliance simultaneously.
Small square-cut stones and silver-toned, nail-sized cylindrical gems formed an impressive composition.
Most striking was the teardrop-cut gem that fell perfectly against the collarbone, drawing admiration effortlessly.
“Of all the gemstones I’ve seen, this is without a doubt the finest.”
“Indeed.”
“Your Majesty, Your Highness. There is a certificate and a note inside the upper part of the box.”
So captivated by the jewelry, they had overlooked it.
Inside the lid was a palm-sized card, and beneath it lay an envelope containing the appraisal certificate.
The certificate bore authentication from both the temple and a certified appraiser.
With such thorough verification—and even a Grade 1 rating—no one could dare call this gemstone fake anymore.
Then Adeline’s eyes fell upon the card.
It was striking and luxurious enough to command attention immediately.
Against a black background, a fierce red buffalo was embossed in gold foil on the right side. On the left was the name:
Demeter
Adeline spoke it aloud.
“Demeter.”
There were no flowery phrases. Yet that single name imprinted itself firmly in her mind.
On the back, the date and location of the auction hall were written briefly.
Despite the lack of elaborate wording, both the Empress and the Princess memorized the date.
Everything was proceeding exactly according to Coco’s plan.
* * *
The day of the festival dawned.
Even the small estate was filled with excitement from early morning. I stood at the door, facing the Viscount and It.
As always, they had come to warn me—just in case I tried to sneak out.
“From today until the festival ends, you are not to leave the house. Understood?”
“Yes, Viscount.”
“The maids will bring your meals as usual.”
In reality, during the week-long festival, I would receive food at most three times. There had even been times when I received none at all.
When that happened, I survived on leftover kitchen ingredients with Oried’s help.
I could do the same this time. I could secretly buy festival food—but the smell would give me away, and it wouldn’t keep long.
It smirked at me.
“Father, if you permit, just for one day I—”
“No!”
The Viscount shouted before It could finish. Startled, It stepped back.
The Viscount grabbed his arm roughly and moved a little farther away.
“Close the door.”
I obediently shut it—and immediately pressed myself against it, placing my ear close.
Apparently, he never imagined I’d eavesdrop. He didn’t lower his voice much as he scolded It.
“If rumors spread that she’s fooling around with another man, do you think we’ll get a proper price for her? You fool! Use your head!”
The words were disgusting—but honestly, I felt relieved.
I didn’t want my first festival outing to become a terrible memory because of It.
“…I’m sorry,” It muttered, sounding utterly dejected.
Still uneasy, the Viscount warned him again.
I knew It’s recent behavior had displeased him.
“If you so much as think of taking Coco outside, give it up. The day you’re caught, I will never forgive you. Remember, my patience is already at its limit.”
“Yes, Father…”
When their conversation ended, I quickly stepped away from the door.
The Viscount flung it open and beckoned me closer.
“The guards will be watching. Don’t entertain foolish thoughts.”
“Yes, Viscount. I’ll stay in my room as always.”
“Good.”
For nearly eight years, I had never once escaped or gone outside on a festival day. The Viscount said nothing more and left with It.
A knight jerked his chin arrogantly toward the inside.
“Get in.”
“Yes. Thank you for your hard work.”
I bowed politely to the knight guarding the door and went inside.
Soon enough, he would leave his post and wander elsewhere—returning only before the Viscount and his wife came back.
I had no intention of leaving anyway.
Not only did I have no desire to enjoy the festival—this day was the best opportunity to search the estate.
I had been doing so steadily, but unfortunately found nothing. Well—except for the safe in the study.
But some kind of magic protected it. Even Oried couldn’t see inside.
I couldn’t touch it for now—but I refused to give up.
Who knew? There might be something suspicious like that safe hidden elsewhere.
It was best to locate everything in advance.
When everyone was out celebrating, leaving the main house and annex empty—that was my chance.
Though a few servants always remained, limiting my freedom of movement.
Still, I wanted to try.
“Ori, is anyone nearby?”
[I’ll check!]
Thanks to the spirit manual Venus gave me, I could handle Oried more efficiently. Since he was a low-level spirit, I still had to give verbal commands—but even that was more than enough.
Bay and Venus had invited me to see the festival together, but I declined, saying I had work to do.
It was a little disappointing—but it was fine.
After I find that child, we can enjoy ourselves to our hearts’ content.
I walked over to my old desk and sat down, pulling out a notepad.
I began writing down the second plan. If I organized everything now, I could act immediately when an opportunity appeared.
Before long, Oried returned.
[There are still many people in the estate. Especially the main house!]
“Then I might not be able to leave my room today.”
It couldn’t be helped. The timing had rarely aligned perfectly anyway.
[Can I show myself?]
“Of course.”
As if waiting for permission, Oried popped into view on my desk and leaned against my hand as I held my pen.
Soft and squishy.
I looked out the window. The weather was bright and clear.
In two days, the imperial banquet would begin in earnest.
“I hope everything goes well.”
[It will! I’m here, aren’t I?!]
“Yes. I have you, Ori.”
I buried my face in Oried’s plump belly.
Soft.
It felt nice.
