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Chapter 15
If the discoloration effect is this distinct, this gem is practically guaranteed to fetch a high price.
I was more excited than I expected.
“It’s dazzling, like it’s capturing the emerald sea…”
It was my first time seeing it in person, so I was a little amazed too. When I pulled the gem away from the sunlight, the red color with more purple undertones reappeared.
I had expected it to be ruby-colored, but the purple was stronger.
Every time I discover a gem from now on, I might get some details wrong. After all, I had only glimpsed them in my past life, so I didn’t know them in detail. Still, the sparkle under sunlight was enough to mesmerize anyone for a moment.
Since it was a newly discovered mineral, Bay seemed even more excited than I was.
“Let’s move somewhere first, Coco. To my office.”
As soon as we arrived at the office, Bay set up a small desk lamp on the table and placed the cut gem beneath it.
It wasn’t as dazzling as under the sunlight, but the brilliance was still clear enough to be stunning.
“Not only does it change between two colors, but look at this shade. Under sunlight, it’s almost as if the light pours onto the floor—it’s that beautiful.”
Bay couldn’t seem to take her eyes off the gem. It was no wonder; a gem that changes color like magic depending on day and night was mesmerizing.
“There’s a reason you were so confident, Coco. A gem like this…! Nobles would flock to buy it, even if it meant giving up their entire fortune.”
“It has to be worth buying. Probably not many will come across it.”
Its unparalleled beauty made it even rarer, making it more expensive and highly prized.
“That’s perfect. The appraiser says it’s classified as a grade-one gem. Among all discovered gems, this one is clearly the best. They’d have to create a higher grade just for it!”
“That’s a relief.”
Gems really do hold a value like small real estate. Starting with gems was definitely a good choice.
Hearing Bay’s words, I couldn’t help but exhale in relief.
Anyone from Asura’s staff would know a gem of this quality. Bay, who had been praising it constantly, suddenly looked at me and stretched her lips into a grin.
“So, what’s the name of this gem?”
“…The gem’s name?”
“You discovered it first, so naturally, Coco, you should name it.”
Before my possession, I had only stumbled across the gem online while browsing beautiful gem collections. There was a short description and the origin of each gem’s name.
Fortunately, I clearly remembered the origin of this gem’s name—it was simple. A king had named it to commemorate his second-year ascension.
Though derived in that way, there was no need to rename it. There wouldn’t be another king with the same name.
Without hesitation, I answered,
“Alexandrite.”
One of the most beautiful gems in the world. Two colors.
The gem was called Alexandrite.
Bay slowly rolled the name on her tongue.
“Alexandrite…”
Did she not like it?
I instinctively held Oriéde tightly with both hands, feeling my heart race along with Bay’s. Bay nodded slightly and then spoke,
“That’s a wonderful name!”
Thank goodness. I thought she might be surprised that it wasn’t named after a person.
“I’ve already asked them to speed up the mining.”
“Then could you deliver this gem to the artisans? It’d be great if they could prepare drafts inspired by its colors so that once the raw stone is supplied, they can start working immediately.”
“I’ll take care of it. Anything else you’d like?”
“A necklace and earrings, and also a very small necklace of similar circumference. Could you give me the best raw stones first?”
“For gifts to Bay and Venus?”
“Ah.”
I paused, realizing I had spoken oddly. It was indeed to give as gifts to Venus and Bay. Since I couldn’t carry the raw stones myself, I had no choice but to ask Bay.
I felt my face heat up at how blatantly I’d asked.
I shyly hid my face behind Oriéde and mumbled,
“Since I discovered it first, I wanted to give it as a gift… to the two people I’m most grateful to…”
“I should be the one thanking you. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this excited about a business venture. Even if you said no, I’d still want to cling to it and work alongside you.”
“Thank you for the kind evaluation.”
“Likewise. Ah, I’ll keep it a secret from Venus.”
I carefully set Oriéde down again and earnestly asked Bay. Even if she noticed, it wouldn’t stop my intention to give the gift. Coco decided to be a little more brazen.
“Bay, don’t refuse my gift either.”
“Of course not. In fact, people often get anxious if they don’t accept gifts, so I’m happy to take them.”
Finally, I relaxed a little.
“And the small necklace?”
“Ah, I want to give it to Ori.”
“Ori?”
[Me! My necklace!]
Even though she couldn’t hear it, Oriéde raised her little hand excitedly. Bay looked at Oriéde’s neck and understood immediately.
“But won’t it reveal that it’s Alexandrite?”
[What! You know nothing!]
Even though it wouldn’t reach Bay, Oriéde protested with her entire body. Bay immediately caught on to her displeasure.
“Haha. Seems like she’s saying not to interfere and to keep her mouth shut. She’s confident it won’t be found out. Right?”
When Oriéde nodded, Bay looked at her in amazement.
Being a spirit, she seemed fascinated. Venus had also looked at Oriéde curiously the first time she appeared.
“Wouldn’t Ori just hide it herself if you gave it to her?”
“She doesn’t have the skill to hide objects. But why call her Ori if she’s a round doll?”
“She thinks she looks like a duck, even though she’s a round doll.”
“Oh, so it’s a setup?”
No, it’s not a setup.
Bay seemed to think I was roleplaying with Oriéde. It was just a joke.
“Then I’ll cast a spell on the finished necklace. It’ll look ordinary to anyone else. I know a good mage for that.”
“Wow, thank you!”
Whatever the reason, I welcomed that kind of consideration.
“Can I request the artisans directly?”
“No. Even though they know, it’s a gift. I want to request it myself.”
They would put the most effort into the first piece. I wanted them to give it to Oriéde, Bay, and Venus.
Thinking of the precious people naturally made me think of that child too.
At first, my thoughts were filled with that child. Now, I had bonds just as important, and good results in hand.
So, I wanted to prepare a share for that child too. I believed a day would come when I could give it to them.
“Ah… sorry, could I add one more to the three shares?”
“Why not? It’s your Alexandrite.”
I might end up using all the Alexandrite myself at this rate.
After the discovery of the Alexandrite, Bay became busier than ever before.
So I decided to deliver this to Venus. Of course, that was just an excuse to visit.
I had a bag with strawberry jam sandwiches. This morning, I had prepared a simple meal to eat with Venus and Oriéde.
Since Oriéde had revealed herself, she hadn’t left my head or shoulder. Of course, she hid in front of the viscount couple.
More than hiding, it was that she didn’t want to spit if seen, so she covered herself.
“Big ones are for Venus, don’t touch them. You got two.”
[Okay!]
Right beside me, a sweet, clear voice sounded, almost melting my ears.
“Not many people to talk to, I see? Talking to a doll.”
Who is this?
Even though I didn’t answer, Headwin spoke again.
“True. Who’d want to talk to you after being treated that way by humans? Right, Coco?”
He looked very different from the Headwin I knew.
The old Headwin, clumsy with expressions, had become composed and skilled at hiding intentions.
Even now, he calmly and gently provoked me.
As I tried to pass silently to avoid the hostile Headwin, he suddenly blocked my way and examined my ankle.
“Did you hurt someone again?”
Just when I thought he’d pass, Headwin knelt on one knee and used his power to heal me.
The throbbing pain vanished.
The male lead’s abilities were truly exceptional.
What a surprise. I thought he’d ignore me.
I had gotten used to walking as if nothing happened in front of the viscount, so no one noticed.
Still, I didn’t forget to thank him.
“Th-thank you.”
Headwin, momentarily frozen, alternated looking between me and my ankle, then stared at me in surprise.
“…Excuse me?”
His odd reaction made me wave my hand. Headwin brushed it away and quickly moved on.
Judging by that, it seemed he healed me unconsciously.
Truly professional dedication.
Oriéde and I watched him walk away for a moment before looking elsewhere.
I rotated my ankle and marveled at the pain that was gone.
[What! I thought he was annoying, but he’s kind of nice!]
Having healed me, Oriéde’s usual glare softened a little.
Venus took a bite of the strawberry jam sandwich and smiled in satisfaction.
“To think there’s a place selling these sandwiches near the temple. I didn’t notice even though I often pass by.”
“Tasty, right? I buy these sandwiches from time to time.”
Even saying just that, she must have guessed I secretly bought them from the viscount couple. She continued eating with delight.
After finishing, I handed her water. She smiled gratefully, took a sip, and summarized briefly.
“So, Oriéde will now appear openly, and you mined Alexandrite at the mine?”
“Yes. Bay will bring a sample shortly. Let’s look together.”
“I’m excited. Bay rarely gets this excited.”
Bay had been excited the first time starting a business with Venus, when that business succeeded, and when she first checked her bank balance.
“With so many businesses, excitement naturally fades.”
“I’m proud to have made Bay this excited.”
Venus gently stroked my hair. It made me feel elated.
At the same time, my heart throbbed remembering that child, and guilt lingered, making it hard to fully enjoy my happiness.
I unconsciously avoided Venus’s touch.
