FDSML CH 25

Chapter 25

Before the news of Alperen’s broken engagement spread, a very important guest walked into Digri’s boutique.

It was none other than Alperen Ainruck, Duke of Ainruck and Master of the Magic Tower—the Empire’s “wings.”

“You said you were looking for me.”

Digri had met many powerful clients in his career, but it was rare for nobles of Alperen’s level to personally request a commission. Usually, they sent subordinates.

“I heard you’re the finest jeweler in Barnard,” Alperen said.

“You flatter me, my lord. Do you already have a specific gemstone or design in mind?”

Instead of answering, Alperen gestured to his aide.

Eden carefully placed a box on the counter.

“This is…”

“A pink diamond, mined six years ago from an Ainruck estate quarry,” Eden explained.

“Hhh—!”

Digri gasped, flushing with excitement as he opened the box.

The massive pink diamond glimmered, its reddish hues shifting with the light.

It was breathtaking. His fingers trembled. His heart, dormant for years, blazed again with the passion of a true craftsman.

“What… what do you wish me to make with this?”

“A ring.”

“O-only a ring? Nothing else?”

Surely such a gemstone deserved an entire set, not just one piece. Digri’s eyes clung to Alperen’s lips, waiting for more.

“You can create whatever other pieces you wish to match it,” Alperen said evenly. “But the ring must be finished first.”

Of course—bringing a gem like this meant only one thing.

Digri glanced at Alperen.

Moonlight seemed woven into his silver hair. His sharp blue eyes glittered like crystal. His face balanced an almost fragile beauty with a ruthless strength.

And he was already famous as a genius mage—a man with a dazzling future.

What a waste, marrying him to that brat Nanael…

Just recalling the chaos Nanael had caused at his boutique weeks ago made Digri scowl. One of his maids had even quit afterward, too shaken to stay in the industry.

“Is this… perhaps for a proposal ring?” he asked carefully.

“…Something like that.”

To see such a tall, imposing man blush—it was almost beautiful.

So he did have feelings, after all.

Pity his taste is so… low, Digri thought sourly.

Still, he wouldn’t meddle in a noble’s personal life.

“I understand, then. I’ll design a ring worthy of Princess Nanael—”

“No. It’s for her.”

Alperen pulled a pendant from his chest. Inside was the painted portrait of a young woman with soft, cherry-blossom pink hair.

That girl…

It was the same lady who had worn Digri’s diamond necklace at her debut, the one that had boosted his sales tenfold overnight.

The very necklace Nanael had thrown a fit over.

Ah. So that’s how it is.

A picture formed in his mind: three people, tangled in a love triangle.

Jealous Nanael, raging because her fiancé cared for someone else.

Ridiculous, really. Nanael had plenty of lovers herself, yet she was jealous of him?

Digri nearly laughed aloud.

Good thing I didn’t waste this diamond on the wrong muse.

With a flourish, he slid a contract forward, detailing the schedule and process.

Alperen signed without hesitation.

“You may leave it to me,” Digri said confidently. “I’ll craft jewels that suit the young lady better than any crown.”

As they left the shop, Eden snuck glances at his master.

That pendant—he had seen it for years. He’d always wondered why the Tower Master carried such a shabby trinket, something that looked like a cheap souvenir.

Now he knew.

So it held Lady Ferris’s portrait all along.

Earlier, Alperen had discussed Rodelia’s tastes in surprising detail.

That pendant must be a gift from her too. He’s been cherishing her all this time.

Eden smiled slyly.

So the great Tower Master has been secretly in love with Lady Ferris for years. Fascinating. Why hasn’t he confessed?

And judging by Lady Ferris’s behavior during her last Tower visit, it wasn’t as though she disliked him…

To think even the Tower Master struggles with romance. How very entertaining.

No wonder Alperen hadn’t punished Eden harshly for that disastrous love potion incident. With Rodelia clinging to him that day, Eden had probably earned himself a reward instead of a scolding.

Eden chuckled under his breath.

So, the Tower Master is more cunning than he looks.

Sensing the shift in mood, Alperen’s eyes narrowed.

“…What’s so amusing?”

Eden quickly grinned.

“Nothing at all, my lord. Just know that I’m always rooting for you. If you need my help… only say the word.”

At the next Zenus Club meeting, all the heirs gathered again. Naturally, Alperen’s broken engagement was the first topic.

“Well, well. I leave for a trip, and our resident goody-two-shoes goes and pulls this stunt?”

The speaker was Aslan Chester, eldest son of the Chester Dukedom. His golden hair was sun-darkened, his red eyes sparking with mischief.

His twin sister, Julia, chimed in.

“Really. I thought you just obeyed whatever your father said. What changed?”

The twins looked identical except for one detail: Julia had a beauty mark near her lip.

Aslan was reckless; Julia, calculating. Even their tans showed the difference—he’d spent his holiday adventuring, she’d lounged in the shade.

“It was just tiresome, so I ended it,” Alperen replied flatly.

Aslan immediately mimicked him in a mocking falsetto.

“Juust tiresome, so I ended it~. Ugh, you’re insufferable.”

Julia leaned in, eyes glinting.

“Well, at least you’ve come to your senses. Now that you’re single, should I introduce you to someone suitable?”

But Adrian cut her off first.

“Don’t bother. I already tried, and he refused. I swear this guy’s a eunuch.”

“Or maybe the opposite,” Julia said with a sly smile, glancing between Adrian and Alperen.

Adrian flinched, edging away from his friend.

“Wait—you don’t mean… No way, right?”

Alperen’s blue eyes narrowed dangerously.

“Do you want me to kill you?”

Adrian threw up his hands.

“Whoa, whoa. If I die, you won’t have anyone left to play with.”

“Were we ever friends?”

“…Ouch.”

Adrian slumped in exaggerated despair while Alperen ignored him.

The chatter rolled on until Julia turned to Adrian again.

“So, how goes your plan to recruit your little sister?”

Adrian groaned.

“Not well. She joined another club already. I’ll try again when she quits.”

“Another club?” Alperen asked, his voice sharper than before.

“Yeah, something like Manua… or Mazia? I looked into it—it’s struggling financially, members dropping like flies. No way she’ll stay long.”

“…Deli joined a magic club?”

For the first time all evening, Alperen’s expression shifted.

Julia noticed instantly, her lips curling into a knowing smile.