Chapter 35
When we went to the accessory shop, just like before, the owner came out to greet us.
Since Gilbert was talking about something with him, I wandered around the store, looking at the accessories.
The inside of the shop sparkled all over, and it seemed like women of all ages often visited.
Everyone probably came here because they wanted to look beautiful.
This hairpin is cute.
What caught my eye was a hairpin with a large amber-colored stone.
Amber… it makes me think of the gemstone amber. And this blue brooch is really cute too. The refreshing color makes it look almost like a sapphire.
Wait, all the accessories here have stones attached. And the materials obviously look high-class.
Could this actually be a jewelry shop!?
I’ve heard that the value of gemstones has been rising every year, making them harder and harder to afford.
For someone like me, who only holds the title of a duchess in name, is it really okay for me to even be in a place like this? I feel out of place.
“Done. Shall we go?”
Gilbert said.
I thought I was supposed to buy accessories here. Maybe Gilbert only came to talk to the owner about something.
Well, it’s true that it would look a bit arrogant for a child to wear gemstones. Maybe he came here for my older sister instead.
“I bought everything in this shop. Just like before, I had it addressed to the ducal house, so it’ll be delivered soon.”
Gilbert smiled.
Huh? He bought everything? This is a jewelry store, right? Every single piece here costs a fortune.
“E–everything?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s way too much! Just one is more than enough. I couldn’t possibly keep such precious things around me.”
“Accessories are the kind of thing where the more you have, the better. A proper lady should have enough jewelry to choose from.”
(Even lower nobles own jewelry. But Tianna, who is a direct daughter of the duke’s house, doesn’t own any at all. Until now, I never paid her any attention and left her completely neglected. Because of that, I failed to notice her miserable situation. My actions caused her suffering. All I can do now is support her in whatever way I can.)
“B–but… I feel bad about this.”
(The guilt just keeps piling up…)
Gilbert was reflecting on his past behavior, weighed down by guilt.
“Think of this as my apology for not having done anything until now.”
“An apology? Please, there’s no need for that…”
But since Gilbert insisted, I decided to accept it gratefully. After all, if these are jewels, they could even serve as funds in case I ever had to escape from the ducal house.
“I’ll accept them, then.”
Tianna gave a polite nod of acceptance.
Since we’d come all the way into town, I wanted to buy a souvenir for my older sister.
She has such beautiful silver hair—maybe a big red ribbon would look good on her. I think it would suit her perfectly.
“Can I buy this ribbon for my sister?”
“Sure, go ahead.”
Gilbert was about to pay for it, but since it was something I wanted to give my sister, I asked if I could pay for it myself, and he agreed.
I’m glad I was able to buy something that I’m satisfied with.
Still, I was completely shocked when Gilbert said he’d buy everything.
In the end, he really did. I should probably find some way to thank him.
