TVJA 42

Chapter 42

Before setting to work on gem-cutting, there were a few essential steps that needed to be taken.

First was carefully wiping the surface of the gem with a dry cloth.

Wearing soft silk gloves to avoid scratching it, I gently stroked the surface of the sapphire.

As the cloth wiped away the fine residue coating the gem, the color of the raw stone became deeper and more vivid.

It was a blue beauty that evoked the image of a primordial ocean.

Moreover, this sapphire had a more lustrous shine compared to other gemstones.

That smooth texture felt strangely satisfying to the touch…

“It’s kind of a shame to just send this one off like this.”

With a small chuckle, I bent my finger to touch the indented part of the gem.

Then, I could feel the fissure in the gem under my fingertip.

Now, all I had to do was insert the gemstone saw into this gap, and the gem would split cleanly in two.

For some reason, a chill ran down my spine. It was a strange kind of thrill I had never felt before.

‘Maybe this suits me better than I thought.’

Gripping the saw firmly, a skill suddenly activated, and both of my hands began to move on their own.

{System: “Beginner Gem Crafting” skill has been activated.}

“What the hell?!”

As the system window popped up, I let out an involuntary scream and stared at my own hands, which were now expertly crafting the gem with swift, precise movements.

‘What the hell is going on?’

My body was handling the tools with the ease of a seasoned craftsman who had practiced for years.

It felt like… I wasn’t even the one controlling my body anymore.

Anyway, after a few more quick moves, a small ring was soon completed.

It was a thin ring that might only fit on Sophie’s ring finger.

In the center of the ring was a teardrop-shaped sapphire.

“But it feels a bit… empty.”

Tapping my chin lightly with my finger as I pondered, I quickly figured out what the problem was.

It was the decoration.

Sure, the ring was simple and pretty as it was, but the true completeness of an accessory came from the meticulous details surrounding it.

For example, surrounding the main gem with small cubic stones, or decorating the outer edge with bent wires plated in silver or gold — doing so could both fill the empty space and add dimension to the piece.

‘It also gives it more visual appeal.’

As I shifted my gaze from the ring to the desk, I saw the neatly lined-up gemstones. I picked up the smallest and most unimpressive-looking Level 1 blue topaz.

Maybe because I had acquired this blue topaz early on when I was still inexperienced, it had plenty of unsightly little blemishes.

Of course, it would look awful as the main gem, but what if I used it as an accent gem to make the sapphire stand out?

‘If I crush it into tiny cubic stones, the flaws won’t be as visible.’

Plus, using it that way would give me more quantity and smaller size pieces to work with — perfect for decorating multiple areas.

With that thought, I quickly got to work.

As soon as I picked up the gem hammer, the skill activated on its own again.

‘Well, that’s convenient.’

A bright flash briefly filled my vision, and then a radiant light, like a rainbow, exploded from around my small hands gripping the hammer.

{System: “Beginner Gem Crafting” skill has been activated.}

Wait a second…

‘There definitely wasn’t this kind of effect before, was there?’

Just as that thought crossed my mind—

Ding.

{Congratulations! “Beginner Gem Crafting” skill has achieved a critical success.}
{Your crafting skill has been upgraded from “Beginner Gem Crafting” to “Low-Grade Gem Crafting.”}
{Due to the critical success, a random stat bonus has been applied. “Sapphire Ring Lv. 1” now has +10 Defense.}

I stared blankly at the flood of system messages, then silently looked down at the small sapphire ring resting in my hand.

The rainbow-colored aura that had gathered around the ring swirled around for a moment before softly absorbing into the surface of the gem.

I tapped the ring gently with my fingertip, and a small window popped up.

{“Sapphire Ring Lv. 1”
Stat: Defense +10}

‘…Defense, huh.’

So that would mean it protects or shields the body somehow.

But since I didn’t know exactly how good +10 defense was, it was frustrating.

As I scrolled down, an explanation about the bonus stat effects appeared.

{There are four possible stat effects granted on critical success: Defense, Attack, Recovery, and Luck.
Each stat is applied at a rate of 1% per +10 points.}

In simple terms, my Defense +10 means it would block 1 out of every 100 attacks.

The maximum bonus is +100, which would only block 10 out of 100.

So, in short, this is basically…

“A piece of junk!”

Blocking just 1 in 100 attacks? That’s worse than the gacha rates in some infamous mobile games. Might as well not have any effect at all.

My face twisted as if I had just bitten into a rotten tomato. I raised the ring, ready to hurl it to the floor… but instead, I very gently placed it on the desk.

“…Fine, you win.”

With a sigh, I laid the ring down carefully on a patch of fluffy mink fur.

After all the effort I put into it, I’d hate to ruin it over a moment of frustration.

As I kept staring intently at the ring, a strong light caught my eye.

Off to the side of the desk were the leftover scraps — bits of broken sapphire and blue topaz.

I could gather them and store them in my inventory or a box for later use, but they say to strike while the iron is hot.

When else would I have the free time to sit around and leisurely cut gemstones like this?

Besides, in two days, I had to visit the duke’s residence.

And after returning to the mansion, I’d be subjected to harsh swordsmanship training in preparation for the hunting festival. My father had even arranged for the best instructor from the 1st Knight Division to teach me, but I refused.

After all, I was just a seven-year-old kid — as if they’d seriously teach me anything.

‘At best, I’ll be lucky if they don’t just ignore me.’

And most importantly…

‘I’ve got Master Kim.’

I already had the best swordsmanship teacher. …Granted, he’s not the most reliable, but still.

I sat back in the chair, tied my hair up, and got ready to craft again. I began visualizing the design of the next accessory.

Earlier, the sapphire ring had turned out just like I imagined, so I figured it’d be the same this time too.

‘What should I make next?’

After a moment’s thought, I decided on a cuff-style bracelet that anyone could wear.

Unlike chain-link bracelets, cuff bracelets had an open section, making them easy to put on with just one hand.

Once I settled on a general design, I closed my eyes and imagined the finer details — like the overall feel and color scheme.

‘I’ll go with silver for the base, but keep it just bright enough not to outshine the wearer. And for the accent gem, I’ll use the leftover sapphire.’

As the design took shape in my mind, a soft yellow light, like a blooming forsythia, burst from my hands.

{System: “Low-Grade Gem Crafting” skill has been activated.}

Unfortunately, there was no rainbow effect this time.

The glowing lump, like a melted blob, slowly started forming a shape.

As it gradually formed a round shape, I suddenly realized the bracelet had already completed itself and was sitting on my palm.

I’d been so busy watching, I didn’t even realize it was done.

{Congratulations! “Low-Grade Gem Crafting” skill has succeeded.}

‘Well, it’s not like the critical success rate is high anyway.’

I felt a little disappointed, but they say too much greed can ruin a good thing. Who really hits the jackpot on their first try?

I brought the bracelet up close to examine it, rolling it around in my hand.

It was honestly fascinating. It turned out exactly like I’d pictured.

‘Since it’s come to this, why not make a few more?’

After that, I made a fancy necklace adorned with a large ruby, a butterfly-shaped hair ornament decorated with emeralds, and amber earrings cut like diamonds.

By the time I collapsed into bed, exhausted from the hard work, I finally felt like I could breathe again.

My neck cracked loudly as I turned it from staring straight ahead for so long.

But all the fatigue was worth it when I looked at the results.

I proudly admired the lineup of accessories I had crafted, now neatly displayed on my desk.

Whoever made these — they did a great job.

Sure, compared to store-bought ones, they lacked precision and refined design, but for a seven-year-old? Not bad at all.

‘Can’t ask for more than this.’

Just then, a system notification popped up right by my head, like it had been waiting for this moment.

Ding.

{Player’s “Tool Mastery” skill has leveled up. Critical success chance has slightly increased.}

There wasn’t a specific window for it, but I noticed the experience bar for the “Low-Grade Gem Crafting” skill had risen quite a bit too.

Judging by the look of it, it was about 60% full. Just a bit more, and I could reach Intermediate level.

Not a bad result for a passionate first attempt.

“Stretchhhh.”

I raised both arms for a satisfying stretch and slowly closed my eyes.

Tonight, I felt like I’d fall asleep without needing to count sheep or threaten Master Kim into singing me a lullaby.

“…My lady.”

A tiny mosquito-like voice buzzed softly in my ear.

But something felt odd.

‘It’s still cold out. There shouldn’t be any insects around.’

I flailed my arm and pulled the blanket up over my head.

“…My lady.”

This time, the voice was louder, with a bit of emphasis.

Wait, could mosquitoes speak human now?

‘Weird.’

“Time to get up.”

Huh. Now it was even shaking my shoulder gently up and down.

The way my body flopped around made me feel like a puppet with loose joints.

“Shall I bring your meal here if it’s hard to wake up?”

“Mmm…”

Whoever it was, they were persistent.

I mumbled as I turned over.

“Five more minutes…”

“…My lady, my laaaady…”

What the? Normally they’d give up by now.

‘Why isn’t this working today?’

After a few more shakes, I finally forced my eyelids open — and froze in surprise.

“Huh?”

The person waking me up wasn’t En. For the record, En was the maid who usually helped me get ready every morning.

She had dull freckles and brown hair, and a presence so faint she practically blended into the background.

“En is busy with other tasks today,” the girl said, smiling.

So she’d come to take her place?

I blinked silently in response, then abruptly sat up.

Her sparkling eyes and curious gaze were too much.

“I’d heard the rumors, but I didn’t expect you to be this beautiful!”

“…”

“It’s only for today, but I look forward to serving you!”

Even her bubbly tone felt oddly out of place.

I paused my steps toward the bathroom and turned to ask her quietly,

“…What’s your name?”

No need to make enemies out of someone who clearly liked me this much.

“I’m Karen,” she replied cheerfully.

Her innocent smile made me feel a little embarrassed for having been so wary.

But my concern wasn’t entirely unfounded.

…I mean, anyone who reads romance-fantasy novels knows this type of character.

That obliviously cheerful villainess who suddenly shows up out of nowhere.

‘If that’s what you’re going for, you’re knocking on the wrong door.’

I wasn’t the heroine in this story — I was the villainess who bullied the heroine.

‘Well, not anymore.’

Sadly, Karen didn’t even have the presence to play a proper villain.

‘Reddish-brown hair and green eyes?’

Take a portrait of her to the town square and a hundred people would claim it was them.

So with my impression of her summarized, I relaxed my expression and asked,

“I’ll skip breakfast. But could you tell me where Sophie is?”