~Chapter 56~
At the tea party, everyone followed Ivan’s instructions and opened their gift boxes.
“This is…!”
“A necklace, isn’t it?”
“I got a watch!”
“Oh my, I got a bracelet!”
Each box contained a different piece of jewelry.
“It may not suit everyone’s taste, but I chose them with each of you in mind.”
“Such a precious gift…!”
“These are all traditional Baldur-style pieces made in Cardonia Territory. Since you all will lead the future of the Baldur Empire, I’m gifting these to you as a token of goodwill. Please use them well.”
“Cardonia Territory? Is there such a place?”
Everyone looked puzzled, as it was the first time they had heard of this place.
“Cardonia Territory will be where many Baldur-style pieces are made in the future. The jewelry produced there is far sturdier and more beautiful than anything imported from other countries, and its value is unmatched. If you like what you received today, you can visit Cardonia in person and see what else they offer.”
Sennis and Barker’s gazes naturally turned to Ruby, as Ivan had mentioned something Ruby had already spoken about.
Ruby responded with a positive smile, answering the questioning expressions on their faces.
The reason Ivan was hosting the tea party and giving out jewelry made in Cardonia Territory was also Ruby’s request. After all, there was no better way to promote it than for the First Prince himself to endorse it.
The children of noble families were thrilled as they tried on the jewelry Ivan had handed out, admiring each piece.
“Miss Ruby, this is incredible,” Barker said, amazed at how Ivan was fulfilling Ruby’s request.
“It’s all thanks to Prince Ivan, who took an interest in helping the country,” Ruby said humbly.
“Impressive that you convinced Prince Ivan…” Barker said, still surprised. Until now, Ivan hadn’t listened much to requests from the children of noble families. He didn’t like being used just because he was the First Prince.
Ivan had always been fair and neutral, not making any alliances with other nobles. Because of this, Barker found it hard to believe that Ivan had helped Ruby like this.
Sennis, on the other hand, was completely captivated by the new jewelry in front of her.
“The necklace and earrings Prince Ivan gave me… they suit me perfectly. They’re so beautiful! I’m so honored.”
Though all the children had received the same gifts, Sennis took it as if the gift was especially for her.
“Is that so? I’m glad you like it,” Ivan responded awkwardly, his face a little stiff from Sennis’s intense gaze.
Other noble children also gathered around to thank Ivan for the gift. Ruby, surrounded by people, finally opened her own jewelry box. Inside was a necklace and bracelet made from ruby, the same color as her eyes and hair.
In reality, Ruby had chosen all the jewelry herself based on the preferences and characteristics of each noble child. Everyone thought Ivan had picked them, but it was Ruby who had carefully selected them.
Ruby had spent a lot of time studying the children’s personalities and tastes, trying to pick jewelry that would suit each of them. But Ruby had purposely picked her own necklace and bracelet in a way that didn’t seem too obvious.
‘I should pick something for myself too, so it looks natural,’ she had thought.
‘No, I’ll pick it for you,’ Ivan had insisted.
‘You, Prince Ivan?’ Ruby had asked in surprise.
‘Yes, it’s only fitting that I pick something for you since you’re getting it from me.’
‘I don’t mind,’ Ruby had said, but Ivan was insistent. He had chosen the ruby jewelry for her, which she now wore for the first time.
As Ruby looked at the necklace and bracelet, she realized how much effort Ivan had put into choosing them for her. She could almost imagine him glancing over at her as he wondered if she would like them.
“Thank you for the gift, Your Highness. I love it,” Ruby said, her voice barely audible but clearly appreciative.
Ivan, noticing Ruby’s response, blushed slightly, his awkwardness visible to everyone. Those around them couldn’t help but stare at Ivan. They had never seen him act this way before.
However, Ruby was so focused on her jewelry that she didn’t notice the surprised expressions of the others.
***
Later That Evening
Sennis returned home, carefully holding the gift from the palace. That evening, during dinner with her family, she brought up the jewelry.
“Father, look at this. Prince Ivan gave it to me,” Sennis said, purposely wearing the necklace and leaning forward to show it off to her father, Count Brensel.
“It’s beautiful. Did the prince give it to you himself?” Count Brensel asked.
“Yes, it’s a traditional Baldur-style necklace and earrings from Cardonia Territory,” Sennis explained.
“Oh, I see. A Baldur-style necklace. That’s a rare and precious gift you’ve received.”
Sennis blushed at her father’s praise.
“Prince Ivan is such a wonderful and thoughtful person. Not only did he invite us to the tea party, but he also prepared such a gift for us.”
Count Brensel could see the admiration in his daughter’s face. Though she didn’t seem to have romantic feelings for Ivan yet, it was clear she thought positively of him.
Sennis, unaware of her family’s political background, continued to talk about the tea party and her experience.
“Oh, by the way, may I visit Cardonia Territory?” she suddenly asked.
“Cardonia Territory? Why?”
“Ruby invited me to visit Cardonia Territory.”
“Ruby?” her father asked, surprised.
“Yes, Grand Duke Lux’s granddaughter.”
“Grand Duke Lux’s granddaughter?” At this, Count Brensel’s expression turned serious.
“She’s really kind and sweet. If it’s okay, I’d like to visit Cardonia Territory with her,” Sennis said, excited.
Count Brensel paused, thinking deeply. The mention of Cardonia Territory, Grand Duke Lux’s domain, made him consider the situation more carefully.
“Ruby invited you?” he said, eyes narrowing. “What do you think of this visit, Sennis?”
“I’m not sure, but she said there’s a lot of beautiful jewelry in Cardonia. She mentioned something about an art district there,” Sennis said.
“An art district?” Count Brensel’s mind raced. He knew that Grand Duke Lux had started a jewelry-related business in Cardonia. This seemed to be a way to gain support from the empire.
Could this invitation be a signal from Grand Duke Lux to get closer to the imperial family? If Count Brensel helped support Lux, it might help him gain favor with the emperor. The situation was delicate, but if things went well, Count Brensel could use this to his advantage.
“Alright, go ahead and visit,” Count Brensel finally said, after considering everything.
“Thank you, Father!” Sennis exclaimed, happy.
Count Brensel smiled slightly, though his eyes were still thoughtful. “Make sure you become close to Ruby.”
“Why?” Sennis asked.
“Having friends your own age is important. Especially someone as sweet as Ruby.”
“Of course! I’ll make sure to become close to her,” Sennis promised eagerly.
Count Brensel ruffled his daughter’s hair and smiled subtly, already planning how this could benefit him in the future.
