Chapter 17

"Very well, please do your hair yourself."

"Okay."

"Then, have you prepared the item I mentioned?"

"Of course."

With both hands, Fil roughly combed her hair and straightened it, then took something out of the small box she had brought in.

"What do you think?"

"Yes, it's perfect."

In response to the slightly anxious question, Tiana firmly gave her approval.

What could it be?

When I looked at her curiously, Fil said, a bit embarrassed,

"Sorry, but can you turn your body sideways and look down a bit?"

"Like this?"

Following her instructions, I changed my sitting position and looked down a bit.

Then, Fil leaned forward and stretched out her arm. After muttering "Excuse me" in a low voice, she wrapped something around my neck.

Fil's body was right in front of me.

Today, Fil didn't smell of earth, sweat, or dust. There was no smell of blood from after a hunt.

Instead, she smelled of a soft, sweet fragrance, as if it had wafted over on the wind from a luxurious flower.

When I averted my eyes, I felt cold metal touch my skin. During the slight shiver, Fil clicked the clasp into place.

"How does it look?"

"It exceeds all expectations."

Fil and Tiana, who had returned to their seats opposite, nodded in satisfaction.

But I couldn't see it clearly.

When I gently touched my neck, I felt a hard texture. It seemed to be a necklace.

The metal, which had gradually warmed to my skin, was gold in the part I could see. There was also a stone of some kind. I couldn't see it clearly, but it felt heavy, so it must be a rather luxurious necklace.

"Fil, what is this?"

"Tiana said my neck looked bare. We decided that something a bit worn would be better than something new, so I brought something my mother used when she was young. There are also earrings, so try them on too."

"But they must be expensive..."

"That's... well, I can't fool you, so I'll be honest. I think they are quite expensive. But they suit you very well. I want to show that you are a woman who can wear such fine jewelry. ...To teach that arrogant young man a lesson."

Saying that, she also offered me the earrings.

I hesitated for a moment, but if this was necessary for the battle, I had to steel myself. When I put on the earrings, Tiana immediately prepared a hand mirror for me.

"...Beautiful."

The necklace wasn't as ostentatious as I had imagined.

The large pearl and blue stone were prominent, but because they didn't use too many flashy gems, it looked surprisingly simple. The pearl in the teardrop-shaped earring also made my black hair, which could look heavy, appear more lustrous.

The design might be similar to the necklace I had planned to prepare for my wedding. I liked this design and chose something that wouldn't be too expensive.

But this necklace and earrings, with their high-quality stones, didn't look cheap at all. They also weren't too flashy.

They were even more beautiful than the ideal jewelry I had secretly imagined.

"If you like it, I'll give it to you."

Fil said this as casually as if she were offering a good apple.

Of course, the object wasn't an apple. It was a piece of jewelry that would cost a significant portion of the income of the Raguolen territory.

I hurriedly shook my head and glared at Fil.

"I can't accept something so expensive!"

"But... well, that's fine. Today, it's just a loan. That's enough. I'll just enjoy the pleasure of adorning you with my choice."

Fil smiled and backed off.

Tiana watched her with an exasperated look.

After a while, my brother Albes peered in through the window of the moving carriage.

When he saw me wearing the necklace and earrings, his eyes widened, but he only glared at Fil, gave a light wave, and left.

A young knight leading a horse followed after him.

They were probably heading to the office.

Albes, good luck.

I'm going to fight the battle of my life too!