Chapter 26

Although hidden by a paper barricade, Clement must be glaring back.

The temperature in the Technical Department's room drops.

(Why are they so hostile towards each other? They've known each other for a long time, and they even went on a mission together recently, finishing it smoothly. They must have a good relationship, right!?)

As Viela fidgets, Clement straightens up from his desk and returns a smile from a slightly higher position than Lukas.

"Thank you for telling me. Captain of the Divine Beast Knights, I will see you to the door."

"You're unusually polite today. Then will you see off the vice-captain, who is my subordinate? I'm going home with Viela, so I'll wait here until she finishes her work. After seeing us off, you can start your discussion with the director without worrying."

"Is Mr. Lukas's work done?"

"Yeah, this time I only accompanied the vice-captain, who is the next captain, to watch over him. I'm off work for today."

"Hmm, that's enviable."

Sparks fly between the two. Director Dressel then speaks up.

"Ms. Viela! Your work is done. The barrier stone has been resolved, so there's no need for overtime. Don't keep Lord Herring waiting. Go home."

Though unspoken, it sounds like he's urging her to leave with Lord Herring to separate the two hostile men.

Viela nods firmly, quickly prepares to leave, and stands up, taking Lukas's hand.

"Lord Lukas, permission has been granted, let's go home."

Instantly, the heavy atmosphere around Lukas dissipates. He firmly returns Viela's hand and smiles gently.

"Right. Let's go home together. Thank you, everyone in the Technical Department."

Thus, they leave the room, feeling Clement's sharp gaze and the agitation of their colleagues on their backs.

"Viela, since we finished early today, we have some time. Do you want to stop by the town before going home?"

As they walk down the corridor, Lukas asks Viela.

"The town? Why?"

"I want to buy something. Will you come with me? I think it will be easier to decide with you around."

"Alright."

Thinking he might be buying a magic tool or something, Viela gets into the carriage, and they are taken to a famous jewelry store. As soon as they enter, they are led to a VIP room on the second floor.

The room is as luxurious as the Duke Ambrosh's mansion, if not more so, due to its professional setting. Viela is completely taken aback.

After Lukas whispers something to the staff, an elderly man in a fine suit, presumably the manager, appears.

On the table, a variety of sparkling accessories are displayed: earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, and more. Each piece is clearly expensive, even to a layperson.

"Lord Lukas, what is this?"

"If you like something, tell me. I'll buy it."

"Ah, no, that's too much. I can't choose or ask for such expensive items myself."

"I thought you'd say that. So, I'll choose for you."

"Wh-what!?"

Ignoring Viela's shock, Lukas gazes seriously at the jewels.

"What accessory would be the least obstructive for work? Don't hesitate to answer."

"Um... earrings or a necklace. I prefer nothing around my hands when using magic."

"I see. Then, earrings would be best."

Lukas has the other boxes opened and examines the earrings. He tries a few on Viela's ears, nodding in satisfaction at the sixth pair.

They are cute earrings with teardrop-shaped pink diamonds that dangle.

However, Viela knows they are not cute in terms of price.

(Pink diamonds are the best material for magic compatibility, but they are so expensive that I can never use them!)

She hasn't opened that page in the Technical Department's material catalog since she first saw it.

As she trembles at the high price, Lukas gently places the earrings on Viela's ear to confirm.

"They match your eyes, and I think they suit you... What do you think?"

The manager quickly offers a mirror, but Viela, in her confusion, can't really tell. She just feels that her ears are heavy, both physically and mentally.

"Um, are there any cheaper options?"

This is the best she can manage. While she has the spirit of not refusing charity, she can't easily accept this.

"You don't dislike them, do you?"

"The design is beautiful, but the price makes me dizzy."

"Then there's no problem. I'll get these."

"Ah, are you serious? It's so expensive, shouldn't you think about it more?"

"My intuition is usually right. Since it tells me to buy them, I'm sure you'll be happy with them later."

Satisfied, Lukas signs a check without looking at the price. After finishing, he reaches for Viela's ear, gently touching her earlobe with his thumb.

"Lord Lukas?"

"I'll put them on here. Don't move."

Lukas decorates Viela's ears with the pink diamond earrings.

"How do they feel? If they hurt, I can adjust the screws."

"They don't hurt."

They don't hurt, but they feel heavy. Mentally, they are very heavy.

(When we get home, I should put them in a box and store them carefully. I need to get a box prepared.)

However, it seems Lukas can read her thoughts... He looks serious as he makes a request.

"Viela, I want you to wear these earrings whenever you're outside the mansion."

"Always...!?"

"An expert can tell they are real pink diamonds and that I gave them to you. I want everyone to know how much I value my fiancée by giving her expensive gifts. If you wear them every day, people will infer that I want you to. It will also discourage any unwanted attention."

"Unwanted attention..."

Lukas is the most sought-after bachelor in the country, targeted by many young ladies. They might be jealous of Viela and plotting against her. Though she hadn't noticed, he must have sensed something and taken preemptive action.

Besides the high price, it's her first time receiving jewelry from a man, and he chose something that suits her. She can't help but be happy. She touches the earrings gently and smiles.

"I'll treasure them for a long time. Thank you, Lord Lukas."

"Ah, I'm glad you understand."

Lukas's face, slightly hidden by his hand, seems a bit red. The gesture, which could be interpreted as blushing, makes Viela's heart skip a beat.