Chapter 28

Following Luka's advice, Viela started wearing the pink diamond earrings.

For the first few days, she was constantly worried that they might fall out, so she touched them multiple times to check. This movement made it seem as if she was excited about receiving the earrings. The warm gazes from her colleagues in the technical department were unbearable.

“Hey, want to have lunch at the central cafeteria in the palace today?”

On this day, Viela, who had gone to inspect a parts factory for magical devices, was invited to lunch by her female colleague, Rosetta.

Usually, she would be so busy meeting her quota that she would just grab a quick meal from the palace kiosk and eat it on the go. However, since her engagement to Luka, she wasn’t as busy. Viela, who had never had lunch at the high-ranking central cafeteria among several in the palace, was drawn in and accepted the invitation.

“It’s like a high-end restaurant… and yet, at such a low price…”

The cafeteria had round tables arranged at equal intervals. The tablecloths were spotlessly white and wrinkle-free. After showing her ID card at the counter and placing her order, a waiter would bring the food to her table. The payment was apparently deducted from her salary.

Viela, of course, chose the cheapest menu. Even so, it was twice the price of the takeout light meals. However, when she saw the contents of the meal served, it seemed like a bargain. A hearty brown stew with large pieces of meat, a stylish salad, freshly baked croissants, fruits, and mousse were all included. Viela gently brought the stew to her mouth and was impressed by the excellent value for money.

“Oh, it’s delicious. The meat, which looks large and wild, melts tenderly in the mouth. I can’t believe I can eat something like this outside the Duke’s residence…”

“Right? I couldn’t invite you before because you always seemed to be saving money, but I thought you should try it before you retire.”

“Thank you for inviting me! I want to come a few more times.”

Since she had moved to the Ambrosh Duke’s residence, her rent would be saved from next month. While it was impossible to come every day for the sake of frugality, once a month seemed reasonable. Enjoying the meal with her colleague, she glanced around to avoid breaking any etiquette. She had been feeling gazes from others all along.

Sure enough, a few people quickly turned away their faces.

（They seem to be evaluating me as Luka’s fiancée. But it’s surprising. I thought they would give me envious or resentful looks, but all the gazes were curious and harmless. Could it be thanks to the earrings?）

Grateful for the heavy stones that dangled from her ears, she continued her meal.

“Viela, Rosetta, may I join you?”

Just as she had eaten half of her meal, Clement approached. There were other empty seats, but since Rosetta nodded, Viela also accepted Clement. He said, “Thank you,” and sat down between the two of them.

“It’s rare to see you at the central cafeteria, Viela.”

“Rosetta invited me. I was surprised by how delicious it is. The meat is so tender!”

“I ordered the same thing. I’m looking forward to it.”

The menu was quickly served, and it was twice the amount Viela had. He had apparently ordered a large portion for an additional fee.

“Clement, are you going to eat all of that?”

“I had physical training this morning, not magic, so I’m really hungry. I have more training in the afternoon, so I need to replenish my energy.”

“You’re still doing such intense training.”

“The Barrier Division not only uses magic but also has to go to any place with harsh conditions to set up barriers. To avoid injuries, we need to be in top condition.”

As he spoke, Clement quickly and elegantly consumed a large amount of stew, showing his good upbringing.

（Come to think of it, Luka also eats a lot but with good manners.）

Viela suddenly thought of her future fiancé and touched the earrings dangling from her ears. Clement stopped eating and leaned in slightly to look at the earrings.

“You usually don’t wear accessories, but you’ve been wearing these earrings recently. This stone…? Could it be real? And a pink diamond?”

“You have a good eye. Luka gave them to me.”

As Viela responded, impressed by Clement’s discernment, he showed a displeased expression. Rosetta, who was sitting across from them, must have realized they were from Luka, but she was wide-eyed with surprise, apparently thinking they were a cheaper pink gem.

“Luka, giving something so cute? Was it chosen by the Ambrosh Duchess, who loves her nieces?”

Clement looked at her with a doubtful eye, as if he couldn’t believe it.

“No. Luka chose them himself from a selection.”

“So, are you wearing them every day out of duty as a fiancée? You’re not usually fond of expensive things, are you?”

“Not so much that I dislike them, but I’m not used to them… and it’s more that Luka asked me to wear them every day. I asked for earrings that wouldn’t interfere with my work—Clement?”

Clement, who seemed to find it hard to believe, pulled back from Viela and his face twisted.

（Why does he look so resentful? Does he think it’s inappropriate for a poor person like me to wear such expensive jewelry? Maybe he thinks the gemstones would be better used as materials? I can understand that, too. I would like to test how well they work with magic!）

Her instinct as a mage was tingling, but of course, she had no intention of using them as materials.

（But with Clement’s family, he could probably buy pink diamonds personally. Even if not as much as a Divine Beast Knight, the Barrier Division’s salary is much better than the Technical Division, so he must have some money.）

Clement let out a small sigh mixed with a whisper.

“Seriously?”

“Huh? What did you say…?”

“No, never mind. By the way, Viela, I heard a rumor that the expedition, which was originally planned for next month, has been moved up by a month. The upper management of the Magic Bureau is currently in a meeting, and Luka has been called in urgently.”

The annual expedition to replace the barriers on the stone markers in the eastern region was originally planned for the following month. The eastern region, facing a forest with many monsters, has the most barrier stones. Normally, the barriers are renewed every two years, but they were intentionally renewed annually to maintain their effectiveness. Moreover, many of the barrier stones were set up on the slopes of mountains and hills, making it difficult to reach them. The expedition involved climbing mountains and setting up barriers, sometimes camping in the wild.

This was the largest-scale expedition of the year, involving Divine Beast Knights, Palace Knights, and the Barrier Division. It was the harsh expedition that Luka had been happy about not having to go on after getting married.

With the wedding postponed, his retirement was also delayed, and the expedition was moved up, so he would have to go after all. She felt sorry for him. Rosetta, who had been lost in thought about the pink diamonds, joined the conversation.

“Then the delivery of the replacement equipment will also be moved up. It’s good that it’s before Viela retires.”

“…Haha.”

She couldn’t sympathize with Luka. The Divine Beast Knights, who usually didn’t change their equipment, replaced everything after this annual expedition. There weren’t many items, but the magical formulas were complex, and few people could do it. Viela, knowing she would be involved in the grueling work schedule, smiled wryly. On the other hand, Clement, who had been looking grim, brightened up.

“Right. If there’s a rare opportunity to see the magical enchantment of the Divine Beast Knights’ equipment during the expedition, can I come and observe? I’ll be on standby and have plenty of time to study. Of course, I’ll provide something in return.”

Saying this, Clement moved a strawberry from his plate to Viela’s. It was her favorite fruit. If it wouldn’t interfere with her work and would help her diligent junior, she was about to agree when the atmosphere in the cafeteria suddenly changed.

Startled, she looked in the same direction as everyone else and saw Luka leading several Divine Beast Knights into the cafeteria.