Chapter 50

Amelia was led to a corner where more luxurious display cases were situated compared to the areas they had been wandering around in.

There were no price tags to be found, as one would normally expect.

Amelia couldn't know, but especially rare gemstones often have fluctuating market prices that change daily, so it's common for them not to have fixed prices.

They were essentially priced at market value.

"This one!"

The pendant that Amelia praised as "really good" featured a red gemstone. Its glow was subtle, but the clarity and unique patterns were so beautiful that one could be drawn into them. The platinum setting that encircled the gemstone also shimmered, creating a balanced piece that combined elegance and brilliance.

...And by coincidence, this pendant was the last recommended item the shop owner had explained to Logan.

"How do you like it...?"

"I think it's very nice. It suits your beautiful red hair."

When Logan said this, Amelia blushed and fiddled with her red hair. The moment he saw her gesture, Logan's heart was made up.

At the same time, the knowledge he had learned from the shop owner came to mind.

"And... the gemstone's meaning might also suit you now."

"Gemstone's meaning?"

"You can look it up. Alright, let's buy this today."

"Wh-what... what... what!?"

Amelia couldn't help but exclaim at Logan's words.

"It's not right... Probably, surely, no, absolutely, I can't accept such an expensive item...!!"

Her words were jumbled due to her agitation. Without a price tag, she couldn't know the exact price, but she was certain it would be exorbitant.

"Besides, you've already bought so many dresses for me today. It's too much to ask for more..."

"Don't worry about the money. I haven't given you any gifts before. Rather, let me buy it for you."

Amelia, feeling both happy and guilty, but ultimately more happy, responded...

"Umm... then... I'll accept your kind offer..."

"That's good. You should assert yourself more often."

"Thank you very much."

Amelia bowed deeply, and Logan placed his hand on her head.

"Have you made your decision?"

At that moment, the shop owner approached.

"Yes. This one pendant."

"Understood. Hmm... as expected, you have a discerning eye."

The shop owner smiled and carefully took the pendant from the display case with gloved hands.

"I'll go and process the payment."

"Please do."

Logan and the shop owner headed to the cash register, accompanied by Amelia's deep bows.

At the cash register, the shop owner explained while preparing the box for the pendant.

"I omitted some details earlier, but this diamond is called 'Crown Blood.' It is a very rare gemstone found only in the North Mountain Range, within a mineral called 'Bloodstone.' It is so rare that you won't find it in any other store if you can't find it here. It's a one-of-a-kind piece."

"I see, that's a good purchase. How much is it?"

"Yes, today's market price is..."

Logan paid the price the shop owner presented without hesitation.

"Thank you. Do you need a purchase certificate?"

"From the Helmburg family."

When Logan said this, the shop owner's smile deepened.

"Understood. Thank you for your continued patronage, especially for the pocket watch you bought the other day."

"That was a while ago, but you remember it."

"Of course."

The shop owner said it as if it were a given.

"Thank you for your purchase today."

"Thank you. It was a very pleasant time."

Logan's words made the shop owner smile warmly.

"Indeed, this gemstone is best suited for someone like you."

"...Hmm? Is something the matter?"

The perceptive Logan asked.

The shop owner hesitated but then spoke as if unloading a burden.

"...Actually, a difficult customer came in a little while ago... a bit of a troublemaker..."

"Go on, tell me."

"...Just a little. A pair of Bloodstone earrings, slightly lower in rank than the Crown Blood, were priced at 1,050,000 mail, but the customer demanded a reduction to 500,000 mail, raising their voice."

"Half price or less? That's outrageous, isn't it?"

"Exactly. Selling it for 500,000 mail would result in a significant loss, and it would damage our brand image."

"The customer didn't even understand the cost, did they?"

"Absolutely. In the end, they raised their voice and even grabbed my chest, making it a terrible experience."

"More of a rude and crazy person than a troublemaker, wouldn't you say?"

"Definitely. They introduced themselves as a country bumpkin, but they were just a thug."

"The more I hear, the less I want to meet such a person."

"They left just before you arrived. It was a close call."

"Indeed. It seems we had good luck today."

"I don't want to deal with such customers anymore... I apologize for my rant. I went on a bit too much. I'm sorry for my indiscretion."

"Don't worry about it. We all have our moments."

After this exchange, Logan returned to Amelia.

"Welcome back...!! That was really expensive, I'm sorry..."

"I bought it because I wanted to. You don't need to worry."

"Ah, yes, thank you very much..."

Amelia couldn't ask about the price out of fear, but from the shop owner's cheerful demeanor, she guessed it must have been quite high.

"Since it's a special occasion, I'll tell you."

Logan suddenly said this and took out a piece of paper he had received from the shop owner.

"What is this?"

"It's a purchase certificate. It lists the amount, the item, today's date, and two seals, right?"

"Yes, I see them."

"This proves that our family purchased an item from this store. In the future, I want you to always get this issued when shopping. I'll give you the seals later."

"I see... it's for expense management, right?"

"That's part of it, but also to prevent disputes over who bought what. It's good to have a third-party verification."

"Indeed... I understand! I'll be careful. Thank you for telling me."

Feeling a bit wiser, Amelia was somewhat elated.

"Will you put it on right away?"

The shop owner, who had returned, held the pendant and suggested with a smile.

"Since it's a special occasion, I'll do it. ...Is that okay?"

"Y-yes...! Please... do."

"Understood."

The shop owner nodded with a smile, as if watching something endearing, and handed the pendant to Logan.

"I'll put it on."

"Y-yes..."

Logan bent down and placed his hand around Amelia's neck.

Her husband's perfectly chiseled face was right in front of her. His long silver hair tickled her nose, and a comforting citrus scent wafted around her.

They were so close that she could almost hear his heartbeat. Amelia was completely frozen.

She didn't even have the time to think about being nervous or embarrassed.

She was more concerned about whether her breathing was becoming shallow compared to Logan's calm and steady breaths.

"There, it's done."

After deftly putting on the pendant, Logan moved away. She felt a lingering warmth, but if her body temperature rose any more, she might faint, so it was a good timing.

"So... how does it look?"

"It suits you very well."

Logan answered immediately.

"It goes perfectly with your beautiful red hair."

He continued, and Amelia's feelings were evident from her expression.

"Thank you very much."

Her eyes were warm, and she couldn't suppress the smile on her lips.

To receive such a wonderful gift from someone important to her...

Amelia's heart was overflowing with gratitude.

(I'll treasure it for the rest of my life...)

Deep in her heart, Amelia made this resolve.