When we returned to the cafeteria, Lord Rui Feng was grinning at us. It seemed that Cyrus, who had been gazed at by his longtime best friend in such a manner, felt a bit embarrassed, and he had a stern look on his face. He tried to return the ring in a gruff manner... but suddenly stopped.
He looked down at the ring in his hand again, examining it closely.
"...It's a wonderful piece of craftsmanship. I thought the base could be simple since the stone is of the highest quality... but this is well-made."
He pinched the ring between his fingers, held it up to the sky, and rotated it. I was drawn in and began to scrutinize the ring's design. The large red diamond was framed by a thin metal, which at first glance seemed simple, but it was adorned with delicate craftsmanship. The silver vines enhanced the red stone's brilliance without overshadowing it, making it very elegant without any oppressive feeling. It was luxurious, delicate, and cute... truly, a magnificent design.
Could this have been made by that jeweler, Giovanni? When I asked Lord Cyrus, he shook his head.
"No, Giovanni's shop is just a retailer. They usually outsource the work to specialized craftsmen. ...But I was surprised. I thought there were no craftsmen in this country who could do such fine work..."
"No more... has the skill been lost? Diltz is said to be behind in the culture of such jewelry and fashion..."
"Yes, that's why Ipsandros' goods sell for a high price. There was one skilled man in the kingdom's craftsmen's district, though..."
At that point, he furrowed his brow and sighed deeply, looking genuinely disappointed.
"He retired about two years ago due to his age. It was a great loss."
"Was that the button maker, Smith Norman?"
Lord Rui Feng asked. Lord Cyrus looked puzzled and asked his friend.
"You know him too? I didn't think it was that prominent a shop."
"Of course. Norman's buttons are used by the royal palace and the knights."
"Even though he's a button maker, he makes rings?"
In response to my question, Lord Cyrus answered carefully.
"Buttons were originally jewelry. In the old days, they were carved from stones or shells, or made from glass or gems. They are a type of brooch. He's an expert in decorative engraving."
"Oh, I see... that makes sense."
"He also does tailoring. He makes buttons to match the clothes and clothes to match the buttons."
"Right, the ceremonial attire of the head of the knights is made by Norman. Norman was sent to the eastern front and was a prisoner for many years, where he learned Ips' gold embroidery."
Wow... he really is amazing.
Until recently, I was wearing tattered work clothes and had no idea about this world, but fashion is a pastime for the nobility. My family was poor, but my parents always dressed up as much as they could. Of course, Anastasia did too—no, she was special...
Beside me, the two fashionable men were getting excited.
"It's really a shame he retired. If he were still active, I would have asked him to make this ring..."
"Right, right. No one else could have done such a design except Smith Norman."
"Indeed. This ring, too, would not have been possible without Norman—"
At that point, Lord Cyrus suddenly stopped. I also felt something was off and turned to Lord Rui Feng. The mischievous prince, who loved cruel pranks, put his fingers to his lips and laughed clearly, "Pfft, hehe."
But Lord Cyrus didn't get angry. He kept comparing the ring in his hand with his laughing friend's face, then finally understood and his voice rose.
"Could it be, Smith Norman? Really!?"
Lord Rui Feng, unable to hold back any longer, burst out laughing, holding his stomach.
"Yes! This is the real gift from me. I visited him in retirement and bowed down to ask him, me! This is almost a minor miracle, Cyrus, you should be truly grateful."
His overly dramatic speech might have been to hide his embarrassment from being accused of being patronizing by Lord Cyrus. But Lord Cyrus didn't get angry or laugh; he just stared at the ring.
...He seemed to be deeply moved.
Lord Rui Feng laughed wryly, looking a bit disappointed. I opened my mouth to thank him, but my words coincided with Lord Cyrus's.
"But how did you manage it? Norman definitely left the capital two years ago, saying he couldn't make intricate work anymore."
"I went to his hometown. I thought he might still be able to do the design even if he couldn't do the work."
"...This is Norman's work."
Looking at the ring, Lord Cyrus said firmly.
"...Was Norman's retirement due to illness or injury, not old age?"
"Who knows? It might have been a mental issue. The first time I visited, he was stubborn, saying it was impossible."
—At that point, Lord Rui Feng suddenly looked up into the air. He seemed to have thought of something and continued, almost to himself.
"Maybe it was that child... At first, he said it was impossible to even do the design, but after a while, he volunteered to do the metalwork. Maybe that child gave Norman a push."
"That child?"
"Yes, the second time I visited, he had a disciple."
"A disciple!?"
This time, Lord Cyrus let out a cheer. I couldn't help but giggle beside him.
His enthusiasm for this wonderful ring wasn't just because it was a gift for me or for the engagement ceremony; it was his own hobby. Lord Cyrus is very fashionable. Seeing him so happy made me happy too.
He was genuinely delighted that a successor to Smith Norman had appeared.
"Then, could this have been made by the disciple?"
"No, that's a bit much. The child is still a complete novice. After all, he only became a disciple recently—around the time you were jumping around at the ball after your engagement to the daughter of Baron Chaderan was finalized... Ugh, what are you doing, stop it!"
While being choked by Lord Cyrus, Lord Rui Feng continued to speak calmly.
Three months ago... that means Cyrus proposed to my sister, not me. After the letter of engagement was finalized, my sister spent some time at home, preparing for her role as a bride. Lord Rui Feng must have started looking for the ring around that time.
And then... instead of me, she got on the carriage... and went to the canal...
The image of Anastasia sinking into the muddy current flashed through my mind. I felt tears welling up reflexively and quickly shook my head. No, this is a happy time. I couldn't start crying next to Cyrus, who was so happy.
Lord Cyrus must have noticed my state. To change the mood, he turned to Lord Rui Feng with a very bright voice.
"Still, I'm surprised Norman took on a disciple. He was so stubborn, saying he wouldn't pass on his skills to anyone. What happened?"
Lord Rui Feng answered.
"He was apparently a foundling or a lost child. —Exactly three months ago. He was picked up on the road from his hometown to this capital."
Volume 1 of the book is published on April 15th.
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