~Chapter 55~
Ruby smiled as she held the necklace. “Oh, this? It was made by a workshop called Lost Workshop.”
Sennis looked puzzled because the name wasn’t one of the famous jewelry stores in the city. “A workshop?”
“Yes, it’s a workshop that creates traditional Baldur jewelry.”
“You bought jewelry from a workshop instead of a store?” Sennis asked, still unsure.
“Well, if I’m being honest, I didn’t exactly buy it. I just received it as a gift from the specialty products of Grand Duke Lux’s territory.”
“Specialty products?”
“Yes, from Cardonia Territory. Have you heard of it?”
Sennis tilted her head, signaling that she hadn’t.
“Cardonia Territory? I don’t think I’ve heard of it,” she said.
“It’s a place where a lot of traditional Baldur jewelry comes from. Especially many craftsmen live there.”
“Wow, so that’s where all these beautiful pieces come from. How fascinating,” Sennis replied, still looking at Ruby’s necklace, which sparkled in the light.
Noticing Sennis’ intense curiosity, Ruby decided to gently offer an invitation.
“If you’re interested, would you like me to invite you to Cardonia Territory sometime?”
“Cardonia Territory?” Sennis repeated, her eyes wide.
“Yes. I thought it might be better if you saw it in person and chose something you like.”
Sennis hesitated, unsure of how to respond. “Well, I can talk to my father, the Count of Brensel, about it.”
Ruby wasn’t expecting an immediate response. She knew it would take some time for approval, but she had a feeling that Sennis would eventually accept the invitation.
“Could I invite Barker as well?” Ruby asked.
“Me?” Barker said, startled, pointing at himself.
“Yes, they make jewelry for both men and women in Cardonia,” Ruby explained.
“How did you know I was interested in jewelry?” Barker asked, looking surprised.
“Well, I could tell from your earrings. You clearly picked them out carefully. And they match your green outfit with emeralds, right?”
“Yes, that’s right,” Barker said, touching his earrings and looking at Ruby with wide eyes.
“And the watch on your wrist seems more about design than the function of telling time,” Ruby added, noticing the details.
“Wow, you’ve really been observing me carefully,” Barker said.
“I’ve seen so many pieces of jewelry while deciding on the best works for the Cardonia workshops. I’ve become good at recognizing details like this,” Ruby explained.
“You’re the first person to notice my interest in jewelry,” Barker said, surprised. “Though, I’ve mostly looked at other people’s jewelry, not my own.”
Ruby then turned to Sennis.
“Sennis, you’ve really put thought into your appearance today. The pink hair with the pale pink dress suits you perfectly. And your amethyst necklace really shines. I also like the subtle star-patterned bracelet peeking out from your gloves.”
“Wow, you’re so accurate. That was exactly what my maid had in mind,” Sennis said, clearly impressed.
Ruby smiled warmly, glad to have gained Sennis’s approval.
“Being Grand Duke Lux’s granddaughter, I can see you have a very discerning eye,” Barker said, clapping lightly, still in shock.
“It’s nothing, really,” Ruby said, laughing awkwardly at the compliment.
Barker stared at Ruby, his curiosity growing.
“I’d like to invite you to my mansion as well, if you’re willing,” Barker said suddenly.
“Me?” Ruby said, surprised by the sudden invitation.
“Yes, I think you would enjoy visiting. We have many unique pieces of jewelry at our mansion,” Barker explained.
Ruby didn’t see any reason to refuse since she had already accepted the invitation to Cardonia Territory. She smiled and agreed.
“Yes, I’d love to.”
“I’d like to come too, Barker,” Sennis interjected, joining the conversation.
Barker’s face stiffened for a moment but quickly returned to normal.
“Wouldn’t you be busy with other tea parties, Sennis?” Barker asked, his tone a little hesitant.
“Well, if Barker is inviting me, I’ll have to decline other parties and come,” Sennis said, without hesitation.
It was clear that Barker didn’t seem thrilled by the idea of Sennis joining them, but Ruby didn’t know the full story. She observed the situation quietly.
“Well, I’m not sure if you’ll find our mansion interesting,” Ruby said, trying to end the awkward moment.
“I think it might be more awkward if it’s just you and Barker alone. But if I’m there, it will be much more fun, don’t you think?” Sennis said with a smile, trying to make things light.
Ruby felt a little awkward, but she didn’t want to show it. “I don’t think it will be awkward at all,” Ruby replied.
“Well, if Barker is okay with it, I’ll be happy to join you,” Ruby added, wrapping up the conversation.
Barker and Sennis exchanged looks, still clearly not thrilled with each other, but Ruby’s comment stopped their argument.
Sennis immediately smiled brightly, as if nothing had happened. “Then we’ll set a date later, won’t we, Ruby? I’ll definitely come!”
“Yes, just let me know when works best for both of you,” Ruby said.
“I’ll send a letter to your mansion,” Barker said, still a little surprised.
“Thank you.”
Barker smiled at Ruby, his expression softer than before.
***
As Ruby was surrounded by other noble children, she had little time to talk to Ivan, who was still greeting guests.
Though many of the children wanted to talk to Ivan, he intentionally kept his back turned so Ruby could have some space.
“By the way, I was just invited to Barker’s mansion,” Ruby said casually.
“To Barker’s mansion?” Ivan frowned slightly.
“Yes, I’m going to visit his mansion,” Ruby replied, without hesitation.
Ivan looked at Ruby and then at Barker, his expression still unsure. He didn’t realize he was showing his frustration, but it was clear.
Sennis and Barker exchanged surprised looks when they saw Ivan’s expression.
Ruby didn’t notice the tension and continued, “Sennis is coming too.”
“I see,” Ivan muttered, trying to push his discomfort aside.
“Is something wrong?” Ruby asked, noticing his frown.
“No, nothing,” Ivan replied quickly, his face still a little stiff.
Barker, still a little unsure about how things were going, carefully asked, “Would you like to join us, Your Highness?”
Ivan, without thinking, quickly replied, “Of course. It would be an honor.”
“Then I’ll make sure to find time for it,” Barker said, clearly relieved.
Sennis smiled brightly, her surprise clear. “I’m so happy to hear that!”
Ruby wondered how Ivan would feel visiting the mansion of a family like the Land Count’s, and though she wasn’t sure how the Land Counts would feel about Ivan’s visit, she knew there was no way they could refuse him.
Ivan cleared his throat, a little embarrassed. “It’s no big deal.”
“By the way, Your Highness, I’m not sure if you’ll like the jewelry, but the real purpose of the invitation is to introduce you to our pieces,” Barker said, trying to explain.
“Don’t worry. I’m also interested in jewelry,” Ivan said casually.
“I see,” Barker said, still a bit surprised by Ivan’s reply.
“Actually, I’ve prepared gifts for everyone here,” Ivan added, gesturing to his servants.
Soon, servants began handing out small boxes to the children attending the tea party.
Sennis, eager to open the box, asked, “What’s inside?”
“Open it and see,” Ivan said.
