~Chapter 66~
After finishing their meal, the group set off to explore the workshops.
Nobles and commoners alike were browsing the stalls in front of each workshop. Inside, people were trying their hand at making jewelry.
Sennis looked around and bought lots of jewelry she wanted.
“Are you planning to wear all of this?” Barker asked, surprised.
“Oh, I can never have enough of these. To match with different outfits, this is barely enough,” Sennis replied.
Barker was impressed and smiled.
Ruby, supporting Sennis, added, “Exactly. Even if you don’t wear them, some of these are meaningful just to have.”
Ruby did her best to help Sennis pick out pieces that would suit her.
As they continued walking, Ivan stopped in front of a clock workshop, staring at the clocks. Ruby approached him.
“Do you like the clocks?” she asked.
“They’re surprisingly affordable, and they don’t look bad,” Ivan said, examining them closely.
At that moment, the shopkeeper stepped forward and spoke to Ivan.
“This pocket watch is made by a family of watchmakers who have been creating watches since the founding of the Baldur Empire. It’s especially recommended for those who like to plan and check the time often.”
Ruby added, “It’s not just beautiful in design, but also very durable. This workshop is famous for making long-lasting products, and they do great repairs.”
What stood out was that the watch had colorful gemstones from Cardonia, adding a unique touch.
“I’ll buy it for you. Pick one,” Ruby suggested, noticing Ivan’s interest.
Ivan, feeling embarrassed to be so close to Ruby, tried to remain composed, though he couldn’t hide his discomfort.
“No, I’ll buy it myself.”
“You’ve helped me a lot with things related to Cardonia, so consider this a small thank-you gift,” Ruby insisted, giving him a smile as she looked at the watches carefully.
She continued, “There are a variety of designs, from flashy ones to more practical ones. What’s more important to you? The design or the functionality?”
“Functionality?” Ivan asked.
“How about one with fewer gems like this one? Which color do you prefer?” Ruby asked, showing him a simpler design.
Ivan’s eyes landed on one with a red gemstone.
“I’ll take this one with the red gemstone,” he decided.
“Good choice. That watch is designed with Cardonian rubies. When it catches the sunlight, the red light sparkles beautifully,” the shopkeeper said, adding that the gemstone was a ruby.
The mention of “ruby” made Ivan’s face flush instantly. He had chosen it because he knew the gemstone was a ruby, and because Ruby was right next to him.
However, Ruby didn’t seem to notice anything unusual and casually paid for the watch. She had it neatly packaged with a ribbon and handed it to Ivan.
“It’s a gift. Please use it well,” she said with a smile.
“Thanks. I’ll use it properly,” Ivan replied, holding the box tightly.
Barker, watching from the side, pointed at himself and asked, “What about me?”
“Oh, for Barker, why don’t you let Sennis buy you one?” Ruby said, suddenly involving Sennis.
“What? Me?” Sennis asked, surprised.
“Or how about you both exchange gifts? It could be a nice way to remember this,” Ruby suggested, thinking it might bring the two closer.
Sennis and Barker both immediately shook their heads in rejection.
“No, thanks.”
“I don’t plan on giving Barker a gift either,” Sennis said firmly.
Ruby was surprised by their honesty. It seemed like getting the two of them to exchange gifts wasn’t going to be easy. Did they not want to show their feelings? Or perhaps they really didn’t have any feelings for each other?
Feeling a little embarrassed, Ruby scratched her cheek.
“Well, would you like to try making something yourself next?” Ruby suggested, changing the subject.
“Shall we?” Barker asked.
Ruby led them to a workshop called Lost Workshop, which was located in a new building. The workshop was busy as people were making their own jewelry while also selling items.
When they arrived, the workshop owner greeted Ruby warmly.
“You’ve come, Miss Ruby!”
“Are you busy?” Ruby asked, noticing how much activity was going on.
“Even if I am busy, I can always make time for you,” the owner said.
“Then, would it be alright if we try making some necklaces?” Ruby asked.
The owner quickly noticed that Ruby and her companions weren’t ordinary customers.
“I’ll guide you into the workshop where no one else is. You’ll have a more private experience there.”
They were led into a private workshop where no other customers were present. The three children marveled at the various jewelry pieces displayed on the walls.
“There are far more valuable pieces here than what we have at home,” Barker said, admiring the collection.
“This workshop is probably the best place in the empire for making Baldur-style jewelry,” Ruby said proudly.
“This is the workshop you mentioned, Lady Ruby?” Sennis asked, looking around in awe.
“Yes, they offer very reasonable prices compared to most jewelers, and the quality is great,” Ruby explained.
As they sat down, the owner hurriedly brought out materials for them to use.
“I’ll teach you how to make your own jewelry. If you need help, just ask,” the owner said with a smile.
“Yes, Teacher,” Ruby said, referring to the owner as “teacher,” a term of respect. The others followed her lead.
“I’ll try my best,” Ivan said, though he couldn’t bring himself to say “teacher” like the others. He simply watched.
The children followed the instructions and began making their necklaces. Ivan, though he seemed uninterested in jewelry, turned out to be very skilled with his hands and focused intently on the task.
“Teacher, what should I do with this?” Ivan asked, using the term “teacher” instead of “teacher” because of his pride.
The owner, not offended by Ivan’s informal address, explained how to proceed.
“Do it like this,” the owner said patiently.
Ruby watched as the children worked, occasionally glancing over to check on their progress. Thankfully, no one seemed bored or disinterested.
After a while, Barker finished his necklace first.
“Are you going to wear it yourself?” Ruby asked.
“No. It’s not perfect, but I’m going to give it to my mother,” Barker said.
“You’ve done a great job. Your wife will surely be very happy with it,” Ruby praised him.
Sennis was struggling but managed to finish her necklace with the owner’s help.
“This is the first necklace I’ve ever made. I’ll proudly show it off to my friends!” she said excitedly.
Finally, Ivan finished his necklace carefully. The owner praised him for his excellent work.
“You seem to have a talent for this. I’ve never seen such a beautiful result from a beginner,” the owner said.
“Really?” Ivan asked, inspecting his necklace closely.
Ruby, impressed, smiled. “It’s even more beautiful than the one I made.”
Ruby’s necklace looked rough compared to Ivan’s. It was clear that Ivan had more natural skill than she did.
The children all had their necklaces packed and wrapped in small boxes. It had taken a long time, and the day was already winding down.
“Thank you for spending the day with us,” Ruby said, bowing her head as she thanked them.
“Thanks to you, Lady Ruby,” Sennis said, helping Ruby stand.
“I don’t often get to enjoy a festival like this, especially without worrying about the Goddess Festival. Thank you for this opportunity,” Sennis said, smiling.
Barker also thanked Ruby with a graceful bow.
“It wasn’t bad,” Ivan added casually, but Ruby knew that his words were a big compliment coming from him.
“Shall we return to the Lord’s mansion now?” Ruby asked, and they all got into the carriage to head back.
They were all tired and headed to their rooms.
“Wait a moment,” Ivan called out before anyone could leave.
“What’s wrong?” Ruby asked, walking over to him.
Ivan, confirming there was no one around, hesitated for a moment. He then handed Ruby the box.
“You got a watch, so I’ll give you one too,” he said.
“This is the necklace you made, isn’t it?” Ruby asked, surprised.
“That’s why I’m giving it to you,” Ivan said, walking away before Ruby could say anything more.
Ruby opened the box in her hand. The necklace Ivan had made sparkled beautifully under the chandelier light.
“So this is why?” Ruby murmured, not fully understanding his words.
But she was happy to receive such a thoughtful gift. She smiled gently, tucking the box into her bag as she made her way to her room.
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