Chapter 17
At this point, the only correct move was to check for myself.
I took the magic stone that Edin had given me and headed to the magic shop.
“I wonder if Berry is still working here? That would be a bit awkward…”
Since asking the point of purchase directly would give the most accurate information, I had no choice but to go there.
I wrapped myself in a cloak, covered my face, and stepped inside the shop.
“Welcome! How can I help you?”
“I want to know the effect of a magic stone that someone I know gave me as a gift. I heard it was purchased here.”
“I see. Just the right time—Berry, come here.”
Of all people…
Berry, who had just finished greeting another customer, approached. She walked quickly, speaking in a soft, friendly voice.
“You’d like to check on a magic stone we sold? Can you show it to me?”
I handed the stone to Berry while trying not to meet her eyes.
She carefully examined it and then led me deeper into the store.
“I have a rough idea, but I’ll verify it inside before I come back. Please wait a moment.”
I nodded slightly, still avoiding eye contact. It would look rude to act like a difficult customer, but facing an employee I had indirectly “dismissed” felt awkward.
About ten minutes later, she returned with a light step.
“Yes, ma’am. Let me explain.”
She sat in front of me and began.
“This magic stone is called the ‘Potent Dragon’s Prediction.’ It is currently sold for 1,000 gold at our shop.”
1,000 gold…?
I almost dropped my jaw in shock. That’s the price of a carriage fully gilded in gold. Who would burn that much money on a single stone just to attract customers? Any normal shop would lose more than they gain.
“…It’s more expensive than I thought. I heard it was a promotional stone for display purposes.”
“Promotional? No, it’s not.”
Berry’s voice held a note of surprise as she clarified.
“This stone can detect those who wield cunning magic, or those created by such magic. If they touch this stone, they experience a sensation like sliding over a rough, scorching surface.”
Just hearing that made my skin tingle.
At the same time, I remembered Jane’s injured hand from touching the stone.
‘Could it really be Jane…’
I calmed my mind. I had to judge this rationally. Her pitiful story might have been entirely fabricated, and if she truly practiced cunning magic, she could pose a danger to me.
As I stayed silent, Berry continued.
“Yes, ordinary people feel nothing. However, if other magic stones with similar effects are nearby, this stone will emit light temporarily—like the pendant around your neck.”
I looked down in surprise and touched my collarbone.
Just as she said, the pendant emitted a bright light, shining through my dress and cloak.
“That’s a lovely pendant. Very good protective stones.”
“…Thank you. That’s a relief.”
“Would you like me to check the pendant as well?”
I unfastened the pendant and handed it to her.
I couldn’t fully guarantee that the stone, given by Rachel with good intentions, was completely safe. She opened the locket and laughed softly.
“This is truly rare. Hard to find even within the Empire.”
“It was a gift. So I don’t know its origin well.”
“This is a magic stone called ‘Jeff’s Wall.’ Ma’am, do you know who ‘Jeff’ is?”
“No.”
“‘Jeff’ is legendary among our wizards. I know him personally. This stone was imbued with protective magic during his lifetime and is hard to obtain within the Empire.”
“A precious item, indeed.”
“Exactly. Anyone who carries this can avoid almost any malicious magic. The stone you showed me earlier is valuable, but this pendant must never be lost. It’s extremely precious.”
Why did Rachel give me such a precious pendant?
But I couldn’t analyze that thoroughly at the moment. Berry’s voice trembled slightly.
Worried that she might cry, I instinctively looked away and handed her the handkerchief I always carried.
“Thank you. Keep this pendant for your safety, and this stone for the safety of you and your customers.”
“Yes, I will.”
She stayed silent, just crying for a while. Leaving her alone felt awkward, and leaving the shop seemed inappropriate.
When she finally stopped, she muttered something under her breath.
“…Lady Daphne, don’t let your guard down.”
“……!”
Did she know my identity?
She added a quick explanation as if to clarify.
“Oh, I saw this stone when I came for the interview at the shop.”
“…I see.”
Truly, someone with talent recognized by the magic academy that selects many prodigies had remarkable observation skills.
“Well, I need to go finish my work. A new customer has arrived. Good luck.”
“Thank you.”
“Take care.”
She finished speaking and quickly got up, leaving.
‘Did I make a mistake?’
I reflected as I watched Berry walk swiftly to the exit. I should have picked up on this earlier. With suspicion growing toward Jane, all I could do now was regret and reflect.
The next day.
I arrived at the shop an hour earlier than opening time and noticed a figure that immediately irritated me.
“Your Grace?”
It had already been ten days. Once busy tasks were done, he would normally rest at the mansion until the ceremony, so why was he here?
I controlled my rising annoyance and approached him.
“Long time no see. Looks like all your business is wrapped up.”
“That’s fortunate. Thanks to Lady Daphne’s hard work, I can attend the ceremonial event she prepared.”
“Yes… I suppose Lady Lila has also been looking forward to meeting Your Grace.”
I opened the shop door with indifference. He followed without hesitation, entering as if he were the owner.
“……?”
“What happened to the gift I gave you? Too many customers, so you didn’t need it?”
He looked around the shop and asked. A perfect topic—I had things to say.
“Not exactly… but that stone! You said it wasn’t a promotional one, right?”
When I pressed, Edin shrugged as if to say, “How did you know?”
“The Empire’s situation isn’t great. The capital’s security can’t be trusted. I gave it for caution.”
“You could have told me in advance!”
“But Daphne, let’s say I gave you an expensive protective stone, not to be compared with promotional or barrier stones, in advance as a gift.”
Edin naturally sat on the sofa, crossing his legs and flashing a sly smile.
Even with his innocent-looking face, that smile seemed suspicious—only Edin in this Empire could pull it off.
“…It must feel a bit burdensome.”
“You understand. I dislike making friends calculate their worth when I give them gifts. I also want to prevent refusals.”
He speaks well, indeed. I was too stunned to retort and sighed, spinning around.
“I’ll prepare tea. Sorry, but I need to speak to you.”
“What’s the matter?”
“A lady is coming for a fitting as soon as the shop opens. Moving before unnecessary rumors spread would also be better for your wedding.”
“Practical. I won’t stay long this afternoon anyway. Since you’re serving tea, I’ll stay a bit longer.”
Ah, playing with people like this is infuriating.
I held back a curse and boiled water for tea. Today, Jane wouldn’t be at work. Once the morning fittings were over, I planned to investigate her briefly.
Edin should focus on his gifts. I hoped that if he married Lila, I wouldn’t even be invited.
I casually placed some cookies on a plate and set it in front of the sofa where Edin sat.
He raised a teacup, about to sip, but our eyes met.
‘What is it?’
I tensed slightly. His gaze had the subtle intensity of someone who wants to discern intentions. He seemed to intend to float the other’s motives within his eyes.
“By the way, Lady Daphne, why did you think of investigating my gift?”
Edin asked in a sly voice.
