From a young age, my father often told :
"Even if you sell your pride, never sell your conscience."
This was a phrase I heard repeatedly as a child, a saying that originated with my great-grandfather, who founded our family business.
The wisdom of those words was passed down from my great-grandfather to my grandfather, and then to my father before finally reaching . The advice was simple yet profound: as a rchant, it was acceptable to set aside your pride for profit, but we should never compromise our conscience and harm our custors.
This advice was both beautiful and invaluable. By adhering to it, our small shop, which began in a tiny corner of a building, gradually expanded. Eventually, we were able to purchase an entire three-story building.
"This success isn't yours alone. It's the result of the seeds sown by your ancestors."
Yet, I never allowed myself to beco arrogant. Father's words stayed with , deep in my heart.
That’s right, this success wasn’t mine alone. The shop that started in a small, cramped room has miraculously grown into a well-known, large store in the capital; how could I have accomplished such a feat by myself?
To honor the origins of this miracle, I hung a portrait of my great-grandfather in the shop. I prayed before the portrait every day, asking for another day as miraculous as the last.
And after each prayer, I would clean the fra of a treasured family heirloom. The real treasure wasn't the fra itself, but what it held.
[ Faithful Taxpayer Award - Issued by the Empire’s Ministry of Revenue ]
[ Certificate of Honest Business - Issued by the Empire’s Finance Departnt’s Minister ]
These two frad certificates were placed where they were imdiately visible upon entering the shop. Though the text was brief compared to the ornate design, they were proof that neither I nor my ancestors ever compromised our conscience.
These certificates were evidence that we didn't cheat on taxes or engage in dishonest practices. They were a proud testant to our recognition by both the Revenue Departnt and the Finance Departnt, two notoriously strict departnts.
After receiving these certificates, even high-ranking officials began frequenting our shop. Among them was the 2nd Manager from the Prosecutors’ Office, who beca a regular. His reputation was well-known in the capital.
Thanks to this, I reached a point where I could handle almost any custor without feeling nervous. After all, dealing with ordinary nobles was no big deal if I could regularly serve a Manager of the Prosecutors’ Office.
Or so I once thought.
This isn't what I wanted.
It seems that I beca arrogant without realizing it. Perhaps that was why my great-grandfather was punishing now. Otherwise, what was happening now didn’t make any sense.
"The 2nd Manager said that I could use his na to get what I needed."
“Y-yes, of course.”
I quickly bowed as the young man spoke quietly. That black uniform, symbolizing the Prosecutors’ Office, and the casual way he referred to the 2nd Manager left no doubt.
This was the Executive Manager of the Prosecutors’ Office himself. Besides, his appearance matched the description the 2nd Manager had once given .
"He's younger than , but his presence is so intimidating it feels like you might bleed if you crossed him. You’ll know him when you see him."
At first, I wondered what kind of description that was, but seeing him in person now made realize that there couldn't be a more accurate portrayal.
"Oh, so you're the 'Honest Businessman.'"
The Executive Manager comnted as he looked around the shop.
"The title is more than I deserve."
"Nonsense. You earned it."
His voice beca warr, and I bowed even deeper. It seed that I had made a good first impression.
"Actually, I'm here to buy a ring."
"You’ve co to the right place! I'll help you find sothing perfect!"
The mont he ntioned the ring, I had a gut feeling.
If I play my cards right, I might turn him into a regular custor just like the 2nd Manager.
***When the 2nd Manager first recomnded this shop, I wondered if he was getting a commission. Why else would he tell to use his na?
But when I saw the ‘Honest Businessman’ certificate, my doubts vanished. It made sense for a place recognized by the Prosecutors’ Office to be recomnded by its civil servants. In fact, supporting such businesses could encourage other shops to et the criteria for these awards.
"If it's not a wedding ring, then I’d recomnd choosing sothing from our display rather than custom ordering it."
I was also impressed by the shopkeeper’s business acun.
"Is that so?"
"Yes. It’s sothing that will eventually be taken off if it’s not a wedding ring. If you put too much effort into it, it might make the bride feel awkward."
"That makes sense."
It was a convincing argunt, so I found myself nodding in agreent.
He wasn’t wrong. A wedding ring was sothing you wore for life, but this was more of an engagent ring—a promise ring. It could cause trouble later on if it ended up being more cherished than the wedding ring.
Besides, Marghetta was already wearing a ring (well, half of one) that she’d have to remove soday. Giving soone a ring ant to be worn for life might seem a bit much.
"And even though these rings are pre-made, they’re by no ans inferior."
I could see that just by looking. Each ring on display boasted a stunning design.
"They’re even enchanted to adjust to the wearer’s size."
I could tell that, too. The markings on the rings' bands were similar to the ones on the ring I was wearing.
The shopkeeper seed to notice this as well, his gaze lingering on my finger with a mixture of curiosity and confusion. It was as if he was silently asking, ‘What kind of person are you that you’re wearing only half of a ring?’
However, he quickly looked away, respecting my privacy—a sign of a truly skilled rchant.
"Hmm, could you recomnd sothing? The gemstone should be a diamond."
"Of course!"
The shopkeeper, as if waiting for that cue, imdiately presented a white ring.
"This one is made of platinum. It’s a design that was popular in the past so it might feel a bit old-fashioned, but it’s recently co back into fashion."
"I see."
I nodded slightly, and he brought out the next ring.
Then after another nod ca out another ring. I nodded again, and yet another ring appeared.
I felt a bit guilty for responding so blandly to his efforts, but to be honest, I couldn’t tell the difference. Fashion wasn’t really my forte.
"I’ll take them all."
So, when the shopkeeper showed the fourth ring, I decided to buy all the ones he had recomnded.
"...Pardon?"
For the first ti, the shopkeeper, who had remained calm even after realizing who I was, flinched. He lifted his head slightly, his face filled with confusion. He had a look in his eyes as if he was questioning if he had heard correctly.
Unfortunately for him, he had. I was the kind of person who bought four rings at once for his partner.
Damn it.
A wave of self-loathing washed over . It wasn’t unusual for soone to buy multiple rings—after all, polygamy was common in this world.
However, no one bought multiple rings all at once. Even if soone took on multiple partners, it was sothing that happened over ti and not all at once.
"Understood. I’ll wrap them up right away."
The shopkeeper quickly regained his composure despite the bizarre situation.
"You can return them as long as you have the receipt and the warranty."
"Got it."
However, the fact that he ntioned returning them made wonder if he was still a bit rattled. Who talked about returns for gifts ant for lovers? It almost felt like a bad on, implying that the relationship might not last.
But I didn’t hold it against him. From his perspective, buying multiple rings at once must seem outlandish. I get it.
I didn’t see this coming, either.
I doubt there was anyone else in the world quite like .
***It was a transaction filled with subtle emotions on both sides—seller and buyer alike.
Still, I managed to push through the self-doubt and secure those dazzling rings (all four of them). This ti, I made sure that they were matching rings to avoid repeating the mistake I made with Marghetta.
As an extra precaution, I decorated each case with a ribbon of a different color to avoid any mix-ups. After all, it wouldn't do to give a ring ant for Louise to the Mage Duchess instead—it would be a design that didn't suit her age.
There’s no chance of getting them mixed up now.
Whether by chance or fate, the four people I intended to give the rings to each had a distinct color associated with them.
White, pink, yellow, and red. The last one referred to her eye color rather than her hair, but that didn’t really matter. It was fine as long as there were no duplicates.
Let's start with the white one.
I tucked the case with the white ribbon into a different pocket.
Initially, I planned to just buy the rings and head straight back, but my plans changed once they were in my hands. Holding onto a gift ant for soone special and delaying giving it felt wrong.
“Still, as His Highness said, there's the New Year's Ball. I guess I'll have to wait for that day."
Moreover, rembering the Mage Duchess’s words made feel even more urgent.
Though I had forgiven the Mage Duchess last ti, I hadn’t formally responded to her confession. She was likely hoping for an answer by the New Year’s Ball. She was probably expecting to give my answer during that event.
Of course, I had no intention of doing so. There was nothing more satisfying than defying soone’s expectations.
Strike first to take the lead.
I then rembered the Wise Duchess’s advice.
Although it earned a reputation for being ruthless, I couldn’t deny its effectiveness. To wrest control from soone like the Mage Duchess, I needed to make a strong impact.
Last ti, I shook her up by using her real na. This ti, I was planning to throw her off with an unexpected response and a gift at an unexpected mont.
Talking about this makes seem like a manipulative person, but the Mage Duchess will honestly enjoy it too—so it was a win-win.
Anyway, that was the plan.
***I haven’t been able to focus on work for several days now.
My eyes kept drifting to the calendar, and my hand, instead of holding a pen, was clutching the comb that baby gave .
It’s almost ti.
Baby would be arriving soon.
My heart pounded. I knew the academy schedule by heart. The closing ceremony was held a few days ago, so baby should be in the capital by now.
Even if sothing delayed him, he would surely show up at the New Year’s Ball. That was when I’d finally get to see him.
"See you next ti, Beatrix."
"Hnnng…!"
My hands flew to my face as I was overwheld by the mix of embarrassnt, anticipation, and a fluttery feeling.
Since that day, I had imagined his voice hundreds, maybe thousands, of tis. Just thinking of it again made my face flush.
I never realized how much joy could co from simply having your na called. Not in the formal way like ‘Beatrix Catoban of Servette’ during official events, but in the warm, affectionate way only close friends used. That was how he said it.
"See you next ti, Beatrix."
His voice echoed in my mind again, and I could feel my ears practically twitching with excitent.
However, part of felt a little disappointed. If only he’d called by my na and spoken informally, it would have brought us even closer. Even if I tried to run away, wouldn’t it have been nice if he grabbed my wrist and pulled into an embrace—
No, stop.
I shook my head, trying to clear away the daydream. I was already plenty happy; expecting more would just be greedy.
There was no rush. I had decades ahead to hear him say my na and share affection.
"...You said it takes about 40 years to see the effects of this, right? We still have plenty of ti. Let's think about it together until then."
Those words ant that he would definitely be with for a long ti.
Baby might not have formally accepted my confession yet, but it was practically the sa thing—
Knock, knock—
I frowned in irritation as the sound interrupted my happy thoughts.
"The Prosecutors’ Office’s Executive Manager is here to see you, Your Grace."
However, my annoyance quickly faded at my secretary’s announcent.
Thinking about baby, and then having him show up suddenly—didn’t this feel like we were connected sohow?
"L-let him in."
I stamred in my excitent.
How embarrassing. I hope baby didn’t think I was soone who couldn’t even speak properly.
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