<span>On the other hand, only Arnold chuckled as if he had expected this development.


    <span>“I’m sorry for underestimating you, Rishe-sama. You’re the first youngdy to choose an appraisal kit instead of relying on guesswork or their beauty.”


    <span>“I’m sorry to have borrowed your precious tools. But I didn’t think I could make a decision without at least looking at them.”


    <span>As she returned the tools to the man, Rishe recalled.


    <i><span>It’s a lesson I was reminded of in my life as a merchant… The beauty of the jewel isn’t a standard for guaranteeing its authenticity.</i>


    <span>The fledgling Rishe didn’t know that, and was attracted by fake gemstones at random. Bitter memories shed back, and she suddenly looked in the distance.


    <span>“Although, Shopkeeper, even if they are imitation gems, these gems are truly beautiful.”


    <span>“Can you think of it that way?”


    <span>“Yes. They’re sparkling and clear.”


    <span>Rishe walked back to the counter and looked down at the jewelry box again.


    <span>Authenticity wasn’t the only thing that determines the splendor of a gem… Even knowing that they were knockoffs, she was certain there were many people who would love and cherish these stones.


    <span>The gems were simply beautiful. Rishe adored these stones with all her heart.


    <span>They were so enthralling that she couldn’t help but smile at them.


    <span>“Y-you…”


    <span>The old woman standing in front of her let out a small gulp.


    <span>After that, she once again bowed deeply.


    <span>“I’m deeply impressed, Rishe-sama. My sincerest apologies for testing the future Crown Princess.”


    <span>“Huh?!! No, it’s nothing at all. Please raise your head.”


    <span>While hurriedly telling the old woman, Rishe pondered.


    <span>Got it, all that questioning was to test her.


    <i><span>His Highness Arnold was standing on the sidelines. So this must be rted to the reason he brought me here…</i>


    <span>What in the world were they going to make her do?


    <i><span>I wonder if it’s a jewelry appraisal… That’s not the case, because this is a store where professionals work. Or were they in a sales bind and wanted to do something about it?… No, I don’t even get that vibe. Then why?</i>


    <span>As she mulled over it, the old woman smiled and said, “My son and his wife have a wide range of business, but this shop is my hobby. They have an extensive collection of stones from all over the world, and I choose which customers to sell them to.”


    <span>Some merchants engaged in that kind of business from time to time. When she nodded in understanding, she was told something unexpected.


    <span>“But, Rishe-sama, if it’s someone like you, I’d definitely love it for you to have it.”


    <i><span>….Huh?</i>


    <span>She felt like the story was going in a strange direction.


    <span>She looked askance next to her, but realized that Arnold has left the counter and was now sitting in a leather chair.


    <span>He rested his cheekbones on the armrest, turned to the old woman and said, “Enough of the tedious talk. If you’re convinced, just give this gal what she wants.”


    <span>“As you wish. I’d be delighted to prepare everything.”


    <span>They left her out of the talk, so she hurriedly interrupted the conversation.


    <span>“Um, Your Highness Arnold? What’s going on here?”


    <span>“Ma, then Rishe-sama hasn’t heard the details yet?”


    <span>Rishe nodded persistently. The old woman smiled and then replied, “The Crown Prince wants a ring for his bride to wear at the wedding ceremony.”


    <span>“―― ………… Eeeek.”


    <span>A weird voice was squeezed out with all her strength.


    <hr>


    TN: I see, they were shopping for wedding rings ^_^


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