Looking for a Husband to Confine Me - Chapter 21
Chapter 21
Considering Vivian’s reaction, Hector likely hadn’t ordered her to meet me today. Perhaps, upon hearing that he hadn’t even mentioned it to me, Vivian couldn’t contain herself and came on her own.
‘That’s right, she wanted to break off the engagement then.’
In any case, Hector would probably seek me out soon enough, so I could return it to him then.
“I apologize for involving you in this unnecessary matter.”
“Not at all. I should have been more considerate.”
“As Sir Div knows, I’ve had some… difficulties with my fiancé.” I forced a bitter smile, trying my best to appear heartbroken, letting my words trail off for added effect.
“You needn’t trouble yourself to explain. It must be even more difficult for you, my lady.” As expected, Ricardo shook his head, declining my explanation after observing my reaction.
I offered a faint smile and resumed my paused steps. Come to think of it, Ricardo wasn’t in his uniform today; he was wearing civilian clothes.
“Are you perhaps on leave today? I’m so sorry to interrupt. It’s my fault…”
“I’m merely shopping for a gift for my mother.”
“Your mother?”
He nodded, his platinum blond hair swaying with the movement.
“Her birthday is approaching.”
Ricardo’s mother. If I recalled correctly, the Div family, especially Ricardo’s mother, detested him. She loathed, even despised him, the cursed child she bore, to the point of denying she had given birth to him.
‘Even if he takes the time to choose a gift, she might not accept it.’
It would be fortunate if she didn’t throw it away right in front of him.
“Which reminds me, if you have some free time, perhaps you could assist me?”
“Me?”
“I’d appreciate it if you would help me choose a gift. I’m not well-versed in what women like.”
I blinked slowly.
‘Me, choose a gift…? A gift that might be discarded, shattered before Ricardo’s eyes…?’
***
I wanted to refuse, but I couldn’t bring myself to shake my head in front of Ricardo. Besides, forming a connection like this would be beneficial for me. We stopped by a florist to reserve a suitable bouquet. I also helped him choose her favorite desserts from a confectionery, catering to her specific tastes. We visited a couple of jewelry stores, ensuring we didn’t forget the most important gift. We were just leaving after ordering a necklace with a red ruby.
“Sir Div?” Suddenly realizing Ricardo was no longer beside me, I turned around. He stood before a shop, gazing inside. I approached him and saw it was an antique store. Antique furniture, ornaments, and various other items were displayed within the shop window.
“Shall we go in here as well?”
“Are you sure? But…”
“We might find a decorative piece that Mother would like.” Especially since she had a taste for antiques.
“Customer! Customer coming!” As we opened the door and stepped inside, a shrill voice greeted us instead of a chime. “Customer! Customer coming!”
Looking up at the source of the high-pitched voice, we saw a parrot in a cage squawking at us.
‘It’s a real bird.’
I was startled, but the parrot showed no signs of leaving its cage.
The shop’s interior, like its window display, was filled with a variety of items. From cosmetics and furniture like tables and cabinets to jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, and brooches. I strolled around, browsing the merchandise. The owner hadn’t appeared yet, so it seemed alright. Then, a gentle melody reached my ears.
“This is…” Drawn to it as if mesmerized, I found myself standing before a music box. The music emanated from the antique wooden base, while the top was adorned with a rounded crystal. Inside the crystal, tiny angels floated as if playing musical instruments.
“It’s lovely.” The melody itself was also quite pleasing. It felt as though it was calming my restless heart.
“What do you think of this?”
“A music box?”
“You mentioned your mother enjoys concerts.”
“It’s certainly a melody she would appreciate.” The craftsmanship of the music box was also quite exquisite. We had already prepared other gifts, but since Ricardo showed interest, this wouldn’t be a bad addition.
“Hoho, that’s a magic tool, young man.”
“Out! Out!” An old woman’s voice emerged from behind us, simultaneous with the parrot’s squawk. Startled, I turned around. An old woman in a jet-black robe was grinning at me.
“Is this your first time seeing a magic tool?” The old woman’s eyes gleamed sharply. She had a peculiar aura about her. I slowly nodded.
“It’s my first time seeing one in person.”
I had heard the term “magic tool” before. This was a world where magic existed. Just as humans with magical power became mages, stones imbued with magical power were called magic stones. Magic stones, which sometimes resembled gemstones, were primarily used in mages’ tools or to assist ordinary people in wielding magic. Most devices made with magic stones were referred to as magic tools.
“Then is this a magic tool as well?” I gestured towards the music box, its melody still playing.
“Indeed. A processed magic stone is placed inside the music box, and a spell is cast upon it. The magic varies depending on the type of music box. The one you’re looking at helps with insomnia.”
“Insomnia…” Ricardo murmured the old woman’s words, his gaze fixed on the music box.
‘They even use magic stones in decorative items like these.’
Magical tools were quite expensive, so with my limited funds, even browsing them felt like a luxury. Hector rarely used them, naturally possessing potent magic. Seeing such a small trinket utilize magic was fascinating.
“Ahem! The price is this much.”
It was fifteen times more expensive than the jeweled necklace they’d reserved earlier. I had to check the price tag several times, just to be sure. I knew magical tools were costly, but not this costly. While I was reeling, Ricardo’s calm voice cut through my shock.
“I’ll take it.”
“Do you like it?”
“My mother suffers from insomnia.”
Ricardo’s expression softened as he thought of her. I quickly looked away, finding it difficult to watch his reaction, knowing how she felt about him. Even this simple act of choosing a gift for his mother must have been precious to him.
“Fool! Fool!”
“…Fool?”
The parrot’s sudden, shrill cries from above made me glance at the old woman. She frantically swung her cane at the bird.
“Quiet, you blasted creature!”
“…Are you sure you’re not overcharging us, ma’am?”
“I have to make a living, too. You young folks are so stingy.”
“But…”
“It’s alright. My lady. It’s the thought that counts.”
Even so, it’s exorbitant. I wouldn’t be able to accept such a lavish gift. And it really does feel like we’re being swindled. I glanced at Ricardo. But if he’s okay with it… well… With the resources of the Div family, not to mention his position as Vice-Commander of the Imperial Knights, it probably wasn’t a significant expense for him.
“I should just sell that wretched bird. I paid a fortune for it, being a magical creature, but it only drives away customers.” The old woman grumbled after completing the transaction.
“No! No!”
“You! Stop that racket and go get this wrapped!”
At the old woman’s command, the parrot opened its cage door, fluttered over, carefully picked up the music box, and disappeared. Seemingly aware of my stare, the old woman quickly changed the subject.
“Is this your first time seeing a magical creature?”
Ricardo remained silent. He had likely encountered magical creatures before, as well as magical tools. He seemed to be refraining from answering so as not to embarrass me. I nodded at the old woman.
“That bird may be noisy, but it’s a great help to me.”
Magical creatures, sustained by magic stones, were even rarer and more expensive than magical tools. Their various abilities remained largely unknown, although they often resembled ordinary animals.
True to the old woman’s words, the parrot soon returned with the wrapped gift, carefully placed in a paper bag. After receiving the packaged music box, we left the shop.
“Come again, young ones.”
“Come again! Squawk!”
The parrot’s cries from behind left me with a strange feeling of unease.
“I still think we paid too much.”
“It’s fine.”
Since Ricardo seemed pleased, I supposed it wasn’t my concern.
“It seems I wasn’t much help after all.” He had asked me to help him choose a gift for his mother, but I hadn’t contributed much. He already knew her preferences and had a general idea of what he wanted.
“Not at all. Thank you for joining me today.”
Ricardo smiled gently, the stern demeanor he wore in uniform completely gone.
“Since you helped me, my lady, I won’t tell anyone what I saw today.”
“What?”
“I swear it.” Ricardo stopped walking, his expression serious.
Ah, now I understood why he had asked for my help. He must have overheard my conversation with Vivian and wanted to reassure me.
