Akatsuki Translations

On the day he was to go shopping with Cecilia, Farsa was at a café located in the southeastern part of the royal capital.

The café, known for its Germanic cuisine, was popular among the lower nobility and well-paid commoners.

However, as it was still quite early for lunch, Farsa had ordered only a coffee and was enjoying his reading.

Noble shopping trips usually involved travelling by carriage with a retinue of servants, or directly summoning merchants to their estates.

When men and women went out, it was common for the man to pick up the woman at her mansion in a carriage.

However, respecting Cecilia’s wish to avoid drawing attention with overtly aristocratic behavior, they had decided to go on foot.

“S-sorry to keep you waiting.”

A woman spoke in a slightly nervous voice.

With her long, golden hair tied back like a horse’s tail and her piercing, azure eyes, Cecilia stood there in a white dress of fine fabric, looking every bit the high-born lady, no matter how you looked at her.

“You didn’t keep me waiting that long. But… you look stunning. Truly beautiful.” -Farsa

“Hmph, spare me your transparent flattery. Reserve such words for those who deserve them. After all, I modeled my look on Zenobia, so of course I’d look beautiful.”

Her words were harsh, but not without reason.

After all, it was Farsa who had directed her to style her hair and dress to match Zenobia.

This would have been a terrible suggestion for a normal man and woman, but they were here with an important goal in mind.

“You really haven’t changed. But… wouldn’t it be better to soften your manner a bit?” -Farsa

“I see no need to put on a façade for you. Where are we going? Are we going to buy weapons? Or armor? I know every inch of Zenobia’s body, so I can have custom items made even in her absence!” -Cecilia

Cecilia spoke excitedly, her eyes sparkling and her breath heavy. Seeing her like this, Farsa was reminded of the incident a few days ago.

Cecilia had been reluctant to go shopping with Farsa, even if it was just for show.

Although she could be persuaded if it was for Zenobia’s sake, Cecilia was not exactly a good actress.

So, Farsa used the upcoming birthday of Zenobia to boost Cecilia’s motivation a little. He suggested that Cecilia, who has a disastrous sense of fashion, cooperate with him, who is well versed in the trends of the royal capital.

He convinced Cecilia, who was finally willing, by saying that it would be easier to choose accessories and other items to wear if her hairstyle and clothes were styled like Zenobia’s.

“Let’s set aside the bone-chilling comment and go with something safe like jewelry. If you know her body type, a party dress might also be a good choice. Maybe tea leaves and utensils for a tea party. Let’s skip the sword and armor this time.” -Farsa

“Really? I keep the sword I received from Zenobia as a family heirloom in my room. It’s been used in training, so it’s soaked in sweat and blood–” -Cecilia

“–Right, I got it. Let’s leave that story for later and change locations. I’ll suggest a few trading companies that I recommend, so you can use them if you’re ever in a quandary about a gift.” -Farsa

Farsa quickly interrupted Cecilia and, pulling her healthy arm, left the shop.

No matter how much counterintelligence magic one uses to make their conversation inaudible, one can’t hide expressions.

Cecilia, who wore expressions unbefitting a noble lady, was not something to be shown in public.

Cecilia, who disappointingly has a special preference for swords and armor as gifts for women, is a truly unfortunate beauty.

Not just Cecilia, the knights of the White Lily Knight Order all have similar characters, although to varying degrees.

There’s no need to explain why their marriageable age tends to be delayed in a noble society where it’s normal to marry in your teens.

And so, Farsa, secretly regretting his choice of companion, proceeded down the main street of the eastern royal capital.

“By the way, for a man, you sure know a lot about stores that would appeal to women. Even my father left the selection of gifts for my mother to the merchants and housekeepers. Are men from the East like you?” -Cecilia

As they visited a few stores managed by popular trading companies among the nobles of the royal capital, and in the last store Farsa introduced, Cecilia suddenly threw out a question.

In noble houses, it is normal to have dedicated merchants, often heads of large trading companies, who offer the latest trendy items for purchase.

The merchants, in turn, try to curry favor with the nobles who control the territories, offering a variety of items in the hope of securing concessions for their trading companies.

Possessing trendy items is a hobby of the nobility, and the merchants must be quick to keep up with the trends to survive.

In other words, it is easier and more reliable to leave the selection of gifts to the dedicated merchants than to worry about it.

“It has nothing to do with being from the East. In my case, it’s a mix of hobby and practicality. But if you’re going to say ‘for a man,’ then you could also say, ‘for a woman, you sure don’t know much about stores that would appeal to women.’” -Farsa

“Hmph, maybe I misspoke. I became a knight because I hated being feminine, and many of the others in the order feel the same. Even the former captain didn’t retire until her mid-twenties.” -Cecilia

“Yeah… she’s now a proud mother with a child. It really makes you feel how quickly time flies.” -Farsa

“Absolutely. Just last month when I saw her, her child was standing and walking. Just half a year ago, they were still a baby. Children grow up fast.” -Cecilia

As they nostalgically reminisce about the past, Farsa and Cecilia continue their conversation while examining expensive dresses on display.

They had often been tossed around by the former captain when Zenobia and Cecilia were still rank-and-file members of the order.

Naturally, Farsa was also dragged into the whirlwind, running hither and thither while sighing as usual.

“You and Zenobia seemed like children to me when we first met.” -Farsa

“Be careful with lines like that. They make you sound like an old man. Oh, doesn’t this dress look like it would suit Zenobia?” -Cecilia

Stung by Cecilia’s words, Farsa carefully examines a miniature red dress worn by a bisque doll on a display stand.

The design exposed the shoulders, with ornamental fabric hanging down from the elbows, and was overall a tight fit.

“The design emphasizes gloss and passion… indeed, it might be good. But I think the color should be green rather than red. Zenobia likes green. Then, we can add the emblem of the House of Ctesiphon with embroidery, and match the accessories to the dress…” -Farsa

“W-wait, I can’t remember all that at once.” -Cecilia

“Don’t worry, the gentleman over there has got it covered.” -Farsa

Saying this, Farsa shifts his gaze to a shop assistant who was waiting behind them at a slight distance.

A man with a well-trimmed mustache, the assistant manager of the shop, gave a small nod.

The duo currently found themselves in the luxurious flagship store of the Velzar Trading Company, a place frequented even by royalty. Here, each visitor was attended to by a dedicated customer service representative.

Although they were of Viscount rank and considered modest in the world of nobility, their positions held weight; Farsa, the chief court mage, and Cecilia, the vice-captain of the knight corps. Because of their statuses, their attendant needed to be of appropriate stature.

This store, being overseen by the chairman and the manager who ran the place, recognized their importance. Their prestigious treatment was a testament to their stature in the eyes of the establishment.

“Viscount Speciēs and Cecilia-sama, we will address your earlier request here. From our conversation, I understand you’re looking for a gift for Zenobia-sama’s upcoming eighteenth birthday… Perhaps Cecilia-sama would be interested in a similar item? I’ve heard that it’s becoming quite popular for close friends or sisters to wear matching outfits. As the charming flowers of the White Lily Knight Corps, I’m sure such an arrangement would suit you perfectly. If Zenobia-sama were to wear green, perhaps red would be fitting for Cecilia-sama?” -Assistant Manager

“Matching with Zenobia, huh… That’s quite a good idea…” Farsa couldn’t help but admire the assistant manager’s impressive salesmanship, even as he tried to suppress a wry smile.

Since they entered the shop, neither Farsa nor Cecilia had announced their identities. The only interaction they’d had with the assistant manager was a brief exchange of greetings at the entrance. Yet, not only did he know their faces and names, but he also knew about Zenobia’s upcoming birthday and the close relationship between Cecilia and Zenobia, which he used to make his proposal.

Under normal circumstances, Cecilia would likely be all too eager to accept such an attractive offer. However, she appeared to be hesitating, her expression unreadable.

“I’ll buy Cecilia’s dress as a gift.” -Farsa

“Wh, wha-what? But…. to receive a gift from you, Farsa-dono…” -Cecilia

“Consider it a thank you for being forced to accompany me. Besides, when I’m out with a lady, I need to maintain appearances.” -Farsa

Even for Cecilia, the vice-captain of the knight corps, buying two dresses from a royal-approved shop was a considerable burden. The assistant manager must have been aware of a knight’s financial situation, and probably assumed that Farsa was his real target.

When in the company of a lady, it was the nobility’s custom to give gifts. Farsa had initially intended to express his gratitude to Cecilia, who he had somewhat forcefully persuaded to cooperate, so he happily played into the assistant manager’s scheme.

“Uu–, W, wel-well, if you insist that much, I suppose I can accept…” -Cecilia

“I’m glad you understand.” -Farsa

Weighing the prospect of a matching dress with Zenobia and a gift from Farsa, Cecilia eventually seemed to lean towards the former. Upon hearing her decision, the assistant manager summoned a few saleswomen to take Cecilia’s measurements and verify Zenobia’s. Meanwhile, he led Farsa to a reception room for business discussions.

The Velzar Trading Company’s reception room was as grand as a noble’s residence. Each piece of furniture and decoration was of the highest quality. As Farsa sank into the sofa, he brought up the main point of their visit with the assistant manager.

“By the way, I heard that your company has the Eyes of the Azure Dragon. I would very much like to purchase it.” -Farsa

“I’m surprised that you’re aware of such confidential information. Indeed, you live up to your reputation as one of the most brilliant minds in the royal court, Lord Speciēs.” -Assistant Manager

Even though he expressed surprise, the assistant manager’s expression remained unchanged. If he was easily flustered, he wouldn’t have been able to hold his position dealing with royals and nobles.

“However, as grateful as I am for your offer, it may be a bit difficult to part with the gem. As you may know, the Eyes of the Azure Dragon are gemstones so stunning that they caused nations to fight over them, leading to their mutual destruction according to legend. We plan to showcase them as the main attraction in the upcoming Alliance Festival auction. Every year, members of the Germania Empire’s royal family honor us with their presence, so from our company’s perspective—” -Assistant Manager

“—What if I offer four thousand, no, five thousand gold coins? I promise to pay in actual Valois gold coins, not in promissory notes.” -Farsa

“Wha? Fiv-!” -Assistant Manager

As expected, the assistant manager was reluctant. Farsa cut him off and proposed a price. The Alliance Festival was a major event held during the date of the formation of the tripartite alliance, aiming to foster friendly relations between the countries.

Among the festival’s events, the auction, attended by dignitaries from all countries, was always the highlight, with a large amount of gold changing hands. The quality of the auctioned items also determined each merchant’s reputation, so they were all scrambling for top-quality items at this time.

The gemstones that Farsa sought, known as the Eyes of the Azure Dragon, were recently discovered in an ancient ruin in the royal capital. They were as rare as the assistant manager had described, a legendary gemstone. Having such gems in the auction would certainly boost the reputation of the trading company and publicize its superior status compared to other companies.

That’s why, even when dealing with a noble, they wouldn’t readily part with them. However, the words Farsa proposed made the assistant manager change his attitude, and he couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise.

“Excuse me, I was a bit surprised by your generous negotiation. Since you insist on paying in Valois gold coins, I understand that you’re quite serious. However, I can’t make this decision alone. May I consult with others? Would you mind if I step out for a moment?” -Assistant Manager

“Of course not. I have to wait for the lady anyway.” -Farsa

“Thank you. Then, if you’ll excuse me.” -Assistant Manager

With proper etiquette, yet unable to suppress his excitement, the assistant manager left the room. In the Kingdom of Valois, gold coins were of great value, and a single coin could support a family of four commoners for a month.

Farsa predicted that the auction’s winning bid would be around three thousand gold coins, perhaps going up to four thousand in a bidding war. Therefore, offering an extraordinary price of five thousand gold coins, and promising to pay it all at once, was what made the assistant manager change his stance.

Comparing it with the auction, at least a thousand gold coins more would be a profit, making it an offer that the trading company couldn’t ignore. There was a high possibility that they would abandon their reputation for the sake of profit.

After all, they were merchants, creatures more sensitive to profit than anyone else. However, this was also a costly purchase for Farsa. Five thousand gold coins was not an amount that could be easily paid, but if it was to achieve his goal, he didn’t mind spending the gold.

Now, it was a matter of whether his plan would work. As Farsa waited for the assistant manager to return, there was a knock on the door, and the awaited person appeared.

“Lord Speciēs, about the Eyes of the Azure Dragon… It seems there’s another customer interested in purchasing them, and they’ve also offered five thousand gold coins.” -Assistant Manager

“I see. Could you ask them if they’d be willing to negotiate directly with me? I don’t mind offering more than five thousand gold coins.” -Farsa

“Understood. I will convey your message.” -Assistant Manager

Farsa almost chuckled at the assistant manager’s words. He managed to keep his composure and made a very calm proposal.

In the case of purchasing a rare item, it was extremely rare for two parties to desire the same item. However, there were not many customers who would seek out gemstones worth three thousand gold coins.

The Eyes of the Azure Dragon were a pair of gemstones, their luster surpassing even the highest quality emeralds. It was customary to match the color and lineage of the gemstone used in an engagement ring.

Before long, Cecilia, who had finished taking measurements, and the assistant manager, who had delivered Farsa’s message, returned. The three of them then moved to another room.

They were heading to the reception room where the influential nobleman, the Duke of Dampierre, and his fiancée were waiting.