Cliff was known for its progressive customs, but even so, the Grand Duchess approaching a commoner so freely—and even holding her hand—was astonishing. Yet, what truly left Harley speechless were the words that flowed from the Grand Duchess’s small, crimson lips.

“As expected. Bliss artisans truly stand apart. Their craftsmanship alone renders the raw materials’ value irrelevant. This piece is a top-tier masterpiece, worthy of pride anywhere.”

“…!”

As Astrid admired the ring sparkling on Harley’s finger, Guol’s eyes briefly flickered with interest.

But her words carried a double meaning. On the surface, it sounded like praise. Yet, Astrid subtly pointed out that the value of the raw materials was secondary to the craftsmanship—essentially highlighting that the ring’s price might not justify its worth.

And she was entirely correct.

“Your Grace, I…”

“The finest craftsmanship on the continent, unparalleled design, and the rarity of the materials—I acknowledge all of it. But the price? A thousand talents seems excessive, Mr. Guol.”

“…Hmm.”

“Considering market rates and the economy of Croatan, wouldn’t five hundred be more appropriate?”

“Your Grace, that’s an uninformed statement…”

“Uninformed? Should I recite the product catalog from cover to cover, including prices, based solely on the illustrations?”

“…!”

“I hail from the Bowell family of Hestian. Potion crafting requires mana stones and certain gemstones, so I’ve studied gemstones extensively. And above all, Mr. Guol, remember that this isn’t Bliss or Hestian.”

“What do you mean…”

“There’s a saying: the price is whatever someone’s willing to pay. I’m well aware that in Bliss, there’s no mercy in pricing. Everything depends on the artisan’s whim. But this isn’t Bliss.”

Astrid had stepped into the role of household matriarch early in life, filling the void left by her mother. As a result, she had often encountered Bliss merchants attempting to exploit her youth by inflating prices.

She respected the quality of Bliss goods but rarely favored them for this reason.

Most Hestian nobles, however, thought differently. They believed higher prices elevated a product’s value. In truth, what they sought to flaunt wasn’t the item itself but their wealth and taste in affording it.

Bliss merchants had masterfully exploited this mindset, reaping immense profits. But Astrid had no intention of letting such practices take root in Cliff.

“This place is different.”

Astrid’s gaze, fixed on Guol, shone sharper than ever. Unable to find words to respond, Guol furrowed his brow slightly. However, Astrid did not stop.

“Jewels are luxury items, and if their prices soar, it could destabilize the economy. Cliff is different from the big cities where luxury goods dictate market trends. The people of Cliff live under the constant threat of monster invasions.”

“…Hmm.”

“We must not create an unease that threatens the livelihood of the territory’s residents. What they need is the reassurance that their footing is stable. Here, the Grand Duke and the knights of Cliff have fought with their lives on the line to ensure that.”

“…!”

“So, Mr. Guol, if you wish to stay here long-term, please maintain a reasonable balance.”

It was tantamount to telling him to leave if he could not. As Guol’s face momentarily hardened, Astrid smiled gently to placate him.

“I’m not devaluing the worth of your product at all. Your creations are the finest I’ve ever seen. But if you wish to sell this item for a thousand talents, it must be outside Cliff.”

“…Are you threatening me, Your Grace?”

Regaining his composure, Guol spoke with a sly smile. At this, Astrid, briefly looking perplexed, nodded.

“In a way, yes. Cliff welcomes artisans like you. The clothes and jewels in this shop are akin to works of art, enriching people’s eyes and hearts. People from other nations may come to Cliff just to acquire these products. It would even benefit the livelihoods of the residents—a good thing. However…”

“However?”

“If it threatens the peace here, I won’t stand idly by, no matter who it is.”

“…Goodness. The Grand Duchess’ tongue is sharper than the Grand Duke’s blade. How could I go against such authority? I’m just a humble artisan. Lady Harley?”

Startled by the conversation she had been intently listening to, Harley turned to Guol with a jolt.

“…Yes?”

“Let’s settle at five hundred talents. Her Grace has spoken, so there’s no room for further negotiation.”

“Oh, would that be all right?”

Caught off guard by the sudden discount, Lady Harley glanced around nervously. Astrid chuckled softly.

“Go ahead, Madam. As I mentioned, this item is worth more than a thousand talents outside Cliff. I think you made a wise choice. It suits you well, too.”

“…It’s an honor, Your Grace.”

Blushing shyly, Harley cradled the wrapped item as she left the shop, offering multiple thanks to both Astrid and Guol.

“Since I inadvertently caused you some loss, I’ll help make up for it. Mr. Guol, I’ll purchase a necklace, ring, bracelet, and hairpin set. Could you recommend something?”

“…An anklet, too.”

The unexpected suggestion from Caleb, who had remained silent until now, drew everyone’s attention to him.

“Caleb, did you just say anklet?”

“…Yes.”

Caleb offered no further explanation. At this, Guol murmured curiously.

“You’re looking for an anklet? Anklets originated from the Pasha Kingdom in the Eastern Continent. They haven’t yet become fashionable here in the Western Continent. How surprising.”

“So, does that mean you don’t have any?”

“Of course not! I happen to have a few top-grade ones in stock. Naturally, you can place a custom order, but I assure you the ones I have will meet your expectations, Your Grace.”

“Let’s see them first.”

“…Ah.”

As if he had completely forgotten the earlier conversation, Guol eagerly began recounting the history behind anklets. It was a tale Astrid was already familiar with.

Long ago, she had read it in Eastern Continent Folktales in the Bowell family library.

The Conqueror King of Pasha, Artak, had a fated lover named Estelle. She was a princess from an enemy nation held hostage. Deeply in love, the king ordered an artisan to craft an anklet as a token and presented it to her.

“I will now be your home. Please forget your homeland and stay by my side. In return, I swear that my heart will always belong to you, Estelle.”

The moment when the king clasped the anklet around her ankle was considered the most romantic in the tale. However, Astrid had never liked the story.

The lively Princess Estelle eventually withered away in the Pasha harem and died like a desiccated plant.

Grief-stricken, King Artak nearly starved himself to death and followed her to the afterlife a week later.

They were buried together in the same tomb, embarking on their journey to the afterlife together. Throughout their crossing of the River of the Dead, the cheerful jingling of the anklet echoed—a sound from the anklet the king had gifted her.

In the end, Princess Estelle could not escape the shackles placed on her, even in death. While Astrid’s nanny had called it romantic, young Astrid had always found it eerily unsettling.

‘It’s pretty, but it feels like a shackle. I don’t like it.’

She hadn’t dared to voice her thoughts to her nanny but had silently reflected on it while gazing at the illustration.

***

Caleb purchased not only necklaces, rings, and bracelets but also hairpins, brooches, and several other jewelry sets. He never once haggled over the price.

Though she wasn’t entirely pleased, Astrid, feeling guilty toward Guol, couldn’t bring herself to stop Caleb. As a result, Guol couldn’t stop smiling.

The jewelry was carefully packed and scheduled for delivery to the Grand Duke’s residence the next day. Sharon would accompany them to measure Astrid’s body and finalize additional details, marking the end of their lengthy shopping trip.

“Oh, I’ll deliver that one myself.”

Caleb pointed to the anklet he had chosen, prompting Guol to place it in a silk pouch and hand it to him.

Surprisingly, Caleb’s decision was quick. Out of the three anklets Guol presented, he selected one almost instantly.

Even to Astrid, it seemed like a fine choice. The anklet, made of two delicate strands of gold thread, appeared modest at first glance. This impression was likely due to its subtle design compared to the other pieces, which boasted intricate craftsmanship and dazzling brilliance.

However, the more she looked at it, the more its understated elegance and refined luster captivated her. It was sophisticated and graceful, holding a charm that subtly drew her in.

When Caleb chose it, Astrid’s heart thudded as if it might tumble to the floor.

‘That must mean there’s someone he wants to keep close to him that much.’

Initially, she’d suspected everything was for Elena. Caleb had denied it, but she still couldn’t completely dismiss the idea.

If it wasn’t for Elena, then who were these items intended for? Regardless, Caleb chose every piece based on Astrid’s preferences.

When it came to the anklet, he even adjusted its length to perfectly fit her ankle.

“Your Grace is so elegant and poised,” Guol remarked, gesturing toward the anklet. “Rather than an overly elaborate design, I selected something understated yet dignified. What do you think, Your Grace?”

“Guol, wait a moment…!”