Varkas stared at the ruby, red as if it were burning, for a moment before approaching the merchant and paying for it.
Talia looked down at the ruby brooch placed in her hand, her eyes clouded with frustration.
In an indifferent voice, Varkas asked,
“What about the others?”
It was probably a meaningless question, yet why did it feel as though he were probing her heart?
She forcibly restrained her gaze from returning to the moonstone.
“I don't need anything else. They're all mediocre.”
The merchant's expression twisted slightly.
Pretending not to notice, Talia turned toward the entrance, only for Varkas to follow and wrap an arm around her waist. It seemed he was trying to support her, knowing how easily she staggered.
Accepting the touch she had already become accustomed to, she stepped outside and found that besides Daren Dru Siorcan, several other retainers were waiting.
One of them approached and reported.
“We've completed our inspection of the market. Supplies are stable, and trade in the major goods appears active. However, there have been quite a few complaints regarding public security.”
Passing through a noticeably quieter corridor, Varkas turned toward him.
“Is there a problem with the guards?”
“Not with the guards themselves. It seems bandit activity has increased recently. There have been successive attacks targeting merchant caravans.”
A slight crease formed between Varkas's brows.
The man added cautiously,
“The Lord of Dorkaen has requested an audience to discuss the matter. What are your orders?”
“...Very well. We shall meet the lord first.”
Stroking his chin, Varkas nodded readily.
Watching him from the corner of her eye, Talia glanced back.
The jewel she had abandoned seemed to flicker before her eyes.
She tried to convince herself that a trivial gemstone like a moonstone was unnecessary, but her regret refused to disappear.
By the time they left the exchange and reached the carriage waiting on the avenue, anxiety had begun to creep in.
She might never find another stone with that color again.
Sitting in her seat and glaring unhappily at the ruby, Talia peered through the window.
Varkas was discussing something with his retainers. It seemed he was passing on the decisions they had just made to the knights.
Since it did not appear they would depart immediately, Talia rummaged through the storage compartment inside the carriage.
After thoroughly disturbing Varkas's belongings, she finally found a leather pouch filled with gold coins.
Without hesitation, she stuffed it into her clothes and carefully slipped outside.
The soldiers seemed too busy loading wedding gifts presented by the city's influential figures onto the wagons to pay attention.
After observing them carefully, Talia crossed the avenue.
When she entered the trade exchange again, she saw merchants putting away their stalls.
Pulling her hood down low, she pushed through the crowded street.
Perhaps because of her hurried movements, her calf muscles stiffened and pain spread all the way to her hips.
Ignoring it, she hurried into the jewelry shop and walked up to the display.
The gem resembling Varkas's eyes was emitting a soft light upon a red cushion.
Picking it up, she stared at it for a while before turning to the merchant.
“I'll buy this gemstone.”
The man, who had been staring at her in surprise, broke into a broad smile.
“You certainly have a discerning eye. This moonstone is an extremely rare item with unique colors and patterns. Normally I'd ask thirty-five Soldem, but for Her Grace the Grand Duchess, I'll let it go for thirty.”
Talia absentmindedly tuned out his rambling while opening the leather pouch.
At that moment, a blunt voice came from behind her.
“What a swindler. Since when does a moonstone cost thirty gold coins?”
Turning around, Talia's eyes widened.
Lucas Laedgo Siorcan was standing there.
Looking down at the gemstone in her hand, he sneered.
“It can't be worth even five.”
“W-what absurd nonsense are you saying?!”
The merchant raised his voice indignantly.