Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 305. Fair Trade VI
"Could you tell me more about this merchant?" Angel asked, deciding to steer the conversation toward something more neutral and informative.
Lady Belle frowned in confusion, her mind trying to grasp the sudden shift in direction. "Why are you interested in this merchant, Your Majesty?" she asked, clearly not expecting this line of questioning.
Angel leaned back slightly, his gaze steady and thoughtful. "You mentioned that your father didn't believe in its supposed powers. It makes me curious about what this merchant told you and how he came to possess such a piece. He even told you it was a love charm. Also, I'm sure your father already checked the item's magic flow and ensured it wasn't dangerous."
Lady Belle's confusion deepened, but she nodded slowly, considering his words. "The merchant was from Pontus, a wealthy man known for trading rare and valuable items. I don't know much about him personally, but he was well-respected in Euphorion and often dealt with high-quality goods. When he gave me the bracelet, he told me it was an antique, a charm for love and luck."
Angel's eyes narrowed slightly. "Did he say how he acquired it?"
Lady Belle shook her head. "No, he didn't go into specifics. He just mentioned that he got it when his family was traveling. My father, the duke, didn't put much stock in the merchant's story. He checked the bracelet for any harmful magic and found none, so he dismissed it as a simple piece of jewelry with no real power."
Angel's mind raced as he processed this information. The merchant's vague explanation. He couldn't help but wonder if there was more to this story than met the eye. "Did the merchant ever mention where his family originally came from or any significant history about the bracelet?"
Lady Belle thought for a moment, her brows furrowing in concentration. "He didn't. But…" Lady Belle's words trailed off, uncertainty clouding her features. She wanted to say something about how the bracelet seemed to have caught Angel's attention, almost as if it was indeed a love charm for him. But she couldn't bring herself to voice such thoughts. How could she, when Angel's interest was purely professional, and her feelings for him were so personal and deep?
"But?" Angel prompted, his eyes steady on hers, urging her to continue.
Lady Belle sighed, collecting her thoughts. "When he gave it to me, my father initially refused it. He didn't believe in its supposed powers and saw it as an unnecessary gift. But I was captivated by its antique design. That's what caught my attention. That's why I decided to keep it," she explained, her voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and regret.
Angel nodded, absorbing her explanation. He could see the sincerity in her eyes and the genuine attachment she had to the bracelet. "I understand," he said softly. "It's not just a piece of jewelry to you; it's something much more personal and significant."
Lady Belle nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat.
"The design was indeed what attracted me," Angel agreed, his voice thoughtful. "It's definitely not from Euphorion. There's something strange and unique about it. I've never encountered any jewelry like this before," he continued.
The bracelet's design was indeed extraordinary. It consisted of colorful, irregularly shaped gems that seemed to belong to an ancient tribe, each stone carefully set into a band clearly crafted by hand. It lacked the polished perfection of typical royal jewelry, which made it all the more fascinating.
The gems were not precious in the traditional sense; they held no great monetary value and were not made of valuable materials. They were simple stones, yet their arrangement and the bracelet's overall aesthetic gave it an enigmatic charm. The value lay in its uniqueness.
Angel thought about the bracelet's origins. Perhaps it came from an ancient tribe, far removed from the tyranny of the late dark king. The craftsmanship, while rudimentary, bore an elegance that spoke of a different time and culture, one untainted by the shadow of the dark king's reign.
'It's possible this bracelet originated from an ancient tribe,' Angel mused internally. Or maybe… It was originally from the Erebus Mountains, where the dark king's castle ruins lay.
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