Chronicles of the Forbidden Jewels

The indicated date in Hervouet's invitation arrived – the 5th day of Horolt, the 3rd month in Marrossian calendar which they also call the “Month of Silence.” It might take me more time to memorize the names of their months and the sense behind what a certain month is known for.

Just … how long has it been since I came here? I’ve lost track of time due to the different format of their calendar. It has been at least two or three weeks, but I cannot be certain.

What a pain. It’s like I have to convert everything in my head, including the currencies. I think it's time to stop converting, but I should start adapting. Those are two different things.

I arrived at the dress shop at two in the afternoon. I searched for dresses that resembled the style of the one Hervouet had given me. Since it wasn’t a crinoline gown, it is unlikely to be a banquet or any formal event. I’ll refrain from wearing something red to avoid standing out.

A simple, long-sleeved black gown with gold linings from the shoulder connected to its patterned cuffs caught my eye. The shopkeeper noticed me giving it some attention, and she offered to help me try if it fits.

We went to the dressing room and she assisted me, and I finished the outfit by adding a gold belt, a golden festoon necklace with pearls and amethyst in an acanthus scroll design, and for the final touch – a pair of amethyst earrings adorned with hints of pearls and white diamond with a gold clip-on drop design.

"Milady, it looks perfect on you. You seem to be prepared with matching jewelry too. I usually don't offer this service but … will you allow me to do your hair too?”

“That’s generous of you, I appreciate it. I want to keep it simple. Just put this hairpin,” she made a little updo and inserted the metal phoenix adorned with small blue and green gemstones. Little did she know that when the phoenix is pulled, a thin blade will come out. At least I can do a little self-defense, in case something happens.

“Well done. Here’s the payment and keep the change,” I said as I stood up, and left the store to call a carriage.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

It was five in the afternoon when I arrived at the destination, and when I looked at the address again, this isn't a part of Marrossi anymore, but one of its regions – Greizenne. The venue looked like a simple establishment from the outside, and an unfamiliar man in servant clothes acknowledged my presence and bowed upon seeing me as if he knows who I am.

“It’s good to see you, Lady Thyra. I’m Helio, Prince Hervouet's servant. I'll lead you to where he is. Please follow me," he said, and I followed him into the building. The venue was surprisingly extravagant from the inside which surpassed my expectations, considering that the outside building is simple and nothing special.

Inside the venue, I noticed an indigo carpet that covered the entire space, along with an elegant chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The ceilings themselves were adorned with intricate images reminiscent of those found in paintings. The attendees were dressed in semi-formal attire, similar to my own outfit. While some ladies seemed to be slightly overdressed, I was relieved to see that my attire was appropriate for the occasion.

After walking for approximately two minutes, we reached a door that Helio proceeded to open. Inside, we found Hervouet engrossed in reading some documents, completely absorbed in his task and barely acknowledging our entrance.

"Your Highness, Lady Thyra is here," Helio informed Hervouet. Hervouet then proceeded to carefully examine me from head to toe, and with a simple hand gesture, he indicated to Helio to leave us alone.

The second prince showed his signature cocky smile like how we first met, and frankly, it’s partly annoying.

“I see you didn’t wear what I sent you. You've had the guts not to use my gifts," He commented, but it didn't make me budge.

“I’m an arrogant person who don’t accept expensive gifts. I don’t want to owe you anything, and saving me is enough. I’ll be returning those. Another lady deserves it better,” I explained, not letting myself show any hints of emotion. If any, my tone says it all.

“You remind me of my sister. She talks similarly like you do, and I like that. It only means you’re not materialistic. It was a test, and you passed. You also showed what you’re capable of, seeing all that you’re wearing.”

I raised my eyebrow as he admits that it was a test. What is the test for? And when he said 'sister,' could it be Eviona, the one Azriel mentioned? The person he's calling as a rival?

“A royalty can belittle me, being a fugitive. But that doesn’t mean I have nothing. I was a noble once, and that’s enough explanation. Now that we’re here, can you tell me what this event is?”

The moment I finished asking, I realized how rude I'd been talking as if I forgot that I'm talking to a prince. Where did my manners go? Probably it completely leaves my head when I’m talking to someone who’s not giving me a reason to be respected.

“I won’t spoil you. Just sit with me and watch. I hope you won’t get bored though,” when I was about to sit across him, Helio entered the room and informed us that the auction will start.

Auction? Why did he invite me here?

“Wear this mask. Everyone is required to wear one,” he handed a fancy half mask with feathers, and he wore a black half mask with intricate silver patterns.

He offered his arm, and I clung to his arm in response. We walked out of the room and Helio led us to a box seat to watch the auction from above. Our seats are separated by a small table, which held two glasses and a bottle of wine.

"Please call me if you need anything," Helio said before leaving us, as he hadn't received any specific instructions from Hervouet.

People began entering the hall and chose their preferred seat, and each seat comes with a wooden paddle with a number on it. I’m not sure if this place is full of Izavenes alone.

But this place is already in Greizenne – a region where humans have access to. Marrossi, the capital of the empire, however, is for Izavenes alone.

Hervouet courteously waited for me to take my seat before he sat down himself. He then proceeded to pour himself a glass of wine.

“Do you want some?” he asked, but even though I don’t feel like drinking wine, I decided to take his offer. I can imagine that refusing his offer would cause unnecessary arguments.

“Good evening, everyone! I’m Yuna, the auctioneer for tonight. Thank you for traveling here from far away,” she announced to get everyone’s attention. Far away? I suppose that means this isn't limited to the ones living in the vicinity. "We prepared high-quality auction items for you to enjoy. I hope everyone will have a good time here."

An assistant presented the first item on stage, which was a harp.

“This harp is owned by the deceased harpist we all know as Davis Lian. Our bidding starts with 70,000 Mereous,” she declared, and several people started bidding until it was sold at 450,000 Mereous. I still haven't mastered the differences between Eurhryian Bevquel and Mereous for me to appreciate the prices, so I’ll just guess that it’s something expensive since the bidding for that item stopped there.

I took a sip from the wine Hervouet poured for us. It was too strong and bitter for my taste.

“Thank you, number 70 for choosing this item. Our staff will approach you later for the item and the payment. For the second item, we present to you the precious bluish-green emerald ring of the former princess of Eurhyia. She gave this item to the needy out of compassion, and the one who bought it is now selling it here. The bidding starts at 200,000 Mereous.”

That’s … the exact ring I gave to the innkeeper as payment when I was in that small town. How can that be here? I'm aware that she will sell the ring to find a cure for her son with leprosy but … I can't believe that it will be an auction item here of all places.

Besides, how can they say that it was from the former princess of Eurhyia? Did she know who I was all along?

“Milady, seeing you lose your composure makes me wonder if you found that item interesting. I’m willing to buy it if you wanted it. It seems like the princess of Eurhyia was too generous to give a such item to the poor. She’s compassionate indeed. If I'm only lucky enough to meet her, I sure will give interest. Who wouldn't want a wife like that?” Hervouet said, unaware that the princess of Eurhyia is just sitting next to him.

I can’t be sure if he’s pretending that he’s unaware or if he is. The idea of him probably knowing who I am gives me the creeps. Could it be that he brought me here to verify the truth?

Hah! This cocky bastard.

Hervouet raised his number to bid. “700,000 Mereous,” he offered, and the entire auction hall went silent.

But the silence was broken when someone shouted, “The princess of Eurhyia is worth more than that! Her compassion for the poor is admirable! I’m bidding 1,000,000 Mereous!” one of the bidders responded, and his words made me feel like I’m the one being sold in the auction.

This makes my stomach turn, and I feel embarrassed for unnecessary reason. If anything, I hope that nobody else will know that it's me they're fighting over.

I covered my mouth, stopping myself from throwing up. Beads of sweat started to run on my cheeks, and the surroundings felt suffocating.

“1,500,000 Mereous!” Hervouet offered, and nobody else tried to bid.

“See? I can get anything for you, so you should keep this –" before Hervouet finishes his words, I swiftly made my way out of the top seat, and Helio, understanding the urgency, promptly guided me to the ladies' restroom. I vomited timely into the sink, including the wine that I drank.

My hands were shaking as I washed my mouth, and I looked at myself in the mirror.

I can’t believe this is happening. This is impossible. Is there anyone keeping track of me all this time aside from Estelle?

In Marrossi, only Azriel and the fox librarian are aware of who I am. Hervouet, Hermine, and Dante only knew me as a noble. I didn't tell the innkeeper who I was, so how did she come up with that conclusion?

What’s more is … I don’t want to have that ring again. It was from Warren Ruivenfiere, after all. Accepting that ring would feel like I’m accepting his past proposal that I rejected. The idea disgusts me. How can the world be this small?

I patted my lips with a handkerchief to dry it, and burning anger and anxiety are written in my eyes. Get it together. I shouldn’t overreact, because my actions will give them hints about how affected I was.

I let breathed in and out, helping myself trying to return my composure before I got here. When I went out of the restroom, the second prince was waiting there by himself.

“You didn’t look good earlier, and even now. What happened? How are you feeling?” His tone carried a hint of sincerity as he inquired about my well-being.

I feel lightheaded, which isn’t good either.

“I’m alright. It’s the wine. I think it made my stomach upset, that’s all. Nothing to worry about.”

“It’s my fault. I should’ve asked your preferences before offering you a drink. I should escort you home – no, it’ll take a few hours to go back so … I’ll tell Helio to look for a hotel where you can stay for the night. He’ll escort you back tomorrow in Hermine’s place.”

Realizing that I wouldn't be able to endure much longer in my current condition, I couldn't refuse the offer. Hervouet seemed to anticipate my response, as he promptly called for Helio and issued him instructions.

“Let me help you back to the waiting room.”

Despite the fact that my posture may not have appeared very lady-like, I leaned back against the sofa without any concern. My primary focus was on my well-being, as I was feeling unwell and in need of rest.

“The wine must be too strong for you. It was fine for me though. I won the auction earlier for the emerald ring. The auction is still ongoing since we're selling lots of items." He said as if I still care about those matters.

“You shouldn’t have bought that. Do I look that materialistic to you? It’s not like I’m not grateful, but I don’t want you to see me that way. Besides, how did you get that ring? What’s the guarantee that it’s from the princess of Eurhyia?” I asked, and this is the question I’ve been longing to know for a while now.

“It was partly a lie,” he said as he sat next to me. “Remember that day when I rescued you from bandits? I was about to visit the small town to meet the merchant for these items. The merchant said that there was an innkeeper who sold that, and the ring was from a noble who was generous to give her that after hearing her son's story. She said it was from a noble, but we made an exaggeration that it’s from the princess of Eurhyia. So, what if it’s the princess of Eurhyia or a random noble?” He averted his gaze, his eyes filled with indifference.

“… I caught wind of rumors that some are saying she's missing, some say that she's dead. What matters to me is to sell these for my goals. All the funds won't go to me, but my allies for them to create quality weapons, and find the right people to get involved. I'm doing all these for Eviona. Sheesh, that woman's demanding.”

I narrowed my eyes after hearing his words as I connect all the information from one thing to another.

He owns the auction house.

He's gathering funds for weapons and people.

'Eviona.'

He pouted and almost rolled his eyes when he mentioned Eviona as if he was annoyed to please her.

By any chance … is Azriel aware of all these?

It was astonishing to think that I would actually find gratitude in the fact that Hervouet might unintentionally reveal classified information. Perhaps he was partially intoxicated, explaining his carelessness. I couldn't help but see the potential usefulness of this situation in the future.

It seemed that he had forgotten that I came from Eurhyia and should still be considered an enemy.

“This may seem like a sudden thought but … you’re an Alexandrite Izavene, aren’t you? It’s rare for my people to remember that Alexandrite Izavenes exist. Do you happen to know any other Alexandrite Izavenes in Eurhyia? Specifically, someone who has joined the war,” his question sent a chill down my spine, catching me off-guard.

“I asked because … I am the one leading that war.”