Chapter 92
Chapter 92
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 92
Chapter Title: Mother's Necklaces
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I'd sworn to myself that I would definitely finish the dress for Emily, but pulling it off without her catching on while still getting enough sleep was absolutely impossible on my own.
Lately, I'd been staying up late a lot, and my 'coupon for sleeping in without repercussions' had run out. One more slip-up, and Emily would declare an indefinite vacation for me.
To make matters worse, with Founding Day coming up, Mother was right there beside me. Even a simple nod from her could mean losing Emily right in front of my eyes.
"Adelaide, let's do one thing together this weekend."
"Clothes, right? Making clothes? That's it, isn't it?"
"Yeah, I'm thinking of making a simple dress, but I need your help."
"Of course. I'm ready anytime."
So, even though it was a bit early, I pulled out my cheat key.
I felt a little guilty about mobilizing staff for personal business, but I could make it up to them with bonuses.
"Hehe~"
And besides, they'd enjoy it.
I was just working hard for my employees' welfare.
...Saying it like that makes me sound like a real sleazy boss.
My mindset was getting twisted thanks to employees who loved their jobs.
I needed to be careful.
After a brief moment to reset my mindset, I spent the time processing orders that had come into the Atelier.
"As you all know, next week is vacation. You have to come back the week after. Got it?"
""Yes.""
As quitting time approached, I reminded the staff about the holiday period.
It was a bit surprising how readily they accepted it this time, but there was no helping it—the tailors were all nobles, swamped with preparations for Founding Day.
What were the seamstresses supposed to do without anyone to cut the fabric?
In any case, Friday at the Atelier wrapped up like this.
It had been a while since we'd closed without any incidents or shady schemes, leaving me with an oddly good feeling.
The only issue was that I still had a few tasks left to focus on.
Still, it was better than dealing with that stuffy old man—it involved Princess Elizabeth and Emily, after all.
A fresh young lady was a million times better than some guy.
The tricky part was that the remaining issues were too much for me to handle alone.
But Emily's dress would be fine with Adelaide's help, right?
You might think once the dress is ready, it's done, but styling isn't that simple.
For a casual outing, maybe, but at an important event, nothing's more crucial than accessories right after the outfit.
Strictly speaking, Princess Elizabeth would handle her own styling, and Emily didn't need any, so it wasn't my concern.
But this was the first time in my life I'd be attending with a partner outside family, and the first time I'd resolved to dress up sincerely. Giving nothing to Princess Elizabeth and Emily felt wrong.
It was a banquet I was genuinely participating in—I had to show some sincerity.
Not something loaded with deep meaning like a ring, but earrings or a necklace would be appropriate.
"Mother."
The moment the thought hit me, I went straight to Mother, sneaking away from Emily.
She was the smartest person I knew, and the best-dressed woman among my acquaintances.
"...William?"
I knocked, waited a moment, and heard Mother's voice full of surprise from beyond the door.
A guy who rarely visited showing up suddenly at night must have startled her.
"Do you have a moment? There's something I'd like to ask."
"Oh, sure, come in."
"Yes."
I worried she might say 'it's late, come tomorrow,' but thankfully, she didn't turn me away.
With a glad heart, I carefully opened the door. Mother was perched on the edge of the bed, a cardigan draped over her shoulders.
Underneath was the gray knit dress I'd made her before, which made me a little happy.
The weather was cooling down, so she'd pulled it out again.
I suppressed my rising smile and stepped inside, quickly shutting the door.
"Sorry for coming so late."
"No, it's fine. I'm actually glad you're relying on your mother like this."
"Haha."
I bowed my head slightly in apology, and Mother welcomed me with a smile before rising and heading to a table in the corner of the room.
I quietly followed, sitting across from her.
The night air was starting to chill; Mother shivered briefly, pulling her cardigan tighter, then blinked slowly at me before cautiously speaking first.
"So, what is it you want to ask, coming here so late with such a serious face?"
"What kind of jewelry is good for gifting to a lady?"
"A lady...? Jewelry...? Ah, I see, I get it."
Mother frowned in confusion at words she'd never expected from me, but soon lifted the corners of her mouth in realization as she looked at me.
"The recipient bothers me a bit, but I like seeing you take the initiative. So, what will the lady you're gifting wear that day?"
"A black or white dress."
"Hmm~ Not bad colors at all. They match with anything."
"Yes, exactly."
"In cases like this, a necklace or earrings are the safest choices."
"I know that, but I'm stumped on the gems. There are just too many kinds, right?"
"True. Even I don't know every gem. Usually, you tell a jeweler the specs and have them source it."
"Hmm..."
Er... this was a problem.
I had to do this on the sly, and going to a jeweler directly risked Emily or Princess Elizabeth finding out.
Getting caught with something like this would be embarrassing.
"Still, I'll tell you what I know."
"Ah, thank you."
As I pursed my lips in distress, Mother looked at me fondly, like I was adorable.
Was she teasing me right now?
Her expression suggested she was enjoying this rare side of her son.
My face burned.
Ugh... I should have studied jewelry sometime.
"When you know nothing, diamonds are the safest. They go with anything, and the meaning isn't bad. But they're hard to get, so they're not common gifts—mostly for wedding rings or such. I only have a few diamond pieces myself."
"I see."
"In that case, shift your focus: colored gems with assigned meanings make better gifts."
"Meanings?"
Like birthstones?
But as far as I knew, there was no such culture here yet...
"For example, your father often gifts me sapphire or emerald jewelry. Do you know why?"
"Uh... aren't they the colors of your and Father's eyes?"
"Exactly. Sapphire for his eyes, emerald for mine. We exchange them like that. I give him the same."
"Oh..."
Mother's explanation made it click.
"With that in mind, good options would be amber, emerald, peridot, or topaz."
"So, pick from those?"
"Fine for black, but for white, choose differently. White is a picky color—matches, but not optimal."
"What matches white better?"
"Hmm..."
Mother tapped the table with her finger, eyes rolling upward.
"For white... lighter colors suit it better, so aquamarine would be good. It's sky blue, but if you stretch it, it's close to your eye color."
"Hmm... is it...?"
Something felt off.
Wouldn't topaz or emerald work even if not perfect?
My eyes were closer to emerald.
Green and cyan were too different.
"From your face, it doesn't appeal. If neither works, ruby or sapphire are safe. No special meaning, but they suit anywhere and are beautiful."
"I see."
Ruby or sapphire...
Those pulled me more.
Ruby for Emily, sapphire for Princess Elizabeth.
Good contrast, and pretty.
"Your expression says ruby or sapphire work."
"Yes."
"Thinking necklace?"
"Seems the safest."
"Is that so?"
With a meaningful smile, Mother stood and walked to a small drawer by the bed.
She pulled out a palm-sized box trimmed in blue velvet and set it lightly before me on the table.
Definitely expensive-looking.
I stared at her in bewilderment.
"What's this?"
"Guess."
Mother just smiled, pointing at it, no intention of explaining.
I carefully picked up the box.
"Wow..."
The velvet felt amazing against my fingers—so smooth and conforming, clearly high-end.
I swallowed hard and cautiously opened it.
"...Necklaces?"
Inside lay a pair of necklaces inset with rubies and sapphires.
Slightly larger than thumbnails, sparkling in moonlight and candlelight—clearly valuable.
"What is this, really?"
"What else? Necklaces. Use them however—gift them, keep them, wear as a couple. Up to you."
"Huh? This?"
This expensive thing?
Just like that?
"It came for you anyway. I worried you wouldn't accept, but now you have a use—perfect timing."
"It came for me?"
"Countess Albemarle sent it recently."
"Ah? Oh, her?"
The tall, boisterous lady from the northern plains, full of spirit. She often had tea with Mother.
They were close enough to exchange gifts.
"Why'd she send me a gift out of the blue?"
I hadn't done anything.
"Why? Your birthday's soon, she said. Told her you wouldn't take it, but she wouldn't hear it—had to accept."
"Ah... sorry about that."
Getting a gift from someone I hadn't even invited felt burdensome.
Especially since we'd exchanged greetings and chatted often.
As I bit my lip seriously, Mother lightly smacked my forehead and laughed.
"Why so grave over this? Don't worry about it—just aunties being sentimental. I'll send plenty back next time."
"If you see Countess Albemarle again, please thank her."
"Sure, and it'd be nice if you used the necklaces well and shared your review."
"Yes."
I nodded with a laugh at Mother's joke.
I'd write her a nice four-page thank-you note.
I carefully closed the box and clutched it to my chest like a treasure.
I wanted to hug her right then, but her attire was light, so I held back.
"Mother."
"What?"
"Thank you."
Instead, I gave her a heartfelt thanks.
"Hmph... if you're grateful, stop rotting your mother's heart."
At my serious tone, Mother twitched her lips, embarrassed, and grumbled needlessly.
"Yes, I'll try."
"Talk is cheap."
Mother replied curtly, glaring lightly.
After a brief silence,
Both of us smiled naturally and stood.
"Off you go now. Mother needs to sleep."
"Yes, good night."
"You too."
After a short farewell, I left her room with light steps.
Now, if I could just finish the clothes neatly, the headaches would be over.