The Beginning of Deviation (7)

After finalizing her dinner plans, Ariel decided to continue shopping. Her goal was to establish an image of a vain noble lady who spends money lavishly. In that case, it might be best to choose the most ostentatious items here. No, it’s definitely the best!

When it comes to accessories, it’s good to use famous items that others can recognize at a glance. There’s a reason for the existence of brand names. Usefulness doesn’t matter. It’s just for overwhelming show-off! To boast that I’m using such expensive items!

This was how Ariel perceived brand items. Of course, true to their name, their good functionality also contributes significantly to their high price, but for a commoner who buys things cheaply, such details were trivial matters.

But that’s precisely why! In the current situation, Ariel thought it appropriate to buy brand products. She admired her own wit and smiled faintly at an angle not visible to others.

It’s truly a perfect plan. However, as is often the case in this world, when a plan is said to be perfect, flaws inevitably appear…

‘I don’t know what’s expensive…’

Unfortunately, Ariel had lived a life far from luxury until now. Not only in her previous life, but even after becoming Ariel, she hadn’t particularly enjoyed any luxuries. Naturally, she knew nothing about trends and would question what famous brands even were if she heard of them.

‘Ah? Wait a minute. I don’t need to know, do I?’

Right. There’s a good method for times like this. Famous brands typically boast prices so astonishing that your jaw would drop at first glance. In other words, wouldn’t it work to choose the most expensive item here or something close to it?

Ariel, once again admiring her own wit, immediately scanned the displayed items. What could be the most expensive item here?

But here, there was another unexpected obstacle…

‘There are no price tags!’

With fitting rooms in the department store… There were so many natural things that Ariel had unconsciously forgotten. That there’s no concept of price tags in this place! And even if there were price tags, they often aren’t attached to such items!

‘Wh-what should I do in this situation?’

She needed to stay calm. A magician must always maintain composure and stay calm. Recalling the first sentence she saw when she started learning magic, Ariel took a deep breath. If one path is blocked, you just need to open a new one.

‘The one that looks most expensive here!’

If you don’t know the price, all that’s left is your own judgment. Although Ariel had no knowledge about jewels or accessories, if it looks expensive on the surface, wouldn’t that be enough to show off some extravagance?

After organizing her thoughts, Ariel once again examined the surrounding items. This one looks good, that one looks expensive. Some look more expensive due to the presence of jewels, while others look incredibly expensive with their luxurious necklace bodies even without jewels.

‘Which one is really the most expensive?’

Ariel’s eyes moved restlessly. For someone without discerning taste like her, every moment now is precious. She needs to choose quickly without wasting time.

Let’s think. Which item should she choose to be most suitable here? Which item would look the most expensive!

Although Ariel had little interest in jewels or necklaces and knew little about them, there was something she learned while studying magic.

‘Expensive jewels might have magical power.’

When we talk about magical power, it might sound grandiose, but in reality, it’s just a part of this world. Old items or those with extraordinary histories might contain magical power, and such items are generally valuable.

‘I’ll know when I see it!’

Any magician can read magical power. And a magician of Ariel’s caliber can instantly grasp it without looking closely. In other words, the point is this: Find the item containing the most magical power among those here!

‘Here I go!’

Although she didn’t make a sound, Ariel immediately closed her eyes, then slowly opened them. In her reopened view, the magical power of all the surrounding items began to appear.

While Ariel was using her magic sight to look around, Reinhardt occasionally observed her. After declaring to escort her, it’s a knight’s duty to assist his lady to the best of his ability.

‘She’s deliberating longer than I expected.’

When Reinhardt saw Ariel coming to buy accessories, the first thing he felt was surprise.

[Miss! You should dress up more!]

[Isn’t this enough?]

[Miss, you’re too modest! There’s this and that too!]

For Reinhardt, who had somehow come to know in detail about Ariel’s usual dressing habits, her current behavior felt unfamiliar. He clearly remembered the exasperated expression that Meurie, Ariel’s personal maid, always wore.

“Excuse me, about this necklace…”

“Yes? Ah! You have a good eye! This is made from processed pink diamonds…”

As Ariel showed interest in a necklace, the excited clerk started chattering, but honestly, Reinhardt understood less than half of what was said. He could somehow manage if it were about work, but this was too much.

The only things he understood were that through special processing, the jewel was made into a catalyst to store magical power, and that it was made by a famous craftsman.

‘As expected of a magician, she looks at magic-related items first.’

The way she was carefully observing the surroundings earlier might have been to find items like this. In a way, it was almost pitiful.

‘She really has changed.’

If it were the past Ariel, she would have immediately ordered the clerk to prepare the most expensive items and then swept up whatever she liked. The current Ariel seems unfamiliar with ordering people around, trying to handle most things by herself.

Even now, that’s the case. If she wants items that are good as magic catalysts, she could just ask the clerk. For the clerks, that would be a very natural behavior, and it wouldn’t be a problem at all for someone of Ariel’s status to trouble the clerks a little. No, it’s not even troubling them. It’s expected.

“How is it?”

“Hmm, it’s nice. Could you prepare one for now?”

“Certainly!”

After sending the clerk away, Ariel looked around again. Is she still trying to find more? It would be better to just call another clerk.

“Ariel.”

“Y-yes?!”

Startled by the sudden call, Ariel jumped, causing Reinhardt to unconsciously hesitate. Even though it wasn’t very noticeable on the outside.

“Are you looking for something in particular?”

“Ah, no. I’m not looking for anything special, just browsing to see what’s available…”

“If you’re thinking of using it as a catalyst, wouldn’t it be better to use the jewel as is rather than a necklace? Or are you buying a necklace as a precaution?”

“Pardon?”

Seeing her tilt her head as if she didn’t understand, Reinhardt unknowingly let out a chuckle. Was she pretending not to know or did she really not understand? Either way, it was an amusing sight.

“If it’s alright, may I choose one for you?”

“Whaaat?”

For some reason, Ariel was startled. Her intense reaction was enough to make even Reinhardt question it.

“Is there something strange about that?”

Choosing a necklace for his fiancée. There was nothing strange about this action. Of course, considering their usual relationship, it was quite an unusual thing. Even Reinhardt himself thought it was strange after saying it.

But he had no intention of taking back his words, and he didn’t feel particularly averse to it either. Fortunately, Ariel seemed okay with it too, as she nodded.

“N-no! Not at all! Yes, not at all!”

Ariel started muttering strange things about flags being broken and routes getting tangled. But since it wasn’t the first or second time she had shown such strange behavior, Reinhardt just let it slide as usual.

“Hmm.”

Although he boldly offered to choose, the problem was that Reinhardt was also almost a complete novice when it came to accessories. At least he could pick out the high-end items among those here, but just being expensive doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good. After all, he’s choosing for his fiancée, so it’s worth putting in some effort.

Alright, let’s try to choose the best I can here. Reinhardt noticed a clerk quietly staring in their direction and beckoned.

“Excuse me, do you have a moment?”

“Y-yes! Your Highness!”

“There’s no need to be so tense. I’m just seeking some advice.”

“Yes, yes! How may I assist you?!”

Even if told to relax, it’s reality that one can’t just relax at will. Knowing this point was unavoidable, Reinhardt didn’t make any particular comment and went straight to the main point. He knew that finishing the business quickly was truly the best for the other party.

“I’d like to choose a gift for my fiancée.”

As he spoke, pointing at Ariel, the clerk’s eyes lit up.

“Yes! I’ll do my best to assist you!”

“…Please do.”

Faced with the unexpectedly enthusiastic response, Reinhardt found himself answering blankly without realizing it.