---
As Suzine and the others admired their new pendants, Dian stepped forward with calm authority. "Now, let's proceed with the payments."
Lork smiled even wider. "Absolutely, sir. Please, this way." He bowed respectfully.
Dian nodded, following him into a nearby meeting room, his group trailing behind.
The room was modest but elegant—clearly a place designed for significant transactions or high-level management meetings. Velvet red couches faced one another with a crystal-clear glass table between them. Dian sat first, while the others remained standing behind him out of respect, even though there were plenty of seats.
Lork took the seat across from Dian. His demeanor shifted slightly—still respectful, but now subtly eager, like a merchant ready to close a lucrative deal.
Dian's eyes flicked briefly to the pendants. These weren't ordinary accessories—they were treasures, each capable of shielding its wearer from even a Great-Class Mage for a short time.
Lork cleared his throat, reclaiming Dian's attention. "Sir, as I've already explained their origin, rarity, and unique defensive enchantments, I'll move directly to the pricing."
Dian gave a small nod. "Hm."
Lork straightened his back. "Each pendant is priced at 10 Platinum coins. As you've selected six, the total would come to 60 Platinum."
"What?!" The gasp came not from Dian, but from the women behind him.
Emily's eyes widened the most. As a former queen, she fully grasped the gravity of the price—60 Platinum coins equaled 6,000 gold. Enough to feed and maintain an entire army for months.
Suzine and Gianna looked shocked, but their hearts swelled with love. Their thoughts were identical: I knew it—Darling~, Husband~... he truly cherishes us.
Olivia, usually composed, faltered for a moment, her calm mask cracking.
Emma scowled, looking away with a scoff. Tch! After how expensive this is, I can't even pretend I don't like it. I'll have to at least respect the gift.
Lena stood frozen, overwhelmed. That's more money than an entire family might see in ten lifetimes!
But Dian, as serene as ever, replied, "I think you're mistaken, Mr. Manager."
Lork blinked, confused. "Pardon?"
Dian smiled slightly. "I'm not purchasing just these six. I'll be taking the remaining two as well."
Lork's eyes lit up. "O-of course! That brings the total to 80 Platinum coins."
Behind his professional smile, Lork's mind raced. Eighty Platinum! This one deal will change my entire career. Bonuses, maybe even a promotion…
Without a word, Dian called out, "Butler."
From the shadows of the room, Jones emerged—plainly dressed but emanating an undeniable aura. The air seemed to tense around him.
The store's guards stirred, reacting to the sudden presence.
Lork began to speak, but Dian raised a hand. "It's fine. He's with me."
Lork hesitated but waved his guards down. Even if he hadn't, there was little they could do. Lork felt it—this man was a Supreme.
Dian, unfazed, turned to Jones. "Settle the payment."
Jones bowed. "As you wish, Young Lord."
Facing Lork, Dian added, "It was a pleasant visit. Please hand over the remaining two pendants to him. He will take care of the rest."
Lork nodded, still reeling internally.
Dian paused and laughed lightly. "Ah, my mistake—I haven't introduced myself properly." He smiled warmly.
"My name is Dian. Dian Skyster."
Then he turned and left.
The name hit Lork like a hammer.
Skyster? That's... that's the Lord of Windsor! The rumors were true! He has returned.
By the time he recovered enough to speak, Dian was gone.
Recovering quickly, Lork turned to Jones. "P-please take a seat. I'll have the remaining two pendants brought out."
Jones nodded and sat calmly.
Two guards appeared at Lork's command and returned shortly with a black wooden box. Lork opened it, revealing the final two Lumineveil pendants.
He then handed over a formal bill. "Here is the invoice for eight pendants—ten Platinum each, totaling eighty Platinum coins."
Jones examined it, then pulled a seal from his coat and stamped it.
Lork's eyes widened in recognition. The Skyster seal... There are only two who possess it. Lord Skyster, and his butler.
He stood and bowed deeply. "Sir Jones, please forgive my earlier oversight."
Jones gave a curt nod. "It's fine, Mr. Lork." And with the sealed box in hand, he departed.
Left alone, Lork exhaled a long, relieved breath. "A fortunate day… but exhausting," he muttered with a chuckle.
---
Outside the Shop
Silence hung briefly over the group. Dian stood a half-step ahead. Then, Olivia finally broke it.
"D-Dian," she said softly.
He turned. "Hm?"
She touched the glowing olive-green pendant on her chest. "Isn't this... a little too expensive?"
The others nodded. Their expressions said the same thing.
Dian laughed softly and stepped closer. "Do you like it?"
They all nodded.
"Then that's all that matters."
His eyes gleamed. "Besides, I honestly thought they were cheap."
Which was true—after accessing his family's treasury, even eighty Platinum seemed modest.
There was a moment of stillness—then giggles and laughter erupted.
Dian's heart warmed at the sound.
He stepped aside, extending a hand. "Shall we continue?"
They nodded. Suzine and Gianna once again took his sides. The others followed, just a step behind.
By now, it was already past noon.
---
Early Evening – Fountain Square Café
They rested at a charming café near the magical fountain square. Water danced to melody, and enchanted lights glittered gently.
Dian sat between Emily and Emma while Lena ordered drinks based on each person's preferences.
Soon the table was filled with coffee, shakes, and magical refreshments.
"Thank you," Dian said warmly to Lena.
She flushed. "I-it's my pleasure."
Turning to Emma, Dian noticed her stiff posture. "You've been training hard, haven't you?"
She scoffed. "Yeah. So?"
"You're strong," he said. "Stronger than most I've seen."
Emma blinked. "Really?"
He nodded. "And I'm glad you're here."
Emma looked away, flushed and quickly took a sip.
He turned next to Olivia. "Thank you. For always smoothing things over and managing situations so gracefully."
Her cheeks pinkened. "...You're welcome."
Suzine and Gianna just smiled, knowing their bond with Dian didn't need words.
Then he looked at Emily, before he could speak.
She stood, pointing toward a nearby stall. "Let's go there! I've never seen anything like it before!"
Dian followed her gaze. The stall sold plush magical creatures—bears, wolves, spiders, horses—all made "cuter" with exaggerated features. He recognised some of the magical beasts he read before and from the memories he got.
He looked to the others. "Anyone else want to come?"
Suzine and Gianna shook their heads with grins.
"No, Darling~. We'll rest here."
"Husband, take Mother with you."
Olivia simply smiled. "I'll stay too."
Lena began to rise, but Dian stopped her with a glance. "You should rest too then."
Implying, she sat down again.
Dian turned to Emily. "Looks like it's just the two of us."
Emily glowed. "Hm! Let's go!"
As they took their first steps, Emily slipped her arm around his. Her soft body pressed against his side.
Dian raised an eyebrow, glancing at her.
She looked down, her voice shy. "W-we might get separated."
He smiled and looked forward again. Even though we both know that's not happening. But he wasn't someone who will decline a Lady
His thoughts drifted to her touch. She's soft… too soft… gotta control... .
Behind them, the others exchanged silent glances. Suzine and Gianna grinned. Olivia's cheeks warmed. Lena peeked subtly.
Dian and Emily walked ahead, arm in arm, into the evening lights of Windsor.
.
.