The Jueri clan never brought the gemstones they had activated with their power outside, except for the opal passed down to the Crawford family per divine orders.  

If the imperial family was searching for a gemstone with powers akin to the opal, what kind of abilities might they be seeking? Why did they need it? 

"…!"  

As thoughts swirled in his mind, a realisation struck Edwin.  

What if the destruction of the Jueri clan wasn't solely to bring down the Crawfords? What if there was another reason?  

"Huey, investigate that gemstone further, especially its connection to Jueri and the imperial family."  

"Got it. Looks like I've made a breakthrough, huh?"  

Huey grinned playfully, and Edwin nodded with a smirk. 

Knock, knock.  

"Master, may I come in?"  

Seth's voice came from beyond the door.  

"Come in."  

Seth entered, his expression softening slightly when he saw Huey.  

"It's been a while."  

"The investigation took longer this time. But I got something good."  

Seth smiled faintly at Huey's pride.  

"I'll tidy the room. You should rest for a few days."  

"Thank you."  

Once their conversation ended, Seth approached Edwin.  

"Master, I have something to report."  

Edwin gestured for him to speak.  

"The lady has entrusted me with a task."  

Edwin raised an eyebrow at the mention of Angelina.  

"Angelina? What for?"  

"She asked me to help prepare a gift for you."  

"A gift? For me?"  

The tension on Edwin's face softened, replaced by a spring-like warmth.  

"What could it be for? My birthday isn't for a while. It's too early to celebrate the day we first met..."  

Edwin murmured, trying to pinpoint the occasion.  

"Who says you need a special day to give a gift? Maybe she just wanted to because she cares about you that much."  

Huey interjected casually.  

"Is that so?"  

A wide smile spread across Edwin's face.  

"The lady didn’t mention any special occasion. She simply said she wanted to surprise you."  

With Seth's support, Edwin's smile grew even brighter.  

"And what is the gift?"  

Seth handed over a design draft he had received from Angelina.  

"Hmm, that's unique."  

Huey leaned over to inspect the design.  

"But why are the designs different?"  

Edwin scrutinised the sketch.  

"One is for testing, she said."  

"Hmm, so they're not a set."  

Edwin's lips curled down slightly.  

"Shall I proceed with the work?"  

"If it's what Angelina wants, then do it as she wishes."  

"The lady asked me to keep this a secret from you. She wants to surprise you."  

Despite the request, there wasn't a hint of guilt on Seth's face. To arrange such a gift required a considerable sum, and using family funds meant getting Edwin’s approval.  

"Alright, I'll pretend I don't know."  

The thought of Angelina trying so hard not to be caught made him smile.  

"Oh, and make another one exactly like this, but keep it a secret from her."  

Edwin pointed to Angelina’s design.  

Seth, though puzzled for a moment, quickly understood and bowed his head.  

"I hope it's finished soon."  

Edwin’s blue eyes sparkled with anticipation. 

"Are you all ready?"  

"Yes."  

After weeks of etiquette lessons, we were finally departing for the imperial capital.  

Since the weather had warmed up, I wore a light blue short-sleeved casual outfit, my hair half-tied with a ribbon.  

"Let me see your hand."  

Edwin suddenly said something strange, causing me to tilt my head in confusion. Then, he stepped forward and gently took my hand.  

A cool sensation startled me, and when I looked down, I saw a piece of jewellery that resembled a bracelet.  

"Oh? This is..."  

The jewels looked familiar—they were the ones I had given to Edwin before.  

Although their shapes and sizes had changed through crafting, they were undoubtedly the same gems.  

'So he wasn't planning to take them back, but to make this for me?'  

Dazed, I stared at him, and Edwin smiled as he took the jewellery back.  

"It's like insurance. I made it into an anklet so others won't see it."  

His thoughtfulness caught me off guard and moved me at the same time.  

"Put your foot up here."  

When I lifted my right foot onto the chair, Edwin crouched down.  

"How can even my bride's ankles be so beautiful?"  

The roughness of his hands against my delicate skin made my hair stand on end.  

Nervous, I held my breath, feeling his careful touch on my ankle.  

"It looks good on you."  

Satisfied, Edwin gazed at the anklet before standing up.  

"I designed it so you can swap out the jewels whenever you need to, so don't worry."  

Just like a charm bracelet, the anklet allowed for the replacement of jewels. It was crafted with the thought that the activated gems would need to be replaced once they had exhausted their power.  

"Shall we go, then?"