The Royal Deal

Chapter 81 - 90

"Do you have a particular design you prefer?" asked Jerome.

"Anything will do," said Amethyst, waving her hand. "I just want something simple but effective to fulfil its function."

"How about your family crest, ma'am?" he asked.

"No," said Amethyst, "I don't want it to be showy and extravagant than necessary."

"As you wish," said Jerome, reluctantly.

Amethyst knew that usually the sword held the family crest on the steel or the pommel but she also knew that she wouldn't be a member of the Skad family for long. It was no use having the Skad crest on her sword.

Jerome showed her some of the guns that he kept in boxes. Every single one was elaborately carved and looked very pompous. She found one which was smaller than the others and looked old. She picked it up, prepared her stance, closed an eye and tried to aim.

"I will take this one," she said, "It looks like it would be easier to carry."

"Do you know how to use it?" asked Jerome.

"Not yet," she said, "But I will learn."

Emeis' shopping ended with Jerome's departure. She found the boxes of jewels that Dunph had mentioned when she returned to her room. She sighed. She opened them one by one to see exorbitant accessories in all designs, ranging from hairpins, to bracelets to glittering earrings.

"Do you not like them?" asked Lunia hesitantly.

"It's not that," said Amethyst.

"Then why do you look so down, ma'am?"

"It's too much," said Amethyst, "It's overwhelming."

"It's only natural that he would want to shower you with gifts," said Lunia, trying to make her feel better. Amethyst forced herself to smile.

"Did you enjoy shopping?" came a man's voice from the door. He was here.

"Yes," said Amethyst, turning around.

Alexcent walked towards her. "They why do you look so downcast?" he asked.

"Nothing like that," she said, smiling, "Thank you for the gifts."

"Do you like them?" he asked, looking at her.

"Yes," she said, "But..."

"But?" asked Alexcent, eyebrows raised.

"It's too much," she said.

"You don't have to feel that way," he said softly.

"Thank you," she said, and forced a smile. It didn't matter, he wouldn't understand.

Amethyst felt bitter about it. She felt a burden in her heart. She wondered if all these expensive gifts, that she didn't ask for, made her uncomfortable or was it because of Aran Bank? While Alexcent owned Aran Bank which dealt with black money, she was here lavishing on the jewels it bought her. It left a bitter taste in her mouth.

"These gifts cost money," she said, "And Aran Bank-"

"I know Aran Bank is shady, but I don't own all of it," said Alexcent cutting her off, "I am only the manager, so to speak. I do not make much profit from it."

It would make her feel lighter if only that were true, but she knew better. It still made her feel uncomfortable and unconvinced. Nothing good could come out of black money, only danger.

"Do you want the bank gone?" he asked, looking at her forlorn expression.

"You can do that?" she asked, stunned.