The day before Heinley's birthday I changed my mind about the gift. I opted to select different types of gifts and leave the final choice up to Heinley. I would separate each gift into a box and have Heinley choose one at random.
Of course, I'll tell Heinley in advance that, 'each gift was prepared with the opinion of people close to me in mind.'
In this way, Heinley will find it as much fun as a game. Even if he chooses the sexy underwear, it won't look like I put that gift in for an ulterior motive.
Once I made up my mind, I really enjoyed doing it all. I looked forward to tomorrow.
However, Heinley told me at night,
"Queen, there's something special I want as a gift."
To be honest, I was disappointed. I had prepared everything carefully, but now there was something special he wanted. I tried to hide my disappointment as I asked him,
"What is it? Do I have time to get it?"
"Of course."
"Tell me."
What exactly did he want? When I asked him to tell me, Heinley was silent with hesitation.
"Heinley? What do you want?"
Did he notice my disappointment? Is that why Heinley is like this? I was worried, so I put on my best face again and asked in a soft voice.
"You can ask me whatever you want. It's your birthday."
Heinley stared at me as he said,
"Are you sure it doesn't matter what I ask for?"
I don't think he would suddenly come out with, 'I want to take over the Eastern Empire'.
"Of course."
I nodded with a smile and caressed his face. Heinley finally confessed in relief,
"The jewel that Emperor Sovieshu sent you. Can I keep it?"
I didn't expect him to want that at all.
I couldn't say anything for about fifteen seconds. I was really puzzled. Why that?
"... You mean the fairy tear?"
Shortly after, I asked him because I thought I had misheard. But that wasn't the case.
"Yes. It's a jewel I've always wanted."
It may be because it's a well-recognized jewel...
When I looked at him curiously, Heinley smiled awkwardly,
"The jewel is not to blame, Queen."
I knew he liked jewels, but not to this extent.
For a moment, I didn't know what to say. I was confused as to whether it was right to give the precious gift my ex-husband sent me to my current husband.
But on second thought, it wasn't inappropriate. Sovieshu had wanted to give my ring to Rashta, though in the end he couldn't.
"Okay. You can keep it."
Thinking about it brought back bad memories, so I didn't object.
However, I had no idea what Heinley wanted it for.
***
The day of his birthday was hectic from dawn.
Carriages of various sizes entered the imperial palace one after another. At the place where the carriages were parked, the coachmen conversed happily while the servants took out the loads.
