While gazing at the brooches lined up in the onboard negotiation room, Rishe spoke up. "They're all wonderful pieces, but it's a dilemma."
Pretending to address Arnold, she instead directed her focus to the attendant standing nearby, who had been observing Rishe.
"You know I'm supposed to go for my wedding dress fitting tomorrow, right?" Rishe spoke loudly.
"...Yes." Arnold replied.
"Well, I wanted to come here after the fitting to buy accessories to match the dress. Unfortunately, this event is happening tonight, so the timing is inconvenient." With a slightly disheartened expression, Rishe casually remarked, prompting Arnold to respond calmly.
"If they're something you'll wear, any of them would suit you."
Even though she understood it was just a part of the act, Arnold's words sent a shiver down her spine. Coming from Arnold, and especially from someone she 'loved,' such words naturally unsettled Rishe.
Even though it was likely all part of the act to deceive their enemies, she felt her cheeks grow warm as she looked down, trying to conceal her emotions.
"T-That's an exaggeration... But, I can't objectively decide. Could you choose for me?" she asked.
"...Sure."
Everything proceeded as planned. Arnold glanced at the jewelry on the right-hand display and pointed to it.
"What about that tiara over there?" Although captivated by its exquisite craftsmanship, Rishe looked up at Arnold, pretending to be dissatisfied.
"My brother insists on something that won't embarrass our newly established household. While that tiara is beautiful, it needs more gemstones."
As she spoke about a fictional 'brother,' Rishe appeared to be in a dilemma. "What else do you suggest?"
"In that case, how about the necklace over there?" Arnold pointed.
"I like the design. But, it needs larger gemstones." Rishe said.
"What about the item displayed on the wall?"
"I already have something similar. For a special occasion like a wedding, I want something unique."
"――Then, what about that ring over there?"
"...No." With that, Rishe covered the sapphire ring on her left ring finger with her hand. "I already have a precious ring that I treasure..."
"...I see." Arnold furrowed his brows ever so slightly.
The ring Rishe wore was, of course, the one given to her by Arnold. She had requested that the embroidery on her wedding dress be designed to match the ring.
"...Then..."
(Oh...!!)
Finally coming back to her senses, Rishe hurriedly tried to smooth things over. "T-This ring was given to me by my future husband! It's made with my favorite gemstone, and I really adore it! It's my most beloved ring!"
"...I see."
Unable to meet Arnold's gaze, Rishe continued, her face still downturned. "When my future husband put this ring on my finger... I was truly, truly happy..."
"..."
As she reminisced about that day, Rishe realized something anew.
(I really did love His Highness Arnold back then...)
It was a realization that struck her only now. With her ears burning red with embarrassment, she continued to play the role of the 'engaged lady' without appearing unnatural.
"I'll definitely wear this ring at the wedding." It was a fact, not an act, but she needed to ensure that no one around her knew that the man acting as her bodyguard was actually her fiancé.
"I would wear it everywhere if I didn't have to worry about losing or damaging it. So, I don't need any other ring in my life!"
"...I see."
She felt as if she had revealed something very embarrassing.
Arnold seemed to be about to say something, but she continued to avoid looking at him, pretending not to notice. "I've come up with a great idea. Let's choose items to match the ring!"
"...Is that acceptable?" Arnold asked.
"But it's such a shame. My 'brother' was kind enough to buy accessories as a wedding gift..." With a genuinely disappointed expression, Rishe slowly scanned the interior of the ship. "There don't seem to be any jewelry that meets the criteria here."
Just as Rishe uttered those words, something unexpected happened.
"I apologize for the delayed greeting, Miss Elise."
Being addressed by the false name she had used earlier, Rishe turned around.
"I am the manager of this event. We are most honored by your presence on our ship tonight."
(...Here they are.)
Without revealing her inner thoughts on her face, Rishe smiled politely. "I'm Elise Andrea Bernstein. Thank you for accommodating me despite the short notice."
"No trouble at all. With several cancellations tonight, we're delighted to have more guests to appreciate our fine merchandise."
While exchanging such pleasantries, Rishe observed the manager.
(If he's in charge of this event, he should be connected to the pirate organization... Let's wrap this up quickly.)
With that decision made, Rishe smiled and addressed him.