Betrothed to My Sister's Ex

When we returned to the dining hall, Lord Ruifeng was smirking as he watched us. Being looked at like that by a friend of ten years was a bit embarrassing, and Lord Cyrus wore a stern expression. He brusquely tried to return the ring... but then suddenly stopped.

He looked down at the ring in his hand once more, intently.

"…It’s a marvelous piece of craftsmanship. Since the stone is of the highest quality, I thought the setting could be simple… but this is very well made."

He pinched it with his fingers, held it up to the sky, and turned it around. I ended up focusing on the ring’s design as well.

The design featured a large red diamond bordered by a thin metal band. At first glance, it seemed simple, but it had delicate detailing. The silver vine pattern never overshadowed the red stone’s brilliance but enhanced it. It was very elegant without any unpleasant intimidation. Luxurious, delicate, and charming… truly an exquisite design.

Could this have been made by that jeweler, Giovanni? I asked Lord Cyrus, but he shook his head.

“No, Giovanni’s shop is just a retailer. Normally, they outsource to specialist craftsmen. …But I am surprised. I thought there were no craftsmen left in this country capable of such intricate work…”

“None left—has the craft died out? I’ve heard that Ipsandros has always lagged behind in jewelry and fashion culture…”

“Exactly. That’s why Ipsandros’ pieces sell at high prices. There was only one skilled man in the kingdom’s Artisan District…”

At that, he furrowed his brow and sighed deeply, genuinely lamenting.

“He’s elderly now and retired about two years ago. A great loss.”

“Are you talking about Norman Smith from the Button Shop?”

Lord Ruifeng asked. Lord Cyrus looked surprised and eyed his friend suspiciously.

“You know him too? I didn’t think his shop was so well-known.”

“Of course. Norman from the Button Shop is favored by the royal palace and the knights order.”

“But a button shop makes rings?”

Lord Cyrus patiently answered my question.

“Buttons were originally pieces of jewelry. Long ago, they were carved from stones or shells, or made with glass or gems. They’re a kind of brooch—specialists in decorative carving.”

“Oh, I see… that makes sense.”

“At the same time, they also do full Western-style tailoring. They make buttons to match the clothes, and clothes to match the buttons.”

“Right, the knight commander’s formal wear is tailored by Norman’s shop. Norman once went on a military campaign to the east, was captured, and spent years as a laborer. He learned Ipsandros’ gold thread embroidery.”

Wow… he’s truly an amazing man.

It’s a world I completely don’t understand, having worn tattered work clothes until recently, but fashion is a noble pastime. My family was poor, but my parents still dressed their best. Of course, Anastasia too—no, she was special…

While I looked down, two stylish men nearby were animatedly talking.

“His retirement is a real shame. If he was still active, I would have asked him to make this ring…”

“Yeah, there’s no one but Norman who could do a design like this.”

“Exactly. Even this ring wouldn’t have been possible without Norman—”

At that moment, Lord Cyrus suddenly froze. I felt something was off and turned to look at Lord Ruifeng. The prince, who loved mischievous pranks and teasing, pressed his fingers to his mouth and gave a clear little chuckle.

Still, Lord Cyrus did not get angry. He looked back and forth between the ring in his hand and his laughing friend, understanding dawning, and his voice lifted in surprise.

“Could it be that Smith Norman himself made this? Really!?”

Lord Ruifeng couldn’t hold back any longer and laughed heartily, clutching his stomach.

“Yes! This is truly a gift from me. I went to visit his retirement and begged him—me! This is almost a miracle. You should be truly grateful from the bottom of your heart, Cyrus.”

His overly dramatic tone was probably an embarrassed attempt to avoid Lord Cyrus scolding him for being boastful. But Lord Cyrus neither got angry nor laughed; he simply stared at the ring.