Chapter Title: The Color of Your Eyes
Cesare's favorite cornflower blue sapphire brooch, a classical Asher-cut rubellite ring surrounded by pearls, and a butterfly-shaped relic brooch painted in various enamel colors.
"How about this bi-color tourmaline this time?"
"I also recommend this color-change garnet!"
Eventually, even the other clerks were excitedly recommending various items. It was only natural—Adelaide was the perfect model. Being a beauty without distinct features meant she was sculpturally flawless, leaving nothing to criticize. Moreover, Adelaide exuded an overwhelming presence. Even when expressionless, she radiated a dangerous charm.
Adelaide showed no particular enthusiasm for this jewelry display, but she didn't seem bothered either. She wore the necklaces Lisa handed her and turned to Cesare. Cesare, arms crossed and head tilted slightly, merely smiled. Then Adelaide would remove what she was wearing and place it to the left or right.
*...It's the same smile, so how does she differentiate?*
Cesare, being a gentleman, never said that rubies did not suit a lady. It was up to Adelaide to make that distinction.
*Is it because they're related by blood?*
Thus, numerous boxes were stacked until they reached the last jewelry box—something Lisa had prepared.
"It's not as valuable as the other jewels..." Lisa began as she opened the box.
A pair of teardrop-shaped pearl earrings was revealed. Each was seventeen carats, and considering they were natural pearls, the symmetry was astonishing.
"I thought pearls would suit you, Lady Adelaide."
For the first time, Cesare, who had been standing back, stepped forward.
"Nice."
He picked up one of the pearl earrings and turned to Adelaide.
"Adelaide."
It was clear he intended to put it on her. Adelaide's golden eyes widened. She hesitated before speaking.
"...I haven't pierced my ears yet."
"Oh my." Lisa's eyes widened in surprise. "I made a mistake. I apologize. I didn't think of it because most ladies have their ears pierced from a young age."
"Hm. It seems your mother raised her daughter more conservatively than you."
Cesare made a joke that no one could laugh at, bringing the earrings closer to Adelaide. Adelaide obediently gathered her hair to one side, exposing her right ear. Her thin neck, previously hidden by her wavy dark green hair, was now vulnerably revealed.
"..."
It might sound strange, but the moment Lisa saw that, her mouth went dry. Adelaide, waiting quietly for his touch, looked somewhat—no, quite—provocative.
It seemed she wasn't the only one who thought so. Cesare noticeably paused for a moment. However, he showed no hesitation and brought the seventeen-carat milky pearl earring to Adelaide's earlobe.
"..."
The white pearl draped against Adelaide's neckline. Adelaide stood still like a marble statue, eyes downcast. Lisa swallowed again.
*This person is quite dangerous.*
How should she put it? It seemed Adelaide didn't realize she was arousing others' desires. Like a mermaid who didn't know her nakedness was shameful. And it's always the sailors who long for the perpetually naked mermaid.
Feeling like one of those sailors, Lisa blushed while Cesare, in the meantime, set down the earring.
"...Lisa's taste is decent. This is the best, but I don't want my sister to bleed. I'll buy this separately."
"Yes. I will handle it that way."
"But it seems what's here doesn't appeal to my sister?"
*What? That can't be.*
At Cesare's sudden remark, Lisa nearly dropped the jewelry box. If they couldn't set a daily sales record even after welcoming such a carriage, Bella Stella would become a laughingstock.
"It's not that..."
"If it's not good, we can go elsewhere, Adelaide."
Adelaide opened her mouth after a graceful hesitation.
"...There is something I want."
Adelaide's gaze turned to Cesare. Her previously cold eyes instantly turned sweet as honey. To be honest, for a moment, Lisa wondered, *Is she confessing to her own brother?* If not, why was she looking at him with such excited eyes!
While Lisa was internally exclaiming, Adelaide spoke.
"That brooch."
"...This?"
Cesare was a beat late in removing the brooch from his coat and placing it on the shelf.
"Yes."
Adelaide's expression softened. It was an item sold by Bottega di Vesio—a custom-made brooch with a bright yellow Asher-cut sapphire. Its simple design ended with a bezel setting without any secondary stones. Because Cesare's appearance was so splendid, such a neat accessory suited him better.
"If you're buying me jewelry, I'd like it in this color."
At Adelaide's words, Cesare smiled his characteristic crooked smile.
"It's too common."
"Is it? But..."
Adelaide reached out and lifted the brooch. She placed it on her left chest, where her heart was. At that moment, an astonishingly lovely and delicate smile appeared on her face. Her eyes crinkled like fish fins, and her golden eyes became sweet beyond imagination.
"It's the color of your eyes, Brother."
The thick velvet curtain of indifference lifted in an instant. The mature charm and fresh warmth of a lady emerged.
"So I like this."
Lisa's breath stopped. Everyone around was the same. Even Cesare.
"..."
"..."
With one smile, the room fell silent. For the duration of three breaths, no one spoke. Adelaide, noticing the reactions around her, quickly put the brooch down.
"...Of course, if it doesn't displease you, Brother."
*Oh no.*
Lisa felt sorry inside, but it was too late. The seductive smile that had bloomed like a fully opened flower quickly faded and disappeared. Only then did a few people around exhale. Lisa also felt exhausted.
*...The social scene is in trouble.*
The current top beauty of the social scene was undeniably Lucrezia Della Valle. She was the epitome of a *bella figura* lady. Even without her family name, her beauty alone would ensure her invitations to all parties. But once Adelaide debuted, there would be a seismic shift in that solid position. Lisa sensed this.
Adelaide was dangerous. While Lucrezia's charm was like a lone lily admired from afar, Adelaide was like a mirage island beyond the horizon—an island with sirens singing and mermaids trailing, somewhere that incited a desire for conquest.
*From what I've heard, it seems she came up to Fornatie after living separately. Does she even look like a sister?*
Lisa glanced at Cesare unknowingly. But contrary to her expectations, Cesare looked merely astonished, showing no signs of spring fever.
*Strange. I thought he hesitated earlier. Was I wrong?*
Cesare calmly muttered something strange.
"Women are scary."
"..."
Adelaide blinked, seemingly not understanding what he meant. Cesare chuckled and flicked the brooch with his fingertip.
"Lisa, find a similar loose stone. Design by Phoebe, crafting by Ava, and production by the Firino workshop. Price as usual."
"'No expense spared,' right?"
Lisa, who belatedly regained her senses at the mention of the highly expensive artisans, clarified.
"Of course. It's for my sister."
Cesare smirked and looked at the indifferent-faced Adelaide.
"Let's go to the next store."
Lisa found it intriguing, hearing a hint of excitement in his voice. Had Cesare ever enjoyed himself like that when he came with a lady? Before she could recall, the two from Bonaparte had already left, and Lisa had no way to find the answer.
---
The blue carriage swept through Bella Stella Street. Cesare only visited the most expensive and splendid women's shops on Bella Stella Street. Several wagons were called from Bonaparte to load the items he purchased.