tyrant chapter 11

Princess Fiogen, accompanied by her maids, arrived at the jeweler’s. The sheer size of the shop, far exceeding her expectations, widened her eyes. She had initially planned to buy everything within, but the scale of the place, rivaling a department store, left her speechless.

“Your Highness, this is the most popular jewelry shop in the Empire.” The maids’ voices were filled with a certain reverence. While called a “shop,” its enormous size made the term seem inadequate. Fiogen had intended to indulge in some extravagance, but nothing on this scale.

“Welcome.” The staff bowed deeply. Fiogen lifted her chin, affecting a haughty gaze and a slight scoff. It was all an act, but this newfound power, so different from her previous life of subservience, felt strangely exhilarating. In truth, such arrogance was far from her nature. She was more inclined to concede or compromise.

“I’d like to speak with the owner.”

Fiogen’s imperious tone startled the staff. While the Empire adhered to a strict social hierarchy, the power of gold was undeniable. Few dared to behave so presumptuously in this establishment, owned and managed by a marquis. Only the Emperor, the Crown Prince, other princes and princesses, and perhaps Duke Delcart could command such deference. Everyone else was expected to exercise discretion.

“He is not present at the moment. Perhaps, if you wish, we could summon Marquis Callen?”

“A marquis?” Fiogen questioned. A maid leaned in, whispering discreetly, “He manages this jewelry shop, Your Highness.”

“Isn’t it usually run by a merchant?” Fiogen’s inquiry prompted nods of agreement. The shop was clearly shrouded in an unusual degree of secrecy.

“It doesn’t matter who I speak to. I intend to purchase every jewel on this floor.”

“What?” The maids gasped, staring at Fiogen in disbelief. Their surprise was of no consequence to her. She only longed for the day Karta would tire of her charade and finally draw his sword.

“You mean… everything?” The staff flustered, exchanging bewildered glances. They seemed to question whether she truly possessed the means to acquire such a vast collection.

“Yes, everything. Why the hesitation? Are you not going to sell them?” Fiogen’s chiding tone prompted the staff to hesitate, looking at one another, their expressions conveying their uncertainty.

“This… this has never happened before.”

“Well, it’s happening now. So, attend to it.” Fiogen leaned back in her chair, radiating arrogance. The staff exchanged furtive glances, observing her carefully.

A short while later, the marquis appeared and offered a respectful greeting. Fiogen, still feigning indifference, merely inclined her head.

“May I inquire if you have the means to cover this purchase?” At the marquis’s question, Fiogen extended her wrist, displaying her imperial bracelet. The marquis frowned.

“I’m afraid I cannot accept this as payment.”

“Why not?” The female protagonist in the novel had used Karta’s bracelet to buy whatever she pleased.

“The bracelet you present is an imperial artifact. Only a member of the royal family can authorize its use for purchases.” Fiogen nodded slowly, then turned to her maids. “Did you hear that? Go and fetch Karta. Immediately.”

***

The opulent interior of the jewelry shop was designed to inspire awe, making anyone who entered feel small and insignificant. Fiogen had entertained this thought until she saw Karta, resplendent in navy blue, emerge. Karta radiated an undeniable presence, his broad, powerful shoulders barely contained by his attire. His casual stride possessed a sharp, almost military precision, each step a testament to his innate grace. He approached Fiogen with his characteristic languid smile, but his keen gaze remained unwavering.

“What is it?” Karta asked, his eyes fixed on Fiogen. She deliberately ran towards him, embracing him tightly with a bright smile.

“Karta, they won’t let me use your bracelet to buy all these jewels.” Her tone was devoid of reproach or complaint; it was a simple, factual statement. Karta responded with a serious nod.

“That’s absurd.”

“It’s true. The marquis said so.”

“Then watch closely. See what I can do for you.”

Karta gently released Fiogen and strode confidently towards the marquis.

“I’ll take every jewel in this shop.” His declaration drew the attention of every noble present.

“Everything on the first floor, sir?”

“No. Don’t bother separating the floors. I’ll take everything.” As soon as he spoke, knights appeared behind him, bearing chests overflowing with gold coins. Karta offered Fiogen a knowing smile as she stared at the display in astonishment.

“I actually wanted to surprise you with the jewels as a gift.” His gaze remained fixed on Fiogen’s surprised face.

“And you’ll continue to wear this bracelet.” Fiogen sighed. It seemed even extravagance couldn’t overcome Karta’s possessiveness.

***

“Karta.” Dawn painted the sky in a beautiful shade of navy blue, reminding Fiogen of Karta’s striking appearance the previous day. The reality of owning more jewels than she could ever have imagined felt surreal. The knowledge that anything she desired was within her reach filled her with a growing unease. If she continued to indulge in such excess, wouldn’t she become attached to this life? These thoughts stirred a growing anxiety within her.

Restless and unable to sleep, Fiogen turned to look at Karta’s sleeping face. His features were impossibly perfect. He slept soundly, without a trace of restlessness, looking so flawless that he could have been mistaken for a finely crafted doll. As she pondered how anyone could be so handsome, a thought struck her.

Perhaps Karta’s extraordinary beauty was only possible because this was a fictional world. He was, after all, a character in a novel, a being of inherent unreality. The more she considered it, the simpler the conclusion became.

There was no point in prolonging her stay. She was born an extra, destined to die by his hand. Experiencing fine dining and acquiring jewels wouldn’t change that. It would only make her want to live more. Having tasted all this world had to offer, perhaps it was time to depart. She reached this decision with a surprising sense of peace.