Chapter 12

Although she was abused and despised, she was about to become the master’s one and only life partner. He bowed his head deeply and offered his courtesy.

“My name is Ryzen Kadan. I serve His Excellency, the Grand Duke.”

“Hello, Sir Kadan.”

Ryzen tilted his head back and looked at Asella, who sat with a straight posture. Her gaunt face gave an idea of the hardships she had been through, but even so, the aura she gave off was that of an aristocrat.

“I’ve come to deliver an engagement gift from His Excellency to Your Highness.”

The box that Ryzen had brought was passed to Asella by a servant. She placed the box she had received on her lap and opened the lid carefully.

The servants standing nearby each let out a small exclamation.

What came to view as an exquisitely crafted gold jewelry box. Not only was the front embedded with colorful jewels, but the corners were also decorated here and there, highlighting its beauty.

‘If the jewelry box is this good, then the contents inside should be as magnificent!’ 

The people who had been watching swallowed hard. Even Philip forgot his outrage and watched Asella’s fingertips with curious eyes.

But she only stared down at the box and did not flinch.

“Asella, what are you doing? Hurry up and open it.”

Phillip urged her impatiently.

“Yes, My Lady.”

“Look at what’s inside.”

“His Excellency prepared it specially for you.”

The maids helped Phillip and agreed with him. Asella closed her eyes gently and opened them again in silence. Then, she slowly stretched her fingers to unlock the clasp.

Clack.

With a light sound, the lid of the jewelry box was opened and the contents were revealed for all to see.

“Oh, oh… Oh my god!”

“No way, it’s…!”

Their faces were filled with shock as they took a glance at the contents of the box. Sounds of astonishment erupted here and there. The maids couldn’t even speak properly and their mouths were hanging open.

They couldn’t believe what they were witnessing with their own eyes.

What appeared in the jewelry box was a tiara adorned with hundreds of diamonds.

<Glory of the Goddess>

An heirloom among heirlooms. It was so widely known that it even had another name: The Treasure of the Empire.

Each carefully selected diamond was enough to become the main jewel of most ornaments. Even the diamonds positioned in the back corner of the tiara were made of the finest gemstones.

Furthermore, it was the work of Rosen, who was known to be the greatest designer of all time. Not only did he take care of the entire design and manufacturing process, but also directly supervised every single diamond cutting that was needed for this work.

After completing the tiara, Rosen’s words were also famous.

‘This tiara is the masterpiece of my life.’

The beautiful accessory that had been worn by the Duchesses of the Benvito family for generations was now sitting on Asella’s lap.

“He said you should wear it for the wedding ceremony.”

“… I will.”

Asella replied plainly.

The beauty of the tiara was truly astounding, but it was the tiara alone. She was well aware of her circumstances and situation more than anyone else.

The only product that would be passed back and forth in this marriage would be herself.

This gorgeous tiara was just a decorative ribbon to emphasize the product.

She quietly closed her eyes.

Philip, on the other hand, opened his eyes at the unbelievable sight.

‘I didn’t expect him to send me the Glory of the Goddess. What the hell is he thinking?’

Philip’s greedy eyes shook with confusion. He tried to figure out what Calix Benvito meant, but his common sense was completely incomprehensible.

‘The legendary Glory of the Goddess tiara was given as an engagement gift to this little girl…’

The mine he received earlier would never compare to the value of this one tiara, even after a hundred years of mining.

‘What’s going on here?’

‘They’ve never even seen each other’s faces.’

‘I thought they wouldn’t meet before the wedding.’

The maids exchanged glances with each other in shock and surprise. Soundless words came and went. But no matter how much they tried to think, they couldn’t figure out why. When the crucible of confusion lasted, the first person to come to his senses was Philip.

“Asella, what are you doing? His Excellency is giving you such a precious gift.”

“Please convey my gratitude to His Excellency.”

Asella expressed her gratitude immediately. It couldn’t have been any more submissive.

“I will, Your Highness.”

Politely answering, Ryzen opened his mouth again.

“Your Highness, may I request something?”

“You may speak.”

“Can you dismiss everyone in this room?”