‘Royal’ grade?
The mention of a grade for wristwatches was something unheard of, and ‘Royal’ symbolized the imperial family.
This meant that it was the highest grade of wristwatch that even the nobles, who always flaunted their wealth to him, could not obtain.
The Emperor suppressed the urge to let the corners of his lips lift and spoke with a solemn tone.
“Bring it here.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Edelmar approached the Emperor respectfully and presented a polished wooden box.
“Oho, even the box is beautiful.”
Noticing the roses engraved in gold, the Emperor opened the box.
“This is…”
The Emperor’s eyes widened.
Indeed, as it was labeled ‘Royal,’ it was on a completely different level from any watch he had seen before.
The watch lacked a traditional dial. All its mechanical components were visible.
“A watch like this exists in the world!”
The Empress, who had sneaked a glance at the wristwatch, also expressed admiration.
Each mechanical part was exquisitely engraved, and the largest golden gear sparkled brilliantly.
After giving the Emperor some time to appreciate the watch, Edelmar spoke again.
“Your Majesty, watches of the ‘Royal’ grade do not operate on magic stones.”
“What? Then, how does it work?”
“There is a power mechanism within the watch, so it winds itself simply by being worn.”
The nobles began to murmur.
It was astonishing enough for such a small wristwatch to exist, but to function merely by wearing it was even more incredible. Their greed was visibly rising.
“A watch like this truly exists in the world!”
Unable to contain himself any longer, the Emperor lifted the wristwatch.
“This watch was originally intended solely for Your Majesty, but the merchant leader of the Rose merchant group feared Your Majesty might gift it to me out of affection. Hence, they also gave me an identical watch as a gift.”
“I see. Well done. It’s heartwarming to know everyone understands that Edelmar is whom I treasure the most.”
Even as he spoke these words, the Emperor’s eyes remained fixated on the watch.
“However, considering the disparity between Your Majesty and me, they have adorned the 12 o’clock position of Your Majesty’s watch with the finest diamond.”
“Does yours lack a diamond?”
Edelmar nodded.
“Yes, Your Majesty. Mine has no gemstones embedded in it.”
Edelmar, acting as though the lack of diamonds on his own watch signified true distinction, made Ian inwardly click his tongue.
‘He’s a good actor. He didn’t even like it to begin with.’
“I see.”
The Emperor muttered while stroking the wristwatch as though it were a precious treasure.
“Additionally, the ‘Royal’ line is planned to be a limited edition with only five units produced. However, the models presented today are of a slightly different design, meaning only Your Majesty and I possess them. Also, Your Majesty, if you look at the back of the watch, you’ll notice a number.”
When the Emperor flipped the watch over, the engraving ‘000’ was visible.
“What does ‘000’ signify?”
“Limited editions will not be reproduced, and all future Royal limited editions will be numbered. The ‘000’ serial number belongs to Your Majesty as the first of the limited editions.”
The Emperor burst into laughter.
To be the first recipient of the rarest item!
What greater glory could there be than possessing something attainable only by one chosen by the heavens?
In high spirits, the Emperor reached out to Edelmar.
“Show me yours as well.”
Edelmar removed his wristwatch and handed it over.
“Huh? The strap is different.”
“What is this? It’s not leather.”
The nobles began murmuring again upon seeing Edelmar’s watch.
“Is it because the watch isn’t made of leather that the buckle differs?”
“That must be the Royal…”
The Emperor, treating the nobles’ murmurs as background music, accepted Edelmar’s watch.
Indeed, as Edelmar had mentioned, his watch consisted purely of mechanical components with no embedded gemstones.
Turning it over, the number was also different.
Instead of ‘000,’ it displayed ‘001.’
“Truly a noble merchant indeed.”
Overcome with emotion, the Emperor nodded in approval.
Returning the wristwatch to Edelmar, the Emperor spoke.
“Tell the leader of the Rose merchant group that I am pleased with this gift.”
Edelmar glanced at Ian before curving his lips into a smile and replied,
“Yes, Your Majesty. I will convey your heartfelt sentiments.”
After putting away the wristwatch, the Emperor stood up.
Speaking loudly to express his gratitude, he declared,
“The leader of the Rose merchant group has truly moved me. Although a commoner, they possess grace and are eager to show gratitude by any means. I would like to bestow upon them the title of baronet, but if the leader of the Rose merchant group were to become a noble, it would be a great loss to our empire! Chamberlain!”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Bestow upon the Rose jeweler the title of ‘Royal’ and grant them the imperial crest.”
All the nobles knelt.
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s grace.”
Ian, bowing his head, let a smile curl up at the corner of his mouth.
‘It worked!’
Ian had presented the wristwatch, along with the ‘Royal’ name, to the Emperor for two reasons.
The first was to elevate the ‘Royal’ line as a luxury brand.
While the quantity of wristwatches was currently limited, Ian knew that in time, wristwatches would become as common as accessories on Earth.
However, if the wristwatch belonged to the most powerful figure, the Emperor? And if the watch carried the name ‘Royal,’ symbolizing the imperial family?
The name ‘Royal’ would become a luxury brand. Even if wristwatches eventually became commonplace, people would still desire a wristwatch bearing the name ‘Royal.’
The second reason was to ensure the Rose Jewelry Store gained imperial patronage, much like Yekhaterina had solidified her influence through the Crown Prince.
On Earth, nations with royal families issued ‘Royal Warrants’ to brands they officially endorsed, which was a mark of excellence.
Receiving a Royal Warrant meant the brand was recognized as providing the highest quality, allowing it to use the royal crest on its logos, packaging, and buildings, which served as valuable marketing material.
But here, unlike Earth, using the imperial crest symbolized imperial protection.
It meant no matter how many new jewelry houses emerged, none could challenge the reputation of Rose.
‘Our Rose jewelry store, must become the empire’s best under our name.’
Satisfied with the results, Ian rose to his feet as the announcement of the banquet’s commencement rang out.
“How was it? Are you satisfied?”
“Yes,”
Edelmar replied nonchalantly, reattaching his wristwatch.
“And the banquet?”
“Rose is enjoying it.”
Although this was their second banquet attendance, just as with their first, Ian couldn’t understand the purpose of such gatherings—banquets and parties filled with unnecessary people he barely knew.
However, Rose seemed enchanted by the spectacle, her eyes sparkling with delight from the moment they entered.
So long as their attendance was noted, it didn’t matter when they left. Ian had already planned to return promptly to their townhouse once the banquet officially began.
“I’m glad Rose is enjoying herself. Have you eaten?”
“Yes, we ate before coming.”
The banquet only offered finger foods.
Ian wouldn’t have minded snacking, but he couldn’t let Rose, still growing, settle for finger food as a meal.
So, before setting off, Ian had made sure to have a proper meal with Rose.
“Rose!”
Prince Fenrex, who had been with the beastfolk diplomats, ran over to Rose.
“Rose, I missed you!”
Ian’s brow twitched.
‘Missed her after just a short while apart? How dare you wag your tail at Rose.’
Ian, irritated by Fenrex’s wagging tail, glared disapprovingly and said,
“What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to play with Rose. Rose, let’s go play over there.”
Fenrex pointed toward a garden where nobles’ children around Rose’s age were gathered.
“Uncle,”
Rose looked up at Ian.
“Do you want to go?”
“Yes!”
“Then let’s go.”
If she wanted to, Ian would let her.
Ian, who intended to spoil Rose for life, was about to step forward when he was stopped.
“Duke, that area is designated for children only. Adults are not allowed inside.”
Ian froze in place.
“What if something happens while the children are together?”
“That’s why attendants are always on standby. If anything seems amiss, they will intervene immediately,”
Ian hesitated.
Sending Rose could help her make friends, but this was the capital—a place where dark mages could lurk.
It was possible that a dark mage could be hiding among the attendants or waiting to strike.
“Rose, let’s play another time, okay?”
As the old saying goes, never bring a child near water. Ian decided it was better to avoid any potential dangers.
Before Rose could respond, Fenrex spoke up.
“Why? Our diplomat said it’s good to get closer to others.”
“…Well, that’s because you’re a prince of the beastfolk.”
Ian couldn’t explain the risk of dark mages, so he made an excuse.
“But Rose is also a noblewoman from a duke’s household. She’s stronger than any of the kids gathered over there.”
‘This isn’t a competition of strength,’
Ian thought irritably, annoyed by Fenrex’s meddling.
“Enough. Rose will stay here. If you want to go, then go by yourself.”
“But why? I want to play with the lady,”
Asudden voice chimed in.
When Ian turned, he saw a girl with blue hair, adorned in a lavish dress with pink jewels.
Noticing Ian’s gaze, the girl bowed politely.
“Hello, I’m Katrina Hayant.”
“Hello, Lady Katrina,”
Katrina smiled and said,
“It’s my first time meeting Lady Rose today, but our eye colors are the same, so I’d love to become friends with her. Wouldn’t it be okay if we went to play together?”
Just as Ian was about to politely decline, Rose tugged at him.
“Can’t I play, please? I promise I won’t cause trouble. I’ll just make friends.”
“Exactly! And I’ll protect Rose, so what’s there to worry about?”
“There will also be other noble ladies there. We’ll just talk,”
Ian was at a loss.
