Updates may slow down soon as my workload for the new semester increases.

Tentatively, I called out to the salesperson at the end of the floor with an “Excuse me.”

“Do you have stones that aren't diamonds?”

“What are you looking for?”

I'd never know unless I tried. "Do you have padparadscha sapphires?" I asked.

The elderly saleslady, who had jet-black hair swept back prettily, told me “I am truly sorry” with a dazzling and wry smile.

“That is a very rare gem, so we do not presently have it in our inventory.”

It was an atmosphere where it would be hard to say, “I have one on my cheap bookcase in my apartment.”

“Then, what about amethysts…”

“I am sorry. We do not deal in them. We do have blue sapphires and rubies.”

“Are the rubies heated, or non-heated?”

“They are heated, but the beauty of the gems is not at all inferior to that of natural rubies. You are quite knowledgeable.”

“Oh, uh, well, it's an interest of mine.”

The saleslady smiled with a perplexed feeling to it. I guess I couldn't blame her. At a glance, you could see that I had the casual dress of a student, and my backpack only contained my textbooks for afternoon cla.s.ses, a commuter pa.s.s, and a wallet with two thousand yen in it. There were price labels with six- or seven-digit values lined up next to each other in the showcases. I stuck out like a sore thumb. I felt guilty.

“I want to see all the different kinds of diamonds.” Since I stumbled over my lead-in before I said that, I decided to make a fresh start. My heart rate was unreasonably rising here. Let's retreat for the time being. At times like these, drinking royal milk tea to calm down was the best. But since this wasn't the Ginza store, there were no tea leaves or a kitchen, or a reliable boss——.

I saw a blond head in the middle of the escalator going down. Yellow ochre pants, a plain open-collared s.h.i.+rt, a side profile of unequaled beauty.

“Richard!”

Richard's face when he turned around was quite the sight. As we stared at each other with faces that said, “Why are you here?” for a while, the escalator Richard was on moved to the floor below. I caught up on the women's clothing floor and ran up to a waiting Richard. There was a paper bag from a clothing store hanging from his shoulder. He was wearing brown moccasins without socks. Was he shopping today?

“…What were you doing in a place like that?”

“Studying. But it's no good, that isn't a place where I can go in by myself. It was like a venue for stress interviews. I thought I could have diamonds shown to me.”

“Diamonds?”

“It's more like getting familiar with them rather than studying. I'm begging you, go with me.”

As though looking at an animal that learned a strange trick, Richard had a cold look on his face for a minute. Women pa.s.sing by stared at him. I could hear them say things like, I wonder if he's a model. He had a face that was utterly unsuited for talking while standing.

Well, I may as well, Richard muttered.

“However, I have one condition. I will not speak j.a.panese.”

“What?”

“I do not wish to talk with the salesperson. It is bothersome. If you are still fine with that, then I shall accompany you.”

When I told him that I was hopeless at conversing in English, he said that he would explain for me in j.a.panese when the saleslady wasn't looking. What a blessing, rather than my encounter luck being terrible, it was excellent. I will definitely repay this kindness with sweets from the bas.e.m.e.nt* of this store, I put my palms together, and Richard wordlessly headed towards the ascending escalator.

(TN: The bas.e.m.e.nt of a j.a.panese department store is called the depachika, which is where all sorts of gourmet food are usually sold.)

Just as I expected, Richard's effect was immediate. The arrival of a foreigner who seemed to have a fat wallet demonstrated an effect that was like throwing raw meat into a pond of sharks. When I told her that we wanted to see diamonds from the counter of a store that was different from the one before, the lady showed a first-rate smile on her face and looked at Richard. She probably thought I was his interpreter.

Diamond rings lined up side by side. Large gems, small gems. Rainbow-colored reflective light that seemed to dazzle my eyes.

“…Amazing. It's like they aren't stones.”

“It does seem so. Diamonds that are cleanly and beautifully cut reflect all of the light that hits them. For example, if you draw a line with a pencil on a piece of paper and put the diamond on top of it, the line underneath would not be seen. If it can be seen, then there is a high possibility that it isn't a diamond, but another stone such as cubic zirconium.”

When I glanced behind me to see if that was true, the matchlessly beautiful man nodded and then suddenly pointed at a stone in the showcase that he would like to see. When the saleslady stooped behind the counter, he whispered into my ear, Please pay attention to the alphabet. Alphabet?

I picked up from the case and held a remarkably large ring diamond ring that released a white light. A paper tag tied with a white thread was attached to it.

“D…VVS1…what is this?”

“This is the valuation of the criteria called 4Cs, which is used to represent the quality of the diamond.”

4C. That was the thing I missed hearing about from Richard. The lady gave me a piece of paper and explained while showing it. According to her, there were four criteria that determined the quality of a diamond, and they all started with C, so that was they were called the 4Cs.

Carat—the weight, that is, its size.

Color. Pure white ones were D. As it went down E,F, and G, the yellowish hue increased. Apart from this yellowish color, there were also some diamonds with beautiful colors. They are the so-called colored diamonds. There were pink, yellow, brown, and green ones. Blue was very rare, and expensive.

Clarity. By an eleven-grade scale, diamonds were a.s.sessed for the lack of impurities within them. FL, IF*, and VVS1 were abbreviations for the English words “flawless”, “internally flawless”, “very, very slightly included.”

(TN: The novel writes IL, which fits no scale I could find, so I replaced it with this.)

And last, cut. It was said that how to have the diamond reflect the incoming light was part of the history of human challenges. The fifty-eight facets of the shape of a so-called diamond was called the brilliant cut. The princess cut, where the shape was square when viewed from above.

“The color for this one is D-rank, in other words, the highest grade of color, and VVS1 indicates a transparency where impurities cannot be seen even under ten-times magnification. The cut is brilliant.”

You are quite informed about diamonds. Richard, who was addressed with that in English, replied back in that mysterious Western language. While having no idea what he was saying, I snuck a peek at the talented man's face. He looked like he was now somewhat enjoying himself.

I was shown diamonds in different clarities, colors, and carats.

But, like it was a matter of course, they were all for women.

“…Is there no jewelry for men displayed here?”

I heard the saleslady let out a small “ah.” What, was that a weird question?

As we waited for a while, I heard Richard let out a small sigh. When I shrugged and told him that I was relying on him for just a little longer, he shot back a glare of moist hatred. His expression was unusually stiff, and his face was somewhat red. What's wrong with him? He seemed to be lightly dressed, but was he feeling hot?

The lady returned, and bowed to me with a high-spirited looking expression. She whispered to me.

“Congratulations about the s.h.i.+buya ordinance.”

Ordinance? What was that again? Well, whatever. Today was for diamonds.

The diamonds just for men were persistently on the small side and the rings were solid and st.u.r.dy. I was told that the material was platinum. Maybe because I said I would like to try one on too quickly, but the lady grabbed my left hand and inserted my ring finger through the ring. Even though it arbitrarily had the image of a wedding ring finger, I supposed that generally any ring could be placed on that finger.

“It suits you very well.”

“Thank you…”

“It is a once in a lifetime item, after all.”

“Ah, so it really is like that, for diamonds.”

“Yes it is. It is a stone where one glance at it and you know that someone is engaged. It is something that celebrates the start of a new life for a couple, and just as the words ‘eternal brilliance', it becomes a protective amulet that will always watch over them, from the beginning to the end. And, it is a stone that is more beautiful than any other.”

Remembering Richard's words from Sat.u.r.day, I felt complicated. Did this lady know the story about the diamond's “value”? Even supposing that of course she knew, it was obvious that it wasn't a story that encouraged the desire to purchase when talked about. Even I wouldn't say it.

Her words, and the s.h.i.+ne of the diamond, simply earnestly appealed to the image of “happiness.”

Even afterwards, the saleslady taught me about a lot of different things. It seemed that it wasn't just limited to Richard alone—the jeweler was an occupation where one talked a staggering amount. The overwhelming hardness, the purity that was a.s.sociated with being composed of a single element. It honestly, purely, and solidly shone. It was about the same as what she said before, but what she was talking of was a certain idealized image of a romantic betrothal. Most people went to a jewelry store probably when they were thinking about marriage, not when they want jewelry. In that sense, the diamond seemed to be a special stone. It was a well-connected stone where even those who didn't especially like gems were linked to them by fate.

“It's a somewhat mysterious stone!”

Richard's face when I turned around to him was quite the sight to behold. What was with that face like a buddha who had attained enlightenment? He had a calm look, like he didn't care what was said to him anymore, but his gaze was vacantly wandering in the air. Was it something that was very painful and difficult for him? Could he possibly have an upset stomach? I did something bad.

Thank you very much, I learned a lot, I said, bowing my head deeply. I then left the store. I whispered “Are you okay?” to Richard, asking about his condition, but got ignored. Was he just in a bad mood? The lady saw us off with a delighted looking face the whole time.

“You think she liked my face? She kept smiling. It didn't feel bad at all.”

“…I do not wish to talk to you for a while.”

“Sorry for dragging you along. But I learned a lot thanks to you. What do you wanna buy in the bas.e.m.e.nt? There's a lot of famous shops here too. I have to repay you. Are you going to the washroom before that?”

“There is no need for that. I have some business, so I shall be taking my leave now.”

“Got it. Then, see you next Sat.u.r.day.”

The minute we arrived on the first floor, Richard, barely looking at me, was about to leave the store. He was probably angry that I made him do work on his day off.

Just when I was thinking that, he turned his heel and briskly came back. What's this for?

“If you ever come back to that store after today, tell them that the engagement was broken off.”

“Engagement? Aren't you making a mistake with your j.a.panese?”

Making a face of despairing shock, Richard then headed out to the streets of s.h.i.+njuku once again. I, who was feeling pleasant and tired from my strange experience, rode the Yamanote Line with a somewhat special feeling, and hurried to cla.s.s. I wished I could have unexpectedly met Tanimoto-san somewhere today.

The Kyoto designer seemed to have done a good job, since Onodersan liked all three of the design drawings. The tiepins were all consistently basic, but how the gem was attached to the base—which apparently was called the “setting”—was smart and stylish, a little bit slanted, and three-dimensionally curved. It wasn't a shape that was a common sight in stores, but it wasn't like the design was impertinent, and it seemed easy to put on even in a respectable gathering. I was excited about the designer's ill.u.s.trations as I poured the tea. A new piece of jewelry was about to be born.

Onodersan brought the diamond to the store again, but the dark spots were the same as before.

With a pleased and worried-looking face, he asked for my advice.

“The young people at my company are just about your age. Which one is the most modern looking? Please tell me with your youthful sensibilities.”

“I think they're all attractive, but yeah, I guess this one?”

I pointed to the third one, and Onodersan smiled happily, then told me that he also liked that one the best. A simple setting that didn't add any extra decorative diamonds. Richard, ever since s.h.i.+njuku, had a smile on his face as though his bad mood at the department store was false. As expected of a merchant who travelled all around the world. The berry tart I gifted him might have also had an effect.

Onodersan requested that shape. Then, Richard began to talk to him about the matter.

“The designer discussed with me about repairing the gem for you. They said they want to shave it a little.”

“…Are you referring to the stains?”

“It is another matter. Of course, the stains will also be cleaned when it is done, but they say that they want you to let them cut it one more time. Onodersama, if it is alright with you, we would like to re-shave the diamond.”

What a curious turn of events. It could be cleaned with neutral detergent. In a world where just by changing 0.2 grams, the figure “one carat” transformed prices completely, wasn't that a big deal?

Richard gently continued to talk, his posh suit and pleasant smile becoming weapons.

“You purchased this diamond about forty years ago, yes?”

“Yes. I suppose it was a fas.h.i.+onable cut back then. We bought it in Antwerp on our honeymoon. It was budget travel, but…Belgium was a.s.sociated with diamond cutting at that time, but how is it now?”

“It is still popular, but the Asian market is expanding. Thailand, Sri Lanka, India.”

“The times sure have changed.”

A honeymoon forty years ago. A world without cellphones or the internet. How did that world look like? Onodersan peered intently on the ring he placed on the table.

He seemed to smile at something that couldn't be seen by eye.

When he lifted his face, he had the expression of gentleman on his best manners.

“I understand. I will trust you. Please proceed positively with the re-cutting.”

“Certainly, sir. It will be completed in about a month. There is the matter of your budget.”

“Please proceed as you like. If there are any big changes, please email me again. I am pressed for time, so it is time that I leave here for today.”

When he said that, Onodersan hurriedly got up and started tidying up his bags. It was way too sudden. Wasn't the most important thing about to start from here? He hadn't said he was in a hurry.

Lastly, Onodersan entrusted Richard with the jewelry box, and they shook hands.

He cracked a smile as I was fl.u.s.tered and at a loss. When I looked closer, I saw that he was wearing a suede hat today. It was completely a winter item. Why was he still wearing that when it was already early summer?

“Have you made progress in your study of diamonds?”

“I'm doing my best. I saw a lot of the real thing.”

That‘s good to hear, Onodersan said with a smile, which looked somewhat hollow. Rather than wanting to talk with me, it seemed as though he didn't really want to talk to Richard. If I were to go further, it seemed as though he didn't want to talk about gems.

Why?

“…Onodersan, what is this diamond to you?”

“Eh?”

“An engagement ring is a special thing. The diamond is a stone of eternity, so it's said to watch over you from the beginning to the very end. Redesigning it feels like a momentous decision.”

“Seigi.”

Richard's voice was like ice.

I wasn't the only one who reacted. Onodersan, whose eyes seemed to be floating in the darkness, was taken aback, and his smile seemed like it was pasted on.

“I am much obliged to you. I will be taking my leave now.”

Richard was the only one who saw him off with a “Thank you.” I didn't say anything. I hadn't seen those in a long while. Eyes that seemed like they belonged to someone standing before a precipice.

There was a sound, like the deep breathing of an irritated tiger. I turned and saw Richard with his arms crossed. I never saw that before. From the tips of his fingers to the top of his head, he was like an ice statue.

“I have said before that this is not an educational field trip, but it is disappointing that you were not able to understand that.”

Disappointing. It sounded hundreds of times better than being called stupid.

In the quiet store, I bowed my head deeply.

“I am truly sorry.”

“I will store the ring in the safe. Make some tea. Royal milk tea.”

After Richard took the ring and disappeared into the back room, I absentmindedly watched the store's door. I felt like Onodersan was going to come back. That he was going to say, “Please return my ring after all.”

I laughed away the ridiculousness of my delusions. He was the president of a company, a gentleman in his sixties who was level-headed and was suited to business suits. Would someone like that be that shaken up by a single stone? No, they wouldn't. That was normal.

But, that “single stone” was treasured by Onodersan.

He probably came here, having decided to make a big change on something that he kept darkened on purpose.

Of course, I had no idea what kind of thing happened. Richard didn't either. That was why I wanted to know, but n.o.body wanted to be stirred up by frivolous curiosity. Even Richard didn't ask too many questions when a university student with no apparent connection to gems showed him a sapphire. He might be so cool that he was unemotional and dry, but he never did anything like gouging out and digging deep into someone's heart. This was a problem that was before stones and so on.

Richard and I put away the custard cream and blueberry tarts with few words exchanged between us. I was told by the shop people that they were hot sellers recently, but I had no idea what they tasted like.

My bad feeling was proven true two weeks later.

It happened when a customer from Shanghai left and Richard complained that it looked like it was about to rain.

“h.e.l.lo.”

Suddenly, Onodersan arrived. It should have been two more weeks before the tiepin was completed.

Compared to the last two times he visited, he was wearing considerably darker-colored clothes. His slacks were a blackish navy, and his s.h.i.+rt was plain white. Did he return from a formal business discussion or something?

Without a glance in my direction, he looked at Richard at the back of the store.

“I am Onodersan. I ordered the tiepin…”

“Welcome. The redesign is going smoothly.”

“I want to cancel it, after all.”

It was a sentence that seemed to crack the air in the store. Onodersan kept talking on quickly.

“I've thought about it a lot, but I believe it is best to keep it in that state. I will pay the charges. Please send me the statement. I am truly sorry for imposing so much on you. Is it too late?”

“I will confirm for you. I will contact you again tonight.”

“I'm truly sorry for all the trouble. Then…best regards.”

He bowed, hardly looking at me or Richard, and left. His walk was like a ghost's. I turned around to Richard. The store owner discerned my thoughts in a second.

“Stop.”

“Sorry, I'll be slipping out for a bit.”

“This is not a situation you should be going into.”

“It looks like it's gonna rain!”

“Seigi!”

Ignoring the owner's voice, I grabbed an umbrella and rushed down the stairs. The sky rumbled.*

(TN: The novel uses a weird sound effect here, gorori, which is used to indicate something heavy rolling over or falling down.)