Welcome to Olivia’s Magic Stone Jewelry Store

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“Good day, Olivia.
Congratulations on the store’s opening.
I brought you a congratulatory present.”

“Thank you for coming.
The flowers are beautiful.
What about the box?”

“It’s a cake from a café I’ve been to before.
I figured now would be a good time for a snack.”

Olivia’s eyes sparkled.

Eliot, as expected.
He’s very considerate.

(Come to think of it, I’ve barely eaten since this morning.)

“You really are honest, aren’t you?” He says, his eyes narrowing happily as he looks at Olivia, who is more interested in the smell of the box than the flowers.

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

Olivia pondered as she checked the cake in the box.

“…I believe so.
Could you please carry the boxes that are stacked there to the back while I make the tea? We’ll have tea when you’re finished.”

***

(Isn’t Elliott incredibly strong?)

A few minutes later, he moved to the work area in the back of the store.

Olivia was exclaiming in admiration as she brewed a cup of tea on the work desk in the middle of the room.

Elliot in front of her, jacketless and sleeves rolled up, carries two boxes at once, whereas Olivia could barely carry one.

He appears lean in his clothes, but the muscles on his powerful shoulders and arms indicate that he works out frequently.

(I wonder how much heavy lifting merchants do.)

The boxes are carried out in a flash.

Then, after he said, “I’m done carrying it,” she said, “Thank you”.
They sit down at the work table and begin drinking tea.

“I appreciate it very much.
I would have been in big trouble if I had been alone—Eliot is quite strong, isn’t he?”

“N-No, it’s not a big deal.
Thank you for making some tea for me.”

Elliot, who appears slightly embarrassed, turns away from Olivia and peers into the store through the open door.

“It’s turned into a wonderful place.”

“Yes—I’m surprised as well.”

“I see you gave it the name [Olivia’s Magic Stone Jewelry store].”

“I gave it a lot of thought, but I wanted to name it after what my parents gave me.”

“I think it’s lovely.
It’s a beautiful name.”

“T-Thank you very much.” Olivia smiles, her cheeks blushing.

She considered naming it after a flower or a constellation, but she eventually settled on this name.

Although she was embarrassed to give her own name, she appreciated the compliment.

Elliot smiles at her and opens his mouth with emotion.

“When I met you a year ago, I didn’t expect you to have your own store in such a short time.”

“Neither did I.”

Olivia gave a heartfelt nod.

(Sometimes I think I’m dreaming.)

Elliot grinned.

“I know it’ll be difficult, but you can count on me for anything.
I’ll assist you.”

“Thanks, but you’ve already introduced me to a fantastic interior designer, and I feel bad asking for your assistance again.”

Elliot laughed as Olivia said it in a reserved tone.

“You don’t know how to rely on others, do you? We’re friends; please don’t say that.”

“But…”

“No buts.
In times of need, friends assist each other.
You can count on them.”

Olivia smiled gratefully at Elliot.

She considers herself extremely fortunate to have a friend who says that to her.

(My good fortune was to run into him the day I arrived in the Royal Capital.”)

“OK, fine.
Thank you very much.
Eliot.
I have a “really good friend.”

“……Me too, Olivia.”

Elliot gives a sad smile.

Afterwards

Elliot leaves, and Olivia spends the remainder of the evening cleaning up.

and the following morning.

Olivia’s Magic Stone Jewelry Store, which was lavishly decorated with flowers, has successfully opened.