The Jewelry Store

Mell: Good afternoon. I'm here to pick up my order. Is it ready?

Other: Aye, ready and waitin', Young Master Rhodes!

Mell: Oh, don't call me "Young Master," please.

Other: I beg yer pardon. Cannae seem t' get me head outta the past. Yer order's right here, sir.

Mell had stopped at a jewelry store in the center of town on his way back from the church.

The building was both a workshop and storefront, and the nobles of the area were deeply fond of the master's wares.

He was so skilled even the royal family had commissioned work from him.

As a matter of fact, the wooden sign out front was engraved with a replica of a piece of his jewelry said to be on display in the palace.

As artistry flourished in this Golden Age, the number of shops selling luxurious items, such as jewelry, rose in kind. However, the clientéle of these chops comprised a very narrow range of people.

Mell: May I have a look?

Other: Of course, of course!

Mell: ..........

Mell: Good, it came out just as I hoped. Splendid work.

Other: Heh heh heh. Cannae afford to disappoint a loyal customer like yerself.

Mell: An admirable work ethic. I'm sure she'll love it.

Other: Such a kind lad, Young Master. M' boy back home could do well t' learn a thing or two from ya.

Other: Every man ought to show women some cordiality. Comin' home to a cold fireplace is a sad thing indeed! Hah hah hah!

Mell: Again... please don't call me "Young Master."

Other: My apologies!

Mell: I'll take this and be on my way, then.

Other: Good day! If ya find yerself in need of aught else, just let me know. I can make any jewelry ya ask for. 

Other: Come to me, and yer sweetheart's day'll be sure as made!

Other: And I guarantee the two of ya will have all sorts o' fun when ya give it to her!

Mell: P-Please, I don't have a sweetheart...

Other: Huh, well, that's a surprise. I'm sure many girls are vying for yer hand too, Young— Mister Rhodes.

Other: A fine family, good looks, charming! And yer future's all but—

Mell: I-I'll be on my way, then! I'm in a bit of a hurry!

Other: Good day! Come by again anytime!

(Mell leaves the jewelry store.)

Mell: ...Goodness.

Mell: Haaaah... Maybe I'll say I want to study abroad or something...

Mell: Patient as my father may be, that would certainly anger him. I can hear it now... "You're wasting your God-given talents, boy!"

Mell: I could renounce my name and rank, go somewhere far away... Heh, that sounds like the kind of plan Nellie would come up with.