Supreme Spouse System.

Chapter 71: The Twin Treasures of Vellore

The Twin Treasures of Vellore

Leon’s gaze crept steadily, with conscious tranquility. Never once did he pause on the Jewels. Ornaments. Rings. Enchanted talismans, each wrapped in shining glass vials on pedestals standing throughout the room—whatever unusual or lustrous they might have appeared. His eye, like a hunter sighting game through a thicket, settled on a solitary pedestal in the depths of the room. It stood bathed in a thin beam of concentrated magical light, the crystal cover over it glimmering like moon-frosted ice.

He moved forward without speaking.

Every step he took was measured, almost kingly. His pace was neither hurried nor slow—it bore a poised, measured weight, as if attracted by something beyond curiosity. His cloak rustled faintly behind him with every silent step, the heavy velvet brushing against the marble.

The females in his company—Aria, Cynthia, Kyra, Syra, and Chloe—saw his change at once. While they had been studying the other exhibits, they turned to Leon as he strode towards the middle of the showroom.

Aria shot him a tight, questioning gaze. Cynthia cocked her head to one side, intrigued. Kyra’s hand wandered to her side, a silent movement born not of trepidation, but silent curiosity. Syra stiffened, observing him intently. Chloe, a couple of paces behind, trailed his route with wide eyes, silently enthralled as he approached the middle of the room.

Leon halted a mere three meters from the pedestal.

He stood there in silent stillness, hands clasped behind his back, and gazed into the crystal case. His face was unreadable as if he is studying something—then a small, wry curve brushed the edge of his lips. It wasn’t mockery. It was admiration. Profound, wordless admiration. The expression of a man who had at last discovered something worthy of admiration.

A necklace rested in the case—elegant, exquisite, unlike any other.

It glowed with the sheen of dusk. Silver strands, as thin as spider silk, woven into a fragile mesh that encircled a teardrop gem of rich purple. The gem glowed softly, as if it breathed. It was nestled in a cage of golden ivy, the leaves etched down to the veins. Its aura was warm, mysterious, and quietly noble.

Behind it, a little higher at the back of the case, lay its twin.

The second necklace was as beautifully crafted as the first—only its threads shone with dusk-gold, and its gem had a peaceful, shining blue, like a lake under the full moon. The necklaces complemented each other. A balance of dawn and dusk. Yin and yang. Strength and peace.

The women slowly convened around Leon, each trapped in the trance as they gaze at the twin pieces.

Aria’s eyes opened wide in wonder, a glint of admiration in her eyes. Cynthia tilted her head to one side, observing the pieces sharply. Kyra parted her lips just a little, hypnotized by the fine details. Syra just stood there, hypnotized. Chloe watched in muted amazement, fascinated by their loveliness.

Behind them, Torven stood transfixed at the doorway, his eyes bulging with wonder. They had proceeded directly to the most elite jewels, ignoring dozens of breathtaking pieces as if they were nothing.

But he set the thought aside for the moment and he hurried toward them, bowing in mid-stride, his voice echoing out with gasping admiration.

”Distinguished guests,” he said, standing a few paces back, ”you very much have the eyes of hawks—perceiving the rarest treasure by a single look.”

Leon’s smile was weak but appreciative. ”When something makes itself so clear, it does not have to scream. These two pieces—” his attention went back to the necklaces, ”—do not melt into the sea. That was what caught me.

Torven nodded, his breath caught in his throat. ”Your taste is impeccable, sir.”

Aria moved forward, her tone low and icy. ”They have elegance... and command.”

Syra added with a quiet murmur, ”They seem... eternal.”

Cynthia and Kyra, both nodded softly, their faces solemn, mesmerized. And Chloe just whispered to herself in her heart, They’re beautiful... like him.

Leon shifted half an inch away from him, still not removing his gaze from the case. ”So, Mr. timeless.”

Cynthia and Kyra shared silent nods; their expressions stern, obviously entranced. Chloe, her heart racing, whispered to herself, They’re gorgeous... just like him.

Leon shifted slightly; his attention unbroken from the case. ”Mr. Torven,” he stated, his tone even but inquiring, ”Tell us about these two necklaces.”

Torven inhaled slowly, his voice becoming deeper with drama. ”A tale to tell, sir,” he answered, moving in with an air of intrigue.

He moved in towards the glass, respectfully bringing his hands down as if he was talking about exquisite necklace.

”These...” Torven started, his voice growing deeper with awe, ”are the Twin Necklaces of Vellore. Smelted not in the Moonstone Kingdom, but in the adjacent Kingdom of Vellore—land of mist-shrouded mountains and soul-graced rivers. Vellore is famous for its skilled artisans and beautiful accessories. And these two items, created by the hands of twin artisans – Elaire and Erona Vallet, are the best of their craft.”

He nodded to each of the necklaces. ”The purple gem is for illumination from darkness, and the blue for calm in the midst of a storm. It’s purported that the craftsmen were dedicating their souls to these pieces—each twin working on her counterpart with painstaking devotion and attention to detail. These twin necklaces are one of a kind worldwide.”

Leon’s eyes sparkled, the appreciation growing. The rest of them remained silent—transfixed by the story.

After a moment, Leon’s voice broke the spell. ”Fascinating. So, tell me, Mr. Torven...” He turned, face calm, composed. ”What is the price of both?”

The question slammed into Torven like a thunderclap.

His face contorted. ”Both...?” he whispered, his eyes wide with incredulity. Is he joking? His heart racing in his chest. He had thought the man would purchase a single piece—perhaps even ask for a single price. But now, he was asking for both. If he knew how much it cost, perhaps he wouldn’t have asked for both...

Leon leaned forward. ”Mr. Torven?”

”Ah! Yes—sir, I apologize. I... didn’t catch what you said.”

Leon’s tone stayed indifferent. ”I asked,” he said softly, ”the cost of both necklaces.”

The silence loomed in the air, dense and charged.

Torven hands shook a little as he cleared his throat. ”Respected sir,” he started, voice anxious, ”these are works of art. Soul-bound, unique pieces, crafted by Vellore’s finest artisans...

Before he could proceed, Leon held up a hand, indicating that he should stop. ”Just quote the price,” Leon said quietly but firmly.

Aria’s eyes were steady, but her gaze betrayed a tiny spark of shock at the figure.

Cynthia’s mouth opened in surprise, her brow furrowed as she took in the figure.

Kyra’s face set hard, disbelief flashing across it, while Syra’s lips pursed in silent surprise.

Chloe’s heart was racing, eyes widening as she stared at the outrageous sum of money, her expression one of wonder and unbelief.

As the shockwaves ran through them, Leon remained unruffled, his collected tone never faltering. ”I see,” he replied, tone smooth.

Leon faced Aria; tone smooth. ”Would you say that these would make the ultimate gift?

Aria hesitated for an instant; her eyes locked on the necklaces. She nodded after a slight pause. ”Yes. Perfect.”

He turned to look at Cynthia, Syra, and Kyra next. All three women nodded gravely, their faces still in the process of absorbing the price but ultimately consenting with Aria’s appraisal.

Then Leon’s focus moved on to Chloe.

She froze, caught off guard by the attention focused on her. Why is he looking at me? Her thoughts whirled in confusion. He’s a duke, surely, he doesn’t need my opinion. I’m just his subordinate... the daughter.

Before she could further spiral, Leon’s voice cut through her thoughts.

”Chloe?” His tone was gentle, yet expectant. ”What do you think of the necklaces?”

Chloe jumped, her face turning a deep red as her mind went haywire. She hastily raised her hand, stuttering in a nervous, flustered tone. ”I-I... I don’t know, Lord Leon...”

Leon’s eyebrow shot up, his eyes piercing but serene. ”Hmm, what do you mean by ’I don’t know’? Or are you telling me you don’t like these necklaces?”

Chloe’s eyes went wide, panic rising within her. ”N-no! I mean—they’re beautiful! Outstanding! Exquisite!”

Leon smiled gently, his voice warm and reassuring. ”Hmm. Then, good.”

Torven stood there rigidly nearby, sweat pooling under his collar.

Leon’s gaze turned to him. ”Mr. Torven... consider them bought.”

A pause. Torven’s eyes were fixed on him. Then he blinked. Not only Torven but the women with him were just as shocked, their faces wide with incredulity.

Aria, the ever-serene one, couldn’t conceal the flash of shock in her eyes. As Leon’s former head maid and the manager of the finances for the estate, she understood perfectly well just how large that sum was. Six hundred thousand gold coins. Her brain functioned rapidly, doing calculations. That’s almost the entire cost of the yearly maintenance for the Moonwalker estate. All—the staff, maintenance, utilities, and security—it all costs that much for the entire year. The shock was strong. For a person to spend so much on two necklaces. it was beyond her normal reach of extravagance.

Cynthia, Kyra, and Syra were similarly disturbed. Six hundred thousand gold coins was unimaginable to them, particularly when they considered their current condition with their tribes in ruins. Their tribes had contented themselves with yearly outlays of ten to twenty thousand gold coins at the most—expenses incurred for their people’s necessities, for subsistence. To witness such a great amount discarded so nonchalantly into the air, wasted on two trinkets, was disconcerting. That could feed an entire community for a year, Kyra considered, or rebuild half of our lost territories.

Syra’s eyes were wide, her mind reeling at the enormity of the figure. How many cities could operate for years on such an amount? She pondered, her eyes darting between the necklaces and Leon. She’d never seen so much carefree disregard for money before.

But it was Chloe who experienced the brunt of it. Her heart raced, her mind in overdrive. That number... that’s greater than the Silver City’s yearly revenue!

Chloe swallowed hard. ”I know” about the Silver City, its riches, how much it earned and spent annually, and yet this one purchase. it was more than one city’s income.”

And yet Leon was moving as if purchasing bread and flowers from a street stall. The magnitude of it was crushing her.

The silence hung heavy; everyone’s minds weighed down by the magnitude of the sum.

Torven finally blinked, his shock clear. He hadn’t anticipated such a reaction, his face now growing even bizarre. ”I—I’m sorry, sir. Could you repeat that?” he stuttered, hardly able to believe his ears.

Leon’s amused by Torven look didn’t alter. ”I said... I’m buying both necklaces.”

Torven’s knees almost buckled.

”You... you’re not joking, sir?”

Leon leaned his head to one side, his face calm, but with a cutting intensity to his eyes. ”Do I look like I’m joking?” he demanded, a very hint of humour in his tone.

”No... no, sir. Naturally not,” stammered Torven, his breathing thin, his mind in turmoil.

Who is this man? Torven thought, the enormity of the situation settling in. To spend this amount of gold—more than most nobles could dream of—without a second thought, in a single heartbeat —for a gift?!

Then, Leon’s eyes ran over the women on either side of him, each face still etched with shock, their minds obviously trying to grasp the enormity of what they had just witnessed. A faint smile danced within his eyes as he watched them, their shocked faces still hung in the air like a collective, wordless question.

Something flashed in his eyes. A flash of an idea.

A flicker of thought, taking shape.

He wheeled around to Torven, face impassive—but the lightest smile creased his lips.

”Mr. Torven...” he murmured, tone silky and inquiring. ”I was wondering if you might help me with one more thing...”

Torven’s heart accelerated, mind whirling with curiosity and anxiety and thought in heart, What now?