It was a shop specialized in ornament selling.
Ornaments in this game had no buffs or other value. They only served the purpose of decoration.
Some players preferred to show off—and it was an accurate place for them. They'd get anything they liked, from jewelry to pictures to decorate their in-game home and so on.
It was a fine place to buy something precious for Zariel. Her stubbornness would only then be over.
"Welcome Sir, Ma'am!" A good-looking receptionist greeted us as we entered the shop. She was in a formal dress that made her look like someone's P.A.—or perhaps the office workers who worked in the front register.
In any case, I didn't pay much attention to her attire. I was drawn by the atmosphere of the shop's interior. Ela's Shop was one thing. However, this one was in an entirely different place.
Everywhere I looked, I was blinded by the glistening light. The shop filled with all kinds of ornament, was astonishingly beautiful and shined brilliantly.
Each ornament was designed impressively. Their texture felt alive. Even through the glass case, I could see the subtle and detailed works. It reflected a true, pure craftsmanship. They were magnificent.
"Sir, are you looking for something specific." The NPC came close to me when I was staring at a bracelet. I didn't decide to buy that bracelet for Zariel. I was just drawn to it naturally. Besides, I needed something that would fit her. This one was the same size of her own body.
"I'm not looking for something specific. But I want to buy something precious."
"I see." She nodded, "Please follow this way. We have Today's Special. You may like something among them."
I followed, and Shika too.
While I was following them, I asked Shika, "Can you think of anything that will look good Zariel?"
"I don't think I can think of any." She replied after thinking for a second, "But if you want something precious for her, why don't you summon and let her decide what she wants?"
"HMM…That's a good idea."
Getting the suggestion, I wasted no time and summoned her.
[Contracted Seraphyll: Zariel (Type: Inferior), the Ruler of Thunder has been summoned]
With the same dramatic entry, she appeared.
As soon as she did, she made a balloon face and turned her face away from me with a 'HUMP!'.
She was still mad at me.
"Come on Zariel. I'm sorry, please forgive me this time, will you?" I put my hands together and asked for forgiveness—though I knew she wouldn't forgive me that easily.
"Please undo the summoning. I was having a good time staying at the home you bought. Then you disturbed my rest."
"At least give him a chance to apologize. Look he chose this place to buy you an alternative souvenir."
Shika told her. She didn't listen to me, but Shika was a different case.
She scanned the entire shop which was ridiculously huge and shiny. Soon stubbornness faded away from her face and enthusiasm popped into her eyes. They shined as a smile sprouted on her lips.
"What is this place Zan~ Zan~? It looks freaking amazing! Did you buy this place as well?"
'Whoa! She doesn't seem to be mad any longer.' I thought as Zariel flew around me relentlessly with utter excitement—just like how she used to. There were no traces of her being ever mad at me. It was good, by the way.
"Nope! I didn't buy this place." I replied when she halted before my face with those curious eyes. "But we're here to buy you a present but I can't decide on my own. It'd be quite helpful if you choose something for yourself. Anything you want from here, I'll buy that for you."
She looked like she was about to cry in happiness. She held her tears back and replied,
"Thank you for the offer. However, I won't choose anything. If it's a present you have to decide on your own. I'll love anything though, heh-heh."
Seriously!
Her character was out of my comprehension. It was uncertain what was going on with her. Her mood could shift quickly—one moment she was mad, the next she was smiling. At times, she insisted on getting things herself, while other times she let me choose what to buy for her.
Such a strange Seraphyll I have contracted with!
Sigh!
"If you say so, then don't complain if I get you something that doesn't fit your liking."
"No problem, boss!" She replied with a salute, smiling cheerfully.
****
The receptionist showed us the Today's Special items.
The ornaments looked surprisingly good.
The first one was a bracelet I'd seen earlier—no, it looked slightly different. I could tell, yeah, the subtle design was almost the same but they were distinct. Both were golden. However, this one was thinner.
Second was a crown. It was shiny as well, but the design was lame as if the craftsman was unwillingly crafting that.
My interest shifted from it too.
The third and fourth items were both types of decorative jewelry meant for tying long hair. They were magnificent, with equally impressive designs.
However, most of my attention was on the fifth item. I didn't bother looking at the sixth and more they had to show.
The fifth one was a neckless—not a flashy one. It was crafted diligently. I could tell just by looking at it. The golden chain was thin and perfectly designed. The subtle artistry was impressive—and the tiny crystal attached to it like a pendent made it more attractive.
That was it. It was perfect for Zariel.
But…
How would it fix her?
She was small. Even the pendent-like crystal was as big as her palm.
"Excuse me? Do you have a lower size of this one—the one that would fit this little fairy?"
"Don't worry about the size sir. Each ornament here is specially designed. They will fit perfectly whoever wears them. Just give it a try."
I nodded and looked at Zariel, "Go ahead!"
With my permission she touched the neckless and much to my surprise it became small. When she wore it, it was as the receptionist had told us.
It fit perfectly and mathced to the corset she was wearing. She was cute and adorable from the beginning and now that she wore the alluring ornament—necklace to be precise, she looked unimaginably beautiful as if she was the very embodiment of a thunder goddess.
In any case, she looked more beautiful that I thought she would be.
Zariel was silent for a moment.
Was it not to her liking?
As I looked more closely, I realized she was happy—possibly so happy she didn't know what to do with herself. Her eyes were sparkling as well and her warm smile gave a reassurance.
I smiled gently and looked at Shika, "Why don't you give that bracelet a try? I think it will suit you."
"Thanks for the suggestion, but I don't want to take anything more than what you've already given to me."
"Quit that crap, Shika. I'm asking as a friend. So, go try it on. I insist."
She had no option but to give it a try—and honestly, it looked beautiful. She was reluctant, but I insisted.
*****
After the payments, we came out of the shop. There was hardly any player in this area, so it was safe for us to avoid attention.
"Zariel, do you like what I picked for you?"
"Hell yeah! I love it Zan~ Zan~!! This is the best present I've ever received. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!"
No doubt she was happy.
"What about you Shika? Do you like that bracelet?"
"I do like it. But I don't know whether it's appropriate for me to accept this. It was quite expensive."
"You don't need to worry about that. Just tell me are you happy or not?"
"Yes, I am!" She smiled gently, embracing the bracelet I bought for her. After buying so many things, it felt rude not to consider getting something for her. The bracelet was probably the best way to make up for that. On the other hand, Zariel was happy too, so…
"They worth it." I exclaimed, "If the presents make you happy then they have served their relevance."