As the four of us chatted idly, the car pulled into a private parking lot.
Glancing out the window, a chic building with a refined, understated atmosphere caught my eye. This was clearly our destination, though it wasn't quite what I had imagined. I had expected something flashier and more imposing, but an establishment with this kind of unique aura felt more like a hidden gem—an exclusive haunt for the elite.
In any case, it still looked just as intimidating to enter.
"Whoa... this looks like something else entirely."
"Is this... a place guys like us are even allowed to walk into?"
Yuji and Hayato voiced thoughts nearly identical to mine as they stepped out of the car. It certainly didn't look like a shop a high schooler—or any ordinary person—could just wander into on a whim.
"It will be fine," Nishikawa-san assured us. "Regardless of its appearance, it is a shop like any other."
"I mean, technically, sure, but..."
"I know I said this was for the sake of my education, but honestly, I don't feel like I belong anywhere near a place like this," Hayato muttered.
"Think of it as reference for future presents," I suggested. "Maybe."
For the sake of my education, huh?
Well, since I was technically engaged, I supposed there was plenty to learn. Someday, I wanted to give Sara-san a truly proper engagement ring, followed eventually by a wedding band... though even as I thought it, I realized I was getting way ahead of myself.
"Now then, if we linger out here, the staff will grow tired of waiting. Shall we go inside?"
Following Nishikawa-san's lead, I looked toward the entrance and realized that several figures—presumably shop clerks—were already watching us through the glass. Beyond the automatic doors, a clerk stood at attention, waiting for us to enter. Everyone was standing perfectly upright. My nerves began to fray.
"Welcome. We are honored to have you with us today."
"Welcome."
The moment we followed Nishikawa-san inside, the clerk waiting by the entrance gave a deep, formal bow. The rest of the staff followed suit in perfect synchronization.
I stole a quick glance around the interior. It wasn't just rings; there were necklaces, hair ornaments... tiaras, maybe? Every shelf was lined with items that looked staggeringly expensive, including things I hadn't even known existed. This place was on an entirely different level.
The "Reserved" sign I'd seen at the door made sense now. Even with Nishikawa-san's presence, the realization of what I was there to buy filled me with nothing but anxiety. Yuji and Hayato seemed to be feeling the same pressure; their faces were frozen in masks of tension.
"Nishikawa-sama, thank you so much for visiting us today."
An elderly gentleman approached from the back of the store with a welcoming smile. He was the picture of a dandy, possessing a calm, refined air that practically radiated "gentleman." He was clearly the Manager or someone of similar status.
"Oh, Suzuhara-san? I heard you were away on a business trip."
"No, no. Knowing that Nishikawa-sama was coming, it would be unthinkable for me, the one in charge, to be absent. Furthermore, I wished to personally greet today's guest."
"Hehe. I suppose that is quite important, in its own way."
"Most certainly. That is why we have assembled the entire staff to welcome you today."
"I trust you understand the situation?"
"Yes. Please rest assured. I shall not say a word out of turn."
The weight of their conversation was intense. Even in this high-pressure environment, Nishikawa-san was perfectly composed. It was a stark reminder that despite her occasional clumsiness, she was the President's Daughter of a massive corporation. She lived in a different world than we did.
While we hovered awkwardly, unsure of how to stand or move, I stole a peek at a nearby display case. My eyes widened. How many zeros were in the price of that ring?
Could I really accomplish anything in a place like this? If I told them my budget, I half-expected them to laugh in my face.
"Takanashi-sama?"
"Y-Yes!?"
My voice cracked as I was suddenly addressed. I couldn't help it. I was already feeling like a fish out of water, and I hadn't expected to be the focus of attention so soon.
"It is an honor to meet you. My name is Suzuhara, and I am the owner of this jewelry shop. We are delighted to have you here today. Meeting you is truly a privilege."
Suzuhara-san bowed with exquisite politeness, his posture perfect. So he really was the owner. He fit the part perfectly.
Should I bow back just as deeply? No, I was the customer, so maybe that would be strange? As I agonized over the etiquette, Suzuhara-san held something out. A business card.
"Th-thank you for the kind welcome. And, I'm sorry... I don't actually have a card of my own to give you..."
"Please, do not trouble yourself over it. Simply being able to introduce myself to you is more than enough. I look forward to our future relationship."
"Y-Yes. Likewise."
I hoped that was a sufficient response. I felt like I had navigated the social minefield safely enough, at least. I couldn't help but think that if Sara-san had been there, she would have patted my head and praised me for doing a good job.
"I have heard from Nishikawa-sama that you are looking for a gift for your fiancée?"
"Ah, yes. And, um... sorry. To be honest, I'm not planning on buying something quite as grand as what you have on display today. It's hard to explain, but it's more of a promise before the 'real' thing. I want to give her a formal ring later, once I've graduated and started working..."
I struggled to articulate my thoughts. Between the budget constraints and my own personal feelings, I wanted the "real" engagement ring to be something I earned with my own hands once I was a member of society. This was meant to be a precursor—something I could give her as I was now.
"I see. I believe I have a firm grasp of the sentiment you wish to convey with this ring, Takanashi-sama. Please, put your mind at ease."
"Oh... really? That's a relief."
"Indeed. Just to confirm the details, the fiancée in question is Satsukawa-sama, is that correct?"
"Y-Yes. That's right. Sara Satsukawa-san."
"Oh! Well, well... my heartiest congratulations to you both!"
At the mention of Sara-san's name, Suzuhara-san's smile turned remarkably warm. I caught several of the other clerks whispering in surprise as well.
"Th-thank you. Do you know Sara-san?"
"But of course. I have had the pleasure of meeting her several times. To be engaged to the daughter of the Satsukawa family... what a truly wonderful development."
So they were acquaintances. That explained the sudden shift in the room's energy. Since Masaomi-san was the Senior Managing Director of Sawa, it wasn't surprising that people in the industry with ties to the Nishikawa family would know him. Still, hearing such heartfelt congratulations from a stranger made me feel a bit bashful.
"Thank you. So, about the ring..."
"Yes, Nishikawa-sama has provided me with the general details. I have already gathered the relevant materials. I shall personally assist you with the utmost care until you are entirely satisfied with your selection."
"Wait, really? I'm not spending enough to justify that kind of attention. Maybe you should focus on Nishikawa-san instead—"
I was grateful, but I felt incredibly guilty. I knew my budget wasn't anywhere near what their usual VIPs spent. Being treated like royalty when I was buying a relatively modest item made me feel small. I really thought he should be prioritizing Nishikawa-san.
"Do not worry about me," Nishikawa-san said. "I am not here for a formal consultation today. Suzuhara-san, this is the very first ring my precious best friend has ever chosen. Please, give him your best."
"Consider it done. Given such an honorable task, I shall stake my pride as a jeweler on finding the perfect piece."
Wait, what was happening? Despite my intentions, the scale of this was ballooning. I was starting to panic—I wasn't about to drop hundreds of thousands or millions of yen here.
"As for your friends, I shall assign a dedicated staff member to each of them. Please, feel free to browse the collection at your leisure. If anything catches your eye, do not hesitate to ask."
"Wait, what!?"
"N-No, we're just here as moral support!"
"Nonsense. Simply having you appreciate our collection is enough for us. I assure you, no one will pressure you to make a purchase."
"U-Uh, okay..."
"Well, if you're sure..."
Yuji and Hayato were clearly overwhelmed. I felt terrible for dragging them into such an intense situation. With personal shoppers assigned to them, they wouldn't be able to relax for a second... though I suppose I was in an even more exaggerated version of the same boat.
"Takanashi-san, I am going to see to my own business. Please, take your time. Suzuhara-san is a master of his craft, so feel free to ask him anything."
"U-Understood."
"Indeed. No detail is too small. I am here to support you in every way possible."
Suzuhara-san's sheer intensity only added to the pressure. Was I really going to be okay?
"So, I'd like to start by being honest about this..."
Before we got into the consultation, I laid out my actual budget. I expected him to be disappointed after all that buildup, even if he was too professional to show it.
However, Suzuhara-san merely nodded. "A high price tag does not equate to the 'best' gift. My mission is to provide the perfect item that aligns with the customer's heart and circumstances."
Whether he meant it or not, I was immensely grateful for the sentiment.
"Based on your requirements, Takanashi-sama, I would recommend a Proposal Ring."
"A Proposal Ring?"
"Yes. It is also known as a Promise Ring. To put it simply, think of it as a precursor to the formal engagement ring."
"I didn't know those existed."
It was news to me, but the description fit my needs perfectly. It was exactly the "step before" the real thing that I had been looking for.
"Some customers treat this as a temporary engagement ring and later return to have the stone reset into a custom-ordered permanent band. Given your wishes and the current circumstances, I believe this is the ideal path."
Suzuhara-san showed me the catalog he had prepared. When I checked the prices, they were all within the budget I had specified. Relief washed over me.
"I see... Yes, I think this is exactly what I'm looking for."
"I am glad to hear it. Then, let us use the Proposal Ring as our foundation as we narrow down the choices."
Narrowing down the options turned out to be surprisingly easy. Once I started looking at the designs while picturing Sara-san, certain rings just stood out.
"To choose with such conviction... it is a testament to the strength of your feelings, Takanashi-sama."
"I believe so, too."
Normally, this was where I would act humble, but I wanted to be honest about my feelings for Sara-san. It felt easier to say it to a stranger than to someone close to me, where I might get embarrassed and turn it into a joke.
"I am truly moved. To hold such deep affection at such a young age... You are indeed the man the daughter of the Satsukawa family chose. I find myself quite touched."
Suzuhara-san had been building me up like this throughout the entire process. I knew it was partly professional courtesy, but he did it with such natural grace that it actually made me feel good.
"Hehe. Well, of course," Nishikawa-san said, rejoining the conversation. "He is the gentleman who managed to make a total devotee out of Sara, a girl who used to be a notorious man-hater. My own father holds him in high regard as well."
"Nishikawa-san?" I muttered, wishing she wouldn't pile on the pressure.
"Oh? Even President Nishikawa approves? My word... what an honor it is to serve someone with such connections."
And there it was. Suzuhara-san's praise became even more effusive. Nishikawa-san knew exactly what she was doing, yet she went out of her way to egg him on anyway.
"Takanashi-san, have you found a ring you like?"
"I think I've decided. Suzuhara-san made the process very easy. But... are you sure about this price?"
I had looked at the estimate, and it was exactly what I wanted—actually, it was slightly below my maximum budget. While I was thankful, the ring looked far too high-quality to be that cheap.
"Of course," Suzuhara-san replied. "To offer anything less than excellence for a story such as yours would wound my pride as a jeweler. Furthermore, as you come highly recommended by Nishikawa-sama, I have made every possible effort on my end."
So, between Nishikawa-san's influence and the owner's pride, they were giving me a massive discount. I knew it. There was no way a ring this beautiful actually cost that little.
"Hehe... you are as smooth as ever, Suzuhara-san."
"Not at all. I speak only from the heart."
"Then we shall accept your kindness. Takanashi-san, there is no need to hesitate. Let us enjoy the fruits of Suzuhara-san's hard work."
"U-Understood."
It was a very "adult" conversation, full of hidden meanings and mutual understandings that went over my head. It was a little intimidating, but since they were doing this for my sake, I decided to accept it with a nod.
"Now then, I believe I shall purchase a new brooch for myself."
"Thank you, Nishikawa-sama. I shall guide you to our latest collection."
Wait, hold on. Nishikawa-san had said she wasn't planning on buying anything today. Buying a brooch now... was she doing that to balance the scales for the favor they were doing me?
"Wait, Nishikawa-san. Is that because—"
"Takanashi-san, this is something I had intended to buy eventually. It has nothing to do with your ring. Think of it as a convenient coincidence that benefits everyone."
Even so, I knew it was a gesture of thanks for the service they were providing me. Pointing it out further would be rude and might make her lose face. It was better to just shut up and be grateful for her help.
"I understand... Thank you."
"Hehe. There is no need for thanks. But I will accept the sentiment."
Nishikawa-san was truly impressive today. If she acted like this all the time, I would have no trouble seeing her as a person worthy of absolute respect. I had spent so much time seeing her klutzy side that I'd almost forgotten this was the real Nishikawa Eri.