High Praise

The Duchess smiled. She had picked the right person to shop with today. 

"Are these not to your fancy? We have-" before Melrose could finish, Laina stopped her. 

"The last I checked, you had a collection of ruby diamond pieces. Do you still have them?" she asked without skipping a beat. 

"Ruby diamonds?" the Duchess gasped in surprise. 

She had only heard rumors about them. Their exclusivity meant it was usually reserved for the highest tier of clientele. Perhaps only royals would have the ability to own some. 

Melrose, unlike Alron, was a much steadier manager. She knew what Laina was talking about. 

"I'll have them brought over at once for your viewing," Melrose responded with a bow before leaving the room. 

She returned shortly with a chest of drawers. Two assistants were needed to put them on the table. Melrose opened the top lid of the set of drawers. As if on cue, each layer of drawer pulled open on its own.