Chapter 10: Engagement Rings For The Future

The shopkeeper froze, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. The question was so absurd, so out of left field, that he seemed to question if he’d heard right.

"A...A human hand?" He squeaked, his eyes darting to Charlotte, as if hoping she’d clarify it as a joke. But she was distracted, wandering toward a nearby shelf of trinkets, humming softly as she admired a crystal pendant.

Mika’s expression didn’t change, his gaze steady and the shopkeeper swallowed hard, forcing a nervous laugh. "Well, these knives, you see, they’re antiques. Beautiful craftsmanship, yes, but...brittle. They’d slice meat fine, but bone? The force would likely shatter them." He hesitated, then brightened, as if seizing a lifeline. "But don’t worry! I’ve got something else, something special."

He dropped to one knee, rummaging under the counter with a clatter, and emerged with a cloth, wrapped object. He placed it on the glass with reverence, his hands trembling as he unraveled the fabric to reveal a knife unlike the others.

Its blade was broad and wickedly sharp, forged from a dark, almost iridescent metal that seemed to drink the light. The grip was carved from bone , smooth, pale, and faintly warm to the touch.

"This..." the shopkeeper said, his voice hushed with awe. "...is no ordinary knife. It belonged to a blessed, traded to me years ago. It’s a mana-infused equipment, or was, before it was damaged. It lost its magical properties, so I planned to sell it as a decorative piece."

"But make no mistake, it’s strong. It can slice through bone like butter, just as you asked. Is this...suitable?"

Mika didn’t answer right away. He reached for the knife, his fingers brushing the bone grip, and a faint jolt ran through him, like the blade recognized his touch.

He lifted it, testing its weight, then began to move it with a fluid grace that made the shopkeeper’s jaw drop.

The knife danced between his fingers, spinning and flipping in intricate patterns, as if he’d wielded it for years. He tested its balance, his movements precise, almost hypnotic, his dark eyes narrowing with focus.

The shopkeeper watched, dumbfounded, wondering how a teenager could handle a blade with such proficiency, but he didn’t dare ask.

Mika stopped, the knife resting lightly in his palm, and a slow smile spread across his face.

"This’ll do." He said, his voice quiet but satisfied. "It’s perfect for what I need. I’ll take it." He glanced at the shopkeeper, about to ask the price, when Charlotte’s voice cut through the moment like a bell.

"Wait, Mika!" She called, her tone bright and insistent. She was standing by another glass cabinet, her finger pressed against the display, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I want this too, for you!" She beckoned him over, practically vibrating with glee.

Mika raised an eyebrow, exchanging a glance with the shopkeeper, who looked both thrilled and overwhelmed by the sudden flurry of interest. He then walked over, Charlotte tugging at his sleeve, and peered into the cabinet.

And the moment he what was inside, his stomach dropped.

Nestled on a velvet cushion were two rings, not just any rings, but a matching pair of engagement rings. Their bands were intricately woven silver, set with twin gemstones that shimmered like starlight, elegant and undeniably romantic.

Charlotte turned to him, her grin wide and unapologetic, her eyes glinting with mischief.

"These are perfect." She declared, her voice dripping with conviction. "For our engagement! Can you imagine how amazing we’d look with these on? The ultimate power couple, Mika and Charlotte, bound by destiny!" She clasped her hands, swaying slightly, as if already picturing the wedding. "We have to get them. They’re meant for us!"

Mika stared at her, his expression caught between exasperation and reluctant amusement.

"Engagement?" He echoed, his voice flat but tinged with a warning. "Charlotte, we’re not even dating, not to mention us getting engaged. You’re jumping, like, ten steps ahead here."

"Not yet." She pouted in response, stepping closer, her chest brushing his arm as she tilted her head up at him. "But these rings are a promise, Mika. A little nudge toward our future. You can’t deny they’re gorgeous, right? And they’d look so good on us!" She grabbed his hand, holding it up as if measuring it for the ring, her touch warm and insistent. "Come on, let’s get them. My treat! A gift for my future husband."

The shopkeeper, sensing a sale, chimed in nervously. "They’re exquisite, truly! Crafted by a master jeweler a century ago, said to symbolize eternal unity. A...A fitting choice for such a, uh, spirited young lady and her...companion."

Mika shot him a look that could’ve curdled milk, but Charlotte’s laughter drowned out any retort.

"See? Even he gets it!" She crowed, tugging at Mika’s arm. "Don’t be a grump, Mika. Let’s make it official, or at least pretend for a day. Pretty please?"

Mika paused, his fingers tightening around the bone, gripped knife in his hand. For a fleeting moment, he considered it, really considered it.

Her enthusiasm was infectious, and he could already picture the joy lighting up her face if he humored her, even for an hour. She’d be over the moon, probably parading him around like a trophy, those rings flashing on their fingers. The thought tugged at him, a quiet warmth blooming in his chest.

...But then, like a cold splash of water, reality crashed in.

...The other daughters, five girls with SSS-tier blessings and a devotion so fierce it could level cities.

If any of them caught him with an engagement ring, Charlotte’s name etched into the gesture, it’d be a disaster. Jealousy would ignite like a wildfire, their powers clashing in a storm of heartbreak and rubble. They’d see it as a betrayal, their trust in him fracturing before he’d even begun his delicate plan to win them all.

He shivered, the image too vivid, and his resolve hardened. "Not a chance." He said firmly, his voice cutting through her hopeful gaze. "No way I’m buying those rings." He turned to the shopkeeper, who was watching the exchange with wide, eyed fascination, and nodded at the knife. "Pack this up. I’ll take it."

Without waiting for a reply, he strode toward the counter, determined to put distance between himself and Charlotte’s latest scheme.

Charlotte’s pout lasted all of a second before her face split into a bright, undeterred smile, like his rejection was just a speed bump.

"Oh, Mika, you’re so stubborn!" She called, her tone teasing as she skipped after him. She also turned to the shopkeeper, her voice bubbling with confidence. "Pack up those rings too, please! I’m buying them!"

The old man blinked, his hands fumbling as he nodded eagerly. "Y-Yes, of course, miss!" He stammered, hurrying to wrap both the knife and the rings in tissue paper, his fingers trembling with the thrill of such a sale and from the goddess’s daughter, no less.

Mika, halfway through pulling bills from his wallet, shot her a sidelong glance. "Charlotte..." He said, his voice low and edged with warning. "Even if you buy those, I’m not wearing them. You’re just wasting your money."

"Not at all!" But she didn’t seem to care as she sauntered over, shaking her head in that cute, exaggerated way that made her pink hair bounce. "Even if you don’t wear it now, I’ll treasure them. They’re a memento of today, our little adventure, the crash, the drama!"

Her eyes glinted with a cheeky intensity as she tilted her head, her voice dropping to a playful whisper.

"And when you finally decide to marry me, you won’t have to hunt for a ring...I’ll just hand this one over, all ready for you. No hassle, see? I’m thinking ahead."

Mika’s breath hitched, her boldness catching him off guard. He looked away, his ears warming despite himself.

No matter how hard he tried to push her away, her relentless assertiveness, her unapologetic devotion, always chipped at his walls. She was so sure of him, so unshakable, and it made him feel shy in a way he’d never admit out loud.

"Tch." He muttered, focusing on his wallet to hide the flush creeping up his neck. "Keep dreaming."

Charlotte giggled, undaunted, and then her eyes lit up as she noticed his wallet.

"Oh, wait, wait!" She said, snatching his arm before he could hand over the cash. "You don’t need to pay, Mika. I’ve got this, both the knife and the rings." She puffed out her chest, her grin turning smug. "Your sugar mama’s taking care of all her baby’s spending today. Not a cent from you, okay?"

She snuggled closer, her chest pressing against his arm, her voice dripping with exaggerated pride.

"Just relax and let me spoil you."

Mika raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching with reluctant amusement. He didn’t bother arguing, fighting her over money was a lost cause.

Whenever they went out, she always insisted on paying, her goddess, tier status and bottomless wallet making it a point of pride.

"Fine." He said, slipping his wallet back into his pocket with a sigh. "But what’s the catch? You planning to drag me to your room and ravage me or something?" His tone was joking, but his eyes flicked to hers, half-expecting her to take the bait.

Charlotte’s grin widened, her eyes sparkling with delight as she leaned in, her lips brushing dangerously close to his ear.

"Oh, Mika, that’s so tempting." She purred, her voice low and teasing, not caring that the shopkeeper was within earshot, his face turning beet red as he pretended to focus on wrapping the items. "I’d love to feel your body all over mine, you know every inch, all hot and close." She pulled back just enough to wink at him, her succubus charm practically humming in the air. "But I know you’d say no, and honestly? I don’t want anything in return. I’m just happy spoiling you, giving you whatever you want. That’s enough for me."

Her words hung between them, sincere and unguarded, and Mika’s usual deflection faltered. She was so loving, so fiercely, unabashedly devoted that brushing her off felt wrong, like rejecting a gift he didn’t deserve and he couldn’t let her pay without giving something back, no matter how small.

"Alright..." He said, his voice softer now, almost hesitant. "I’m not letting you take me to a hotel, but I’ll give you something in return. It’s not much, but..." He reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a small, foil, wrapped bundle. "I made a sandwich this morning. I was gonna eat it later, but if you want it, it’s yours."

Any other girl would’ve slapped Mika and spit on him before walking away if he dared to give a stale sandwich in exchange to a fortune that was a ring and a old artifact.

But Charlotte was unlike other girls as her eyes widened, her mouth dropping open like he’d offered her a diamond.

"Really?" She squeaked, her voice pitching up with excitement. "You’re really giving me your sandwich?" She bounced on her toes, her hands clasped together, and then let out a giddy squeal, practically dancing in place. "Yes! Oh my gosh, this is the best day ever! I’m eating Mika’s sandwich! I’m so happy!" She spun in a little circle, her hair fanning out, her joy so radiant it lit up the dusty shop.

Mika shook his head, a small, genuine smile breaking through his usual deadpan.

"It’s just a sandwich, Charlotte." He said, his voice tinged with amusement. "No big deal." He leaned against the counter, watching her antics with a warmth he couldn’t quite suppress. "And you know your mom’s one of the greatest chefs on the planet, you know."

"She’s even got her own cooking show, her cookbook sold millions. Her food is obviously better than mine, so you shouldn’t be this excited over some bread and meat I slapped together."

Charlotte stopped mid-spin, her grin softening into something fierce and sincere. She stepped close, her hands resting on his arm, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that made his pulse skip.

"Not at all." She said, her voice steady and warm. "Your dishes are my favorite, Mika. In fact, I’m bored of everyone else’s cooking, even Mom’s, since as good as it is, it doesn’t compare to yours...Your food’s the best thing in the world!"

She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper.

"You just don’t know how many times I’ve drooled just thinking about your cooking...I was actually so jealous knowing you were gonna eat that sandwich without me."

Her words hit him harder than he expected, her adoration wrapping around him like a warm blanket.

"You’re ridiculous." He muttered, but his smile lingered, betraying the fondness he tried to bury. Her happiness over something so small, a damn sandwich, made his chest ache in a way he wasn’t ready to unpack.

Charlotte, realizing the shopkeeper was still waiting, snapped out of her dance with a sheepish grin.

"Oh, right!" She said, pulling out some cash from her pocket and handing it over. "Here, for everything, the knife, the rings. Keep the change!" She waved dismissively, her focus already back on Mika as she grabbed his arm, dragging him toward the door. "Come on, let’s go! I’m eating that sandwich the second we’re out of here!"

The shopkeeper fumbled with the bundle of money, his hands shaking as he processed the thought of a girl like her casually flinging that much like it was no big deal at all, when it was actually enough to buy a decent apartment out of town.

He also watched them go, the bell jingling as the door swung shut, and sank back into his chair, dazed.

Had that really happened? The daughter of a goddess, Charlotte Dimitrivitch Heavensblade, in his shop? Buying engagement rings and fawning over a boy who rejected her like it was nothing?

He stared at the empty counter, the wrapped knife and rings gone, and wondered about the boy, Mika.

What kind of willpower did it take to resist a girl like that, a living legend every soul on the planet adored? Just who was he?