SPOILERS - The Case Files of Jeweler Richard - Volume 15
Here is the translation of the last chapter that was published. It's not the entire chapter, just a small but important part because I don't have the capacity for the whole chapter yet. I should mention that the translation might not be perfect since neither English nor Japanese is my native language, but I did my best to make it understandable. Enjoy reading it and thank you!"
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The modest party also served as a celebration of Seigi’s recovery. Mrs. Tanimoto had arrived from Okayama Prefecture right after the accident, and Haruyoshi Shimomura was there too—he had led a powerful choir in a huge Catholic cathedral, and the video of that event had apparently gone viral. There was also a somewhat pale British gentleman named Henry, supposedly a friend of theirs. A man named Saul showed up as well, apparently the teacher (or Mister) of both Richard and Seigi, accompanied by a lady who was clearly Saul’s acquaintance. Although not everyone treated Minoru warmly, he was glad that everyone had gathered to celebrate Seigi’s healing together.
Seigi, impeccably dressed in a new suit, was energetically running around among the guests as always, graciously attending to everyone. On his sleeves, he wore blue-purple gemstone cufflinks—the very ones he had earlier placed into Minoru’s hand. When he spotted Minoru, he waved.
“Hey, Minoru, Nakata-san looks really great today,” Ryota exclaimed.
“…He always looks great, doesn’t he?” Minoru chimed in.
“Maybe it’s just me, but there’s a different energy about him today,” Ryota said.
“I think so too,” Maririn agreed.
Maririn suddenly joined them, and Ryota smiled awkwardly. Although none of them ever spoke about it openly, all three knew well that Maririn harbored unrequited feelings for Seigi. His hospitalization had made them forget about it for a while, but Ryota considered it a topic better left unspoken.
The trio watched Seigi intently, frowning thoughtfully.
“…What’s different about him?”
“The way he carries himself… it’s just different.”
“Yeah, but what exactly? I can’t put my finger on it.”
“I don’t think he’s changed that much…”
“That’s classic—when you’re around someone for too long, you stop noticing.”
“Maybe he’s a bit nervous? Because of that Mr. Shaul? I heard he’s some big boss.”
As Minoru and the others pondered, someone stepped out of the villa.
“Wow, an angel,” Ryota muttered.
Minoru had the same impression for a moment. It was Richard, dressed in a spring suit of soft colors. Cherry blossoms from the nearby alley floated through the air, swirling around his golden hair.
“…No way. Mr. Richard has a completely different aura too.”
“Yeah, I notice it as well. That’s the look he gets when he manages to get up on time.”
“Really? He has trouble waking up?”
“Uh, uh, pretend you didn’t hear that.”
While the trio chatted animatedly, a sharp sound rang out—like someone repeatedly tapping a spoon against a glass. Seigi held a tall glass and clinked it to get everyone’s attention. All eyes turned to him. Seigi smiled confidently.
“Good evening, everyone. I’m Seigi Nakata. At the end of last year, I caused you all a lot of worry. Thanks to you, I’ve recovered and can work normally again. I would like to thank all of you gathered here with a short speech.”
“Hooray!” Haruyoshi Shimomura cheered. Seigi smiled shyly. Richard watched quietly.
In the garden, where the breeze occasionally stirred, Seigi continued.
“It’s been almost a year since I moved to this city. But when I think about it, it all actually started ten years ago when I was twenty-one. That was when I first met all of you. From my first meeting with Richard, through the part-time job at the jewelry store, to becoming an assistant—step by step, I changed into the person I am now. Maybe it’s bold to say, but I like to call it growth—even though, honestly, it’s more of a transformation. Slowly but surely, I reshaped myself—I became who I am today. These have been the most interesting ten years of my life. I will continue to change like a flowing river, but I won’t be afraid—I will grow, rejoice, and of course, always be careful when crossing the street. That will never change. I’m not perfect, but I’d be very happy if you continue to trust me.”
Just as Minoru was about to applaud, Seigi hesitated and said, “Uh.” It seemed he wasn’t finished yet. Minoru expected him to introduce the new villa owners, but Seigi just ran his hand through his hair and went on:
“And one more very personal thing. I want to take this opportunity to thank my superior and colleague, Richard. Thank you so much for everything. The fact that I’m here today is undoubtedly thanks to you.”
Seigi bowed—and this time applause broke out. Then Richard stepped forward.
Seigi looked at him in surprise, while Richard stood three steps away, smiling.
“Thank you for the introduction. I’m Richard. I think everyone here knows me well, so there’s no need for a long introduction. I’d also like to say a few words. It’s been ten years since we met—a nice anniversary, don’t you think? Seigi, turn to me.”
“What?” Minoru gasped. Ryota made the same sound. Only Maririn remained calm. Seigi Nakata stared at him with wide eyes.
Richard knelt on one knee beside the bewildered Seigi. He smiled and spoke again:
“They say shorter speeches are better, but since you probably didn’t hear me, I’ll repeat it. Seigi, spend the rest of your life with me. I know it’ll probably happen anyway, but after everything we’ve been through, I realized it’s better to make things official. It’s true that here we can only register a partnership at the municipal level, and I’m not even a Japanese citizen, so it has no legal weight—but it’s better than nothing. Please, marry me.”
“You don’t have to say it three times!”
“Yes! Of course I’ll marry you! But… wait a moment!”
Seigi put down his glass on the nearest table and started patting his body as if something was burning him. Minoru understood he was searching for something. Richard smiled amusedly.
“…Aren’t you going to at least hug me?”
“I will! But just wait a bit!”
From his left pocket, Seigi pulled out a small jewelry box. He opened it—inside was a ring.
This time it was Seigi who knelt—not because of a proposal, but because his knees gave out. He stared at Richard.
“I bought exactly the same one…!”
Now it was Richard’s turn to widen his eyes. He looked at the ring Seigi held, then at his own, then back at Seigi, and finally glanced at someone next to Minoru. Seigi looked the same way.
They both shouted simultaneously:
The gentleman with chocolate-colored skin pursed his lips slightly as if to whistle, then looked away as if he knew nothing about it. It seemed they had both ordered the same ring from the same person, at the same time, with the same intention.
Seigi grabbed his head as if saying, “No way,” and Richard put his hand on his forehead as if he had a headache. They stood still for a moment, clearly stunned, then looked at each other and quietly embraced.
Applause broke out. Minoru glanced at Maririn. She clapped with such a stone-faced intensity it was almost comical. Minoru wasn’t to be outdone and clapped as well.
As the guests’ attention shifted from just Seigi to “Seigi and Richard,” Minoru had little chance to approach Seigi. The adults immediately swarmed him with congratulations:
“We knew, but still—congratulations!”
“It wasn’t necessary, but we’re glad you decided.”
Everyone had their own way of expressing joy, and in the confusion, it was simply impossible to reach him.
Meanwhile, Minoru and Ryota took the opportunity to stuff themselves with delicious food. Maririn went to congratulate Seigi, then “pestered” Richard for a long time, but eventually returned to talking with Octavia. When Seigi was free for a moment, Minoru quickly ran up to him.
“Hi, Minoru-kun. Haha… That didn’t go as cool as I wanted at all.”
“That doesn’t matter at all. It’s not about style in moments like this.”
Minoru looked at the ring shining on Seigi’s finger. Seigi brought his hand closer so Minoru could take a better look. The stone was an elongated rectangle with colors Minoru had never seen before—half was a vivid yellow, the other a deep ocean blue.
“That’s… a strange stone. Is it the one you showed me once in the cafeteria, the watermelon… or something?”
“Do you remember the watermelon tourmaline I showed you? That’s amazing—you have a great memory! But no, this is a different stone. Hey, Richard, show yours too! I want Minoru-kun to see it.”
Richard, who had just been talking with Mrs. Tanimoto, bowed slightly and came over. On his left ring finger was a ring. He smiled and held out his hand next to Seigi’s.
Richard’s stone was oval-shaped, but the colors were the same as Seigi’s—one half a pale greenish yellow, the other a dark blue.
“Did they used to be one piece?”
“According to our wise, kind, and extremely discreet mister, they are completely different stones. Mine is from Minas Gerais in Brazil, Seigi’s from Sri Lanka.”
“From Ratnapura,” Seigi clarified.
Minoru had no idea where exactly that was, but evidently, these were stones from different parts of the world. Sri Lanka and Brazil are completely different countries. Minoru blinked—how could they look so similar?
Richard spoke: “Both these stones are bi-colored sapphires. Sapphire, like garnet or tourmaline, is a gemstone that can come in various colors, but sometimes one forms that carries multiple shades at once. In Sri Lanka, they call them ‘Maggal Gar.’”
“‘Marriage stone,’” Seigi interrupted Richard.
Seigi grinned at him as if teasing.
You knew I was going to propose. This is payback for stealing my moment."
“I just wanted to save you the long preparation. I’ll listen to your speech calmly at home.”
With arms outstretched, they looked at each other and laughed.
