Since the banquet held in the afternoon, the lighting is sufficient and everyone in the great hall can see the black pearl in Celes' hand. The guest in the back row even standing to see clearer what's in Celes' hand. The sound of people whispering and murmuring can be heard after they see my dowry for Celes.
"Hey, what is that?"
"Dunno…it's look like marble to me"
"You dummy…there's no way young master Henry give marbles for dowry. Although the economy is not good, it's impossible for the Harvard family to become so poor"
"Yeah... mere marble can't shine so sparkling like that"
"Then…what is that?"
"It's probably a pearl"
"Eh pearl? Isn't pearl usually has white color?"
"That's for the common pearl. The one in miss Celes' hand should be a rare one"
"Ooohh…just as expected from Sir Merchant, you know a lot of things"
"Hehehe…well, pearl itself is rarely traded in here, so not many people know about that"
Ugh, there's no good jeweler live in Harvard territory, and most jewelry circulated in Harvard territory brought by the merchant that came in Harvard territory. There's no jewel artisan who can make fine accessories for this black pearl, so I just give it to Celes as it is. Maybe there's a fine jewel artisan in Stamfort territory who can make good jewelry using that black pearl for Celes.
On the table where my father and Earl Stamfort are seating, they also have a conversation with low voices.
"Hey John, is that alright to give your family heirloom as dowry for my daughter? That's a rare black pearl, isn't it?"
"Ugh….i can't say that's our family heirloom"
"Oh? That rare item is not even your family heirloom? John, are you actually super-duper rich? A small black pearl can fetch around one hundred gold coins, what's in Celes' hand can't be said small one thou"
"No...no...no…that's not what I mean. Well, you see, that grand piano on the stage maybe can be said our family heirloom. It's something that my late wife treasures a lot or that big clock because I spend a lot of money to buy it. But that's black pearl is not in our family possession, it's something that Henry had by himself"
"Eeehh? So that black pearl is Henry's own possession? That boy really loves to make me surprised. I wonder where he got such rare item"
"I also want to know about that myself"
"Let's wait until the banquet over then ask him about that"
When realize ruckus was made when she shows the pearl to the public, Celes looks at me once again and says,
"Henry…people start talking about this pearl…is that okay for me to accept this?"
"Yes, I'm one hundred percent sure about that. Actually, I feel ashamed because I can't give you in proper jewelry. If there's good jewel artisan here, maybe I can make it into a necklace, bracelet, or pendant for you. Too bad, there's none here"
"No, it's alright. I will treasure this pearl since it's something precious that Henry gives to me. Hmm…maybe when we have a son or daughter later, I will pass this pearl to him or her when he or she meets someone he or she loves and want to marry"
"That's a nice idea. But that still need to wait, right?"
"Um, and I will enjoy every moment with Henry until that time comes"
"So, you don't need to ask any more about this pearl, right? Look, even your father also didn't object you for receiving it"
Celes looks at where my father and Earl Stamfort sit and both of them nodded with smiles on their faces.
"Yes, thank you. Henry"
"Mmm…shall we continue the banquet then? Uncle Jake, please continue the banquet, I've done with the dowry"
"Very well, young master"
Uncle Jake steps up to the stage once again to continue the banquet.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sorry for the interruption. Let's start to the next schedule of this banquet"
Uncle Jake pause a moment to take a breath, but the audience gave unexpected responses.
"We don't mind really"
"Love dopey scene between young master Henry and Miss Celes surely refreshing"
"Aren't they lovely?"
Even I also surprised too. Our guest didn't mind I interrupted the banquet for giving Celes the dowry, instead, they find it amusing.
"Hahaha…I believe young master Henry will be pleased to hear that. Now, since it's already lunchtime, I welcome ladies and gentlemen to take a taste on our special dishes. It's still just appetizer and soup that being served, but other dishes surely will be followed afterward. There're two tables in the left and right, ladies and kids, you can pick the food on the left table, gentlemen, please pick the food on the right table. Don't worry, they are the same food on the left and right table. And if you don't understand what kind of food in the table, since maybe it's the first time you see it, feel free to ask the maid who serve the food"
When Uncle Jake starts the banquet, the maids already comes from the kitchen with the pushcart and arrange appetizer and soup in the tables. Because there'll need many tables needed if we put all the dishes at once, I decide to send appetizer and soup first. And later when all guest already had appetizer and soup, the main dishes and dessert will be served. The guest starts standing from their seat and line up in their respective table, ladies in left, men in right side.
"Also, our best maids in Harvard castle will give entertainment during lunch by playing some music to accompany your lunch. Please enjoy the music while having your meals. Thank you"
Clara and Claire also step up to the stage and pick the musical instrument that they will play. Clara sits in front of the grand piano while Claire picks the violin. They will play some intrumental songs first, Carina will start singing when the main dish served. With guest start to take food, our engagement announcement is finished and the feast is starting.