May 6, Moscow, Kremlin Palace.
"This is the birthday gift from Duke Ivanovich?"
Katerina opened the box, and amidst the soft red silk lay a huge sapphire, shimmering in the sunlight with golden star-like speckles, dazzling and eye-catching.
Having encountered many treasures since a young age, Katerina could tell at a glance that this was no cheap glass imitation but a naturally formed gemstone, the value of which... was immeasurable.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Across the desk, the butler, dressed in a gray coarse coat and looking no different from an ordinary worker, spoke respectfully, "Last year, due to some accidents, this gift failed to reach your hands, and my lord has asked me to express his apologies to you."
"Besides the gift, did Duke Ivanovich have any other messages for me?" Katerina asked indifferently as she closed the box.
"No, that's all."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
