more like- how did he know it was something of value. I also fashion a stuff animal in my daily life- albeit its the size of my forearm and can be easily bagged. I carry it because of sentimental value, and its gotten to the point where restoration is needed because of all the rough handling. but its not very good collateral unless "it looks valuable" compared to the rest of her garments, but their is no prior text mentioning that it's a luxury good, only of its sentimental value.
he's one of the ML ft. on the cover- I hope this doesn't turn out to be a shallow harem
down in the comments below- it seems that this event is altered from the novel.