The backs of the two men who stood in my way approached me, remarkably solid. They said in a firm, simultaneous voice:
“As Miss Erica’s guardians, we find this suggestion unacceptable.”
“This cannot be allowed. Be reasonable.”
I stared at them in amazement, turning my gaze between them.
Honestly, it's emotional! As if they were two caring brothers protecting their sister!
But...isn't this crossing the line? Isn't it dangerous to oppose the Crown Prince so openly in front of him?
Ludwig laughed in amazement:
“It seems that the Crown Prince’s prestige has fallen to the ground.”
I expected the Crown Prince to get angry, but he didn't. All he did was shake his head disapprovingly.
“Can’t you two at least go along with my words? Aren’t you the supreme commander of the armies of the kingdom, and the treasurer of knowledge ‘chief librarian’, respectively?”
Carlex replied coldly:
“If you want sycophantic hypocrites, seek others to be with you. I am willing to give up my position gladly.”
Ludving expressed his displeasure at this response:
“This will be difficult, loyal knight. You look your best when you are honest. I will never find a servant as loyal as you.”
Oh my God, what's wrong with this Crown Prince? It's strange! Not only does he not hate Carlex, he is overly altruistic.
For the arrogant and outspoken Duke Carlex to be described as a “loyal servant” is truly a strange person!
Ludwig studied me carefully.
When his eyes fell on me, my body shivered.
"I see you now, an exceptional leader of the library. You have captured the heart of my loyal servants. I have become very curious to know what is in you that could shake these two solid hearts."
He raised the corner of his mouth gently.
But it was clearly the smile of a thirsty and arrogant ruler.
“I make my offer to you: Why don’t you come to the royal palace? I would like to keep you as a librarian next to me. I will bestow upon you great wealth and glory as the palace librarian.”
I remember now, the royal palace also had a library.
But it is not open to the public.
While the Crown Prince was making his offer, William let out a light sigh and then raised his hand:
“Your Highness, my apologies for intruding into your conversation, but there is also a library leader in the palace library. Don’t you remember Lord Herven?”
“Ah, there was this chatty old wizard. The old man does nothing all day but research in the library, and the servants even call him ‘Library Ghost.’ I need Miss Erica’s lively and brilliant library talent.”
Ludving leaned back on the sofa next to him, cross-legged with his arm under his chin, while she stared at me with an ambiguous look.
Escaping the Crown Prince's pressing gaze, I quickly began to calculate in my mind.
Palace librarian? This is an exceptional recruitment offer!
The salary will be high, there is no chore, and working in the royal palace undoubtedly guarantees security.
Most importantly, I will not get involved with the rebel forces.
Honestly, I was actually attracted.
But...silkworms have to live on mulberry leaves, right?
I have seen countless cases of people who have perished because of the pursuit of wealth and glory.
“Your Highness the Crown Prince, I thank you for your offer, but I still fall short of taking on the responsibility of such a great mission. Moreover...”
I backed away politely, then hesitated at the end of my sentence.
The Crown Prince asked me with eager eyes:
“Moreover?”
“Because it is difficult to be idle at work in the royal palace. There is no place to work as comfortable as this place.”
He looked speechless for a moment, then burst out laughing loudly.
Really, was this so funny to him? I was serious.
I asked them with my eyes: Did I make a mistake?
They smiled as if they agreed.
With silent encouragement that means: “Well done.”
“Haha, what Miss Librarian says is true. Even I, the Crown Prince, find it difficult to laze around inside the royal palace.”
The Crown Prince said with a face from which the laughter had not yet disappeared:
“We watched a book reader show, isn’t it time for us to take a tour of the Royal Library? Principal William is busy, let Miss Librarian Erica lead us.”
The Crown Prince tried to rush me out of the place to lead the way.
But it was wasted effort; Because William quickly blocked his way.
“Your Highness, it is time to discuss matters of state administration.”
“As I said, it's been a while since my last visit here. I really, really, really want to tour the historic Royal Library.”
The Crown Prince did not give up either, and showed stubbornness until the end.
To my eyes, he looked like a student using childish tricks to avoid studying.
An intense rivalry escalated between the Crown Prince and William, opposite each other.
In the end, it was my boss who raised the white flag first.
He took a deep breath and took a step back.
“Okay… I see. Then I’ll wait in the workroom.”
I felt remorse at William's look at me.
It meant: I'm sorry I forced you to bear the annoying burden of the Crown Prince.
“Miss Librarian Erica, when the tour is over, accompany His Highness the Crown Prince to the workroom, please.”
William and Carlex, who was guarding behind the Crown Prince, exchanged serious glances.
“Take good care of the guard, Duke Carlex.”
“Don't worry, Director.”
Carlex gently tapped the thin sword hanging on his waist, smirking.
The corner of the Crown Prince's mouth curled up upon seeing that scene.
“Duke Carlex, please clarify your position. Are you here to protect me or to attack me from behind?”
“If I had intended to attack you, Your Highness, I would have done so in the first sparring match.”
Carlex received the Crown Prince's implied inquiry calmly.
Ludving seemed unable to understand, and began tapping his fingers on his chin, trying to recall the memory.
"Wasn't that when you were nine and I was ten? As I remember, I won. Do you still remember losing stubbornly in childhood?"
Carlex laughed slowly:
“At that time, my father asked me to give His Highness, whose swordsmanship skills were weak, some encouragement, so I ‘deliberately’ lost.”
“Nonsense! You say it was a match in which you pitied a nine-year-old? You were short at that time!”
As soon as the Crown Prince mentioned “short stature,” Carlex’s gaze suddenly changed to become frightening.
Of course, Carlex is now taller than the Crown Prince.
But both of them are easily over 180cm tall.
Isn't that so, or are they still fighting over a competitive duel in childhood?
I looked at the two adults who were still children inside, and I burst out laughing without knowing it.
Ludving looked at me, and gave me his first unaffected smile.
“Since I saw the lady’s beautiful smile, we will postpone this argument for another time. Miss Librarian Erica, please accompany us on the library tour.”
***
I walked into the library.
The Crown Prince and Carlex were following behind me, talking quietly.
Something is going in the wrong direction.
The Crown Prince in the original story was a cruel and brutal villain.
But when I met him in person, I found him tolerant, kind, and personable.
Although he seemed a little controlling sometimes.
Not only that.
In the original story, Erika was never supposed to meet the Crown Prince.
After I took possession of the body, my affairs became linked to Carlex, and I even met the Crown Prince, and development began to differ.
Anxiety spread deep into my heart like a black poison seeping in.
With every choice I make, the story changes, and the characters' personalities change.
As if there is no predetermined end, as if this is the real reality.
I suppressed the strange feeling of anxiety and continued to explain the main facilities of the library.
I showed him the fresco on the ceiling, which is the pride of the library for its majestic depiction of myth and history, and talked about the history of the library.
“The Royal Library was originally a monastery, and it was established to maintain its architectural style. It includes a collection of books amounting to about one hundred thousand volumes, including ancient manuscripts and books dating back hundreds of years. It also plays the role of a temple of wisdom and knowledge that protects cultural heritage.”
The Crown Prince nodded, as if he had really liked my explanation.
“Oh, I knew it was a wonderful library with a wonderful history.”
'Excuse me, I don't want a cold response.'
I looked at him with sharp eyes as he stared elsewhere.
But, unfortunately for me, my eyes met Carlex's.
His face was impassive, but only his eyes were steadily following me.
Oh my God, Duke. Stop staring at me like that, like they're piercing my face.
I continued to explain in the awkward and uncomfortable atmosphere, but Ludving waved his hand.
His expression said he couldn't take it anymore.
“Okay, a visit to the library is enough. Miss Librarian Erica, show us a good place to laze around.”
'That is, you did not even hear the explanation.'
Do you dare ask to reveal my precious stash?
Since he's the Crown Prince, anything goes? Do you think I surrender to mere authority?
“From here.”
Oh, this damned class society.
Inwardly, I shouted various insults at the Crown Prince as I headed towards my hideout.
***
My hideout is in a prominent window at the farthest end of the bookshelves on the second floor.
It is a space built with a window frame jutting out, accommodating one person to recline.
A warm and cozy place, where you can read or take a nap under the warm sunshine through the window.
I even prepared comfy pillows and a soft blanket.
High shelves screen the front like secure castle walls, making it a private place that others won't notice.
“He's here, but...”
I tried to speak as politely as possible, but I couldn't stop myself from twitching the side of my mouth.
The Crown Prince seemed to be impressed by my hideout, and he nodded satisfied.
“You're right. It's really a perfect place to laze around. I also know some good places to hang out secretly in the royal palace, but Duke Carlex discovered me every time.”
Ludving looked to the side with an upset look.
Carlex was standing there, arms folded, smiling comfortably.
“His Highness the Crown Prince’s hideout places are very clear and exposed. You have passed the age of playing hide-and-seek. Do not tell me that you are suffering from symptoms of relapse into childhood.”
I found myself in an awkward position between the quarreling hereditary prince and the duke.
If you want to fight, go out and kill each other.
Why are you doing this here?
I knew that the hero was infinitely arrogant, but I did not know that he was so brave even in front of the Crown Prince.
“Excuse me, gentlemen? This is a library. Please remain calm. If you want to chat, get out of here.”
I used my responsibilities as a librarian to address important figures calmly but firmly.
Carlex backed away like an obedient student, while the Crown Prince grumbled and lay down in my hiding place.
“I'm feeling a little tired, I'll rest here for a bit.”
One moment please, Your Highness? It's my personal space!
Personal space must be respected.
Don't you know that this is an invasion of privacy?
Ah, yes. This is a class society.
I clenched my trembling fist, engraving the letter patience on it.
Yes, it is said that three letters of patience avoid murder.
But the Crown Prince motioned for me to come closer.
It looked suspicious, but I had no choice but to approach.
Ludwig looked at Carlex briefly, then whispered in my ear:
“Can you deal with that bad-tempered and bad-looking duke? I want to sleep comfortably.”
Yes, yes. I will certainly do as you command.
I made a quick bow to the Crown Prince, then quietly approached Carlex.
“Duke, here for a moment please… Ah!”
Suddenly he grabbed my hand tightly and pulled me to the corner of the shelves.
“Duke, what is this…?”
Before I could comprehend the situation, he pushed me toward the shelves.
The books shook due to the impact of the collision.
I tried to object to his rough behavior, but when I met his burning gaze, I couldn't say anything.
Carlex grabbed my left arm, then lifted my sleeve without hesitation.
Hello! The wound!
“To be continued in the next chapter”
Loving translation