4.I will work as a librarian
William Arden, Director of the Royal Library and Healing Wizard!
When I saw him, my lips opened into a tender, motherly smile without knowing it.
Library director William has feelings of admiration for our heroine, Freesia, but he hides his feelings for fear that she will be a burden on her, and takes care of her like an older brother.
This good side of him is what made me support and encourage him before.
William approached Carlex with a gentle smile.
“Duke Reinhardt, how long has it been since you’ve been in the Royal Library? It makes me so happy to see you like this.”
In return, Carlex furrowed his eyebrows, staring at William with a sharp look.
“Director, the library’s security system is very bad. I just handed over to the military police intruders who broke into the library. Where exactly is the budget spent?”
Most people were afraid to even meet Carlex's gaze, but Director William bowed his head politely while smiling.
“An unfortunate thing happened during my absence, and I take great responsibility.”
The director raised his head and resumed his speech.
“We are once again indebted to you. We are eternally grateful that you protect the Royal Library, Your Highness the Duke.”
She waited for an opportune moment and then quietly took a step forward.
“Director William, right?”
William finally turned his gaze to me, examined me carefully, and then his face lit up with a mixture of astonishment and joy.
“Ah, Miss Erica Diehl, I saw you once when you were little, didn’t I?”
So there was no communication between Erica and William.
This is good.
I wouldn't be suspected even if I didn't act exactly like Erica.
“I have come to ask for your help, Director.”
In William's careful eyes as he looked at me, I sensed a distant kindness and longing.
Approach politely and tenderly.
“Let's go to my office to talk.”
***
In the spacious office on the third floor of the Royal Library, there was a personal library and a meeting table.
The overall atmosphere was elegant and simple.
“Please go back to your seat and wait for me. I will bring tea.”
William began making tea himself at a small table set up on one side of the office.
My gaze was drawn for a moment by the delicate and elegant movements of his hands and the beautiful shine of the red tea.
William quickly placed a warm cup of tea in front of me.
I took a sip, glancing at him as he sat across from me.
There was a fragrant silence.
“Please sit here as well, Your Highness.”
“No need, I hate boring tea parties.”
Carlex resolutely rejected William's proposal and stood with his arms crossed, staring out the window.
Behind the glass, sparkling shards of light were falling like gold, and beneath this scene was Carlex's figure… Exasperating, he was breathtakingly handsome.
If he had kept his mouth shut, he would have been the perfect protagonist, but unfortunately...
“…That's how it was, Miss Erica.”
"What? Did you say something?"
Oh my God, I was busy contemplating the beauty of the hero and missed his speech.
William took a look and smiled kindly.
He stared at the teacup for a moment, his eyes deeply reminiscent.
“Your father, Count Diel, was a benefactor to me. He supported an orphan like me and helped me study at the monastery. When I took over as director of the Royal Library, I still remember clearly how happy he was.”
“Sure… my father would have been proud of you, Director.”
When I offered him words of comfort, William raised his head.
Feelings of remorse crossed his elegant face like a storm.
“I won't be able to return this favor even if I spent my whole life when he died, I suffered because I couldn't do anything for him and I couldn't even attend the funeral... I'm really sorry.”
“No, no, according to my father’s last will, we buried him with a simple family funeral, there’s no need for you to feel guilty.”
I also heard this story from the nanny.
Because Count Diehl was already dead when she took possession of Erica's body.
William took a deep breath as if trying to suppress his turbulent emotions.
The sockets of his kind eyes turned red.
“When I saw you, Miss Erica, the only person he had left… I made up my mind.”
William suddenly stood up and walked towards me.
He knelt down and looked at me reverently.
What is happening? Why are you doing this suddenly?
I was so confused that I didn't know where to look.
Carlex, leaning against the window, also seemed to be surprised by William's sudden action, as he uncrossed his arms and watched.
Under his warm, sun-like brown hair, his deep, tender eyes stared at me.
His gaze was straight and infinitely serious.
As the monk prays to his Lord, as if he pledged his life, he said to me:
“I, William Arden, will be your guardian and protect you as long as I live.”
When I heard his oath, thoughts ran through my head.
But you, you are the secondary man with a pure heart!
William’s presence in “Secret Love in the Royal Library” was unique.
He was a loyal man, knowing that Freesia loved Carlex, yet he continued to be devoted to her until the end.
But is it permissible for you to do this with me and not with Freesia?
William looked at me with warm, steady eyes.
If he stays on his knees for too long, the blood will not flow and his legs will become numb.
As a fan, I can't let William's legs cramp up.
Anyway, I really need a guardian.
The evil secondary character has a fragile life and needs strong support from behind to increase his chances of survival.
After I quickly finished my calculations in my head, I smiled sheepishly.
“Becoming my guardian… Thank you very much indeed, Director.”
“I'm grateful you let me do this, Miss Erica.”
The corners of William's eyes rose happily.
It was as if a huge brown-haired dog was wagging and wagging its tail happily because it had been admired by its owner.
It's subtly cute.
While I was enjoying the rare warm weather,
“If someone saw you, they would think that you are asking for her hand in marriage. Have you spoiled your intimate time?”
Carlex said sarcastically, watching us like an observer.
If you know you're being obstructive, wouldn't it be polite to walk away?
I'm just a secondary character, when have I ever heard something like that before.
William coughed lightly, feeling a little embarrassed.
“Don’t misunderstand, Duke Reinhardt Miss Erica is the daughter of my benefactor, and I have a duty as guardian to take care of her.”
Director William said seriously, as a monk he vowed lifelong celibacy.
His behavior was as if he was saying: “How dare you say something so unreasonable?”
He's annoyingly invulnerable, isn't he, Director?
“Stop using that annoying language of honor.”
When Carlex said with his eyebrows furrowed, William changed his way of speaking with a bright smile.
“Anyway, thanks to you, we have overcome many crises. I owe you many things. Thank you.”
“If you assign me the task of cleaning up your mess again, I will not ignore it, William, protecting the Royal Library is your duty.”
“Hmm, I don’t think this is something the leader in charge of the security of the magical bookcase in the Royal Library should say.”
William and Carlex spoke fluently and in an informal manner.
“Are you two friends, Your Honour?”
When I asked my question, the two men answered simultaneously as if they were in agreement.
"Yes, this is correct."
"Friend? No."
This is interesting.
How did the noble Carlix and the wizard William, descended from the monastery, become such close friends?
In the original story, they only spoke in formal conversations.
Although the cold and sharp-looking Carlex and the gentle and kind-hearted William were completely different, they were harmonious.
Maybe because it was clear that they trusted and understood each other deeply.
Often without even knowing it, my lips parted into a smile.
There are good aspects to having a body.
I can learn the hidden stories of other characters, not just the love story between the main characters.
William looked at me like a caring brother looks at his younger sister.
“Miss Erica, I am relieved now that you finally smiled. I was worried because your facial expression was so serious.”
"Were you? Maybe I was nervous all the time."
When I unconsciously touched my face, I felt the area around my mouth stiffen.
“But when you grabbed that bastard's shirt, your face was all hot, Miss Dale.”
The corner of Carlex's mouth rose into a slanted smile, not knowing whether it was sarcasm or admiration.
He's being sarcastic again! Again!
She looked at him with a frown for a moment, then faced William with a polite face.
“Mr. Director, I have an urgent request.”
“As guardian, I will do anything you want. Speak comfortably.”
I took a deep breath for a moment, then said forcefully:
“Please appoint me as librarian at the Royal Library.”
I can no longer return to the Count's house.
Birdie has taken all the property, and I have no money and no suitable place to stay.
Most importantly, the privilege of immunity! It is almost the only means of escape from the execution platform!
Now, the only thing I can hold on to is the honorary position of librarian.
Confusion appeared on William's face.
“You can think about your future residence carefully. How about settling down and resting in my residence first?”
“No, I cannot be a burden to you, Mr. Director, I want to take responsibility for myself by working as a librarian.”
I silently took out the book compass and showed it to him, and he clearly hesitated.
William looked alternately at the book compass and at me with astonished eyes.
“Why do you carry Miss Erica with an artifact that should be in a magical bookcase?”
“She's a book reader.”
Carlex suddenly intervened.
It was strange, like he was speaking on my behalf.
“Miss Erica is a book reader? How did that happen...?”
William finally checked that the book starter needle was moving in my palm.
He let out a deep breath, not knowing whether it was admiration or regret.
“Now instead, I must formally ask you, Miss Erica, to take over the position of Librarian. Please join us as a member of the Royal Library.”
William Li bowed politely and made his request.
That easy?
When I was looking for a job, I spent years preparing for interviews and exams, but after having a body, getting the job became easy.
At least, the pressing problem has now been solved.
“Thank you! I will work hard with all my soul!”
When I answered enthusiastically, William said, stifling a cracking laugh:
“You don’t have to work hard. I just hope the Royal Library can be a supportive fortress for you.”
Honestly...I was impressed.
I have never slept so soundly since I took possession of the body.
Erica was in the worst condition, and every day was like walking on thin ice.
The only lifeline was Manager William, and even with him, I was scared and confused because I wasn't sure of his help.
William was the first to extend his hand to me and promised to be my bulwark.
William's gaze stayed on me for a long time, like gentle sunlight.
A warm feeling of connection flowed between us and him, and suddenly we heard the sound of applause.
I shuddered and fell back, as Carlex suddenly sat down next to me in the chair.
“Okay, if the talk is over, let's go look for the magic book, Miss Dale, promises are there to be kept.”
I even resented Carlex demanding like a creditor.
Why is this man in such a hurry?
"What? Now? I just got a job as a librarian!"
“What’s the problem? You agreed with me, in exchange for my help, you will find the magic book.”
Carlex said with emphasis and an annoyingly rude face.
If anyone had heard him, he would have thought I was indebted to the Duke of the North.
When William saw our conversation, he interjected with a questioning face.
“Wait, when you say magic book, do you mean the ‘Introduction to Lion Magic’ that Michael wanted to read?”
“Yes. My younger brother visited the Royal Library twice to borrow that book, but it was always on loan. Although the strict conditions for borrowing magical books limit the loan period.”
When Carlex said in a cold voice, William sincerely apologized
“I'll definitely check it out. I'm really sorry. Can you visit the library again tomorrow morning? There will be information about the borrower, so there's no need to use Miss Erica's power.”
“I wasted too much time looking for that book. How long do you want me to wait?”
Carlex said, furrowing his eyebrows and squinting with an annoyed look.
William kept smiling compassionately.
“Carlex, I hope you understand. Miss Erica had a difficult day today, and I hope we can discuss this issue tomorrow, please.”
Invisible sparks flew between the two men.
[To be continued in the next chapter]