Duke of the Beast and the Vicarious Bride - Chapter 53

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※ This work contains depictions of coercive relationships, explicit language, and other graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.

Even Fiona, who would ordinarily have lightly ignored his moods, could not help but tread carefully.

Leaving behind Jayden’s voice, which blew like a cold wind, she exited his office. Still concerned for Caligo, it seemed she had no choice but to keep her distance for now.

* * *

Another source of satisfaction Fiona had discovered was organising the library’s books.

The day after her first night without meeting Caligo since coming to the castle.

With her sole occupation gone, Fiona found herself with even more time on her hands. She left her room in the morning and made her way to the library.

Over this past fortnight, Fiona had visited the library whenever she had free time. Marie always wondered where she spent such long hours, but since she surely reported everything to Jayden, Fiona did not wish to tell her honestly.

“Hello, Page. I am here.”

As she opened the heavy library door and entered, the adorable book spirit came bouncing out to greet her.

“You came, Page’s assistant!”

After she had pitifully soothed his weeping, the little creature had somehow come to regard Fiona as his subordinate.

His tiny, bustling manner was endearing, and his swagger as if he were some authoritative superior was amusing, so Fiona decided to play along as his assistant. After all, helping him organise books was not inaccurate.

“You have been organising even while I was away? It looks cleaner than yesterday.”

The library, which the spirit and one human had diligently tidied over several days, was far neater than at first.

Looking at the bookshelves packed tightly with what must be tens of thousands of volumes, she felt anew a sense of pride in their work. Though some furniture and documents remained yet to be organised, compared to the initial state, it was quite splendid.

“It is thanks to Fiona’s help. We could tidy much faster than before.”

The spirit spoke with a bright expression, then hesitated before adding:

“It is fortunate that Fiona lost her way and found this place. Page was sad, with the master gone and only strange people everywhere… but with Fiona here, Page has become happy again.”

The spirit, as adorable in speech as in appearance, was so endearing. If she could, she would hug him tightly and cover him with kisses. But fearing he might take offence, she merely patted his head gently. At this, the tips of his pointed ears flushed pink with pleasure.

Having a creature like Page in the desolate castle life was a great comfort. In truth, before taking up butchery, Fiona had quite liked small, adorable animals.

But after making the killing of animals her trade, she could no longer delight in them, burdened by a strange guilt. Thus Page was truly the first creature she had been able to adore freely in a long while.

“We have worked hard, so shall we rest now?”

Declaring this in a voice meant to sound dignified, befitting the library’s keeper, Page invited Fiona to the table.

Pleased perhaps by the head pat, he cleared his throat and even displayed the courtesy of pulling out a chair for her.

Though he had to hang from the chair leg to drag it out, the sentiment was grateful and endearing.

Once again suppressing the urge to squeeze and bite the spirit, Fiona sat meekly at the table.

Page summoned a teacup and pot from the air and poured tea. Unable to help herself, she clapped at the wondrous sight of simple refreshments also appearing.

“Truly remarkable, Page. I have never seen such a thing in all my born days.”

Come to think of it, even in the imperial capital, where magical traces were said to be most abundant, she had witnessed no skill equal to this.

The magic commonly used in the Empire was usually supplementary functions applied to medicines or objects—direct magic like this she had never before encountered.

“This much is nothing. It is not even difficult? Page is a book spirit acknowledged by the master. He permitted Page to use magic of this degree. Because tea is a book’s closest friend. And refreshments are tea’s closest friend. And Page… likes refreshments.”

Though a rather peculiar conclusion, it mattered not. Whatever the reason, he was adorable.