Chapter 138
My weakened heart reluctantly agreed to be guided to where the mythology books were. Only then did the librarians’ expressions brighten.
Actually, I knew where everything was from how often I’d been here…… but when they begged like that, it was hard to refuse.
The librarians lingered around me even after showing me to the bookshelves. But when I showed signs of discomfort, they finally moved away, telling me to call them anytime if I needed help.
‘That’s better now.’
Being surrounded by crowds of people really didn’t suit my personality.
Though their lingering gazes were still a bit burdensome, I deliberately ignored them.
“The librarians are being quite excessive.”
“Yeah. I don’t know why they’re suddenly acting this way.”
“Really? Even though the cause is obvious?”
“Huh?”
Somehow it seemed like Reno knew something…….
“What do you know?”
“I heard there was a major personnel shake-up recently among the guards and library staff. Particularly, they focused on rooting out those who had been disrespectful to Your Highness.”
Now that I heard it, I remembered the librarian who had carelessly given my reading records to Duke Futurum.
‘So that librarian was dismissed and others were replaced too?’
While it was sad to think someone lost their livelihood, it was their own doing, so I couldn’t feel too sympathetic.
Even if I was a powerless royal, they shouldn’t have treated me poorly even if they couldn’t give me proper respect.
……Though I couldn’t help feeling it was a bit meaningless. How treatment could change so drastically with just one word from Evgenia.
‘Come to think of it, I still need to find that maid who placed false evidence in my room.’
I should have dealt with it right away, but I used being busy as an excuse and now it’s awkward to track them down after so much time has passed.
But I can’t just leave them to spy on me in my palace either, what should I do?
After pondering briefly, I decided to focus on what needed to be done immediately. I could think about the maid situation slowly.
So for several days, I concentrated on finding clues about the ‘Trial of Lublin.’ Though “concentrated” is a nice way of putting it, in the afternoons I studied with Killis again, and between learning horseback riding and archery, my days were fully packed.
I even started dress fittings for my birthday banquet, leaving me with even less time. Apparently my birthday was less than a month away.
In the end, I could only read books briefly in the morning and before bed at night. Even that wasn’t possible on days when I had to share mana with Isaac.
It was during one of those busy days of frequently visiting the library.
‘Were there always this many people here?’
On the way, I saw numerous royal knights, who were rarely seen except on special occasions.
That wasn’t all. Inside the library, there were royal magicians as well as librarians.
While they didn’t directly approach me and appeared to be doing their own work at first glance…….
‘It feels like they keep watching me.’
Their constant gazes made me uncomfortable. The librarians and guards being friendly was understandable given recent events.
But having royal knights and even magicians act this way was hard to understand. This hadn’t happened even yesterday when Isaac was escorting me.
Finally feeling uncomfortable, I decided to return to my palace to read instead and stood up. I was on my way back after checking out some books and having Reno carry a few of them.
‘What’s that?’
I could see something white lying on the ground from a distance. As I got closer, I saw it was a handkerchief.
I unconsciously stopped at the sight of the handkerchief, which was such a pristine white it was hard to ignore.
But that was all. While I might have tried to find its owner when I was younger, not anymore. As I grew up, the world became harsh. Too harsh to take kindness at face value.
Growing up in such a place had ingrained in me that nothing good comes from touching someone else’s lost items.
‘I should just avoid it and walk past.’
Though I clearly thought that and moved to step around it…….
“Princess!”
Suddenly a man jumped out in front of me. His speed was so fast I couldn’t tell how long he’d been nearby or where he’d come from.
As I flinched in surprise, Reno naturally stepped between me and the man to block him.
Thanks to the familiar back shielding me, I quickly regained my composure. Meanwhile, Reno questioned the man on my behalf.
“What business do you have with Her Highness?”
“Would you step aside? I wish to speak with Her Highness directly.”
“Are you saying you have something to tell Her Highness that you cannot tell me, her guardian?”
“It’s alright, Reno. You can step aside.”
I grabbed Reno’s arm and gently shook it. The back that had been firmly planted in front of me immediately yielded.
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