Chapter 191
What did I just hear?
My mind went blank. I blinked for a moment before finally managing to speak.
“I thought you’d be the only one from now on.”
“That wouldn’t make sense. Isaac has always been the one serving you, Your Highness.”
Only then did I understand why Reno and Isaac had made that decision. Right—to them, my way of thinking was the unusual one. This was the natural order of things.
“To be honest, I thought you preferred Isaac. That’s why I was happy to hear what you said earlier.”
Something in Reno’s words made me pause reflexively. Before I could even gather my thoughts, he grinned and spoke faster.
“Any other books you’d like me to grab?”
“Ah, that green one over there. The one titled <About Other Races>.”
I reflexively mentioned the title of the other book I’d originally meant to take out—only to feel a slight twinge of regret afterward.
I’d meant to say I didn’t particularly favor Isaac over him, but I’d missed the timing.
Then again, maybe it was better left unsaid. It might comfort Reno now, but…….
‘But that’s all it would be.’
As Reno pulled out the book, he turned to me and asked,
“Will you be reading here?”
“No. I’d rather read in my room.”
The library chairs were too stiff for prolonged sitting. Especially with my aching body, it felt like too much of a strain.
Reno carried the books to the librarian, who greeted him with a smile.
‘Before, it felt like he only grudgingly handled business here.’
The change was noticeable now.
I watched Reno and the librarian for a moment before scanning the library.
‘There are still quite a few people here.’
I’d assumed everyone would leave after the Guardian selection, but surprisingly, there were still a fair number of visitors. Though I couldn’t tell if they were still hoping to catch my attention.
“Shall we go, Your Highness?”
Reno had already returned. As we walked out of the library together, he remarked,
“All the books you borrowed today are about other races. Is it because of the Trial of Lublin?”
“Yeah. Since the Trial of Lublin involves us suddenly showing up and asking to be tested……. I doubt they’d welcome it.”
“So you’re preparing in advance?”
“Mm. Maybe I’ll think of something useful, or find a way to get help.”
From what I’d gathered about the Trial of Lublin and what Evgenia had said, it seemed that way.
Evgenia claimed her role was to foster harmony with other races, using that as justification to seek their cooperation and delegate judgment to them…….
‘But in reality, it looks more like forced compliance.’
No matter how close you are, few would welcome a sudden, uninvited guest.
If the point is to turn that disadvantage into an advantage, then sure, it makes sense—but from the perspective of the one undergoing the trial, it feels like an overwhelming challenge.
“Couldn’t you just ask Duke Yelpen? He’d know everything.”
“He would, but I need to know at least the basics to ask the right questions. And…….”
“…….”
“Killis might accompany us but leave midway. I should do as much as I can on my own.”
Like Reno said, Killis was like a walking encyclopedia or search engine. When it came to knowledge, there seemed to be nothing he didn’t know. He answered almost everything I asked without hesitation.
But he was also like an item with an expiration date. It’d be good for me to learn while I still could—especially now, when I had time to spare.
“Is there anything I can help with?”
“Well, there is something I wanted to ask……”
Would it be okay?
Seeing me hesitate, Reno shrugged as if to say it was fine.
“What is it?”
“Do you know anything about elves?”
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