Chapter 290: Chapter 290
I felt a bit stupid because of my brain’s capacity. But I still was focused on what brought me so excited to this door beside the books on the other side.
My hand went into the pocket. It was nice that Paige and Sir Vitor stayed still, probably waiting for me to ask the guard on the hidden side to open the gate. Hence, I pulled out the treasure box and opened it to find my pretty tear and...
’It’s shining!!’
Hell yeah! That’s what I’m talking about!!
I lifted my head to see if the door was also reacting but sadly it wasn’t. Nonetheless.
’Heh. I’m not an amateur. I’ve read enough to know. So... What if... What if I get it closer?’ — Bringing the box to the point of touching the unique material of the door, I thought something else could happen, but again...
’Hmph. No reaction, huh...’ — I held it in place for a good while thinking it could be some kind of network inconvenience with the parallel world or something. We can’t be sure.
But sadly, no reaction occurred as much as I waited.
In the end, I came to lay my eyes on the spirit’s tear that continued to shine and pondered for a moment. Not really convinced if I should take it on my hand to try more of a physical touch directly with the door’s material.
"... Your treasure is shining, my Lady... As expected, archaic objects do have a link with the beings we cannot see..." — Paige said, probably noticing my trouble.
’Is that how it is?... Maybe this is nothing out of the ordinary?’ — A bit disillusioned, I thought.
’But, ugh... I don’t want to touch it... My hands could be dirty...’
I’ve been so careful not to touch it barehand that right now I feel reluctant to touch it as if it’s a one-item collection. But...
’I should just do it and see.’
Determined, I tightened my lips and butt and finally lifted my hesitant hand to take it. Really nervous because my pretty tear is so pretty I’ve been afraid to even think of laying eyes for too long on it.
Eventually... I went for the deathly stab to get the hunt. Because if not, I would continue hesitating and that’s not my style.
Regardless... it was useless.
’ACK! What the hell?!?!’
... And painful.
As if a huge needle had pierced through my every fingertip that managed to graze the tear, I immediately felt like tearing up. Out of pure d*rn pain. Because I couldn’t even really get a feel of its texture AT ALL before getting my hand burst from inside instead.
’Why?! Weren’t we besties?! I even lulled you to sleep!!’ — I cried while I felt betrayed by the rejection of my treasure. — ’Hic! You d*rn a**!! I’m never taking you on a stroll again!’
"My Lady? Miss Marianne?? Are you alright?? Did your hand start hurting again???" — Confused, Paige asked since I was holding my hand to my chest in pain.
But even though I could hear what she was saying as the pain enhanced, a shriek slowly became louder. Causing a brief headache that, thankfully, would end with a cute voice I’d already heard once.
— It’s not time... carry us away. —
"...."
... Now instead of pained... I’m freaked out.
"My Lady?" — The concerned eyes of Paige looking up at me, made us swallow the anxiety. But the question had already started to wreak havoc in my head.
When is "the time"?
I stared at the tear for a second and closing its lid, I turned to the attentive guard that was surveying us to bow in order to open the door.
He hesitated but once he moved, I turned to look at Paige and shook my head to imply it was nothing and that she shouldn’t worry.
"... Truly, my ladyship?"
I know that wouldn’t be enough for her to actually do it. And it was confirmed as I saw from the corner of my eye how she and my knight shared a doubtful glance as I stepped forward to enter the paper and leather-scented library.
’Let’s hang in there with the goosebumps... Let’s do what we came here to do. I don’t think there is a way to know what it referred to either way... So let’s hang in there. Like always.’ — My first few steps inside the library I so liked were spaced out as I came to terms with the freakish info I got.
And determined on shaking off the goosebumps I continued to feel traversing my every inch, I concentrated on my objective: Hunt the purple target.
’Now... Where is that little worm hiding?’
Glancing to the upper floors and then to the lower one I tried to change my mood.
There was no sight of him at simple view. And I even went to the railing to peek better at the floor below which was as buried in books and papers as I had expected.
’He’s surely been around... But where–’
"Lady Marianne."
’!!? &A@÷?•(@% HOLY COW!!’
Bang! Bump.
"..."
’... That’s on you. You shouldn’t sneak behind an already paranoid lady.’ — I shamelessly told Theodore... After jumping to throw the books flat on his face. — ’... That was a nice catch by the way.’
Standing overly proper, I blinked impressed by how the book I threw him landed very nicely on the pile he was carrying. And fixing his thick glasses over his nose’s bridge, the scholar ended the uncomfortable silence we four kept.
"... Good morning, Lady Marianne."
’... Good morning. Thank you for not smashing the book back on my face.’ — Bowing in response to the composed librarian, I sincerely thanked him for not seeking vengeance.
"I a–apologize for surprising you... I had n–not thought it would s–s–surprise you in this manner..."
’It’s alright. I guess it’s karma. I did surprise you last time too. Intentionally... But I didn’t receive the book on the face. Heh.’
Accepting the apology I don’t really think I deserve, I took my post-it notes to write leaning on the book I still possessed and wrote some words to the librarian.
[ It is good to see you again. I also apologize for my rudeness. You may already know Paige, but let me introduce you to Sir Vitor who so kindly is carrying the duty to protect me. ]
Since my two lackey– I mean, friends were standing right behind him, I wrote this so Theodore would greet them too.
"... N–nice to meet you. T–the name is Theodore. Sir." — The four eyes read my notes and turned to stare for a moment.
"..." — Bowing silent, Sir Vitor replied the aloof scholar who immediately turned to me to continue our talk.
"I– I see the Lady has brought the books I lent... Umh... M–may I ask your opinions?"
I could feel his introverted vibe getting excited. And I get why that’s the case... Smirking inside, I couldn’t help but also match his vibe. Since I’ve been waiting for this for some days now.
’Fufu~... I’m glad you asked... Oh, my fellow bookworm.’