Chapter 59: Chapter 59

A calculated plan ran through my head, as if I were preparing a presentation on an educational program for my boss.

Throughout history, palaces have served purposes far beyond just housing royalty. They’ve functioned as accommodations for foreign dignitaries, venues for diplomacy, and even places of education for nobles and citizens. So now, I will take full advantage of this space, just as the sages of old would, and head to the library to…

But my heart? It was simply excited.

A library! A real library with an actual librarian in charge!

Surely it would be far better organized than the Earl’s personal study, where the books were initially arranged by title but then abandoned in favor of stacking them by size for easy dusting. Here, the arrangement would be logical, precise, and rooted in respect for the written word!

The library was tucked away in the corner of the second floor. From the outside, it looked like it extended up to the third floor. Was I about to step into one of those gorgeous libraries with spiral staircases that you only see on that site?

Heart pounding, I pushed open the library doors and—

“…”

I was speechless for a full second.

The library was breathtaking.

Bookshelves stretched up to three stories high like fortress walls, with a pristine white spiral staircase winding its way toward the ceiling. It was the very picture of a dreamlike library come to life.

And the sunlight streaming in through the massive windows, illuminating the space between the shelves—how picturesque.

...But that was the problem.

The moment I noticed the windows, a curse rose to my lips.

“Who thought it was a good idea to let sunlight into the library?”

Windows in a library are fine. But direct sunlight on books? That’s a cardinal sin! Do you want the red ink to fade away until all that’s left is blue? Do you want the text to be completely illegible? In a time without social media to promote your aesthetic nonsense, what kind of misguided vanity project is this?

From the indirect lighting neatly installed between the shelves, it was clear that someone had thought about proper illumination. Which meant those windows were there purely for the sake of looking “pretty.”

The librarian within me couldn’t let it slide. My feet instinctively carried me toward the curtains.

The curtains, easily four meters long, were thick and heavy. Drawing them closed felt like trying to wrestle a mattress into submission.

“Ah, I was so energized by the smell of books…”

After much effort, I managed to cover one window. Taking a moment to regain my strength, I stared at the books I’d just saved, drawing a small amount of satisfaction from my efforts, before turning to deal with the next window.

That’s when I noticed her—a woman standing in front of the other curtain. She appeared to be in her mid-30s, and her eyes widened in surprise as she noticed me. I must’ve startled her by suddenly closing the curtains.

Ah, my apologies. I was just worried the books might get damaged.

...That’s what I meant to say.

“I’m sorry for—”

Before I could even finish the sentence, my strength gave out, and I started to sway. What was this? Low blood sugar? Dizziness?

And the woman rushing toward me—why did she look so familiar?

“Someone, help!”

***

After collapsing into someone’s arms, I didn’t stay unconscious for long. I forced myself to sit up—because I remembered who I had last seen.

“The Crown Princess!”

That tired expression, reminiscent of a ten-year civil servant (and I mean that in the most literal way), was unmistakably the same one I’d seen on the day of the hunting competition.

But before I could fully rise, the Crown Princess gently pushed me back onto the long library bench.

“Calm yourself. Forcing yourself to get up only to collapse again would make my efforts to help you utterly pointless.”

“Ah… I’m sorry.”

“You’re Lady Redfield, correct? Tristan has official business scheduled today. If you came to see your fiancé, I’m afraid it’s a wasted trip.”

Absolutely not! I’m not disappointed at all. In fact, I’m relieved!

Before I could protest too loudly, a maid handed me a glass of lemonade—overly sweetened and ice-cold. The sharp, citrusy scent hit my nose, and I took a sip.

Ah, the taste of my blood sugar rising. A second maid handed me a peppermint candy, but before I could eat it, I felt more like myself again.

“Hah… Thank you. And no, I came here for the charity concert practice. I just finished the session.”

“Ah, that event. Percival is in charge this year, isn’t he? How’s it coming along?”

It’s a complete disaster!

…But my inner professional squashed that thought immediately. This was small talk. Blurting out complaints unprovoked would just make me look strange.

“The ladies are working very hard. It’s not easy, but their dedication is admirable.”

“I heard Percival chose more challenging pieces this year. Don’t push yourself too hard. Your health is more important than the concert’s success. Were you feeling lightheaded earlier because of the sunlight?”

“…Pardon?”

“I noticed you rushing to close the curtains. If it was the sunlight making you dizzy, you should’ve just sat in the shade instead.”

“Well, that’s…”

I thought about nodding along to her words, keeping things light and superficial.

…But then the librarian in me smacked my cautious self right in the face.

Dizzy because of the sunlight? Of course I was—but more because of the sheer idiocy of whoever thought those windows were a good idea!

“Strong sunlight causes irreversible damage to books! It bleaches shelves and spines, fading beautiful covers—especially red tones—until they’re completely gone!”

“Uh… what?”

“The palace library isn’t just for collecting books from around the kingdom. It also serves as an archive for the royal family’s history! Watching irreplaceable books deteriorate is unbearable! I don’t know how long the curtains have been open, but judging by the lack of visitors…”

“…Hmm. That might’ve been my doing.”

“Excuse me?”

“I mentioned needing to use the library, and the staff opened the curtains for me to ‘make things more comfortable.’ It seems the librarian wasn’t present. I’ll make sure to avoid such mistakes in the future.”

“Oh, no! Your Highness, it’s not something for you to concern yourself with…”

For a moment, I thought she was mocking me. But her expression held no trace of sarcasm.

When I glanced up at her, I saw a faint, amused smile, her eyes curving slightly with interest rather than irritation.

“Fascinating. I’d only heard you were a quiet lady who enjoys books, but it seems you’re willing to raise your voice when it comes to protecting what you love.”

“I’m embarrassed… but as the royal family’s property is ultimately the people’s property, I couldn’t stand by and watch it be destroyed out of ignorance.”

Now it was my turn to ask the questions.

“What book were you looking for in the library, Your Highness?”

“The central council of the church proposed a new event aimed at uniting women across all branches. The idea seemed good, so I approved it, but the detailed plan they sent wasn’t something I could just nod along to. I need to review and refine it.”

“Ah. You’re looking for materials to evaluate and improve the proposal?”

“Precisely. It’s my first time organizing such an event, so it’s not an easy task. Though this is far beyond your current concerns, there’s no need to feel burdened…”

The Crown Princess trailed off, her gaze shifting to my face. She must’ve noticed the excitement I was struggling to hide.

“Your Highness, may I help you find the appropriate materials?”@@novelbin@@

“How would you…? Do you have experience with such events?”

“I don’t have experience organizing events, but I do have some confidence in preparing reference materials. First, I’d recommend gathering records of similar events from the past decade, along with humanities and theological resources to add depth and credibility to the proposal.”

“…Hmm.”

“That said, this is my first time in the palace library, so if you could grant me a little time to familiarize myself with the layout…”

The Crown Princess tilted her head, understandably skeptical. I’d collapsed just moments ago, and now I was suddenly offering to repay her help? She must’ve wondered if I’d hit my head or something.

But she didn’t outright dismiss me.

“Why would I refuse the assistance of someone who loves books, especially when I could use an extra hand? Very well. Will you help me?”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

This is what librarians excel at—helping people navigate information, filtering out irrelevant material, and compiling the most valuable resources. It’s called reference service.

Of course, I wouldn’t neglect my own priorities either.

“By the way, didn’t you come here for a reason yourself? Do you have time to help me?”

“Actually, Your Highness, I was hoping to consult you about my reason for being here. If you’d allow me a bit of your time after this, I’d be grateful.”

And what do you do when a middle manager doesn’t listen to you?

You take it up with their boss.

***

“Why do women always seem to faint at the drop of a hat?”

Percival’s comment rang out as he arrived late to the meeting, spouting nonsense as usual. Tristan frowned, his gaze landing on the glass of brandy in his brother’s hand.

“Did you happen to witness someone fainting on your way here, brother?”

“That would’ve been entertaining, but no. I just saw some maids rushing to fetch peppermint candies at the servant’s bar.”

“If all they needed were candies, then it’s nothing serious.”

There was no reason to worry. Young women visiting the palace occasionally fainted from nerves or the tight corsets they insisted on lacing too firmly.

Tristan, determined to steer the meeting back on track, deliberately made a show of flipping open the documents with a loud noise. But Percival, after sipping his brandy, continued with his off-topic remarks.

“Probably one of the ladies practicing for the concert. They must’ve strained themselves too hard and collapsed. Oh, right, Lady Redfield is involved in the concert too, isn’t she? Surely it wasn’t your adorable little fiancée who—”

“Who said she was adorable or lovely? That’s absolutely not the case!”

“…Did I say she was?”

“Anyway, let’s get back to the meeting.”

Tristan grabbed the meeting materials, raising them to hide his face, which had turned noticeably red. Calm down. Focus on something to kill your appetite. Think of something unpleasant… appetite. Yes, appetite.

“And for the record, my fiancée wouldn’t faint. She eats far too well to ever fall victim to such nonsense.”