Chapter 26

"Are you feeling better?"

While organizing the bookshelves, Wendy asked this when the sun had already set. The library, nearing closing time, was sparsely populated.

"Do I look better?"

"Yes, you still look a bit too thin. Are you still not eating well?"

"I am eating. My body has just gotten used to smaller meals, so I feel full quickly."

"It would be good to gradually increase your food intake."

"Yes, thank you."

Stopping the cart in front of the target shelf, Wendy picked up a book. It was a continuation of a romance novel, which she then put back on the shelf.

"I might have been aware of my feelings and was being swayed by them. I have some worries, but they're just about whether it will ruin our current relationship. When I think of him, my heart warms, and I decided to cherish these feelings."

"Hehe, that's wonderful. It's very much like you, Alicia."

Wendy smiled, looking relieved. She had been worried about me.

I stopped pushing the cart and held Wendy's hand. Her slender, soft hand. The roughness at her fingertips might be from handling paper often, and I'm in the same condition.

"Thank you, Wendy."

"Oh, I didn't do anything."

"You were worried about me. I'm glad for that."

"Of course, you're my dear friend."

Wendy smiled as if it were obvious. Her pink eyes sparkled, and I thought they were very beautiful.

"Come on, let's finish quickly."

"Yes."

I let go of Wendy's hand and started pushing the cart again.

There were only a few books left, and the location wasn't far away.

While checking the guide sign on the bookshelf, I remembered something and spoke up.

"The knights who were stationed at the northern fortress have returned, right? Is there no ceremony when they return?"

When the group returned this evening, women lined the streets to welcome them, and I could hear their high voices from inside the library.

"There might be a private ceremony, but there won't be a public one like a farewell ceremony."

"That's a shame. I won't get to see the captain's speech."

"… Listen, I want you to keep this to yourself."

Wendy, who had just put a book on the shelf, spoke shyly. The admiration and embarrassment in her voice made my heart race.

"… Next time, I'm going to the café with him."

"Captain and Wendy?"

"Yes."

Wendy's cheeks were flushed when she looked up. Her uncontainable happiness made my cheeks relax as well.

"That's great. When? Did the captain invite you?"

"Alicia, you seem happier than I am."

"Of course, I'm happy. You must be too, right?"

"Well, yes… Yesterday, Captain Radine returned a book, and I received a letter. … He asked if I would like to have cake with him on my next day off."

Wendy's voice grew smaller, as if she was embarrassed. Recalling the moment, her breath of admiration seemed to stir my ear.

Even just hearing it made me happy because I really like Wendy. I want her to be happy.

"That's wonderful. When you go to the café, will you tell me about it?"

"Will you listen?"

"Of course. I'm looking forward to it."

My voice also became lively, reflecting my feelings.

Although I wanted to listen to her story more, I glanced at my watch and saw that closing time was approaching.

"Oops. We need to finish."

"I'll take these two books, and can you take those two, Alicia?"

"Yes, leave it to me."

It was faster to carry the books by hand than to push the cart. I took two books of the same genre from the cart and moved away.

The books I held were fairy tales for children, beautifully illustrated and written in large, easy-to-read text. Just thinking about who might pick up these books made me happy.

The target shelf was below my waist, within reach of a child's hand.

I knelt down and placed the book so that the beautiful cover was visible. The dazzling princess's dress would surely catch the eye.

Just as I was taking a breath after finishing my work, I heard hurried footsteps approaching. The sound of the shoes was harder than the ones we wore.

I turned around, wondering what was happening at closing time.

There stood a handsome knight.

"… Sir Einhardt."

"It's been a while, Miss Alicia. Have you changed at all?"

I was still kneeling and tried to stand up quickly, but Sir Einhardt extended his hand. I placed my hand in his, and he gently pulled me up to help me stand.

His palm was a bit hard, the hand of someone who wields a sword. His nails were short and well-maintained, and his long, bony fingers were slightly cooler than mine.

"No, I'm fine. Sir Einhardt, have you… lost some weight?"

"Perhaps. The food at the fortress didn't agree with me. It seems you've also lost weight. Is your health not good?"

"No, I'm fine. I just don't have much of an appetite."

"I've heard that you enjoy eating… Is something wrong?"

Who told Sir Einhardt that?

No, maybe it's noticeable since I always eat so much in the cafeteria.

"Maybe it's because of the cold weather. I might be a bit tired, but I'm fine now."

"That's good to hear…"

"Sir Einhardt, you just returned, right? Welcome back. Thank you for your hard work."

"Thank you. Hearing that from you makes me feel less tired."

Sir Einhardt smiled as usual, still beautiful. Even though he looked tired, his beauty remained unchanged, which was somewhat enviable.

"It's almost closing time. If you're looking for a book, I can help you."

"No, that's not it…"

His hesitation was unusual.

Sir Einhardt pressed his hand to his mouth and let his gaze wander to the floor.

Just as I was about to ask if something was wrong, the bell rang.

It was the closing bell, signaling the end of the workday and the library's closing.

"… It's closing time. Let's reschedule."

"Sir Einhardt?"

"I came to look for a book but forgot the title. Can you help me another day?"

His usual calm but gentle voice.

There was something off, but I couldn't pursue it.

Sir Einhardt patted my head and turned to leave, not looking back as he walked away.

Maybe… Sir Einhardt came to see me.

I laughed at this convenient thought and hurried to the counter to start the closing procedures.

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