Chapter 56

As the lunch break was drawing to a close, I parted ways with Emma, and the gloomy feelings from earlier were gone.

It was good to have been able to talk to Emma. Although my family and Wendy would have listened to me, it was probably because Emma and I had been the closest to Noah that I felt at ease in the familiar atmosphere of the teahouse, even though it wasn’t the usual one.

Holding a paper bag filled with cookies in my arms, my steps back to the library were much lighter than they had been in the morning.

There were only a few days left until Noah’s guard duty ended. When it’s over, I’ll go to the teahouse. I’ll complain, and Noah probably has a lot to complain about too, so we’ll talk a lot.

I felt so much better that I could think about such enjoyable things.

I also got delicious cookies, which I absolutely mustn’t give to Wendy. I should give them to the other kids and my superiors too... and if I take them to the knights, maybe I can give them to Noah. Yes, I’ll stop by the knights’ quarters today.

I laughed to myself as I quickened my pace and glanced at my watch. Yes, it’s fine. There’s still plenty of time before the afternoon shift starts.

“Excuse me...”

My steps stopped at the sudden voice.

Looking over, I saw a tall man standing there, his long light brown hair tied up at the nape of his neck. He had a troubled look on his face, with his eyebrows lowered.

“Yes, is there something you need?”

This person... must be from the Anheim delegation.

The uniform-like clothing he wore was adorned with embroidery characteristic of the Anheim Kingdom. Since he wasn’t wearing a sword or armor, he might be here as a civil servant.

“Excuse me, I’m trying to get to the library. Is this the right way?”

“Yes. Go down this road, turn left, and the library is beyond the gate.”

“Oh, that’s great. I’m embarrassed to admit, but I’m not good at remembering directions...”

“I’m a library staff member. Would you like me to accompany you?”

“Would you? That would be great!”

His troubled face suddenly turned into a bright smile. I could see his green eyes sparkling behind his glasses. He must have been quite troubled.

I smiled in response and started walking, saying, "This way."

“I was told by a senior that the library in this country has an incredible number of books, so I’ve been looking forward to my day off.”

“That’s great. If you need any help finding books, feel free to ask me anytime.”

“Thank you!”

He must love books. He couldn’t seem to contain his excitement and was gradually walking faster. I was almost running to keep up, but it wasn’t unpleasant.

He had been looking forward to coming to the library during his limited time off. He must want to read the books soon, and I could understand that feeling.

It was quite a challenge to guide him, stopping him when he tried to turn right at a fork or enter the wrong building, but we finally made it to the library.

He had said he wasn’t good at remembering directions, and it seemed he wasn’t wrong.

Seeing him look up at the library, his body trembling with joy, made me feel happy too.

“Thank you, um... Alicia. My name is Johann Eilits.”

“I’m Alicia Bloom. If you need anything, feel free to let me know.”

Eilits must have read my name tag, as he introduced himself. He bowed his head and then looked around, exclaiming in amazement before disappearing behind the bookshelves.

Well, I should get back to work.

Wendy, who had already returned to the counter, blinked in surprise at my face. Then, she relaxed, which made me realize that I must have looked pretty bad in the morning.

Because I was able to focus on my work, the time until the end of the shift passed quickly.

I hurried to get ready to leave, said goodbye to Wendy, and rushed out of the changing room. I knew that even if I hurried to the knights’ quarters, I probably wouldn’t see Noah.

A small note was attached to the package of cookies peeking out of my bag.

Just a few words, "Take care of yourself,"—not a very cute message, but I was really worried about him because he’s so busy.

Just as I was about to leave the library building, I almost bumped into someone who suddenly appeared, and I hurriedly avoided them.

“Alicia! That’s great!”

Lars, out of breath, let out a sigh of relief when he saw my face. He must have been in a hurry, but I wondered what had happened.

“Do you need something from me?”

“Yeah, come here for a moment!”

The arm that was about to grab my wrist stopped in mid-air. Lars kept his distance and gestured for me to follow him, so I did.

“Phew... That was close. I almost got killed by Einhardt.”

“What do you mean?”

“With him already so irritated, if he found out I touched you, it would have been bad.”

Lars laughed lightly, but I blinked in surprise.

To touch me...

“Is Noah okay?”

“I don’t think he’s okay. He’s usually a stoic guy, but he looks like he’s wearing a mask. He’s really upset. I don’t want to get close to him.”

“I see...”

While talking about this, I was led to the infirmary. Before I could ask what was going on, I was urged to go inside. I tilted my head and opened the door wide, only to be strongly pulled in and locked in a tight embrace.

I was held so tightly that it was almost uncomfortable, and his trembling breath tickled my ear.

I knew who it was even with my eyes closed.

“...Noah”

“I wanted to see you...”

His hoarse, low voice was filled with emotion.

I wrapped my arms around his back and hugged him back, and he held me even tighter—tears streamed down my face.