Chapter 59

I would rather not approach them, but since the group is at the counter, I have no choice but to go over.

The colleague inside the counter is looking around with a troubled expression. Wendy and I nod to each other and then walk toward the counter.

"Princess Camilla Anheim, I greet you. My name is Wendy Radine."

"I also greet you. I am Alicia Bloom."

We bent our knees and placed our hands on our chests in a respectful greeting.

The sound of rustling clothes indicated that the princess was approaching. I was so nervous that I let out a long, thin breath.

"Raise your heads. I'm sorry to bother you at work."

A delicate and cool voice tickled my ears. As instructed, I raised my head, and the Crown Prince stepped between us and the princess. Looking over his shoulder, he pointed to the counter.

"You can return to your duties. Camilla, isn't the library enough? Let's go back."

Crown Prince Sieg and Princess Camilla are related, so his words were familiar. However, the fatigue in his voice was not just my imagination.

Wendy and I bowed again before entering the counter. The colleague who came out in our place looked pale from nervousness. I could only nod in response to her whispered, "I was scared."

Even after we sat at our counter seats, the group was still there. The patrons were watching us from a distance, and we didn't know what to do.

"Is there anything lacking in the library inspection?"

The supervisor, who had come from the office with a worried look, must have taken over because the director was not here today. From his expression, it seemed that the princess's visit was unexpected.

"Well, I want to borrow a book. You there... Miss Alicia, could you pick one for me?"

"There are books, but you don't have to borrow them here."

"I want to read a book chosen by Miss Alicia."

Crown Prince Sieg sighed heavily and turned around. I stood up and stepped out from behind the counter, nodding to a worried Wendy to show that I was fine.

"Miss Bloom, can you help me?"

"Of course. What kind of book are you looking for?"

Guiding people to books is part of a librarian's duty.

No matter what feelings I have, I want to respond properly to those who seek books.

I could see Lars, who was on guard duty, clasping his hands in front of his face. His lips were moving, saying, "Sorry."

"I want a romance novel. Is there one about a knight's romance?"

"...I'll show you."

I was worried that my smile might be strained, but I moved toward the romance novel section.

The princess, the guards, and the Crown Prince followed. I could feel the atmosphere behind the counter become a bit more relaxed.

Still, asking me to choose a romance novel about a knight... Is there some hidden meaning?

Maybe she knows that I am Noah's fiancée.

Despite the unease, I straightened my back and continued walking.

"This is the romance novel section. For a knight's romance... How about this one? It's a story about a knight and a stage actress, and it uses classical opera, so it might be enjoyable."

"Alright, I'll borrow that one."

The book I offered was taken by a waiting maid.

Although she said she wanted me to choose a book, she didn't seem very interested in it...

But, I thought my task was done. However, the princess was staring at me, and I couldn't leave.

I looked to Radine for help, and he seemed to understand, trying to step between me and the princess. That's when she spoke.

"You are Einhardt's fiancée, aren't you?"

As I suspected, she had come to the library with that intention.

"Yes."

"I have a harsh thing to say... I want to take Einhardt with me."

"Camilla, that matter is over. Einhardt has no intention of leaving the country."

The Crown Prince spoke with irritation before I could say anything.

He tried to pull the princess away, but she shook off his hand and slowly opened her feather fan. She brought it to her mouth and laughed softly, looking like a beautiful doll, but also a bit scary.

"You know I'm going to marry, right? I'm sad to leave my homeland, so I want to surround myself with things I like."

The princess spoke as if it were a given.

I couldn't understand her words and didn't know what to do.

"Those around you who indulged your whims are also at fault."

"That's mean, Brother Sieg. I'm pitiful, you know? I have to marry someone I don't like. I think a little comfort is okay."

"Miss Bloom, don't take what Camilla says to heart. Let's go."

"But, I still want to talk to Miss Alicia..."

"You don't need to. If you cause any more trouble, I'll send you back to Anheim immediately."

"You're so mean!"

The princess puffed out her cheeks and glanced at me. Her blue eyes were cold, making my spine shiver.

"See you again, Miss Alicia."

The princess smiled and left with her maid and guards.

I bowed and watched her go, feeling a vague unease spreading in my chest.

"Miss Bloom, you can forget everything she said. I'm sorry for the trouble."

"No... It's fine..."

I didn't know how to respond to the Crown Prince's words. I was surprised and troubled, but I couldn't say that to him.

The Crown Prince, as if reading my mind, smiled a little and left with the tired-looking Radine.

"...Isn't Lars staying behind?"

Everyone was leaving, but Lars was still hiding behind the bookshelf. I was surprised when Johan appeared beside him with a wry smile, and I held my breath to avoid screaming.

"Wow... What a flighty princess."

"Lars, be more careful with your words..."

"Miss Bloom, Johan is from Anheim."

I felt awkward, but Johan nodded in agreement.

"I really think so. Princess Camilla's whims are a problem."

"Johan, is it okay to say that?"

"I'm not one of Princess Camilla's subjects, so it's fine."

Is that how it works?

Since Johan said it was okay, I didn't need to say anything more.

"Alicia, don't worry too much. No matter what that princess says, Einhardt won't be taken away."

"Yes, I know that... But I was a bit surprised. I'm glad Noah wasn't here."

"Yeah, I think so too."

If the princess had said those things in front of Noah, he would have been angry.

He would have picked up on my unease and worried about it... In that sense, it was better that he wasn't here.

"Miss Alicia, Anheim has no intention of creating unnecessary trouble. No matter what Princess Camilla says, it won't happen..."

"Thank you, Johan."

Johan was also concerned for me.

I smiled and saw them off, but I think they were trying to ease my mind.

I glanced at the bookshelf and saw a book lying on its side. A few books had been borrowed, creating gaps on the shelf.

The book I picked up was "Labyrinth."

The cover depicted a blue crescent moon. Tracing it with my finger, I let out a small sigh.