Chapter 20

"Wow...!"

Even though I had visited this place a few weeks ago, I felt a sense of freshness that I usually don't. I headed towards the large Selcuse bookstore, and the vast collection of books and the rapid changes in the new releases made me feel happy, and I let out a small exclamation.

Sir Percival placed his hand lightly on my shoulder, slightly bending down, as if to prevent me from running off. It felt a bit ticklish.

And for some reason, I felt my ears turning red.

"Bookstore... This is my first time here. Do you have any recommendations?"

"Ah, well... What kind of books do you usually read?"

"Usually... not many for fun. I want you to recommend a book that you genuinely found interesting."

I was relieved that I didn't have to pretend, but books by Alex Cheryl were forbidden for Sir Percival.

I like storybooks, so I headed towards that section. Out of habit, I glanced at the 'A' section, but before I could react, Sir Percival took my hand and immediately turned my gaze to the side.

He looked at me with a smile, as if to say, "Huh?" but, this, this is... embarrassing...?!

Holding hands in a bookstore, what kind of... Ah... While I was thinking this, I spotted a story about a female knight that I found interesting.

"Ah, this... um..."

"This black-spined book?"

I tried to reach it by stretching, but I couldn't. He let go of my hand, wrapped his arm around my shoulder, and easily retrieved the book, placing it in my hand.

"Thank you... This is it."

"Don't strain yourself. I'll get the books from high shelves for you."

"Okay... This is a book about a female knight. It doesn't have any romance... The protagonist, who has decided to live by the sword, is really cool."

"Is this your recommendation for me?"

"Sir Percival, you're part of the Royal Guard and I think you aim to become the head of the knights... I don't like spoilers, but there's a line in the book that says, 'What a knight holds in their hand is not just a weapon, but the responsibility and will to protect those who need it.' I cried when I read that... Ah, I'm sorry, I'm talking too much."

"No, no. You're cute, and I want to hear more. I'm very interested. Let's buy this and read it carefully."

While still holding my shoulder, the simple book with its black cover and silver-foiled title and author was transferred to Sir Percival's hand.

...Maybe it's too late to notice. But the casual closeness, the way he listens to me, and the way his strong, white, and long fingers handle the book so carefully... I can't even list all the things that are making me feel this way...!!

(Sir Percival... is so... cool...)