Chapter 1 - Derogatory Books

“I wasn’t saying that to get you to sell!” Harrison protested, feeling accused. But Ellie simply stared back, her lips pursed in skepticism. He shook his head in disbelief, running his fingers through his thinning hair before speaking again, “Before Madam Cordell died, did she tell you to promise her? ‘Promise me you won’t sell the bookstore,’ something like that?”

“Are you cracking jokes with the intention of making me laugh?” Ellie gave Harrison a look to show how absurd she found his suggestion.

Harrison, with a defeated look, tread carefully. “I mean, rather than it being a joke…” He murmured before trailing off. He looked awkward for a moment before becoming emotional as he asked again. “Then what the heck is your reason for not selling this bookstore?”

“What reason do I have to sell it?”

“600,000 durens!” Harrison shouted back in response to Ellie’s question. His fists were clenched, and his face twisted with determination.