Chapter 7

I turned nine.

Ethan and I were asked to go shopping at the market today. Mother asked us to buy buttons, salt, and spices. She also gave us a fair amount of money, saying, "Buy some clothes."

When we lived in a farm where no one visited, Mother used to sew us clothes that were easy to move in and easy to wash. But now that we live in the capital, even as peasants, our clothes are a bit shabby, she says. According to Mother, our family has become reasonably well-off, so we can afford decent clothes.

Ethan, thinking he's my guard, doesn't let go of my hand with his small hand. He's really cute.

We quickly finished the shopping we were asked to do and then I looked for a secondhand clothing store. There were a few such stores on a side street off the main road, with clothes packed from floor to ceiling.

"Can I see the light blue one on the top shelf?"

"Sure thing."

The shop owner used a long pole with a hook at the end to take down the hanger of the light blue dress hanging near the ceiling from the rod full of clothes.

"Since it's your first time, I'll give you a service price of two small silver coins."

"Will you give me a discount if I buy two?"

"Wow, you're sharp. Okay, how about three small silver coins for two?"

"Then, I'll take this white dress too."

"Sure thing, anytime!"

I took out my wallet from the large cloth bag I was carrying, paid the money, and put the folded dresses in the bag. When we go out, I usually wear a simple, easy-to-move dress and cover my head with a white cloth to protect myself from the sun.

"Next, we'll buy Ethan's clothes."

"I don't need any."

"No, you do. We're going to a place where it's better to wear nice clothes today."

Mother gave us money to buy new clothes. So, with the money saved from buying secondhand clothes, we can buy Ethan's clothes and pay the library fee.

"I'll take this shirt, those pants, and those sandals."

We bought Ethan's clothes at the men's secondhand clothing store next door. It was my first time shopping at a secondhand store, but it seems that if you choose well, you can get good items. I bought Ethan a white linen shirt, dark gray knee-length pants, and sandals with leather laces.

I wrapped Ethan's clothes and shoes in the cloth I brought and gave them to him. We then went into the shade of a tree in the park.

"Change into the clothes you just bought."

"Me? Here?"

"Yes, quickly. I'll change next."

Ethan obediently changed without understanding the situation. He would have definitely refused before, but now he listens to me.

After Ethan finished changing, I changed too. Even though I'm nine, it's a big problem for a girl to change clothes outside, but I quickly changed while hiding my body below the neck with the white cloth I was wearing as a cloak.

"I'm done. Thanks for keeping watch."

"Wow, Alesia, you look like a lady."

"From now on, we'll pretend to be a well-off lady and her younger brother. Don't say anything unnecessary, okay?"

"Got it."

"Also, don't tell Mother and the others about this place yet. I'll tell them eventually."

"Got it."

I led Ethan, who had become my follower, through the park and headed to the library near the palace.

The Royal Library was a tasteful building with white walls. The inside, about two stories high, was entirely open.

"This is my first time using this facility."

I made a graceful bow in front of the receptionist, a young man. He looked puzzled to see just two children, but he quickly glanced at my attire and the proper bow, seeming to relax.

"Please write your names and addresses here."

I wrote both our names and addresses on the card he handed me and returned it. The man said, "Be careful not to damage or dirty the books, or there will be a fine," and made us our library cards. The fee was four large copper coins per person. I handed over eight large copper coins. I had kept a bit extra for the fees.

"Alesia, is this the library?"

"Yes, speak in a whisper. There's a sign that says to be quiet."

"Can you read, Alesia?"

"Yes, I studied."

"Hmm."

Actually, I can read because of my knowledge from my previous life. Ethan followed me with a slightly envious look. Right, I should teach him to read and write.

Most of the people reading books in the library were men. There were few women, and we were the only children.

First, I chose an animal encyclopedia and a plant encyclopedia to keep Ethan from getting bored, then I picked three history books for myself and decided to read them at the central table. Apparently, you can't take books out of the building.

Ethan was fascinated by the encyclopedias, which he had never seen before. Good for him.

I opened the history book and read through the history after my execution.

(What in the world!)

I was genuinely shocked to read the history of the Kingdom of Shemel after my execution.