~Chapter 103~
In the Shirakawa–Verbes section, after spending half a day with her head buried in books, Riden finally realized.
‘As expected, the general library only carries records written from Verbes’s perspective.’
The general library’s books said that Verbes hated Shiraka and crushed her with power.
But the books collected by the Kenwolf family told it a little differently.
The sealed library books were the same.
They described Shiraka running away, bothered by Verbes.
‘So the difference is because the followers wrote things favorable to their own god.’
“Ugh.”
Her body ached from reading in the same position for too long.
She had confirmed what she needed, so she approached the librarian.
He had his head down, working on paperwork.
“Your paperweight is beautiful.”
She pointed at the brass paperweight holding down the sheets. It was finely crafted, clearly not cheap.
The librarian glanced up with an annoyed look, then lowered his head again.
“Yes.”
That was all. A dismissal.
‘No way. I went as far as matchmaking people, so I won’t leave empty-handed.’
“Is that paperweight temple property, or your personal item?”
“…Why do you ask?”
He sounded annoyed.
“It’s pretty, and I’d like to buy it. But if it’s temple property, you wouldn’t sell it.”
When he showed no interest, she dropped a heavy pouch of gold coins on the desk with a bang.
The wooden desk shook, and gold glittered as the string loosened.
The librarian’s eyes lit up. He looked at her with new politeness, already reaching for the pass he had checked earlier.
“Oh… Lady McCurry. A pleasure to meet you.”
“Finally, an introduction. A pleasure.”
He hesitated, glancing at the coins and the paperweight.
“It’s not an expensive item… but it belongs to the temple.”
If he sold it, he could claim it was stolen.
But a theft in the sealed library would bring chaos—the temple would investigate thoroughly, and it would soon be discovered that he had sold it to her.
Between money and his life, life came first.
Just as he was about to refuse, Riden added softly:
“Librarian, I want that paperweight because it was used in the temple.”
“…Yes.”
“So if there are other paperweights from the temple, you could show me those.”
She was practically feeding him the answer.
“Ah!”
His face brightened. He dug into a drawer and pulled out several old paperweights.
“These were all used in the temple.”
She looked them over carefully.
‘Found it.’
The paperweight she wanted was among them.
The others had just been bait.
“Choose whichever you like, and I’ll sell it for the amount you offer.”
As he reached for the pouch, Riden pulled it back.
“They’re very old.”
“…?”
“Yes, I wanted temple-used items, but these look too worn for such a price.”
She placed five gold coins on the desk.
“For their condition, this much is fair.”
The librarian’s face turned red with frustration—until she added five more coins.
“I’ll pay five extra for the courage you showed in daring to privately sell temple property for profit.”
It was blackmail. She knew his crime, and ten gold was the price of his silence.
Riden tied her pouch tightly.
“Thank you. I’ll put it to good use.”
She left the library and rode her carriage—not to the ducal estate, but the McCurry count’s house.
The McCurry carriage rolled through the nobles’ townhouse district.
“Lady Hern.”
Inside sat a young nobleman, speaking softly.
“Today’s date was wonderful. It feels like you know exactly what I like and dislike.”
Mari spread her fan and gave a charming smile.
“At first, I fell for your beauty, but now I’m amazed by your insight. It’s only been a month, and I keep discovering surprising things. The more I know you, the more curious I become.”
‘This atmosphere… is he about to propose?’
Mari glanced at the kraft envelope by his side. She had seen him sneak into a florist earlier—surely it contained a bouquet.
‘A proposal must have flowers. And a ring.’
Where was the ring? His jacket pocket?
Her lips curved in anticipation.
“Yes, it’s already been a month. I’ve enjoyed it so much, I didn’t even notice the time.”
Just then, the carriage stopped at the McCurry residence.
Was he going to propose before she got out? Or after walking her in?
‘If he does… should I accept?’
She fanned herself lightly, eyeing him. A decent family’s heir, average looks. Not tall, and lacking fashion sense—but she could fix that.
She took his escorting hand and stepped out.
As expected, he presented the bouquet—pink roses, the same shade as her hair.
‘At last, the proposal!’
“The roses are beautiful.”
“They’re nothing compared to you, my lady. Then, I’ll be off.”
“Huh?”
He turned and left, simply wishing her rest.
Mari froze in disbelief.
