Chapter 08
In the following days, nothing happened—he didn’t speak to her first, and their hands never accidentally touched while reaching for books.
Still, Sienna tried everything to catch his attention.
She dressed up, gave greetings, even deliberately tripped in front of him.
But nothing like a flicker of his eyes from first sight, or him meeting her gaze while catching her happened.
He simply, politely, helped her up and returned to his place.
Yesterday, she had even asked him to have lunch together, but he refused, saying he wasn’t very hungry.
It felt as if an invisible wall stood between them.
Am I really that unremarkable?
Today, he was reading Hestia Empire History, Volume 5, the last book.
Perhaps he wouldn’t come tomorrow.
In frustration, Sienna grabbed the nearest book and sat at the same table as him.
She flipped the pages meaninglessly, slammed the book shut, and rested her head on her arms.
Though she openly looked at him, his gaze stayed on the book.
This isn’t easy.
They needed to speak to get closer, but he gave no opening.
He was just… too proper.
In this world, nobles might call themselves elegant, but to be honest, they were often reckless.
Many had spent the night together after a glance at a social gathering.
Recently, Anna had secretly told her that some meetings were held just for those heated nights.
That was normal for nobles.
But what is this wall around him?
Even if she tried harder, teased him, or acted forward, there should have been some reaction—yet there was none.
A secluded library, only the two of them, and the dozing librarian.
Arthur had left on other important orders, safely out of the way.
Everything was perfect, yet…
Why does nothing happen?
Human desire had no limits. At first, just seeing him was enough, but now not reaching him made her impatient.
Do I need to push harder?
She hesitated, worried it might overwhelm him.
Not yet. She restrained herself…
Then, as she let out a long sigh, he suddenly appeared right in front of her.
Oh.
He lay down in the same pose as her, resting on his arms.
Slowly, lazily.
He watched her until her cheek touched her arm.
Sienna blinked in surprise, and he spoke:
“Why haven’t you asked me?”
“…Huh?”
Me?
Sienna pointed to herself with a finger.
So… the peach fairy is talking to me?
When had he been watching her?
Her gaze wandered, unsure where to rest.
Actually, it lingered a little on the forearm revealed under his sleeve.
Good face, but that body…
Even without flexing, his arm looked strong.
His long fingers were delicate, strangely alluring.
Sienna pressed her lips together to stop them from parting.
He spoke again:
“You never asked my name, my family name, or who I am.”
When meeting someone, exchanging names and family was basic etiquette.
Sienna slowly lifted her head.
“You never asked either.”
Neither of them had asked the other’s name, age, or home.
They had shared the same space for five days. Including glimpses, it had been a week.
This was strange.
“And I’m fine with that.”
Half of it was true.
“Like this?”
He repeated, curious.
“Without the titles, without the names—just me. Isn’t it okay to have one relationship like that?”
“Just a library friend I met by chance.”
When she smiled, his calm eyes stirred again, veins showing on his arm.
“Sienna, that’s my name.”
She said his name, feeling a little nervous.
Does he know my name?
Usually invisible, almost no one could call the princess by her name.
Honestly, she preferred he didn’t know.
The princess’s reputation… is awful.
She swallowed dryly, waiting for him to speak.
Thankfully, his expression didn’t change. He just looked slightly shy and lowered his gaze.
“…Dandelion. That’s my name.”
Oh no… so cute…
Sienna pressed her smiling cheeks down, then sat across from him.
“Dandelion.”
Calling his name to commemorate the introduction, he smiled slightly.
She calmed her fluttering heart and held out her hand.
Dandelion, puzzled, held her hand instinctively.
Sienna shook it firmly up and down.
“This is to celebrate becoming friends.”
She didn’t miss her chance.
“Ah! Do you want some chocolate?”
She pulled out the pouch Beni had prepared.
Today’s snack was two pieces of chocolate with dried orange on top. She handed him one.
It reminded her of the first day of a new school term, talking to the friend behind her, sharing treats, slowly becoming closer.
Her heart thumped just like back then.
She gripped the chocolate tightly without realizing it.
“Thank you.”
He took the chocolate without hesitation.
Using food to entice him!
It was the first day he hadn’t refused anything.
He even looked happy.
She saw his lips curve softly.
“Do you like sweet things? I like them too.”
Sienna grinned widely.
