It was the guardian witch, Valeria.
She must have had a purpose in approaching, but she was just staring at me with a cold expression.
There was only an awkward and bitter silence between me and her.
Even though it was a difficult situation, it seemed like I should start with the greeting first, so I opened my mouth to speak.
“It is a pleasure to meet you for the first time, Madam Guardian Witch. I am Erica Dale, Head Librarian of the Royal Library. How may I help you?”
Valeria didn't say a word.
Her black eyes stared at me as if they were piercing me.
A look like that pierces the soul.
It was a look of extreme hatred.
I know that look.
That is the look of a warrior facing a monster.
My heart began to beat faster and faster, and I felt a chill run down my spine from fear.
I had to run away.
immediately.
This witch wants to kill me. genuinely.
Why? I saw her for the first time today!
Valeria's eyes burned like obsidian.
She stared at me and whispered softly.
At that moment, I felt as if my chest was being squeezed as if it were under a press.
I didn't even have time to ask for help.
“Huh...!”
All I did was salute. Is this assault?
Don't wizards even learn basic etiquette?
As I choked, anger boiled and rose inside me.
Anger unleashed the power buried deep beneath my skin all at once. As if he had lit a fuse.
When I clenched my fist, the magic power that was suffocating my heart vanished like bubbles.
She took a strong step forward and stared at Valeria.
"What is this sudden action? Is responding to a greeting with aggression part of the etiquette of a Guard mage?"
If she wasn't a very important person, I would have grabbed your shirt.
Well, let's consider it a jinx.
I didn't want it, but I applied for the position anyway.
Valeria's eyes twitched slightly.
"how?"
She mumbled as if she couldn't believe it, then quickly regained her calm.
“Ah… I see.”
Valeria's eyes blinked slowly at me, but her facial expression did not change at all.
“Excuse me, your energy was different and I misunderstood.”
“Shouldn't you apologize first? I heard you were only in the Kraal Mountains, it seems you forgot common etiquette.”
Although I was clearly being sarcastic, I felt a hidden fear.
It is said that the magic of the Guardian Witch can shake the kingdom.
Not only Director William, even the Crown Prince treated her with respect as an honored guest, so does a young librarian like me have the right to respond so boldly?
But what can I do?
My sharp nature conflicts with people like Valeria. Those who are stronger than me, and who use their power as they please.
Valeria looked at me with a look of deep significance.
An unfamiliar language slowly dripped from her thick lips.
“It seems that the forgery is not just a magic book.”
It was an ancient magical language.
The same language found on the door of the Book of Magic.
This time, Valeria did not use magic power.
However, I felt as if the air inside my lungs had been knocked out by her words.
“What did you just say?”
I almost asked: Do you mean that the fake one is me? I opened my eyes wide and pretended not to understand.
The corners of Valeria's lips rose for the first time.
It was a smile full of joy and excitement, as if she had finally found a prey she had pursued for a long time.
“War Lady, Erica Dale, right?”
To hear that title from the mouth of a guardian witch.
It was so embarrassing that I couldn't lift my head.
I desperately, sincerely, and sincerely wanted to hold the Crown Prince's shirt.
How dare you choose such a shameful name!
Is this how the original story flows?
It makes me want to rebel in any way.
“I'll be watching you.”
Valeria only let go of her cold words and turned back.
I stood stunned and trapped, unable to move.
Was Erica such an important character?
It's so popular it almost brings tears to tears.
Not only is he the crazy Grand Duke, but a psychotic witch who strangles people upon their first meeting boldly declares that she will be watching me too.
“Librarian Erica, did something happen?”
William approached me with a quick pace after he finished his conversation with Reichen's boss.
He seemed to notice the unusual atmosphere between Valeria and me, and his expression was worried.
He looked at me warily, then followed the background image of Valeria as she entered the reception room.
“Did something happen to Lady Valeria? The color of your face is not right.”
“We just exchanged greetings.”
It was an unforgettable and moving tribute.
Did he believe my clumsy lie? William nodded.
The Crown Prince and Carlix studied the surrounded nobles for a moment.
“It seems that His Highness the Crown Prince and Duke Reinhardt are going to have a long talk. I have to go now because I have a meeting with Lady Valeria on the subject of the Book of Magic.”
“You seem busy, don't worry about me and go please.”
Although I smiled casually and pretended to be indifferent, William seemed unconvinced.
“Are you really okay? Wait in the waiting room and then go home with Duke Reinhardt.”
“Can I… go to the Library Residence instead of the Duke’s Palace, please?”
When she asked cautiously, William’s monocles flashed sharply.
“Was it uncomfortable for the Duke to host you? As your guardian, I will not ignore the matter.”
William seemed ready to issue a veiled rebuke to Carlex at once.
I quickly stopped him before the situation escalated.
“No. I was given more hospitality than I deserved. Don’t worry.”
It's fun to be with Michael's adorable little brother, and the noble lifestyle in the duke's palace is also satisfying.
But I can't ignore the feeling of physical and psychological discomfort.
“I'm afraid I'll be a burden. I feel a little guilty for staying too long.”
It feels like you are living in a wealthy family's rented house.
They say that your own home, even if it is just one room, is the best.
I want to go back and live comfortably in the library residence without having to consider others.
William softly put his hand on my shoulder.
It was a warm but strong touch.
“I completely understand how you feel.”
“Mr. Director...”
“Under the current turbulent circumstances, the Duke’s Palace is the safest place. You should go and return to and from the Duke’s Palace for a while. The most important thing is your safety.”
William looked at me with a kind and affectionate face.
It seems that such embarrassing statements should not be said in such a formal meeting room.
President Reichen is watching us with narrowed eyes from there.
“I will do as you say, Director. Then see you tomorrow in the library. Thank you for today.”
I greeted William quickly, like an employee quickly leaving work before being stopped by his boss.
He gave me an affectionate smile and bowed with me.
“It's me who tires you out, Librarian Erica. I'm always grateful. And also...”
He seemed to want to say something important.
Those kind brown eyes were filled for a moment with deep pain and guilt.
Why are you looking at me with those eyes, William?
His eyes returned to normal as if nothing had happened.
“Be careful on your way. I will wait to meet you again tomorrow at the Royal Library.”
I stopped turning around.
William was still as calm and composed as ever.
but.
“I will wait to meet you again tomorrow at the Royal Library.”
What is this voice in my head?
It felt as if he had said the same words a long time ago.
With that form, with that expression, he spoke to me the words of promise as if he were affirming or casting an incantation.
Did William say this to Erica in the original story?
No, this could never have appeared in the original story.
Erica never became a librarian.
She joined the rebel forces after escaping the Baron's residence and immediately met Franz.
So when did he say such words?
Did he meet her before I took possession of her body?
I felt like everything I believed in was slowly being cracked from below.
Does my caring guardian have a secret that I don't know?
His smile was as gentle as usual, but his gaze was difficult to read accurately.
“Sir…Director.”
"Yes? Do you want to say something?"
I didn't have the courage to ask him to find out if he had ever said something like that before.
Because I trust him completely.
“No, you said you had extra work tonight. Good luck.”
When I closed my fist and assumed a cheering pose, William let out a slight smile as if he found my gesture amusing.
He nodded politely to President Reichen and then headed to the reception room.
How long had she been watching? Valeria stood at the inner door of the reception room.
William approached her and greeted her politely.
Behind the closed door, the flames in Valeria's glowing black eyes disappeared.
***
When I left the meeting room, a long and wide marble hall stretched out in front of me.
It was a hall decorated with a high arched ceiling and exquisite artwork.
The nobles were gathering in small groups in the hall, exchanging excited conversations in low voices.
“It is quite clear that the authority of His Highness the Crown Prince will be strengthened once the Knights Division is established.”
“We have no choice. Who knows when monsters might appear again. The safety of the capital comes first.”
“They are asking us to provide financial and human support. What do you think, gentlemen?”
Please, nobles.
I can hear you all.
Everyone is busy putting out the fire burning under their feet.
When I passed them, on the side of the Crown Prince, they closed their mouths as if they had agreed to this in advance.
It would be difficult to wait in the lobby because of the nobility.
I walked down the hall admiring the luxurious chandelier hanging on the ceiling.
I thought about William's words and the feeling of déjà vu they brought, but honestly I couldn't understand them.
•|Déjà vu is the feeling that an individual feels that he has seen or lived the present situation before
Maybe it was just a normal greeting.
Maybe I was overthinking.
As I was walking down the hallway, I saw a space slightly lowered inward.
There was a green velvet sofa under a painting describing the beautiful palace garden.
I felt as if I found an oasis in the desert. She rushed and collapsed on the couch.
“Huh, I finally feel alive. Ah, all my muscles hurt.”
I sat on the couch and stretched, relaxing the stiff muscles in my shoulders and core.
My whole body was stiff from sitting with a straight back the entire meeting.
As I was almost lying on the couch, a black shadow followed me.
I unintentionally raised my head and found Franz looking at me from above with an amused look.
Even though I didn't want to, I straightened my posture and raised my head condescendingly.
“What brings you here, Sir Duke?”
How did this white fox know I was here?
I'm really tired, can't he just pass by quietly?
I shivered under his gaze as he slowly examined me from head to toe.
"Erica, I knew you'd be okay. I'm glad to see you're doing well."
Franz smiled innocently like a pretty boy.
Even I, who knew who he really was, was drawn in for a moment.
How many people have been seduced and destroyed by this appearance?
Like Erica in the original story.
By the way, was that sarcasm?
Anger suddenly boiled inside me so I inquired.
“Why did you give that warning in the tournament arena? Did you know that monsters would appear?”
Did you plan this? Did you play on your field?
The possibility that he was the culprit was the greatest, but the fact that I couldn't even punish him due to the lack of conclusive evidence made me feel frustrated and angry.
Franz said, smiling wickedly.
“I don’t want what belongs to me to be harmed.”
When I heard his words, I felt my anger arouse every nerve in my body.
Something, an unknown force moved inside me, like a huge snake.
I grinded my teeth, speaking one word at a time.
“You seem to be under a great delusion that I was never yours, Sir Duke of Sberne.”
Franz leaned towards me.
His forehead was so close to mine that it was almost touching.
I felt dizzy from the strong and sweet scent of his perfume that suddenly came.
Franz whispered words sweet as honey in my ear.
“I am a tolerant person who will understand whoever you manipulate. In the end, you will fall on your knees and beg in front of me.”
“To be continued in the next chapter”
Loving translation