CH 66

“Don’t we also need a break? After all, when we’re at sea, we’re always risking our lives to protect His Majesty and the citizens. If we don’t come ashore like this, we won’t be able to have a decent meal or even rest properly.”

“I see, that’s true. However, don’t involve us. We are currently staying at the Duke Astorga’s house. If something happens to us as guests, The Duke won’t leave you alone.”

Upon hearing that, Emilio’s smile disappeared from his face for a moment.

However, he quickly returned to his usual suspiciously sweet smile and looked a little troubled.

“I don’t like it, why the hell would I do that? Last time, I was just persuaded by your admirer. Even then, I only did it because I was bored at the time. But I can’t get bored in the capital city. So, there’s no need to worry.”

“…Sorry, but I can’t trust you.”

Jeremiah answered coldly.

Emilio just shrugged slightly and said without answering that.

“I just came here to buy a book.”

Then he looked at me. I couldn’t help but tremble slightly.

I saw the darkness and faint heat in Emilio’s eyes again. It was clear that he hadn’t changed at all. When he noticed me looking at him, he smiled faintly.

“Lady Lorraine, enjoy the capital. See you later.”

Emilio said that briefly, bought a book, and left the store. Jeremiah didn’t move until he left the store. Dennis quickly went outside and came back a little later.

“Did he leave?”

“Yes. I watched until he disappeared, so he won’t be coming back here.”

“I see…”

Jeremiah murmured and sighed heavily before turning to me and asking,

“Lorraine, are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Thank you…”

Actually, I was a little tired, but it wasn’t just because of Emilio. I was absorbed in the atmosphere.

“Shall we go back? I was thinking of going out a little more, but do you want to rest?”

When asked, I didn’t feel that tired, but I looked at Jeremiah. He seemed to be worried about me in some way.

If this were my past life, I would have obediently followed his suggestion, but now I don’t feel that exhausted. So I thought that maybe he was more concerned about my feelings and said,

“I’m okay, but I don’t feel like walking outside anymore. So why don’t we just buy some books and read them together at home?”

The purpose of coming to the capital this time was not just to socialize.

I wanted to spend time with Jeremiah. If I no longer felt that way, I thought I could make good use of it, but…

Jeremiah doesn’t respond immediately.

However, there is something like joy in his eyes, so he probably won’t refuse.

I wait with anticipation. And at the moment he tries to speak…

“That’s a good idea, Lady Lorraine! So, which one would you like? My recommendation is this one!”

Suddenly, Dennis pulls out a novel-like book from the shelf and hands it to me. I reflexively take it and grimace at the title. What…a pure romance novel!

“I-Is this…Doki Doki in The Rose Garden ~Secret Ring~?””

“Yes! It’s a work by the most popular romance novelist among women in the capital right now. I’ve been thinking about which one to introduce to Lady Lorraine since I heard Jeremiah-sama’s story. Which one would make you happy?”

She who had been hard-boiled until then suddenly looked like an ordinary woman with shining eyes. What’s going on? Was she cursed or something? Or maybe she had been cursed until now and it was lifted? However, unfortunately, I have never seen a curse in this world either.

However, there are surprisingly many stories floating around about ghosts causing mischief or people dying after seeing ghosts, so I couldn’t say for sure that they don’t exist.

“O-Oh, really… I’ll read it, thank you. Well then, I think I’ll look for something I like too.”

“…It’s Garbo, I think.”

A terribly unhappy voice mentioned the name of my favorite author. Due to Dennis’s interruption earlier, I was too scared to look at the face, but I timidly looked up. As expected, our eyes met and the temperature seemed to drop below freezing.

“Y-Yes, that’s right.”

That author was a minor foreign writer. Therefore, it was unlikely to be found unless you went to a bookstore in the capital city. If it was a book by a famous and popular author, it could be found in the towns of Valcourt.

I had mentioned it to Jeremiah a while ago. It seemed that he remembered that one word. Somehow, my chest felt warm and uncomfortable. I was so happy that I couldn’t find the right words to say.

Ignoring my feelings, Jeremiah handed me Garbo’s book.

“T-Thank you very much.”

“Let’s buy a few more books and read them together alone.”

When he said “alone together,” Jeremiah turned his face away slightly. He still looked unhappy, but he didn’t seem angry. A slightly embarrassed attitude made me smile involuntarily. Holding two books close to my chest, I nodded with a beaming smile.

“Yes, by all means.”