Chapter 21: Noises

Chapter 21: Noises

It didn't take too long for Rosalind to realize that she had asked the wrong question. She immediately wished she had the power to take it back.

She offered a wry smile to the Duke.

How did he recognize her? She couldn't help but asked herself.

"I could ask you the same thing," the Duke said. "But that is none of my business. At least not yet.," His lips lifted into a smirk.

She frowned and turned towards the array of books that were safely tucked onto shelves that were double her size. This bookstore was only small on the outside. She hadn't realized how big it was until she arrived on the second floor where she had the Duke.

She pursed her lips and started walking towards the next shelf.

"May I know what type of book are you looking for?" he asked.

She hesitated for a few seconds before she uttered, "I want to know more about the Dark Lord."

"The books about him had been banned and forbidden in most empires."

She nodded without missing the fact that he said the word 'most'.

"But this isn't 'most' empire," the Duke smiled. "I know where to find one."

"You do?" she wanted to ask how he knew about it. She thought that this was the Duke's first time in the Aster Empire. That means he shouldn't be that familiar with this place. However, she ended up deciding against asking any more questions that might offend him. Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

"Yes," the Duke said while laying his hand on her back, leading her downstairs and out of the bookstore.

"Is there another store nearby?"

"You can say that," he nodded. "I will guide you on your remaining trip. Asked the girl outside to leave." The man said. He wasn't asking for her permission. He was giving her an order.

While irritated, she agreed. After all, this man was going to be the one helping her escape this empire.

Walking in the streets, the two maintained a not-so-close distance from each other, and this was done on purpose.

The Duke was rather tall taller than most people in this place. This meant that he was bound to attract the attention of everyone. Though the man was wearing a mask, anyone can see that he was good-looking.

Why was he acting too haughty in front of this merchant house? Was he drunk?

"Pardon me sir, but you are distracting our guest. Please move to the side," the guard who was leading the Duke and Rosalind respectfully said.

"What did you just say? Don't you know who I am?"

"Sir, your identity in the outside world doesn't matter inside this establishment. You can either move or I will throw you outside and banned you from the market, not just in this empire, but in the entire continent."

Even Rosalind was surprised to hear that. How could someone have that much power?

Was it because the guard was currently serving a special client?

"You How about you give me a price," the prince uttered. It seems that the prince didn't recognize the Duke as he pointed a finger toward him. "Give me your VIP card. Name a price. What do you want? Golds? Lands? Women? Say it!"

Rosalind had to stop herself from rolling her eyes.

Now this was the crown prince that she knew. Someone arrogant and a little stupid. In her past life, Dorothy easily manipulated the man into thinking that she was the one who received the Blessing. Despite being together for years, the Emperor didn't even doubt Dorothy's words.

In the end, Dorothy became the secret ruler of the Kingdom while the Emperor became her puppet.

However, what happened next was something that Rosalind didn't expect.

The guard suddenly lifted the prince up using his collar and throw him out of the establishment! Rosalind's eyes were so wide, she almost couldn't believe it. That man was the prince and the future crown prince of the empire! Yet, they easily threw him out like trash.

Was this the reason why this man hated the black market and the Four Quarter Masters so much?

"Shall we?"

Rosalind heard the Duke's voice. She looked at him and realized that he was calmly smiling. "Empty minds tend to make the most noise," he uttered. "Do you agree?"

....

FL: 17

Duke: 24

Don't worry, this is going to be a very slow-burn romance. :) The revenge will happen first.