Chapter : 5
I, Reincarnated, Still Go to Work—Legendary Behavior
In the tense silence that had briefly settled in the room, Calix spoke first.
With a somewhat softened expression, he glared at William.
“If you make me wait until tomorrow morning again, I will burn down your office.”
…Revoke that. The atmosphere might’ve calmed, but his tone hadn’t changed at all.
I was honestly impressed he could casually threaten arson like that. What is wrong with the male lead’s personality?
In contrast, William only smiled gently, like an older brother calming a difficult younger sibling.
“As expected, you are a very understanding friend. Ah, for reference, my office has protective barriers, so it’s safe from disasters like fire or storms.”
…Wait, is Director William actually more dangerous than he looks?
Ignoring Calix’s glaring eyes, William turned to me with a smile.
“Lady Erika, how about resting in the library residence today and officially beginning your librarian duties tomorrow?”
“Thank you so much for even providing a place to stay, Director.”
That was exactly what I wanted to hear most right now.
I had been running all morning without even a proper meal, dealing with Verdi’s men, and now I was completely exhausted. All I could think about was lying down in a bed immediately.
“Please wait in the entrance hall for a moment. I will finish some paperwork and escort you to the residence.”
Suppressing the urge to bow deeply in gratitude, I left the office.
For some reason, Calix followed behind me.
Having a giant shadow trailing right behind me was extremely uncomfortable.
“Your Grace, you should go ahead.”
You’re the male lead—there’s no need for a side character to block your path.
I deliberately stopped and stepped aside.
But Calix suddenly halted too. He looked even more displeased.
Why does he always frown when he looks at me?
“Why is that?”
“…Pardon?”
“You speak politely and obediently to William, but not to me. Did you forget that you called me your patron?”
I was momentarily speechless.
What is this, workplace etiquette policing?
But three years of working life teaches you survival skills.
Be nice when possible.
Don’t make enemies.
I forced a polite smile.
“I apologize if my words about the patronage made you uncomfortable. I haven’t forgotten that you helped me. Thank you, Your Grace.”
Perhaps satisfied by my gratitude, he changed the topic.
“Why did you voluntarily apply for a librarian position? Even if it’s an honorary post, it’s not something a noble lady would easily choose.”
I hesitated.
Honestly, I didn’t know much about the original Erika.
Her role in the story was smaller than an ant.
But I knew two things for certain.
She had attacked the Royal Library for the sake of the rebel leader she loved.
And…
“I…”
The man standing in front of me was the one who would send me to the guillotine.
I raised my head and met Calix’s eyes directly.
His cobalt-blue eyes were beautiful like gemstones—but cold enough to cut through a person’s heart.
“I really love libraries.”
I gave a businesslike smile.
There was only one way to avoid the same ending—go the opposite direction.
If the original Erika had turned against the Royal Library, then I would stand on its side.
“So I’ll become a great librarian.”
So you won’t be able to kill me.
* * *
“Miss, are you awake?”
When I opened my eyes, a maid in an apron greeted me warmly. She was from the residence staff.
I sat up from the soft bed and stretched.
“Wash water is ready. Please freshen up and come down to the dining hall on the first floor.”
“Thank you.”
After a quick wash, I changed into the neatly prepared librarian uniform.
A blouse with a sky-blue ribbon, a silver cape, and a cool blue skirt that reached my calves—it was surprisingly practical.
The shoes were low-heeled brown boots, comfortable enough for work.
Tying my long brown hair with a blue ribbon, I sighed.
“Haah… even after reincarnation, I still have to go to work.”
Other people become noble daughters or princesses and live pampered lives…
Why am I stuck filming “Survival Reality: Workplace Edition”?
To survive, I have to work hard as a librarian.
Who would’ve thought that quiet, gentle Erika would end up involved in rebellion and treason because of love?
Right now, the only way to avoid the execution ending is to quietly stay in the library.
At least I know who the rebel leader is.
While working here, I can gather information… and maybe find a way back to my original world.
This is the Royal Library—the place where all knowledge in the kingdom gathers. There has to be at least one book about returning home.
A side character like me can’t overturn the original story. I just need to survive quietly, avoiding trouble like falling leaves in autumn.
When I finished preparing and went down to the dining hall, William was already waiting at the table.
“Good morning, Lady Erika. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, thanks to you. I really appreciate it, Director.”
He pulled out a chair for me and carefully looked over my outfit.
“The librarian uniform suits you very well.”
“I like it too. Thank you for providing such a nice uniform.”
As I ate bread and chicken stew, William observed me over his tea.
“Is the food to your taste?”
“It’s delicious. I’ll eat well and work hard.”
“That’s admirable, but I won’t overwork you. As your patron, I will make sure of that.”
He smiled gently as if to reassure me.
Honestly… I was touched.
A kind boss and a safe workplace? After reincarnation?
I almost cried from gratitude.
After breakfast, William called me to the reception room.
He brought out the Book Finder I had returned yesterday.
“If you don’t mind, could I see the ability of the Book Reader?”
“Of course… I just don’t know how to use it.”
“It’s simple. Place it on your palm and say the title of the book you want to find.”
“….”
The moment I spoke, the compass reacted instantly.
A gemstone flared with light, and the needle spun rapidly.
A glowing thread stretched toward the southwest, pointing the way.
It was incredible.
William let out a breath of admiration and gently held my hand with the compass.
Then he lowered his forehead onto it, like a prayer.
“You truly are… an extraordinary existence.”
My heart skipped at his overly dramatic words.
Realizing his behavior, William quickly pulled back, embarrassed.
“I-I apologize. I was just… amazed.”
His ears were red with embarrassment.
I smiled softly.
“It’s fine. I’m glad my ability can help the Royal Library.”
William, still slightly red, regained composure.
“Unfortunately, we failed to properly manage the magic book lending system. As director, I take full responsibility. I am sorry to have placed this burden on you.”
“No, I should be the one thanking you.”
He looked at me quietly.
Then he reached into his coat and pulled out a fountain pen.
It looked like it was carved from black stone, with a refined sheen.
“If you carry this, it will help you.”
A pen?
What is this supposed to do? A symbol of patronage?
Before I could ask, William smiled and stood up.
“Let’s head out. The carriage is waiting.”
“A carriage? I can just walk.”
“You will be commuting by carriage from now on. As your patron, this is the least I can do.”
A carriage for commuting.
A workplace that even provides transportation.
This was definitely not my previous life.
I boarded the carriage with William, determined to give my all as a librarian.
Outside, the capital of Ruberia—Artemia—glowed with early summer light.
A prosperous and elegant city.
Wide, orderly roads. Beautiful parks and lively shops scattered throughout.
Elegant townhouses where nobles stayed near the palace gave the city a European historic charm.
The carriage stopped in front of the Royal Library.
A dazzling white stone building rose before us, crowned with a graceful dome and intricate carvings.
William helped me down.
After walking through the gardens and corridors, we finally reached the grand entrance hall.
He opened the doors with a gentle smile.
“Welcome to the Royal Library—where all knowledge, mythology, and history of the continent reside.”
I stepped inside.
And the vast interior unfolded before me.
A magnificent dome of glass revealed the blue sky above.
Marble pillars, gold and silver-decorated bookshelves, and countless leather-bound books filled the walls.
Crystal chandeliers and artworks made it feel like a museum of civilization itself.
At the reception desk stood Marian and a young noble lady.
“Lady Erika, this is Marian, who oversees all operations of the library. She is often called the ‘Mother of the Library.’”
Marian was a warm-looking middle-aged woman with her hair neatly tied back.
Before I could greet her, she grabbed my hands warmly.
“I’ve heard a lot about you from the Director. You’ve had a difficult time, haven’t you? I hope you’ll be comfortable here.”
“Ah… thank you. I look forward to working with you.”
She then introduced the young lady beside her.
“This is Lady Rose from House Medicine. She handles the reception desk and magic book lending. She’s also a researcher and librarian. You two are about the same age, so I’m sure you’ll become friends.”
Rose was a lively-looking noblewoman with flowing golden hair and a bright presence. Her elaborate green dress made her look more suited for a ballroom than a library.
She looked me up and down with a proud expression.
“So you’re the new arrival. Nice to meet you. I’m Rose Medicine.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Erika Diel.”
“No need for introductions.”
She cut me off mid-sentence.
I froze slightly.
…Is this hostility? Workplace bullying?
She stepped closer abruptly.
“I already know.”
Her delicate hand shot upward sharply.
