Chapter 30
I never thought Liam would admit his mistake and apologize.
It wasn’t like I had done anything particularly malicious toward Gilbert, but I suppose my usual behavior hadn’t been exemplary either.
What should I say…?
I hesitated for a moment.
“…Well, it’s fine. When I reflect on my own actions, I can understand why Liam would take a high-handed attitude toward me. I’ll accept your apology.”
Honestly, getting the duke and Gilbert on my side is going to be difficult.
By accepting Liam’s superficial apology, maybe he’ll pay a little more attention to me.
I probably won’t be able to forgive him wholeheartedly.
“…Thank you.”
Liam said, looking a little embarrassed.
His ears were bright red, hidden beneath his hair.
After a brief silence, I tried to return to reading my history book. Then suddenly, Liam jumped up and ran toward the bookshelf.
I found it strange, but I focused on my own book.
The content wasn’t too different from what I already knew. As I thought that, Liam came running from behind, carrying some book.
With a loud bang, he placed it on the table with force.
I was startled. A sudden loud noise like that makes your heart almost stop.
“Tiana! This is my favorite book. Let’s read it together!”
Liam said to me with a bright smile.
“Liam, hey, this is the library… you need to be quiet…”
“Oh, right. But there’s no one here, so it won’t bother anyone. Come on, let’s read this together.”
His voice was still loud.
“Ah… um, but I’m still reading…”
“This book is about the tyranny of dragons who engulf the kingdom in flames for fun, and one knight who sets out to defeat them.”
He cut me off, explaining the content of the book.
“The knight comforts the people who’ve lost all hope and becomes a symbol of hope. He’s really cool. I want to be a knight like that too.”
Liam spoke excitedly, full of joy.
“See? Sounds interesting, right?”
He sought my agreement.
“Y-Yeah, it does sound interesting.”
If I denied it now, Liam would surely be sad. I’m free anyway, so maybe I could read a little with him. I do like reading novels too.
“Right?!”
Liam opened the book and placed it between us.
By the time we finished the novel, it was time to go into town with Gilbert.
“Wasn’t it interesting?”
Liam watched my reaction closely.
“Yes! It was really exciting! The hero facing danger without hesitation was so thrilling!”
“Exactly! I love stories with this kind of intensity. I’ll show you more of my favorite books, so will you read them with me?”
He invited me, watching my expression.
Reading novels with Liam again might not be so bad. I’d actually had fun.
“Yes, I’d like to read with you again.”
When I accepted Liam’s invitation, his face lit up with joy.
We promised to read more books together and parted ways in front of the library doors.
In my previous life, I loved reading novels, so it was incredibly enjoyable to read again after such a long time. When I read, I could immerse myself fully without thinking of anything else, which had always been a comfort in hard times.
Taking a break here to enjoy a story again feels nice. I found a place where I belong and began walking, my heart fluttering with excitement.
