Chapter : 04
I’ll Become a Librarian
William Aden—the director of the Royal Library and a healing mage!
Seeing him, I instinctively smiled like a proud mother.
In the original story, William is a pure-hearted man who loves the heroine Frisia but hides his feelings so as not to burden her, instead caring for her like an older brother. I had always supported him for exactly that reason.
William approached Calix with a gentle smile.
“Grand Duke Reinhardt, it has been a long time since you visited the Royal Library. It is a pleasure to see you again.”
In contrast, Calix frowned and shot him a sharp glare.
“Director, the library’s security system is a disaster. I’ve already handed over the intruders to the Royal Guard. Where exactly is the budget going?”
Most people would tremble just meeting Calix’s gaze, but William only smiled and bowed politely.
“I deeply regret that such an incident occurred while I was away. I take full responsibility.”
He lifted his head and continued.
“I am once again in your debt. I am always grateful that you protect the Royal Library, Your Grace.”
I waited for a moment, then quietly stepped forward.
“You must be Director William, correct?”
William finally turned to me. After examining me closely, he looked both surprised and pleased.
“Lady Erika Diel. We met once when you were young, did we not?”
So there was no real connection between Erika and William. Good. That meant I wouldn’t be suspected even if I didn’t act like the original Erika.
“I came to request your help, Director.”
William’s gaze carried a faint sense of longing and regret. With a polite yet gentle attitude, he guided me.
“Let us continue this conversation in my office.”
* * *
Inside the spacious office on the third floor of the Royal Library, there was a desk and a conference table. The atmosphere was clean and simple.
“Please sit comfortably. I will prepare tea.”
William personally began brewing tea at a small table in the corner.
His delicate movements and the amber glow of the tea briefly stole my attention.
Soon, he placed a warm cup in front of me. I sat across from him, sipping quietly. A fragrant aroma filled the silence.
“Grand Duke, please take a seat as well.”
“No need. I despise boring tea time.”
Calix refused immediately and leaned against the window with his arms crossed.
Beyond the glass, shards of sunlight scattered beautifully—but even more dazzling was Calix himself.
Annoyingly, he really was too handsome.
If he just kept his mouth shut, he’d be perfect.
“…And that is how it happened, Lady Erika.”
“Pardon? What did you say?”
I had been too busy appreciating the male lead’s face and missed part of the conversation.
William smiled kindly.
“The Viscount Diel was my benefactor. He supported me when I was an orphan so I could study at the monastery. I still remember how happy he was when I became director of the Royal Library.”
“Your father would have been proud of you.”
At my words of comfort, William raised his head. A wave of emotion crossed his composed face.
“I will never be able to repay that debt. When he passed away, I was unable to do anything for him. I could not even attend his funeral… I deeply regret it.”
“It was a private family funeral, according to his will. Please don’t feel guilty.”
I had heard this from the nanny. By the time I possessed this body, the Viscount had already passed away.
William took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions. His eyes turned slightly red.
“The moment I saw you, his only remaining family… I made a decision.”
He suddenly stood up, walked toward me, and knelt.
“…What are you doing?”
I was so flustered I didn’t know where to look.
Even Calix, who had been watching from the window, lowered his arms and observed closely.
Under warm brown hair that resembled sunlight, his kind yet deeply resolute eyes met mine.
“William Aden swears this— I will become your patron and protect you for the rest of my life.”
At his vow, my mind went blank.
Wait… weren’t you the pure-hearted sub-male lead?
In Secret Affair in the Royal Library, William was the ultimate devoted second male lead. Even knowing Frisia loved Calix, he still supported her to the end.
But… is he really saying this to me?
William looked at me with unwavering warmth. His knees would probably go numb if he stayed like that too long…
I quickly calculated my situation.
I needed protection. Badly. A powerless extra like Erika couldn’t survive without backing.
I smiled shyly.
“Thank you… I sincerely appreciate your patronage, Director.”
“I am the one who should thank you for accepting.”
William’s eyes curved warmly like a large, happy dog being praised. Honestly… kind of cute.
Just as the atmosphere turned heartwarming—
“If someone saw this, they’d think it was a marriage proposal. Am I interrupting a private moment?”
Calix’s mocking voice cut in.
If you think it’s awkward, just leave. I might never get to hear something like this again as an extra!
William coughed lightly, slightly embarrassed.
“Please don’t misunderstand, Grand Duke Reinhardt. Lady Erika is the daughter of my benefactor. As her patron, I am obligated to care for her.”
He spoke as if making a sacred vow of chastity.
Wow… that’s a solid emotional wall you’ve built there, Director.
Calix frowned.
“Drop the formal speech. It’s annoying.”
William immediately switched tone with a polite smile.
“Anyway, I owe you for helping with the recent incident. Thank you.”
“If you make me clean up your mess again, I won’t stay quiet, William. Protecting the Royal Library is your duty.”
“That is rich coming from the commander responsible for its magical archive security.”
The two spoke casually, like old friends.
“You two are friends?”
At my question, both answered at the same time.
“Yes.”
“We’re not friends.”
…Interesting.
A noble Grand Duke and a monastery-born mage. How did they become close? In the original story, they only exchanged formal conversations.
Cold, sharp Calix and warm, gentle William were complete opposites—but somehow balanced.
Maybe it was because they clearly trusted each other.
I couldn’t help but chuckle.
So this is another perk of being possessed—not just romance routes, but hidden side stories.
William looked at me gently, like an older brother.
“I’m glad to see you smiling, Lady Erika. You looked quite tense earlier.”
“I did? I guess I was nervous.”
When I touched my face, I realized my expression had been stiff.
“Though you looked quite lively when grabbing that man by the collar.”
Calix smirked faintly, as if amused.
There he goes again.
I shot him a deadpan look before turning politely to William.
“Director, I have a request.”
“As your patron, I will grant you anything you wish.”
I took a breath.
“Please let me work as a librarian at the Royal Library.”
I couldn’t return to the Diel estate.
Verdi had taken everything. I had no money, no home.
More importantly, this was my best chance at survival—library immunity privileges.
A librarian position was my lifeline.
William looked startled.
“You may take time to decide your future. For now, you should rest at my residence.”
“No. I don’t want to be a burden. I want to take responsibility for myself.”
Seeing his hesitation, I silently showed him the Book Finder.
William’s eyes widened.
“Why does Lady Erika possess an artifact that should be in the archive?”
“She is a Book Reader.”
Calix suddenly interjected.
“…A Book Reader?”
William looked between me and the compass.
He exhaled in awe.
“Then I must formally request it instead. Please join the Royal Library.”
He bowed deeply.
…That easy?
When I was job-hunting in my past life, I spent years on interviews and exams. Now I get hired in minutes after reincarnation?
At least one crisis is resolved.
“Thank you! I will work with my whole soul!”
William smiled.
“You don’t need to go that far. I only hope the Royal Library becomes your safe place.”
Honestly…
I was moved.
Ever since coming here, I hadn’t had a single peaceful day. Erika’s situation was a disaster.
William was the first person to offer me protection.
Before I realized it, warmth filled my chest.
Then—
Clap.
Calix suddenly sat down beside me.
“Now that that’s done, let’s go find the magic book. A promise is a promise.”
Like a debt collector, he pressed me.
“Already? I just got hired!”
“What’s the problem? You made a deal with me.”
William interrupted.
“A magic book… could it be Introduction to Lion Magic Theory that young Lord Michael mentioned?”
“That’s the one. My younger brother tried to borrow it twice, but it was always checked out.”
William frowned.
“I will look into it immediately. Please come again tomorrow.”
Calix’s expression darkened.
“I’ve already wasted too much time.”
William smiled gently.
“Calix, please understand. Lady Erika must be exhausted today. Let’s discuss this tomorrow.”
Between the two men, invisible sparks flew.
