I looked around, imagining the library in the main building. It didn’t seem like it would be much different from this one. The central ceiling of the library was domed, avoiding any claustrophobic feeling, and the arch-shaped staircase led to the second floor, which was also densely packed with bookshelves.
The books filling the library were as diverse in genre as they were vast in number, including politics, economics, history, and naturally, the literature genre I mostly read.
However, I doubted that this grand library contained the light-hearted romance novels I often enjoyed.
“Even if I read day and night, every day, I wouldn’t be able to finish all these books before I die.”
Overwhelmed by the vast selection, I didn’t know where to start. As I stood in the center of the library, looking around in bewilderment, Angela leaned in towards me.
“You might want to go to the second floor.”
“The second floor?”
She nodded as if sharing a secret.
“How did you like the book you read last time?”
“Which book?”
“The Flower That Blooms at Dusk.”
Upon hearing the title, I shook my head in admiration.
“Ah, a masterpiece. It was really the best.”
“Right?”
“Yes, it’s said to be the most popular book these days.”
As I went up to the second floor, looking around, I continued.
The Flower That Blooms at Dusk was a progressive novel about three daughters from a fallen noble family pursuing their dreams. It was popular for its intense plot progression and dignified writing style.
“I enjoyed it, but it somehow feels out of place in such a grand library. Do they really have such books here?”
“Don’t worry about that. The Rochester Ducal House purchases almost all books that come on the market and reviews them. They ensure that no banned books or those with harmful ideologies enter the library.”
Proof of her words, the second-floor shelves were also filled with books.
“They also exclude overly sensational materials.”
“Ah…”
That was a bit disappointing.
“The Duchess once said some books are not recognized in their own time, so one should not judge any writing with prejudice. She’s really an impressive woman.”
In the short time I’ve been here, I’ve noticed all the servants genuinely respect and trust their masters.
It was not easy. When Count Penel was alive, he claimed until his last breath that Duke Rochester had abandoned Ricardo. I didn’t believe everything he said to save his own life, but I thought the Duke and Duchess had indeed failed to protect Ricardo.
However, seeing the attitude of the people here towards the Ducal couple, it was hard to believe they would leave Ricardo in danger for so long.
“So, how was that book?”
Angela’s whisper brought me back from my thoughts. Even though we were sure to be alone, we instinctively quieted our voices in the library.
“Which book?”
“The Flower That Blooms on the Cliff.”
“Ah, it was interesting, but I didn’t like the ending.”
“Why?”
“Well, the protagonist doesn’t become the emperor.”
“Right.”
Not just Angela, but the other maids also nodded and giggled, respecting preferences.
“The ending has to be with the emperor. I always prefer emperor endings.”
“Me too!”
An enthusiastic young maid joined in. Talking about it, I realized a book I couldn’t afford before might be here.
‘It was about a male protagonist, the eighth prince, becoming the emperor with the help of the female lead…’
The books were well organized in alphabetical order, so it seemed easy to find the book I was looking for, as long as it was here.
‘It was quite racy… Maybe it’s not here?’
I used my fingers to trace the letters, concentrating on finding the book.
‘There it is!’
The book was on a slightly high shelf. Even on tiptoes, stretching my arm as far as I could, I couldn’t quite reach it. The maids, being shorter than me, seemed to struggle too.
“Angela, could you bring me a ladder, please? I don’t know where it is.”
I was fully focused on getting the book. Just a bit more stretch and I would have it… Just as the book was about to come into my grasp, I felt a weighty presence behind me, and a low, husky voice filled my ears.
“Is this the one?”
“Ah!”
Startled, I turned sharply, coming face to face with the black eyes of the man looking down at me. I froze, both in movement and breath. There was barely enough space for a hardcover book between our lips.
As Ricardo blinked, I snapped back to reality. I scanned around under his arm, but the maids were nowhere to be seen, not even on the second floor.
When did they disappear so quickly?
Feeling slightly betrayed, I turned back to face him. Ricardo casually pulled out the book I was trying to reach and read its title softly.
“How to Make a Kind Savior an Emperor?”
My face flushed red – I hadn’t made the male protagonist an emperor, yet here I was, blushing.
“Please, give it to me.”
I reached out to take the book from him, but it seemed to move further away from me. Trying not to touch his chest, I awkwardly straightened up.
“I don’t want to…”
“Then could you please move aside?”
The Villainous Demon Lord Laid an Egg for Her (Female-Dominated)
Several months after transmigrating into a book, Yu Wu found herself facing the demon lord Li You, who could no longer conceal his dragon horns. With one hand on her aching waist and the other gripping a sharp sword, she stared at him.
The demon lord’s eyes were red with fury:
“This is all your doing! Today, I won’t rest until I kill you!”
Yu Wu rubbed her temples. Putting aside the taboo against bloodshed during pregnancy, wasn’t it this very man who willingly walked into her trap that day?!
Warnings:
- Male pregnancy.
- Height ratios are set to mirror typical male-female height proportions.
- Characters include a foot-loving demon lord and an eldest daughter from an immortal family’s concubine lineage.
