Despite my strong desire to part ways immediately, I couldn’t bring myself to change my words after seeing the sparkle in Matthias’s eyes.

‘Well, the Guild Leader is probably too busy running a bookstore and being a servant at the same time to hang around there.’

Red-haired clerks might be there, but not him.

Following Matthias, who knew the way to Lallia Fabric Store, I eventually found the place and chuckled dryly. It was a spot I had passed several times.

‘Damn, hidden in a corner of an alley like this, it’s no wonder people can hardly find it!’

Matthias, looking at the unmarked store, remarked, “Princess Floria must have a discerning eye. Lallia’s lace is renowned even abroad for its intricacy and beauty.”

“Is that so?”

I had praised Floria excessively on our way to avoid suspicion later if I needed to inquire about magic. It seemed Matthias now believed I was particularly fond of her.

His face clearly thought praising Floria would please me, so I just smiled benignly.

“Yes, that’s why it’s not easy to get, but I’m sure Madam will make every effort to assist in the creation of Princess Floria’s wedding dress.”

Matthias was right about its rarity. So much so that Matilda had already ordered and received the lace for it.

“We already delivered it to the castle three days ago. Didn’t you receive it?”

The clerk at Lallia Fabric Store showed us the confirmation signed by a maid.

‘These people…’

The pettiness infuriated me. Rather than outright insults or harassment, this underhanded trickery was just annoying. Fuming over a day spent sweating through the streets, I wondered how to deal with them.

“It seems there was a misunderstanding.”

Fuming with anger, Matthias noticed my mood.

“…Seems so.”

I spat out my words, grinding my teeth, making him shudder.

Looking around, Matthias picked up a handkerchief from the display. It was a pretty handkerchief with delicate lace around the edges. After paying, he extended it towards me. Confused, I looked on as he awkwardly explained with a flushed face.

“It’s a small token of appreciation for helping me twice.”

“Oh, you don’t have to.”

“And you lent me a handkerchief at the library last time.”

Ah, I had forgotten about that. As I nodded, Matthias cringed slightly.

“That one… it didn’t wash clean, so I’m afraid I can’t return it.”

“That’s okay.”

“Still, I’d like you to have this, even though it’s not an equivalent exchange.”

I wished I could ask him to find a book to undo my magic instead. But seeing him hesitantly looking for my approval, I graciously accepted it.

“Thank you, I’ll cherish it. It’s a lovely handkerchief with beautiful lace. I like it.”

Seeing my smile, Matthias’s face brightened.

“But I thought your wallet was stolen?”

“Eh?”

Matthias’s face flushed completely as he fumbled for words.

“Well, actually, I remembered I had some emergency money in my sleeve.”

How desperately he was trying to explain.

This man, so bashful and transparent, how does he manage to survive in the cutthroat aristocratic society? Cute, but still.

Leaving Lallia Fabric Store, Matthias pointed in a direction, still blushing.

“The CarrotCarrotCarrot Bookstore is this way.”

I followed him reluctantly.

“You frequent CarrotCarrotCarrot Bookstore?”
“Yes, they have many rare books that are hard to find elsewhere. If you place an order, they somehow manage to procure it for you.”

I thought it was just a façade for deception, but it seemed like the bookstore was actually running properly.

I listened to Matthias as he spoke about the books he had managed to get thanks to CarrotCarrotCarrot Bookstore while we walked.

“Welcome.”

Returning to CarrotCarrotCarrot Bookstore after about half a month, nothing seemed to have changed.

The red-haired clerk, who always smiled so brightly, was still there.

I quickly turned my head to avoid being recognized by him and headed towards the bookshelves. Of course, I didn’t even glance at the section where the book “I Hate Carrots” was located.

“I’ve come to pick up a book I ordered.”

“Is that so? May I know your name, please?”

While Matthias and the red-haired clerk talked, I browsed through the bookshelves.

It seemed coincidental, but there were a lot of books related to fairies. As I was engrossed in looking at them, Matthias, who had approached me, asked,

“You seem to have a lot of interest in fairies and magic.”

“Yes, they are quite romantic beings.”

“You said something similar the last time, didn’t you?”

“Did I?”

After nodding, Matthias asked,

“Have you finished reading all the books you borrowed?”

“Almost.”

Responding nonchalantly, I noticed Matthias push up his glasses.

“Weren’t they the books you were looking for?”

“They were interesting, but not exactly what I was looking for.”

“If it’s not too rude to ask, may I know what content you are looking for? I’ve read quite a few books myself. Especially on topics like magic and fairies. I’ve even written a paper on it, so I might be able to help you.”