When I entered the bookstore, the red-haired clerk, Machi, who was dusting the shelves, greeted me with a familiar face.

“Welcome, Ms. Renéolla. What brings you here today?”

After meeting a few times, Machi seemed to smile warmly. I wandered around the bookstore.

“By any chance, do you… have a sword? I almost blurted out a term for a sword when I was alone.

Even with such a pleasant face, Machi was a member of the Dark Guild.

People like them were so sincere that if you looked down on their master for a moment, they could change in an instant. When I first discovered the secret passage, I quickly changed my words, remembering the cool expression Machi had given me.

“Is the guild leader inside?”

“The owner has gone out for a moment.”

The man who used to pop up unexpectedly when he wasn’t needed, saying that there was no need for dung as medicine, hurriedly added as I sighed.

“He’ll be back soon. Please wait a moment.”

Although Machi’s expression seemed worried that I might leave like this, I nodded obediently. Then Machi visibly brightened.

“Will you wait inside? I’ll prepare warm tea and cake for you.”

What’s with this feeling that has become even more excessively kind than before?

“No, thank you. I’ll wait here because I’m looking for a book.”

As I answered, thinking of another reason I came to the bookstore today, Machi became even more affectionate.

“What book are you looking for? If you tell me, as the one practically running this bookstore, I’ll find it for you right away.”

‘Why is this person like this for real?’

Avoiding Machi’s slightly uncomfortable gaze, I turned my head to the bookshelf.

“You gave me a book before, remember?”

“Ah, are you talking about ‘Duke, I Can’t Do This Anymore’?”

“Yes, are there more books similar to that?”

“Did it suit your taste?”

“Yes, it was quite entertaining.”

Truthfully, I only roughly read the first page, but I answered lazily. Machi smiled at my words.

“As expected. I kept noticing you carrying it with you, so I had a hunch. Similar books are over here.”

Following Machi’s guidance, I headed towards the bookshelves.

“To ensure our customers can enjoy a safe hobby, nowadays, book covers are no different from regular books. The titles are also subtly named.”
“To enable our customers to pursue a safe hobby, these days, book covers are coming out no different from regular books. The titles are also subtly named.”

Safe hobby life? Not explicit titles? Wondering what it meant, I found out that it was Machi speaking.

“The book ” caused a shortage phenomenon across the entire continent, and it’s such a masterpiece that you might be interested in. There’s probably no other place with as many related books as our bookstore. Would you like a few copies?”

“Hmm…”

I pondered for a moment. I had many reasons to be grateful to Sylvia. She was the first friend I made after possessing, and her efforts to explain my current situation and run around like crazy to clear my reputation gave me strength.

Remembering the book she returned to me in a mess, I decided to give her a big favor.

“Yeah, it seems interesting enough to memorize.”

“I’d like to order about a hundred copies.”

“A hundred copies…!”

As if surprised by the unexpected number, Machi’s eyes widened, but he quickly nodded.

“It seems you really like it. Alright, I’ll carefully select and send them to you. Do you have any specific keywords you’re pursuing?”

“Just similar to the book you gave me earlier.”

“I understand. Trust me. I’ll make sure to show you satisfying results this time as well.”

As Machi confidently wrote down the order, the doorbell rang with a jingling sound, and the door opened.

“Oh, what’s going on here?”

As soon as he entered, Karl, speaking comfortably, approached me. Behind him, a gray-haired man of similar build followed slowly. It was fascinating to see another person with such a large physique.

“Were you waiting for me?”

Karl, leaning on the counter with his elbows, looked down at me with a twisted posture and smirked.

“Yes, I have something to tell you.”

As I nodded obediently, Karl chuckled.

“It seems you came all the way here to make a request.”

“Yes, can we talk in a quiet place?”

“Of course. Follow me inside.”

I took the lead, following Karl into his office, where I first stepped in by chance.

Sitting across from Karl at the table, I noticed a strawberry cream cake and two cups of coffee on the table. As Machi and the gray-haired man stood behind him, Karl tilted the teacup behind him.

“So, what is it that you want to request?”

“When will you pay back my money?”

“I’m chasing the guy who ran away with the money. Just wait a little longer.”

“I won’t take that money. Instead, I have another request.”

“That’s better for us.”

Karl nodded briefly.

“First, I have something to ask.”

Karl tilted his teacup as if to say to speak comfortably. After staring at him for a moment, I opened my mouth.

“Are you really the court jester of the Second Prince?”

“Why? Doesn’t it seem like that?”