“What is it? What’s that?”

When someone concentrates so intensely, their face looks just like a child’s. I felt a bit awkward.

“It’s a covert operation. An older brother who finds comfort after losing to his younger sister doesn’t exist. So, you should show as much humility as possible, act as if you’re not interested in the competition. The young ladies at the Tea Party should also undergo covert operations.”

“Hmm. Probably, right? Got it. You be cautious too. Even the walls have ears in the palace.”

Yesterday afternoon, maybe that wall became deaf because it was too noisy.

Feeling a forced smile about to crumble, I left the room of Count Miliora and headed to the royal library with a terribly tired feeling.

As I headed towards the royal library, I suddenly discovered that this path leads to the Huangga Family library.

My heart fluttered all of a sudden.

I was no longer a problem when it came to entering the Huangga Family library as a maid!

I turned in that direction. The manager guarding the door looked at me with a questioning expression.

I pointed to my medal on my chest and said, “I came from the Princess’s palace. I’m here to temporarily use the library for an errand from the Princess.”

Then, he looked at my medal again and smiled.

“Are you a newly arrived maid? The Huangga Family library is only accessible to the Huang family. Even if you’re a high-ranking servant, you can’t go in.”

“Really? Do you really think so?”

“Really, I’m serious. Miss Maid.”

Is it because Princess Miliora has no power, or is it because I’m called a commoner?

I felt a surge of self-pity, and even tears came to my eyes.

But I couldn’t even mention ‘Lord Kaidel’ in my mouth.

I turned back to the royal library, feeling determined.

The biggest reason I decided to enter the palace was because of my dream of a family teacher. However, the temptation to be able to enter the Huangga Family library was also strong.

But I was wrong about that. Because of that person!

Where exactly does the mysterious privilege of Lord Rocar Kaidel reach?

I felt a fiery emotion for the first time in my life.

I thought I was angry, but upon reflection, it was jealousy. I knew that doing something as meaningless as envying him was as meaningless as it gets.

Moreover, saying that to the benefactor of my life is ungrateful.

‘Recover your conscience, Roria. Mom didn’t raise me like that.’

I regained my composure and headed to the library.

‘Come up with the most efficient way to distribute the newly acquired Amata iron ore.’

The problem I had to solve right now was exactly this. I went to the library and checked all the books related to the iron industry and diplomatic relations with the Agael Kingdom.

The Empire had frequent conflicts with Agael, divided by the Tumbar mountain range. However, the giant obstacle of Tumbar always turned those conflicts into stalemates.
However, now that the land of the Amata tribe has become part of the Empire, a new concern has arisen for the Empire.

‘How should we distribute this iron ore within the Empire?’

‘Will the Empire use all the production, or will it also be used for trade with foreign countries?’

Even His Majesty the Emperor had been contemplating this issue since the victory in the Amata War, so he might not have known it was a topic for the competition.

Unlike the last time, where the question was as free as a birthday present, this problem couldn’t be adjusted to the extent of saving the Princess’s face.

It shouldn’t be too good, provoking the Princes, and it shouldn’t be too bad, becoming a laughingstock.

“It’s difficult, so difficult.”

I sighed and pulled out the latest edition of ‘Tagar Empire Diplomacy Handbook’ from the shelf. At that moment, a man’s hand overlapped with mine.

“Uh…!”

I looked at him, and he looked at me, turning his head.

‘Well, it must be you, Lord Kaidel!’

Kaidel Lord smiled mischievously, and I thought he let go of my hand. So, I tried to pull out the book, but the book didn’t move at all.

He was still holding it.

I became tense and glared at him. He still had a smiling face, but his mouth twitched slightly.

“The book I was going to read. Miss Loar.”

“This is my house’s book. Lord Kaidel.”

I shouted in my mind.

‘You should go to the Huangga Family library!’

I was indeed a clumsy human. And I didn’t like him confirming my clumsiness.

Because I was clumsy.

But as it turned out, he was also a troublesome person.

He covered my hand and held the book, not releasing the strength. He was waiting for me to withdraw my hand first.

Considering the difference in our stamina and height, stretching my arm up like this was an absolutely disadvantageous fight.

I laughed awkwardly and said, “Lord Kaidel, my arm hurts.”

“You can lower your arm.”

“Are you trying to take the book?”

“Yes. It’s essential for preparing for the competition.”

“Oh, my, you’re just like me. I also need this book for the competition.”

“In that case, if your arm hurts, you shouldn’t. By the way, I’m quite comfortable.”