Pybel retorted mischievously, not looking back, and set off. Looking at his departing figure, I turned to Merem.

“They say the empress’s study is complete. Would you like to go see it?”

“Sure.”

“Good. Luckily, our tastes match. I’m not particularly fond of getting wet in the rain.”

Although Merem’s body would be killed by the rain, I still don’t like getting wet. I’ve always hated it.

“You prefer sunny days. You prefer spring or summer over autumn or winter.”

“Is it that obvious?”

“I’ve been watching you all along, so I know.”

Recently, he’s been boldly coming in and startling me.

“So, is there anything else you know about me?”

“You prefer the sea over mountains. You like being around noisy and talkative people, but you don’t consider such a person as a potential partner. Your taste in men is more picky than you think.”
I lightly touched on it, but it pours out endlessly. However, there was no incorrect word.

“Um, I can’t refute that.”

“You don’t consider the other person’s status. However, if you look closely, his status is quite high.”

“…That’s also true.”

“You like noble things. Even if you keep a lowly person by your side, it’s no different from the dogs we raise in the palace. The one willing to overlap bodies, exchange lips, and even offer that expensive heart is someone born of high standing.”

“That’s…”

I pursed my lips briefly and then closed them again.

My words were stuck.

‘Come to think of it, is that true?’

I’ve never met someone considering their status. Initially, I just thought Enrique was a herder.

I thought that since I have everything, I am complete and perfect, the other person just needs to receive my love. But… preferences can be quite scary.

‘Was status also a part of preferences?’

Enrique was actually a prince, and Merem too. Shailo holds the title of Grand Duke in the northern region, which is akin to being a king.

I shrugged my shoulders while scratching my cheek.

Well, what can you do?

That’s my preference.

“Especially when considering abilities, you can’t easily kill him….”

At that moment, Merem mumbled, as if passing by, giving off an atmosphere that he could have already eliminated him.

‘Ah, he’s indeed paying attention to Shailo.’

It’s understandable.

Even so, I felt like I should have said that I care more about you than Shailo. But saying that would feel more like teasing, especially since I’m not going to choose him and return his love.

“Your Majesty, have you arrived?”

The library of the empress’s palace was still in disorder due to the ongoing book classification. Terion, who was busy classifying books with servants, stood up and bowed slightly when he saw me.

What I liked was that, just like to Merem, he also lowered his head to greet Merem.

“Do you like the library?”

“Yes. To be able to look after so many books like this… It feels like a dream.”

“I’m glad you like the position of a librarian.”

“I think it was a good decision to come out of the house. At home, I couldn’t easily bring books, so… I had to repeatedly read what was available.”

Today, Terion’s pale face shone only in his eyes.

Already used to the praise, he thanked me politely.

“I’m going to see various things in the library that have been neatly organized.”

“You’ve organized it very well.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

“Although you entered the government, just think of yourself as a librarian and work. Keep doing so in the future. You should understand this by looking at Charles Inspiration, but being a palace librarian is a lifelong occupation.”

Knowing exactly where everything is in this vast collection of data could only be done by a librarian who spends all day in the library. Therefore, there was hardly a reason for them to be chased away.

Moreover, due to the nature of people who choose the occupation of a ‘librarian,’ there was hardly any bribery, corruption, or ambition, so there was no reason to worry about misconduct.
“Librarians are classified as lower-ranking government officials, and they say you’ll receive a pension when you get older.”

“Oh!”

At the mention of the word ‘pension,’ Terion’s face brightened significantly.

I patted Terion’s shoulder in response.

“By the way, I am generous, so if you happen to hold someone dear in your heart, don’t hesitate to tell me. Your position in the government may be lost, but you still have the role of a librarian, don’t you?”

“Thank you for your consideration….”

Terion politely gathered his hands and slightly lowered his head. As he did, his ears turned red, but it didn’t seem to imply that he had fallen for me.

Rather, what should I say? It felt more like embarrassment.

‘Oh, maybe it’s because being poor is embarrassing.’