Chapter 89

* * *

Is there really a paradise more perfect than this.

From the moment I stepped into the bookstore, I couldn’t close my mouth.

Even though it catered to free citizens, the scale of its collection completely outdid Lombard’s library. They even had shelves full of newly published titles.

“Ha, calm down. Calm down.”

I said that, but I had no idea where to start looking.

This was the perfect moment to finally live out the fantasy of saying, ‘From here to here, I’ll take all of it.’

But faced with the paradise I’d only imagined until now, my mind went blank, and I forgot all about it. I pressed myself against the shelves, panting lightly.

“This can’t be real, that’s Sermont’s new book?!”

It was a book I’d wanted to read in the past but had given up on because there was no way to get it in the north.

Sermont was already famous for provocative metaphors and satire, but this book was even bolder politically, so it was designated a banned book the moment it was published.

Every printed copy was confiscated and burned.

Only a few were secretly smuggled out, their contents passed from mouth to mouth.

“I can’t let this go.”

I hurriedly put the book into my basket.

Just in case, I added two copies. One to read and one to keep.

I planned to read it slowly after returning to the townhouse, but I couldn’t resist and opened the first page.

[Incompetent power is the most dangerous form of violence.]

The opening line was far more provocative than I’d imagined, and a gasp slipped out before I could stop it.

Luckily, I was the only customer, and most of the staff must’ve gone out to enjoy the festival. Only one remained at the counter, dozing off.

Relieved, I quietly slipped another copy into my basket.

After thoroughly combing the new releases, I piled up books and moved on to the bestseller section.

“My god, they have all of the Marchioness of Ferrand’s books?”

I completely lost control.

And when I found The Mirror of Humanity, my excitement peaked.

I didn’t care if people called me a pervert anymore. Clutching my chest, I breathed hard when someone gently grabbed my arm.

“Miss, are you all right?”

“…”

Startled by the sudden presence, I could only blink blankly.

I’d assumed the bookstore was only one floor, but apparently there was another level above. I could see the staircase that had been hidden behind a pillar.

“You don’t look well. How about resting upstairs for a bit?”

“Ah, I…”

Her clothes were simple, but her posture was elegant, and her voice and manner carried deep maturity.

She was wearing a mask like me, so I couldn’t see her face, but she felt like a well off middle aged free citizen.

Even with the development of new printing techniques, books were still a luxury.

A truly ordinary person wouldn’t even dare enter a bookstore.

“Miss?”

When I hesitated, she tilted her head.

Would I be labeled a pervert getting excited over books, or a normal person who wasn’t feeling well.

Since I planned to come here as often as a sparrow visits a mill while staying in the Capital, I swallowed my tears and chose the latter.

“Thank you for your consideration, madam.”

“Don’t push yourself. Take it slow.”

Supported by her kind arm, I climbed the stairs.

The second floor seemed to be a space for regular customers, filled more with comfortable sofas and tables than display shelves.

It looked like a place designed to read purchased books at ease.

She guided me to her original seat, which just happened to overlook the entire first floor. There was no way she’d noticed I was a pervert, right.

As expected, the second floor was completely empty except for us.

I looked down at the book lying on the table.

“Oh, Sermont’s new book?”

“He’s a writer I like. I heard he released a new book to match the festival, so I came right away.”

“You like Sermont too, madam?”

My voice brightened on its own.

Then I hurriedly added,

“Ah, but please don’t talk about the contents yet. I’ve only read the first line.”

“Incompetent power is the most dangerous form of violence?”

“Please wait, madam. My heart’s pounding…”

Lowering my voice out of concern for the staff downstairs, I looked around.

But the woman smiled as if it was fine.

“The bookstore owner knows me. He’s an avid fan of Sermont. That’s why he brought in a new book like this so quickly.”

“Then that’s a relief.”

To be honest, I didn’t believe her a hundred percent.

Still, seeing the other book titles on her table, and knowing my mask and wig protected my identity, I relaxed a little.

“Do you like Sermont too, miss?”

“Yes, but there’s another writer I like even more.”

“I’m curious who’s popular among young people these days.”

“I don’t have many friends, so it’s not really a trend, just my personal taste… I’ve admired the Marchioness of Ferrand since I was young. The Mirror of Humanity is my favorite.”

“Oh my.”

She covered her mouth, clearly surprised.

She almost looked startled.

“Isn’t The Mirror of Humanity rather old? Some might find it outdated.”

“Good books don’t age. Even classics from a thousand years ago have lessons to teach. Calling a book from just a few decades ago outdated makes no sense.”

Outdated.

The Marchioness of Ferrand.

I never thought I’d hear such nonsense with my own ears.

I’d hoped this might turn into a pleasant encounter, but I couldn’t just let it slide.

“I’ve never seen a writer who understands the essence of governance as precisely as the Marchioness of Ferrand.”

“You truly think so?”

“Of course. Sharp language alone doesn’t make a good book. It’s the keen insight hidden in calm prose where her true worth shines.”

Pouring my admiration into my words, I went on at length about how great her writing was.

Fortunately, she wasn’t someone completely impossible to talk to.

The more we spoke, the more I realized our views aligned quite well.

Her knowledge and insight were far deeper and richer than someone as young as me could compare to.

I couldn’t contain my excitement.

‘The Capital really is different.’

Lombard might be the greatest force in the north, but even an ordinary bookstore in the Capital held minds like this.

If my face weren’t so famous, I would’ve thrown off my mask and begged her to take me as a disciple.

‘And I even turned down the Marchioness of Ferrand’s invitation for this damn reason…’

Why did Elicia have to live such a rotten life and make me suffer like this.

As I lamented internally again and again, footsteps came up the stairs.

It was the staff member who’d been dozing at the counter.

They’d even put on a mask and headband to match the festival mood.

“Excuse me. Sorry to interrupt, but we’re closing the bookstore.”

“Oh my, is it already that late?”

The woman looked out the window in surprise.

The festival noise had completely died down, leaving only the occasional drunken rant echoing through the streets.

I was just as shocked.

Not only had I lost track of time, but I’d only just remembered Edwin waiting outside.

I’d completely forgotten him because I was enjoying the conversation too much.

“Please ring up all the books in my basket. I’ll come down right away.”

“Ah, the payment has already been taken care of by the gentleman over there.”

“What?!”

I jumped up and leaned over the railing.

Edwin was standing at the counter, waving at me as if he’d been there all along.