Chapter 45
Tap.
I stepped out, pretending to sniffle as I gently closed the door behind me.
The guards stationed nearby glanced over, so I deliberately blew my nose loudly and pulled my hood low over my head.
“Sniff, sniff… honk!”
While the guards turned their heads, I began walking quickly down the corridor.
My heart pounded in fear—what if someone called out to me or recognized me?
I had to get out of here without anyone finding out.
Careful but swift, I passed through the corridor and descended the long staircase.
Thanks to the ongoing festival, there were quite a few visitors from out of town. I was relieved I could blend into the crowd without standing out, even with a robe over my dress.
<This is ridiculous, Ribe. You’re asking me to lie here in your place?>
<Please. It won’t take long.>
<You were just kidnapped and barely regained consciousness. You’re not even fully recovered—where do you think you’re going?>
<There’s something I have to confirm. It has to be now, Leoni.>
<Then let me come with you.>
<You can’t. There are people outside. If I say I’m leaving, His Grace absolutely won’t allow it.>
<But you said it’s important. Then let’s talk to His Grace. Maybe if we explain—>
<It’s the final day of the festival. He must be really busy. I’ve already caused enough trouble. I don’t want to be a burden again.>
…
<Just stay in my place, in case anything happens. That’s all I ask.>
<But what if someone comes in?>
<The doctor already came by. My mother and father, too.>
…
<No one else will come for now. I told them I was tired and needed to rest.>
<Still, this is scary. We’re deceiving people.>
<I won’t be long. I promise.>
…
<Leoni, I can’t explain why I have to leave right now, but this isn’t just about me. It’s about you too.>
<About me too?>
<Yes. Please trust me, just this once.>
<But…>
<Please.>
<Ribe… I trust you. So I won’t ask any more questions. But promise me one thing. Don’t do anything dangerous.>
<I promise.>
<And come back soon.>
Leoni and I had swapped clothes.
While she nervously lay in bed wearing my simple chemise dress, I changed into the ornate dress she had worn.
Just like when she came in, I pulled the hood low over my face and held a handkerchief in my hand.
To avoid recognition, I pretended to wipe my face, keeping my head down.
‘Alright, just a little more!’
I had just exited the palace with Leoni’s help and was about to climb into a carriage when—
“Ribe?”
I should have stayed still.
I should have just gotten into the carriage.
But reflexively, I turned my head—and there stood a familiar face.
“My god, Ribe—where are you—?”
“Shh!”
Adrian’s face was flushed as he took a good look at me.
Then, lowering his voice, he grabbed my arm.
“Where are you going? Are you okay?”
“Yes. As you can see, I’m perfectly fine.”
“No way. What are you even wearing? Did you cry?”
“No, what? Cry? Of course not!”
Just then, the coachman looked down and asked,
“You getting in or not?”
Adrian and I responded at the same time:
“Yes!”
“No, sorry.”
Then Adrian gave the coachman a few coins and sent him away.
“Adrian, what are you doing?”
“I heard you were in danger. That you were lying unconscious.”
“Well, yes, but as you can see, I’m fine now.”
I spread my arms to show I was okay and gave him a sheepish smile.
“Are you really okay?”
“Of course. I’m perfectly fine. Not hurt at all.”
As we spoke, I pulled my hood even lower, worried someone might recognize me.
“I was so shocked when I heard you were kidnapped.”
It seemed he wouldn’t let me go easily.
I gave up on the departing carriage and faced him squarely.
“Thank you for worrying about me. But fortunately, I wasn’t seriously hurt. So please don’t worry.”
“They said it was the Easley family. Do you have some kind of grudge with them?”
If anything, it was a grudge.
I just gave a bitter smile and shrugged.
Adrian must’ve realized he’d crossed a line, because he rubbed his face with a sigh.
“Sorry. This isn’t the time to bring that up. I apologize.”
“It’s fine. Really.”
He seemed to think he’d hurt me—but that didn’t matter.
I just wanted him to let me go.
“So where exactly are you trying to go?”
“Well… There’s something I have to take care of.”
After climbing over Mount Leoni, now Mount Adrian was blocking my way.
“I’ll take you there.”
“No, I mean, I’m just going home. That’s all.”
“Home?”
“Yes, I forgot something important.”
I hated how bad I was at lying in times like this.
“You could’ve sent someone. You’re still not fully recovered.”
“It’s just… too important to trust to anyone else.”
“Ribe.”
His voice was gentle, but carried a hint of firmness.
“Didn’t something similar happen before?”
“Oh… right.”
“I ran into you in Jenniton Street. Wearing a robe.”
“…”
“What’s going on? I’m worried you’re dealing with something alone. I wish I could help.”
“Lord Watford.”
It was clear now—I wouldn’t get past Adrian with a half-truth or a deflection.
“I was really grateful last time. For keeping your promise and keeping it secret.”
“Because it was a promise with you, Ribe.”
“I’m sorry, but I have to ask again. When I left the palace, I prayed I wouldn’t run into anyone. But if I had to, I’m glad it was you. What I need to do is very personal—but it’s not dangerous. Please, trust me just this once.”
Adrian was silent for a moment.
He looked down at me with a complicated expression, then gave a small nod.
“So… should this meeting stay secret too?”
“Yes.”
“I’m glad to have a secret with you, but I’m not sure how I feel about it.”
Huh? Why would he be glad?
“Lord Watford, please.”
“Alright, I understand. But when you’re done with this very personal, very important thing, promise you’ll tell me about it.”
Ugh. That look in his eyes was a little too intense.
I quickly bowed and forced a cheerful smile.
“Okay. Thank you.”
“I’ll call you another carriage.”
The carriage took off and finally dropped me off at Jenniton Street.
‘I’m finally here.’
Standing in front of Mr. Clem’s bookstore, I felt a strange emotion stir inside me.
As I gently pushed open the firmly shut door, the scent of musty mold and damp paper rushed over me all at once.
“Whenever I come to this dark, gloomy place, it feels like coming home.”
As I took one step inside, it felt like he was standing right behind me.
Jerelak.
Whatever I’m about to see… I’ve decided: this life, I will live it my own way.
If the ending written in the book is my disappearance—then I will accept it.
But I hope Leoni will be happy.
I want my friend to live happily ever after with the person she loves.
Taking a deep breath, I walked inside.
“Hello.”
I knew no one would respond—but I greeted anyway.
A light, polite greeting helped ease my tension a little.
I had been worried Mr. Clem might not be here—but thankfully, as always, he was seated like a statue.
When I stood in front of him, he slowly raised his head and stared up at me. Then, moving like he was in slow motion, he opened a drawer and pulled out a small, worn slip of paper.
“Thank you.”
I picked up the pen and wrote the title of the book I was looking for.
“The Tumultuous Renata”
In the meantime, Mr. Clem pulled out a ridiculously thick index book and delicately flipped through the pages. After a long search, he jotted something down and handed me the note.
Section L, 24th shelf, book #398. Only one copy available. Not for sale.
This time, I didn’t ask if I could buy it, or beg him to make an exception.
I simply picked up one of the cushions stacked in front.
And although I knew Mr. Clem couldn’t hear me, I whispered softly:
“Then, I’ll be back.”
