CHAPTER 038
"Not just anyone can enter there, right?"
I've heard that even nobles can't enter without permission because there are so many rare materials.
"That's not a problem."
Charlotte pulled out something rectangular from her bag and showed it to me.
"I have a pass to the library. If you come with me, we can get in."
Huh? Could it be?
"When I mentioned that I love books, His Highness the Crown Prince invited me to visit the imperial palace."
Of course.
In the original work, she had received this as a gift as well. It wasn't a crucial episode, though.
"Would you like to go, Lady Elsner?"
"Yes, I'd love to!"
You have to seize opportunities when they come.
I eagerly accepted Charlotte's offer.
A little while later, we ended up at the imperial palace.
Charlotte seemed unusually excited.
"I've wanted to come here for a long time, but it felt a bit overwhelming."
"Overwhelming?"
"Yes."
She lowered her voice, glancing around.
"I heard that His Highness the Crown Prince doesn't just give this to anyone."
Right?
Charlotte wasn't 'just anyone' to Philip, so she got it easily.
Charlotte tilted her head as if she didn't understand why.
"But when I said I wanted to see the books in the imperial library, he readily issued me a pass. Seeing that-"
Seeing what?
"Maybe His Highness the Crown Prince can give this to anyone who asks? Everyone should just try asking..."
"...?"
What is Charlotte talking about right now?
I stared at her with wide eyes.
Of course, Philip gave her the pass because he's interested in her!
But Charlotte seemed to think it was just a simple favor.
Something's strange... I thought they were getting along well?
I followed behind Charlotte, puzzled.
We chatted casually as we walked.
"They're holding a hunting competition during the Harvest Festival, but I don't know who to give my handkerchief to."
Ah! That's right, the Harvest Festival is coming up.
During the hunting competition held during the Harvest Festival, it's customary for ladies to give handkerchiefs to the ones they admire.
The winner of the hunting competition dedicates their victory to the person who gave them the handkerchief.
"Have you ever been to a hunting competition, Lady Elsner?"
"Yes, I have!"
"Have you given a handkerchief?"
"No, I've never prepared one."
You have to have someone you want to give it to.
"If there's no one you particularly want to give it to, you don't have to. Watching the hunting competition is free. Giving a handkerchief is just a custom, not a requirement."
Since she seemed worried, I added that, but it seemed Charlotte had a different thought.
"Since I'm participating anyway, I'd like to give a handkerchief like everyone else. They say it's something you can only do at the hunting competition."
Well, you can give it to a popular young noble just for fun, even if you don't have a romantic interest.
It's a special event of the hunting competition.
"I'll think about it."
With those words, Charlotte opened the door to the library.
The first time I visited the Imperial Library, there was no one but the librarian.
Since you need permission to enter, it was expected, but still, it felt strange for such a vast place to be empty.
"It feels like a library reading room brought here as it is."
Charlotte seemed to feel the same way. She nodded in agreement and whispered.
"Indeed. There seems to be a variety of books. I hope you find what you're looking for, Lady Elsner."
We soon scattered to find the books we wanted to read.
I planned to look for unusual cases of magic, hallucinations, and things like that.
Here, I might find something that even Lewis, who had gone through all kinds of materials, hadn't seen!
"This one looks interesting."
While searching for books, I found one with a promising title.
"Magic and Genetics."
Judging by the title, it seemed like it would be extremely boring.
Boring books could be substantial in content, right?
In any other situation, I would have probably used it as a pillow, but I reached for the thick book.
"Ah, I can't reach it."
But my hand fell just short.
The librarian was nowhere to be seen. How should I get it?
While contemplating and standing on tiptoe, a gentle voice came from behind me, and a large hand reached out to grab the book.
"Were you trying to get this?"
I turned to see Philip standing there.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince?"
It wasn't strange for Philip to be here, considering it was the imperial library.
Especially since he had given Charlotte the pass, it made sense for him to come here.
Gasp. Could it be that the librarian disappeared on purpose to let them meet alone?
What should I do? Should I leave now?
While I was contemplating, Philip pointed beyond the bookshelf.
"I have already greeted Lady Yanils."
Philip read the title of the book he had taken for me and handed it over.
"I didn't know you were interested in this field, Lady Elsner."
I'm not really interested; I was just looking for materials...
Anyway, I politely received the book Philip handed me.
"It's been a while since we last met. I often see Marquis Blumberg, though."
We hadn't met for a long time, but I wouldn't be having another meal with Philip anytime soon.
Especially since Philip and Charlotte would be having lunch together today!
I had chosen a book that would take days to read, so I planned to quietly leave.
But at that moment, Philip asked.
"It's almost lunchtime. Would you like to join Charlotte and me for a meal?"
Huh?
Why didn't Philip send me away?
The lunch with the protagonists that followed wasn't part of today's plan.
Well, life doesn't always go as planned. I've already dealt with deviations from the original work.
'They look like a perfect match, just by their appearance.'
I thought as I looked at Philip across from me and Charlotte beside me.
Both of them had the looks of the main characters.
Thanks to Charlotte, I could openly stare at Philip.
Philip was clearly delighted to see Charlotte, as his gaze never left her.
The dining place was the same restaurant in the Crown Prince's palace that I had been to before.
As the dishes began to arrive one by one, Philip spoke to Charlotte.
"I instructed them to prepare the dishes that Lady Yanils likes."
Then he spoke to me as well.
"Of course, the ones Lady Elsner enjoyed too."
"You remembered my preferences?"
"Of course. You were a special guest I invited."
A handsome man who is also considerate...
"You couldn't eat properly that day. I remember you ate a few things diligently, so of course, I remembered."
Oh, so that's why you remembered!
It seems Philip also found that meal memorable.
The meal with Charlotte and Philip went smoothly. Much smoother than the meal I had with Lewis.
After the meal, as we were leaving the Crown Prince's palace, Philip spoke with a hint of regret.
"If we had more time, I would have liked to spend more time with you two. It's a shame."
He must be talking about Charlotte.
"It's unfortunate that I don't get to see you often, Lady Yanils. I wish I could see you more frequently."
Judging by this subtle expression of his feelings.
He's saying this even in my presence, so how would it be when they're alone? I watched them with curious eyes.
But Charlotte's response was a bit strange.
"Don't worry, Your Highness. I'll come again to read books. There are so many books I want to read!"
Her focus seemed more on the books than on Philip.
She didn't say she would come to the imperial palace to see Philip, just that she wanted to read books?
Philip smiled silently.
Was that smile a bit bitter, or was it just my imagination? What is this?
I quietly tilted my head as I watched them.
Weren't they supposed to be deeply into each other by now?
There were a few differences from the original story, but their love line seemed on track...
* * *
There was definitely a problem with Charlotte and Philip's romance.
"A letter from His Highness the Crown Prince?"
A few days later, I received a letter from Philip.
The Crown Prince sending me a letter was unprecedented. I opened the letter, curious about its contents, and it was straightforward.
[I'd like to meet with you separately to discuss Lady Yanils.]
What could he want to talk about? Discussing Charlotte with me?
Puzzled, I decided to meet him anyway.
It was a request from the Crown Prince, and the reason for the meeting was clearly stated.
After sending my agreement, Philip quickly sent back a reply with the time and place for our meeting.
And so, the day of the appointment arrived.
What does he want to talk about?
With my head full of questions, I headed to the café where we were to meet.
The café was empty as if he had reserved it in advance, and Philip was already there.
"You must have been surprised by the sudden meeting request."
He greeted me with a voice that had a touch of laughter.
Of course, I was surprised. The Crown Prince wants to meet me privately.
Philip was dressed inconspicuously as if to avoid attention.
But with a face like that, he would stand out anywhere. That's why we're meeting here alone, I guess.
But if it's a private conversation...
I was about to ask for specifics when Philip spoke first.
"I asked to meet like this to make a somewhat embarrassing request."
"An embarrassing request?"
His tone was calm but seemed cautious.
Philip seemed to be hesitating.
What is it? I looked at him curiously.
"Ah, it's nothing strange. As I mentioned in the letter, it's about Lady Yanils."
"Yes. Please go on!"
"Well..."
Philip hesitated for a moment before continuing.
"I think you know that I have feelings for Lady Yanils."
Gasp. So that's what this is about?
"Oh, were you unaware...?"
"No, I knew."
Philip looked relieved at my response.
"Then I can tell you what I want."
"What exactly is it that you want?"
I listened intently to what Philip was about to say.
Philip, who likes Charlotte.
If he has a request regarding Charlotte, what could it be?
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