DED 32

Chapter 32

The next day, Lucy arrived at the shopping district earlier than the time she was supposed to meet Alexander.

She had learned the knack for finding special books.

‘To raise Alexander’s affection, I need this skill.’

Lucy realized that in order to build rapport with him and learn more about him, she needed to use a special book as bait.

She began searching for the special book again, visiting the bookstores she had been to the day before.

Knowing that it glowed faintly with a purple hue made it much easier to spot.

Even the books that hadn’t caught her eye yesterday were easy to find now.

After purchasing the book, Lucy headed to the place where she was supposed to meet Alexander.

The bookstore clerk looked surprised to see her.

She was heading once again to the section containing adult books.

He had to deliberately pretend not to notice, so as not to reveal the secret tastes of a noble lady.

Lucy was embarrassed but couldn’t help it.

After all, she had met Alexander in this corner by chance yesterday, and had arranged to meet him here again.

“You’ve arrived early.”

Alexander greeted Lucy as he arrived on time.

Lucy observed Alexander carefully.

He was still wearing the hooded robe.

She hadn’t thought much of it the day before, but today was different.

Lucy suspected that he might be using the hood to hide his face.

‘To avoid being noticed.’

Why would he need to do that?

What circumstances could he be in?

And how was Bartholomew involved in those circumstances?

Lucy had more questions than she could count.

But these were not things she could easily ask.

She would have to uncover them gradually, while building familiarity with Alexander.

“Have you finished reading the book?”

“Here it is.”

Alexander took the book from his arms and handed it to Lucy.

It still radiated a faint purple glow.

“Did you find it interesting?”

At her question, Alexander’s eyebrows raised slightly.

“It was intriguing, especially…”

“Wait a moment.”

Lucy interrupted him.

“I haven’t read it yet, so please don’t spoil the contents.”

Alexander nodded.

“If it’s alright, may I read the book here? That way I can return it immediately.”

Lucy had no intention of dragging out this meeting.

As part of her plan, she subtly moved the book she had bought at the previous bookstore so that Alexander could notice it.

‘Will Alexander show interest?’

Lucy anxiously waited for Alexander’s reaction.

It felt like fishing—casting the line and hoping the fish would bite.

Her expectations were correct.

“What is that book?”

Alexander showed interest in the book Lucy held.

This confirmed that the special book was indeed one that piqued Alexander’s curiosity.

“Where did you get it?”

“At a bookstore.”

Lucy lifted the book as she spoke.

“Would you like to read this book?”

“It would be a lie if I said no.”

A faint smile appeared on Alexander’s lips.

“It seems we share similar tastes in books.”

Until now, Alexander had always read alone.

He knew his tastes in books were unique.

He had always been interested in books that went unnoticed in the corners of bookstores.

Even if they weren’t popular, he was drawn to their unique completeness.

Finding such books had been a joy in itself.

It was like discovering pearls in the mud, and it gave him a thrill.

Though he frequented bookstores, he didn’t always find something worthwhile.

But seeing Lucy with such a book naturally drew his interest.

Someone with the same taste in books.

It would be fun to talk with her.

He had been bored, and the only thing that could soothe that boredom was books.

Lucy hesitated briefly at Alexander’s words.

“How about this?”

She made a suggestion to him.

“We each read a book and then return it to each other.”

“Right here, you mean?”

Lucy shook her head.

“It would feel awkward to keep reading here. How about moving somewhere else?”

Alexander did not respond immediately to her suggestion to leave the bookstore.

He had to avoid drawing attention.

Clearly, walking around with a noble lady accompanied by a bodyguard would attract notice.

But giving up the book in front of him felt disappointing.

More accurately, giving up Lucy herself felt disappointing.

Having found someone with similar tastes, he wanted to get to know her better.

After a brief silence, Alexander spoke.

“I know a café that’s good for reading books. Shall we go there?”

Lucy nodded.

Alexander led Lucy to a café he frequented.

Situated on the outskirts, it was a quiet place visited only by regulars who enjoyed a leisurely atmosphere.

Alexander thought that at this café, he and Lucy would not attract attention.

They sat across from each other at a table.

Alexander ordered coffee and pastries.

Lucy couldn’t help but smile.

“Why are you laughing?”

“This situation is just too strange,” she replied.

Alexander raised his eyebrows.

“What’s strange about it?”

“Well, we don’t even know each other’s names,” Lucy explained, trying to gather information about him.

“Isn’t it odd to share books and drink tea together without knowing each other’s names?”

Alexander’s lips curved slightly.

Indeed, it was strange.

He didn’t want to reveal his status, but having come to a café with Lucy, he might as well share his name.

“My status is humble, so I didn’t dare introduce myself.”

“Does status matter when sharing books?”

Lucy decided to take a step back.

“I just think it would be nice to at least know each other’s names.”

She meant to exchange names only, without revealing their families.

Hearing this, Alexander no longer maintained a defensive stance.

“I am Alexander. Please feel free to call me that.”

“I’m Lucy. You can call me that too.”

Lucy.

Alexander’s expression shifted subtly upon hearing her name.

He had a rough understanding of the major noble families.

Seeing her move freely in the capital’s shopping district, he surmised she was a noble residing nearby.

Among them, there was only one noble named Lucy he knew.

Lucy Adelstein.

The abandoned Second Princess.

Contact with royalty? Alexander felt a sense of setback, but quickly adjusted his thoughts.

Lucy was an abandoned princess confined to the annex.

Recent rumors suggested she had caused a scandal at a social party she attended after recovering her health.

Having debuted in society in such a disastrous manner, no one would seek her out for the time being.

‘Perhaps indefinitely.’

She might continue to live confined to the annex, as she had all along.

Alexander’s wariness eased.

Though it was unfortunate for Lucy, her presence had been so minimal that knowing her name and face posed no problem.

“Shall we start reading then?”

At Alexander’s words, Lucy nodded.

She opened the book Alexander had given her, and he opened the book Lucy had lent him.

A warm afternoon sunlight poured over them, creating a serene moment.

Feeling unexpectedly restless, Lucy looked down, pretending to read.

‘Why…?’

The book read smoothly.

It looked like a difficult book at first glance.

Surprised, Lucy checked her intelligence stat.

Her current intelligence wasn’t sufficient to read this level of book.

‘Could it be because it’s a special book?’

Maybe the skill allowed her to read it.

As she continued, Lucy grew more astonished.

The book was, in fact, about a soft, chewy rice cake puppy—Cerberus.