Chapter 4
“Why? I told you I’m going to write a book.”
“What’s a book going to do for you?”
“You know our house is dirt poor. I’m going to make a lot of money and give my dad a good life.”
“Just how amazing is this romance novel you’re planning to write?”
“Look forward to it. It’ll be a masterpiece that goes down in history.”
“Now that you say that, I’m kind of curious. Leaving already?”
As I gathered my things and stood up, Aiden followed suit and grabbed my wrist, pulling me back slightly.
“Yeah. I’m leaving early today.”
“Why? Stay a bit longer.”
“No, it’s fine. See you tomorrow. And tell the Count I said the cake was delicious again today.”
After smiling and saying goodbye, Aiden finally released my wrist.
“You’re not actually mad about earlier, are you? Because of the joke?”
He awkwardly scratched the back of his neck.
He must’ve felt uneasy because I was leaving earlier than usual.
Well, I usually stayed even when he told me to go home, sticking around until sunset because I was bored—so it made sense he found it strange.
Come to think of it… I should probably start reducing my private time with Aiden.
Aiden and I. We were completely convinced we were just friends—absolutely no romantic feelings whatsoever.
But it suddenly occurred to me that, from an outsider’s perspective, we might not look that way at all.
Of course, neither of us thought anything of it—but a grown man and woman always sticking together might not look like “just friends” to others.
The biggest example was my father. And more importantly… if Agnes misunderstood, it would be a disaster.
“I’m sorry, Leticia. You’re not seriously going to stop talking to me forever, right?”
He had been teasing me just moments ago, laughing like it was nothing.
But now, sensing my silence, Aiden looked anxious, his eyes dimming slightly.
“What? I’m not that petty.”
I smiled lightly and shook my head, and only then did Aiden look relieved.
“I’ve got things to do at home if I want to write a great masterpiece. You don’t need to bother seeing me off—stay here and rest a bit more. Eat some cookies. Anyway, see you tomorrow at the Rutten Library. Don’t be late!”
Hehe.
After quickly saying goodbye, I turned away with a sly smile.
“A great romance novel, huh?”
Look forward to it, Aiden.
I, a veteran romance fantasy reader of 10 years—there’s a saying that even a dog raised in a school recites poetry after three years.
I will use everything I know about romance fantasy novels to transform this bitter regret story into a sweet romantic comedy that will make your teeth ache!
I changed into a loose tunic, wide trousers that reached my feet, and tucked my long curly hair under a round baker-style cap.
“…Hmm.”
Borrowed clothes are always a bit too big.
My steps felt awkward in this unfamiliar outfit.
I stopped in front of a shop window and checked my reflection.
I was worried it might be too obvious, but thankfully the glass showed a clear image of a young boy.
“Still… this disguise seems perfect, right?”
Arriving at the Rutten Library, I pulled my hat down again, looked around carefully, and pushed the door open.
“…Wow.”
The moment I stepped inside, I forgot my purpose and stared in awe.
As expected of the oldest library in the empire aside from the Royal Library, Rutten Library was enormous.
It was hard to tell whether this was a library or an art museum—intricate sculptures and paintings were everywhere, and sunlight pouring through the glass dome ceiling made the entire place look like a painting itself.
I slowly turned around like a tourist.
The vast central hall stretched out in front of the entrance, with sections arranged in a circular layout. Towering bookshelves, several times my height, stretched endlessly like a maze.
“Huh…!”
As I wandered in awe, I quickly lowered my head.
I had almost made eye contact with someone I absolutely shouldn’t meet.
That was close—I almost got caught.
I ducked down and hid behind a bookshelf near the central hall.
Then I carefully peeked through the gaps.
And there he was.
A familiar silhouette leaning casually against the end of the information desk—Aiden.
He had arrived 30 minutes early, but how long had he been waiting already?
I felt a little guilty seeing him wait so early, but today I had no intention of meeting him at all.
Why?
Because Agnes would be arriving soon.
I had called both of them to the Rutten Library at the same time.
Wasn’t this a classic romance cliché?
A promised meeting with a friend, a friend who suddenly can’t come, and two people left behind—followed by awkward tension that slowly turns into romance!
And more importantly, the Rutten Library itself was famous not just as a reading place, but as a secret dating spot for lovers.
Sunlight streaming through giant windows, curtains swaying in the breeze, and cozy private reading spaces labeled as “quiet study zones”—perfect for secret romantic meetings.
If Aiden casually helped Agnes reach a high shelf she couldn’t reach… ahh, it would be straight out of a movie.
While I was happily imagining their date, the clock struck two.
Right on time, Agnes arrived.
Her soft pink hair fluttered like cotton candy in the wind, instantly drawing the attention of every man in the library.
Including me.
If cherry blossoms became human, would they look like that?
Flawless skin, delicate features that triggered instinctive protectiveness—honestly, even I would’ve fallen for her if I were a man.
But the man she should’ve been captivating—Aiden—was completely uninterested.
He just checked his wristwatch, ignoring her entirely.
Seriously, he really doesn’t care about anything around him.
As I shook my head in frustration, something happened.
“Oh, young Lord Crofton?”
Agnes spotted Aiden first and smiled brightly.
“What brings you here?”
Her cheeks flushed as she approached him.
Watching her, I suddenly realized something I had never noticed before.
Wait a second… was I really this oblivious?
Those sparkling, lively eyes… that shy smile… that nervous fidgeting voice—
She was clearly in love.
Honestly, before regaining my past-life memories, I had no idea Agnes was interested in Aiden at all.
Come to think of it…
All those desserts she supposedly baked for me but always matched Aiden’s preferences… all those casual questions about Aiden… even at parties, she only ever spoke when he was around.
When I was alone, she never approached me.
Only Aiden.
How had I not noticed this sooner?
I used to think I was pretty perceptive, but apparently not.
If I had known earlier, I would’ve pushed them together much more aggressively!
Letting out a silent regret over my past self, I focused back on them.
“I don’t think it’s any concern of yours what I’m doing here, Lady.”
Ah, as expected of a future regretful male lead.
Aiden replied coldly and looked away again.
I set all this up and this is what I get? At least be polite!
“Oh… I’m sorry. I was just happy to see you here by chance…”
Agnes bit her lip and lowered her head, looking dejected.
Honestly, he didn’t need to be that harsh.
Anyone would think they were mortal enemies.
I clicked my tongue in frustration—
Then suddenly, I stepped on something solid beneath my foot.
Huh…?
I turned around—and saw the exposed chest of a man through a loosely opened shirt.
“……?!”
Frozen stiff at the unexpectedly provocative sight, a deep voice rang above my head.
“Hey.”
I slowly lifted my head.
And met a pair of ice-blue eyes behind golden hair.
