"it's so nice to finally meet you. I'm one of your mother's benefactors. I've been looking for you for the past 4 years..."- Madam Arosa said.
"You've been looking for me, Why?"-Veronica replied suspiciously.
"...Ever since I received a word about your mother's death, I've been meaning to contact you. But, I couldn't reach you nor find you."- Madam Arosa replied worriedly.
"The previous owner of the opera house, Baroness Reading, told me that it's been 5 years since you left the place. Afterward, she lost contact with you and she couldn't find your whereabouts. She even hired mercenaries to find you in hopes of helping you with your studies."- Madam Arosa added.
She took my hand and gently squeezed it as if she was relieved to finally find me. Her eyes were a little bit teary from the unforeseen reunion between me and her. The time passed by just like that, as she explained everything to me about my mother and why she was helping her.
I, of course, couldn't believe it at first but I do have a hunch before about the nature of my mother's work.
"... As I said it is up to her next of keen to continue this kind of 'tradition' or just leave it as it is."-Madam Arosa calmly said.
After talking to Madam Arosa, I asked her to give me some time to think. It wasn't easy for me to decide because It's a matter of one's dignity at stake. I sat back down on the wooden chair after escorting madam to her carriage facing my mother's portrait.
I burrowed my face on my arms crossing on the table while trying to comprehend everything I just learned about my mother and her past dwellings.
'I thought I knew all about your past, about your life, and your past transgressions. But, was I wrong all this time about you?'
I drown myself thinking how am I supposed to take all of this without criticizing my own mother for her doings? Speaking of which she didn't deceive me she just hid it for my sake.
I was about to go out when I heard a loud knocking sound outside of my window. I calmed myself down fearing it might be one of the madam's minions. I slowly opened the window's latch to find Anne waving at me worriedly.
"Hey, Could you at least greet me like a normal person for once?"- Veronica asked in her irksome voice.
" Very funny... I was upset about leaving you all alone and her you are making that pestering look on me."- Anne replied pouting.
'What's with her?'
"Yeah. yeah. How are you faring these days? I just came to check up on you since Alfred's not around."- Anne added smilingly.
"What am I a child? besides, since when did you become so concerned about my dwellings..."- Veronica replied irritably.
"...Geesh, What's with that sudden attitude? of course, I'm just worried about you."- Anne replied enthusiastically.
She stared at me as if something had possessed me. Now, on top of my irritating smile was the image of me crying in my lonesome, I was breathless at that moment.
I hugged her and she hugs me back comforting me with her warm arms I couldn't hold back my tears. My knees gave in on me but Anne was gracefully supporting me while she sat me down on the chair comfortably while patting my back.
"Is there something wrong? did that lady from earlier have to do with you acting like this?" Anne asked.
'Should I tell her about what I learned about my mother? Can I trust her though?'
"I-it's nothing... That lady was just lost and she asked for direction and a place she could rest for a while."- Veronica replied hesitantly.
"Okay, if you say so... but why are you crying though?"- Anne asked.
"Oh, must it be because of brother Alfred's letter, isn't it?"- Anne added.
I wiped my tears with my sleeve as I questioned her frowningly.
"Hmmph, You knew all along but you didn't tell me not even hinting me of his plans... I feel offended as your best friend. Even if he was your brother, I'm your friend, no?" Veronica pouted.
Anne tried to calm me down by explaining her side why she didn't tell me about her brother's plans and why she hid the fact about his training as a mercenary. I sighed in annoyance and nodded back.
Before Anne left for the mansion she gave me a small pouch she didn't tell me what it was but I had an inkling of what was inside of it. She nodded and smiled back as she walk away fading into the background. I looked inside and it was 3 gold coins and a letter tucked inside the pouch. I took it out and read it aloud.
[Dearest friend;
I hope these coins can ease whatever burdens you from your faring. I hope that one day we could live all together like we used to. It saddens me that my brother left us but he promised that he'll be back for us. I cannot promise you that he'll return safely but we can hope he'll return to us alive. Although I cannot see you every day I promised to visit you once a month on my day off. So, cheer up!
May the blessings of Goddess Tatania be with you always.
Sincerely yours;
Anne your cute friend.]
'Why does she always put cute in everything she does...'
***
I neatly folded her note in my pocket and hid the pouch underneath the floorboard to make sure no one dares to steal the hard-earned money of Anne and mine as well.
I fixed myself wore my Librarian robe tied my hair and jolted out of the house like a ninja would do. I took a shortcut to the forest by using a hunter's trail by doing so I lessen my traveling time by an hour.
It took me only 35 mins to get from Sabel to Reading town square where the library is located. I was panting and breaking a sweat while running so fast. I hurriedly stamp my card into the time checker and did the accumulated worksheets on my desk.
'I should finish this before Sir, Tristan scold me for not working on time as scheduled.'
There was a time were people flocked the library and the whole place would be crowded with scholars who are eager to study. But, now only older folks could be seen here.
As if the new generation only focuses on swordplay and socializing there's nothing wrong with doing so... but these books were made and printed so that people would read them. I compiled and restock the shelves that were empty, I carefully wipe and dusted the sides of the books that were filled with dust, I surveyed old books as well if they are still usable or not.
My work was my life but again it's all I've got left nothing is permanent in this world sooner or later the library might end up closing due to lack of sponsorship and funding.
'Should I take madam's offer? it was reasonable that I run the family's business by fulfilling the tradition'
"Get a hold of yourself! Dammit... Veronica!"- Veronica sighed.
'What am I thinking just now?! think about your principles your dreams and focus on your work dammit!'
"It's an honor to see you again, Green lady."- Dunstan.
Surprised at the moment, My eyes opened wide. The identity of the voice was none other than Dunstan Cornelius.
"...."
"No replies then?"-Dunstan.
"...Greetings to you, Lord Cornelius."- Veronica replied.
That same air of awkwardness and confusion was surrounding us at that moment. Instinctively my body was bowing to him. As if, It was natural for me to do so.
"What's with the formalities? all of a sudden..."-Dunstan.
"...I do not wish to be rude that is all."- Veronica.
"I'm here to see the head librarian, but it seems he's quite busy."- Dunstan.
He looked around the library and revealed that Sir Tristan was the reason he came here. Presumably, He was looking for him for some reason, and Sir Tristan seemed to be busy at the moment.
'Nobles'
With his unique expressionless expression, He looked closely at various things, including paintings hanging here and there in the library.
"Did you know, that Tristan keeps praising you for being such a good librarian?"-Dunstan.
'What is he talking about right now?'
"It seems to me he was just exaggerating things, don't you think?"-Dunstan.
"Ugh... It seems that Sir Tristan was just jesting and you fell for it, My lord."- Veronica.
I looked at him and inwardly hoped that he would leave the studio quickly. It was less than the first meeting, but still uncomfortable for me to face him.
He, who was admiring the stuck-up paper works in my desk stopped and stood there staring.
"You must be really diligent with your work. Look at this paper tower piling up like that of babel,"-Dunstan.
"Excuse my impertinence, But did you come here to pester me or you just don't have anything else to do but to pester me off?"-Veronica.
He reacted unexpectedly, glanced at me, and turned his gaze on the painting hanging beside the shelf.
Why was he paying so much attention to me? I was just eagerly hoping that he would quickly get his interest and leave.
"I don't know either..."-Dunstan.
My expression looked somewhat complicated as he opened his mouth.
Why? why? why? of all days, I have too many things on my plate all ready just leave and don't bother me as well.
He feigns ignorance after what he said to me. He took out his pocket watch and looked at the time, he sighed and he leaned on the side, drumming his finger on the table.
"By the way, If it's not too much do you mind if you accompany me for now?"-Dunstan.
'It's too much! alright... just leave shoo, shoo'
Out of the blue, he started to clench his fist from seeing an unexpected person gandering outside of the door. It was no doubt that crazy bastard who tried to kill me or so.
'What the hell is this scenario right now?'
"uhh. uhh. Sorry, for eavesdropping..."
"...Are you perhaps done, Young lord?"-Ajax.
keeking from the side I just stood there and watch this unfunny scenario unfold right in front of me. I felt incredulous from seeing him again.
"..."
"...!"
Seeing that Sir Tristan was approaching us with some documents he was carrying, I jolted out of the room and went straight to his side. Puzzled by the sudden appearance he raised his eyebrows and opened his mouth.
"Look at you! How many times do I have to remind you how to properly wear your insignia badge?"
"...And you have the audacity to show up in front of me when you literally didn't finish the inventory for the new shipment of books?"- Tristan.
Instead of escaping those two, I ended up having to listen to his outpouring remarks. I was breathless to even talk back to him. I slightly bit my lip and opened my mouth.
"Sir, Tristan, Lord Cornelius is looking for you. He is waiting in the office right now, shall I tell him that you are free now?"-Veronica.
His expression changed quickly, he pursed his lips as if he didn't like what I said but he couldn't say it to me directly. Instead, he sighed and claps my shoulder giving me that look that says ' Good luck entertaining that bastard' kind of,
'Don't dump this on me! no... I need my space too!'
I tried to understand him but my rational state of mind wouldn't let me. For the sake of my image, I forced myself to smile I swallowed up and opened the door letting myself inside the room. But, the air around them feels off as if I accidentally walk into a fighting arena. I swallowed my saliva and opened my mouth crookedly shaking in stress.
"Sir, Tristan just passed by and he regretfully told me to tell you that he can't entertain you since he had some prior appointment to deal with..."
"...He told me that if you wish to speak to him please make an appointment so that he could free his schedule and not disappoint you."- Veronica.
He couldn't bear to hear me say those tedious excuses, his expressionless expression faded, and a disappointment flashed all over his face. Like a lover who longed for his beloved reunion. The corner of his lip was drawn down and his eyebrows knitted together indicating that he felt somewhat disappointed yet again.
I know that it's not my place to pry at someone's life but seeing him just now made me feel a little bit guilty. Even if I was being superficially inclined to hug him right now what good will that does?
I don't want to cross that river and I am not someone who is emotionally suited to cope with him. I crossed my arms in distress hoping he would eventually leave on his own accord, seeing him in that state made me feel uncomfortably edgy.
'Quit sulking at someone's office you weirdo!'
"Did you hear that Young lord? the head librarian is busy today too..."
"...so, why don't we just retreat for the day?"- Ajax.
'Brother... Tristan, are you still holding grudges towards our father? is that the reason why you won't show yourself to me?'-Dunstan's inner thoughts.
"That's a great id-- I mean it's saddening that you couldn't talk to the person you came here for, why not try again? as the saying goes if there's a will there's a way..."
"...come to think of it, he did say to me he is vacant the day after tomorrow, maybe then you'll be able to talk to him then."- Veronica.
I didn't realize at that moment I crossed the line, I shouldn't have and I was painstakingly oblivious of the repercussions that would occur later on. The moment I opened my mouth I swear I felt a menacing glare stabbing me from behind. My body shivered unconsciously freezing me on that very spot.
"Just like what the miss says, we can always come back another time."- Ajax.
I nodded to him while still smiling, I gave him a little nudge on the back and patted his head.
"You're quite bold now... aren't ya?- Dunstan.
"Sorry for discourteously invading your space and disheveling your hair, Young Lord."-Veronica.
His valet tried to make him feel better at least, he patted his back while sniggering behind him dreadfully looking at me like a cat. Now that I think about it Ajax does look like a cat fuming from his mouth in anger.
I vehemently laugh for a minute there until his facial expression changed to a poker face. they stride away inconspicuously while pacing simultaneously together.
'I don't get those two at all... I guess, birds of the same feather flock together?'
After uselessly wasting my time and emotions on those two, I barely manage to finish the inventory yet again. Today was full of surprises and twists, I sat down and continued my work, as usual.
Unbeknownst to me, it was the last time I would feel at peace. Because there is no secret that can be hidden for too long.