History at the Library

She jumped up from her seat. Then, she organized the manuscripts one by one, made a hole with an awl, and tied it skillfully with a string.

After a moment of flapping over the paper, she glanced over it and held it out to Aiden. The essence of the novel that she’s been working hard on has all been melted in this paper.

“It’s a shame, but I’m done, so I’ll leave as per the contract.”

He was prepared to say it, but he didn’t respond much to Vivian’s words. He just looked coldly for a moment, and he still answered in a funny voice.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t remember making such a contract.”

“What?”

“It doesn’t matter if Vivian’s novel is complete or not.”

“Huh? No, what the–”

“Did you forget? I made it clear that the deadline was not until you finished a novel but that I was satisfied with it.”

Vivian was speechless for a while and repeatedly opened and closed her lips like a carp. Come to think of it, it was. Their plan was not to complete this novel, but to complete a novel that Aiden could be satisfied with.

Why did she naturally think he’d be satisfied with this novel?

As she stuttered for a moment, she could not immediately come up with the answer. It was because she was convinced that the novel she wrote now would be the beginning of all change, one step beyond her limits.

If this novel isn’t good, she doesn’t have a clue what novel he’d be satisfied with. Now that Vivian realized it, her face slowly began to turn pale.

“Is that a mortgage right now?”

Does she have to stay in that weird relationship where she can’t get the Grand Duke’s mind and only have sex until they feel like it? Vivian, who imagined the worst future even if she received someone as a lover or wife, was almost crying now. Authority of the Grand Duke!

No, he went too far. Still, Aiden hasn’t even told her what her novel is like.

Moreover, where did the confidence come from that the Grand Duke will stand by the authority for life under the pretext of verbal contracts? She let out a small sigh, exhorting her imagination.

How would he rate that novel?

When she glanced at Aiden, she only looked silently at the manuscript. But the sudden blue eyes looked very serious. To the point where she wonders if he’s the same person that she’s been living with until now.

Suddenly she felt like she was on the verge of a strict literary critic, so she gulped.

But what he broached after a while was way out of line with her expectations.

“Now you’re heading to the publisher with the manuscript?”

“Well, I guess so. There’s nothing much to do now.”

“Good, let’s go together.”

“Huh? What’s the reason?”

Evaluation? Vivian asked back, but he just smiled and rang the bell calling the servants.

Suddenly, the maids appeared in the room where they were waiting. They were carrying a variety of outdoor costumes with their hands full.

In addition to Aiden’s clothes, there were a variety of dresses tailored to Vivian’s body shape. Theyall had bright designs that were popular in the city.

“When the hell did that happen?”

She floated dozens of question marks over her head and recalled her maid measuring her body a few days ago. Since then, she vaguely expected to receive clothes as a gift, but she didn’t know it would be this many, thinking it would be one or two at the most.

She’s leaving soon anyway, what a waste of money. Are these all gifts?

Maids served Aiden and Vivian’s clothes in the same place, quite accurately. Now, the relationship seemed to be recognized as a relationship where they could show themselves to each other when they were changing their clothes.

Vivian had a dazed face in a light rosy dress, whose lace was decorated like a bud.

“Pretty…”

She thought it was really the last time. What’s the point of going to a publishing company all of a sudden, and what’s this lovely dress for a spring outing?  Of course, the dress was so pretty that she wanted to put it on the heroine because it’s not a luxury for her eyes.

Likewise, Aiden, who had changed his clothes, bowed down, lifted Vivian’s hem slightly and kissed. No wonder her face was burning as her red lips sank on the lace modeled after the shape of a petal.

She suddenly came to her senses with a ‘Hat!’

“Don’t fall for it and tell me the truth! So what did you think of my novel?”

“I can tell you when I get to the publisher.”

“I don’t mind if you tell me, but why would you want to go there?”

“Am I not allowed to go?”

Not really, but…

Vivian couldn’t find a particular reason why he shouldn’t go to the publishing company, so she talked more. Aiden has made a huge contribution to this work, so he can at least tour it whenever he wanted.

However, what was the alternative purpose?

Don’t say he’s going to ask her to take off the royalty rate as much as he contributed to this novel, and when it overflowed with money. He was not the type to do it.

Unable to understand what the hell he was up to, Vivian opened her eyes carelessly.

“I’ve never been out with Vivian before.”

Then Aiden spoke as if she had read her mind. Vivian, who had suspected him of being suspicious, was stabbed inwardly and forced to wince.

Besides, she’s so emotional at this point that she doesn’t remember going out together.

Vivian stole the pink colored ball from the back of her hand. If he says such a thing, she has no choice but to nod. Like now, the first and last date.

Seeing him smile contentedly, Vivian thought of it.

***