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Chapter 17




Vivian had gone through all sorts of hardships, there was no doubt Carden too had some unspeakable story behind her actions. Carden would have never let herself become stuck between the Emperor and the Duke by her own volition
Or perhaps, as they say, a landscape changes in a decade, perhaps her philosophy of love had become more than unconventional –  had it been destroyed?
She could feel her shake through her fingertips. Vivian pretended to be indifferent and changed the topic with a cheerful voice.
“Actually, I have clothes and underclothes deep inside of the library. There are days that I have so many books I want to read, so I stay within the library for several days.”
“This was a secret, but I’m only telling you, Carden,” Vivian whispered secretly and winked mischievously.
Carden’s two eyes grew wide. She appeared to be surprised that her childhood friend, who had grown up as an aristocratic lady just like herself, was living such a miserable life just to read some books.
“Tell me if there’s a book you want to read. There are ‘no books’ that I, for one, don’t have.”
There was no book that Vivian couldn’t obtain. Other than the books within the Royal Palace, she had secretly obtained all of the forbidden books. Of course, the forbidden books were her part of her personal collection. If those hundreds of books were found out, Vivian, who was the Royal Palace’s possession, would have her neck fly straight off.
Well, it also meant that she had access to all the books in circulation in the Empire.
“You’re like usual, Vivian.”
As Carden showed a faint smile, Vivian muttered so quietly that it couldn’t be heard.
“I didn’t want to show this side of me

.”
“Hm? What?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
Vivian looked at Carden who had a bitter smile with wonder-filled eyes and carried her into the ‘Staff Only’ region. If she had to talk about this place, she would describe it as her sanctuary. A secret location where she could read and write without being bothered.
Vivian locked the door behind her and opened the door of a passage to the basement and led Carden inside. She walked down the stairs with an astonished face as she wondered about this secretive location within the library.
Vivian had a lot of curious things and questions for Carden. However, it was better to not place that incident on her lips. Just as Vivian had many things occur to her, Carden would have been the same.
“Sit here.”
As she pointed at the small table prepared for the employees, Carden flinched and shivered before her face flushed and she shook her head. Her legs which could be seen under her dress trembled as though they had trouble holding her up.
Ah.
“Wait a moment.”
Vivian bustled around here and there before she returned with a clean cloth, water canteen, and medicine.
“Can you sit there and lift your skirt for a moment?”
Carden couldn’t help but be flustered that Vivian, whom she’d met for the first time in a long time, didn’t look embarrassed as she instructed her to lift her skirt. Even if one was to consider the circumstances, don’t they usually start with an ordinary greeting like ‘How have you been lately?’
“What?! Wait, I’ll do it.”
Carden desperately held down her skirt.
“You can’t see it. There’s no mirror here either.”
“It’s okay not to do it! I’ll just change my clothes. Ah, and I can just call a carriage.”
“Did you bring a communication device?”
“No

 I don’t have one right now

.”
Carden’s face was red as if she’d been set on fire. Tears hung at the corners of her eyes like pearls.
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Is there any reason to be so embarrassed when she’s done worse in a public place like the library?
Vivian tilted her head with a questioning look and softly pursed her lips. Though they had once been friends, now that there was a clear status difference between them, she shouldn’t be so flustered anymore.
“You’re not familiar with matters afterward, right?”
And you’re probably feeling a little sorrowful.
“Also I’m now the Royal Palace’s employee. Just think of it as being served by a maid. My Lady.”