Chapter 9
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 9
Chapter Title: Kept Getting Mistaken for a Thug (5)
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Asha quickened her pace as she searched for the bookstore.
After passing several blocks as the innkeeper had directed beforehand, she finally spotted a single rundown bookstore with a faded sign.
She nearly walked right past it.
It was that small and shabby.
It's a little unsettling...
Was she expecting too much?
Asha's eyes narrowed slightly.
A cramped shop squeezed between proper storefronts. Through the dust-covered glass window, she could barely make out the books on display.
Well, better than nothing, I suppose.
She decided to go inside first.
Asha carefully pushed open the weathered wooden door.
Creeeak—the unpleasant friction of hinges desperately in need of oil assaulted her ears, followed by the musty scent of paper tickling her nose.
Mmm, the aroma of knowledge after so long.
Asha's lips curled up involuntarily. She closed the door meticulously and scanned the interior.
The shelves were packed tight. Though the place was small, it was filled to the brim with books.
Against one wall sat an old man dozing off in a chair.
Probably the owner.
Should I wake him? Or can I just browse?
She tilted her head in thought for a moment.
In the end, Asha began quietly browsing the shelves.
Then, something caught her eye—a peculiar book on the highest shelf.
"......"
She stood on her tiptoes, stretching her arm out with all her might.
Streeetch—
But it was just out of reach.
...Seriously? My height's the problem here?
She let her stretched body slump back down in defeat, her lips puffing out in a pout.
She looked around, but there was no ladder in sight.
And she certainly didn't want to jump around like an idiot to grab it.
That's sour grapes. Sour grapes.
She huffed through her nose and turned her head away with feigned nonchalance.
As if she'd planned it from the start, she smoothly pulled out a novel from chest height.
That's when a low mutter from the old man reached her ears.
"Heh heh, live long enough and you see all sorts of sights."
"Ah. Hello."
Asha turned and greeted him.
The old man's gaze naturally drifted to her chest.
"The Secret Tryst of the Lady Knight and the Young Lady. Hmm..."
Unique tastes, indeed.
The old man murmured just low enough that it shouldn't have been audible as he read the title.
"?"
Asha had sharp ears.
She hurriedly dropped her eyes to the cover of the book in her hands.
Gasp...
Her eyes widened in shock.
She fumbled to shove it back onto the shelf.
"Um, I mean, I was just curious! I grabbed it at random!"
She stammered out the words in a rush.
A faint blush spread across Asha's milky cheeks. Her lowered head cast shadows from her long lashes, which trembled faintly.
She hesitated, gauging his reaction.
"Curiosity, eh."
The old man just chuckled.
Asha felt the need to change the subject.
"Do you have any books on history, by chance?"
"History?"
"Yes. I'm looking to learn about a lady knight named Yulia Silvern."
At that, the old man pointed at a bookshelf instead of answering.
"?"
That's the one from earlier.
"The illustrations in that one's a real gem."
"......"
Now he mentioned it, she was curious.
How impressive could they be?
She already felt like a weirdo for even considering it, but maybe just a peek?
...Still, not in front of someone.
In the end, Asha shook her head, resisting the temptation.
The old man, stroking his goatee, stepped away briefly.
Soon, a new book was in Asha's hands.
"Yulia Silvern. A remarkable lady knight, they say. Shame there's no autobiography, though."
"What about this one?"
"A children's biography compiled later. As you can see, this is the kind of shop we have. If you want details, you'd best head to a much bigger city."
"Ah..."
Asha nodded, understanding.
Not every city was grand and massive.
Beck City was what you'd call a mid-sized free city.
After checking the price, Asha said,
"I'll take this. Separately from that, if you know any stories, could you share them?"
"That much service is no trouble."
The old man smiled warmly.
Plip. Platter—
"Ah, it's already raining."
Asha muttered as she prepared to leave the bookstore.
The old man immediately dashed into the back of the shop.
Clatter bang—after a racket, he returned with a cloak.
It was an outer coat with a hood.
The old man said with a kindly smile,
"Take this at least. You elves won't catch your death from a little rain, but it bothers me all the same."
Service, pure service, he emphasized.
Asha smiled faintly and accepted the coat.
"Then I won't hold back."
The rain wasn't heavy, but she wasn't so oblivious as to ignore his gesture.
Wrapping the large coat around herself, Asha started toward the inn.
Lots to ask Elysia once I'm back.
Advice on mercenary work, info on the Raglain Count's territory she was heading to, and more.
Asha mentally compiled her list of questions as she hurried along.
It was after passing about a block.
"Hm?"
Glancing around as she walked, Asha's eyes met those of a man in a nearby alley.
He scowled deeply, pulled his hood low, and slipped away.
...Have I seen him somewhere?
With the rain and the dim alley at a distance, she hadn't gotten a good look at his face.
She'd only arrived in the city today, so it was probably just a false sense of familiarity from the rain.
Shaking it off, Asha quickened her steps.
Back at the inn.
After shaking off the rain, Asha headed to her reserved private room.
She lightly sorted her coat and belongings, then used a dry cloth from the inn to towel off her damp hair.
Drip drop. Drip drop. The rain pattered against the window like a steady clock.
Asha stood by the window, watching the people on the street.
She calmly organized the questions floating in her mind during this spare time.
How much time passed?
Knock knock—
A knock at the door.
It was Elysia, back from her errands.
They exchanged brief confirmations and began dinner together.
After swallowing a mouthful, Asha said,
"Elysia. You said we're heading straight to the Raglain Count's territory tomorrow, right?"
"Mm. No rush on the schedule, but nothing beats resting at home."
"You mentioned the city there is much bigger than Beck City. So there must be proper bookstores too?"
"Of course."
Elysia's eyes sparkled as she nodded.
"Want to come along?"
"Yes! I figured starting at a place with a friend would be best."
"Heh heh, is that so."
Elysia smiled contentedly. She'd been about to suggest it herself, so this made things easier.
She listened closely to Asha's next words.
"Would I get to meet other elves there?"
"Elves? I'll introduce you."
"R-Really?! You know some?"
"The Raglain Count's family is a house of knights. They even have a squad made up of elf knights."
"Wow..."
Was everything going this smoothly? It felt too good to be true.
Asha's mouth fell open in a wide grin, her eyes crinkling happily.
With gusto, she speared a piece of meat with her fork—poke!
She stuffed her cheeks full, beaming with satisfaction.
Watching her, Elysia laughed brightly and took a bite herself.
Compared to village fare, it was well-prepared, but nothing to write home about.
Yet she devoured it with such relish.
She'd have to show her the good restaurants once they reached the count's territory.
What a charming girl.
...Huh.
Who'd have thought she'd ever find an elf charming.
Elysia gave a wry smile without realizing it.
Of course, elves were all stunningly beautiful by nature.
But meals with them were never this casual.
Seats for flaunting wealth and honor, boasting feats to one-up each other.
In short, elves were nobility among nobility.
At least, the ones Elysia knew.
I wonder if this is wise...
What kind of interaction would spark between this odd elf girl and the elf knights?
Who knows...
Tap, tap, tap. Elysia's fingers drummed lightly on the table.
Soon, she looked straight at Asha and said,
"Asha, before we leave tomorrow, let's stop by the mercenary guild first. I'll help you register."
"...Hm? Sure! Sounds good."
Asha licked sauce from her lips and flashed a bright smile.