Chapter 58.1

The Northern Wind (1)

Maria’s bookstore was small, but it had everything it needed, arranged with charming precision.

There was even a small space where customers could sit and read the books they picked out, but, of course, it wasn’t free.

Yet, for some reason, Theo got to use it without paying.

Apparently, it was a special discount for regular customers.

Whatever the reason, Theo sat in that space and read a book.

Before he knew it, Maria was sitting right in front of him, reading a book as well.

It seemed like she had naturally gravitated there due to the lack of customers.

Of course, Maria was completely focused on her book, but Theo’s attention had long since shifted from his book to Maria.

“Ahem! By the way, doesn’t the bookstore feel a bit plain? I think it’d be nice to decorate it with something.”

Theo spoke casually, seizing the moment to bring up the topic as he subtly prepared to take something out from his coat.

“For example, maybe you could place a piece of pottery somewhere.”

“Pottery?”

Maria lifted her gaze from her book, looking at him like he was speaking nonsense.

“Do you have any idea how expensive porcelain is?”

“Is it that expensive?”

“Of course, it is!”

“But I see it often these days.”

Theo knew perfectly well how much porcelain cost. After all, he was the operations manager of the Arad Company. But for now, he pretended to be ignorant, continuing the conversation with Maria.

“Even if you see it often, there’s no way a poor store like ours could afford it.”

From what Theo had heard, Maria’s father was a government official in the High Tower.

“And with the money it’d cost to buy porcelain, I’d rather buy more books. I could probably buy at least 50 more books with that amount.”

Hearing this, Theo figured her father must either be an upright and honest official or someone in a lower position, considering how frugal Maria was.

“Besides, taking care of porcelain would be a hassle. You’d have to worry about cleaning it, and there’s always the risk of theft.”

“Theft? This is the High Tower. And it’s even in the inner city.”

“I’m just saying it’s a possibility. If you had something as valuable as a gold coin sitting right there in plain sight, wouldn’t people be tempted?”

“Aren’t books expensive too? Each one usually costs more than 1 silver, right? Some rare ones even go for the price of a gold coin.”

“Now that you mention it, you’re right. Books are definitely expensive, but I’ve never heard of a thief targeting books.”

“That’s because anyone interested in books wouldn’t need to resort to theft.”

“Hearing you say that, I feel like having a couple of pieces of pottery wouldn’t be such a bad idea after all. Not that I could afford it.”

With each word, Theo’s heart beat faster.

Maria, without realizing it, seemed to have a subtle interest in porcelain.

“Which is why, Maria, I prepared something for you.”

With a sly grin, Theo pulled a piece of porcelain he had worked hard on for two days out of his coat and held it out to Maria.

“!!”

Maria’s eyes widened as she gazed at the blue porcelain vase.

“W-what is this?!”

It was a beautiful blue vase, unlike anything she had ever seen before. The surface was smooth and glossy, and simple yet familiar Northern flowers were delicately painted on it, albeit a bit clumsily.

For Maria, who had only known books, it was as if a whole new world of art had opened before her eyes.

“This is a piece of porcelain I made over two days at the company.”

“T-T-Theo, you made this?!”

Maria was even more shocked than when she had first laid eyes on the porcelain.

In fact, she was just as stunned as she had been the day he suddenly appeared with two arms instead of one.

“Your company… could it be…?”

“Yep, that’s right. Arad Company. The one that makes Arad Salt and the one that made my new arm. So, where do you think we should put it?”

“But… I can’t accept something this expensive!”

“It’s not expensive at all. I guarantee you that, soon enough, this porcelain will be cheaper than most books.”

“Really…?”

“Besides, this porcelain is special. It’s one of the very first porcelain pieces made in the Northern, no, on the entire Arcadia continent. And on top of that, I made it myself, staying up all night.”

“……!”

Maria understood perfectly.

She had already sensed Theo’s feelings for her for some time.

To be honest, she didn’t dislike him.

He was a sincere, earnest man who used to be a knight, and she had been waiting for him to take action.

But since he kept coming to the bookstore without making a move, she had been unsure if he even had feelings for her at all.

‘Is this… a confession?’

Maria believed that the porcelain vase before her was a reflection of Theo’s heart, his sincerity, and his affection.

‘Alright, then I’ll do my part too!’

Her heart pounded, but Maria calmed herself. She took a breath and faced Theo with newfound resolve.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Ahem! Did you say you’re off work today?”

“Huh? Yeah, that’s right.”

“Then, I’ll close up early. Want to have dinner together?”

He had shown this much effort and sincerity for her.

Surely, she ought to muster some courage as well, Maria thought.

“O-Of course! I’m fine anywhere!”

“Since you gave me a gift, I’ll buy dinner.”

“No way! I’ve got plenty of money!”

“Don’t kid yourself. I know you spent it all on books. You should start saving. You’re going to need money for a lot of things in the future.”

“Uh…?”

Both of their faces flushed red as they gazed at each other.

Even though it was winter, it felt as if a warm breeze had started blowing around them.

***

Renslet Castle

The Palace of Glory

The bedroom of Arina, Grand Duchess of the North.

Arina, having finally received some vacation time, released her transformation and returned to her room.

No one had spotted her on her way in.

She had used one of the secret passageways known only to a select few in the High Tower.

“Ahh!”

The moment she stepped into her bedroom, she collapsed onto the bed.

She didn’t even bother to change her clothes or wash up.

Though it was broad daylight, she didn’t care one bit.

If Isabelle saw her like this, she would no doubt scold her.

But even if she did, Arina would just ignore it.

‘After working for two days straight, I deserve at least one day off.’

Arina felt no guilt.

She was taking what she rightfully deserved.

‘Still, it was fun.’

Lying in bed, she gazed at the ceiling with a faint smile.

Then, she reached for something inside the bag hanging from her waist — a bag marked with “Arad’s Sincerity.”

What she pulled out was a blue water bottle she had just finished making at the second factory.

Shaaah—

The sun’s rays poured in at just the right angle, hitting the surface of the bottle.

The patterns of swords and shields she had painstakingly carved and painted the night before shimmered faintly as if they were infused with mana.

It almost seemed like green leaves were pouring out of the bottle.

‘It’s beautiful…’

Staring at the mesmerizing glow of the bottle, Arina was suddenly overcome with a strange feeling of tears welling up in her eyes.

‘Why am I… feeling like this?’

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