Lead coloured clouds lood in the sky. The sky was like this when I received my appointnt letter banishing to the borders, Regis thought. His gaze returned to the ground, the town that was similar in color to the sky was different from the capital. He did not miss the bricks, marbles and streetlights, but the walled streets reminded him of a prison.
The border town Tuonvell. 100 Li (444 km) away from the capital and five days travel by horse carriage. The streets were dim even in daylight, the freezing wind inflicting pain. The cloudy weather was normal during winter for a place in the north near the border, but it felt like a sign of his future.
Am I a failure? Regis thought. He had lost his master, status and future, and was exiled to the front lines in the north.
"Well, it's not too bad... Life is not just about career advancent. In fact, this will increase my leisure reading ti."
The afternoon bell was ringing in the church when the caravan arrived. The people in the convoy spread out to search for lunch. Regis walked towards a shop that had nothing to do with food. The shop windows were arranged with books. Rows of bookshelves were lined inside the building constructed from stone. The sll of paper and ink lingered in the air.
"Ah, I am free if there are books, and that place will be my ho."Quoted from Cuiller Roros 'Burgundy Journals' he added silently in his heart.Regis claid to be a book enthusiast, but he was actually a bibliophile.
He searched passionately in the shelf labeled New Releases.
His mouth widened gradually due to panic.
"What, what's happening..."
"Hmmm? What's the matter Mr. Soldier?"
The bearded shopkeeper behind the counter deep within the store asked. The scar on his face and his muscular body made him look closer to a military drill instructor than a bookstore clerk.
Regis continued searching despite the oppressive air.
"I can't find the new release by Cuiller. Or Count Ludosel. Or Professor Illue... Are they sold out? I know they are popular, but that is too cruel."
"Mr. Soldier, did you co from central?"
"Ah, I ca from the capital..."
"That's why you didn't know. The books you ntioned won't sell in this town, so most stores won't import them."
"... What, did... you say...?"
Regis sounded like a man stranded in the desert craving for water.
His throat was dry in an instant.
The storekeeper shrugged, he didn't seem to be joking.
"This is a war zone. Heroic stories and erotic novels are what sells here. Ah, this one is the bestseller in my shop."
He pointed at the title 'How to Write Your Will Without Regrets'.
No way!! Regis hugged his head as he thought.
"Wait, wait a minute... There are no stocks of those famous authors? Am I really still in Belgaria? Did I stumble into a barbarian settlent?"
"Well, this was the neighboring nation's territory 50 years ago."
"Uguu... And what is with this price? It's 10 tis that of the capital..."
Regis had finally found a book he wanted, but he looked like he was about to cry when he reached for it.
The bearded storekeeper said casually:
"Well, books are heavy and bandits are roaming around recently. It takes lots of effort to transport them here, and the custor base is small... Near the borders, books are a luxurious hobby for the upper class."
"Why is this happening!"
"Sorry about that..."
The shopkeeper reached for the book Regis was holding.
Regis hugged the book in a panic.
"Wait, wait wait, I didn't say I'm not buying...!!"
"Eh? Are you serious? You look like a young soldier. It's strange for as the seller but... Pardon , wouldn't that cost you a week of your wages?"
"Uguu... This is hell..."
Regis moaned.At this mont, the storekeeper let out a weird sound "Oh?!" and stared with his eyes wide open.
Regis followed his gaze and turned around.
At the entrance of the shop was a young girl with her back to the light.
A pretty young girl with red hair that looked as if it was burning and ruby colored eyes. She was around 13-14 years old. Her features were still a bit childlike, but she had a charm that held your gaze, making you unable to avert your eyes.Her erect index finger was touching her lips.
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