There probably isn’t anyone in the world who dislikes gifts. A gift that deeply considers someone’s preferences would be particularly hard to refuse. I felt certain Asrein would happily accept a book as a gift.

Using errands to excuse my departure from the mansion, I descended the hill toward the village that had grown dear to me over the past month. Carriages rumbled along rough dirt roads, savory soup aromas wafted through doorways, and colorful flowers adorned the marketplace. Threading through streets rich with the scents of daily life, I made my way to the small bookstore. A clear bell chime greeted me when I opened the door, accompanied by the distinct smell of paper.

“Hello, mister.”

“Ah, you’re here.”

“Where are the new books that came in today?”

“They’re organized over there in the back.”

“Thank you!”

Conscious of my shabby clothes, I moved carefully to avoid brushing against the towering stacks of books. At the corner bookshelf, I noticed several unfamiliar volumes. While contentedly running my finger along the spines, I spotted a familiar title on the high shelf.

“Ah…!”

‘Why Are Magical Creatures Persecuted?’ The novel had mentioned this specifically – ‘a book Asrein hasn’t acquired yet.’ I knew it was quite old and rare, yet here it was in this used bookstore.

I had to buy it before someone else could claim it. Quickly grabbing a footstool, I positioned it near the bookshelf and climbed up. Just when I excitedly reached for the book, an unexpected hand appeared beside me and snatched it first.

Such smooth hands without any protruding knuckles… But wait – that was my book! I hurriedly descended the footstool and turned to face the hand’s owner. The tall figure casually browsed through the book, seemingly unbothered by how easily he could reach the high shelf. His long robe with its raised hood obscured his features. After hesitating briefly, I cleared my throat softly and spoke.

“Excuse me… are you planning to buy that book?”

“Why do you ask?”

His low voice scraped across the floor with strange pressure. Though I straightened my posture, unwilling to back down, my height barely reached his shoulder. Glancing at him, I awkwardly rubbed my neck.

“Because I was going to buy it.”

“Out of simple curiosity?”

“No. It’s for a gift.”

“The content is quite difficult though.”

Advanced content might challenge me, but the recipient was different. No book could be too difficult for someone like him. I shook my head firmly and spoke with squared shoulders, seemingly proud of my knowledge.

“It’s fine. The person is an expert in magical creatures.”

“An expert…?”

“Yes. Do you know Professor Diabel Asrein?”

Thud. Rather than answer, the tall man firmly closed the heavy book with one hand. Perhaps it was my imagination, but the air seemed to grow noticeably colder at the mention of ‘Asrein.’ Though I instinctively hunched my shoulders, he simply stood there and held out the book. No other threat existed. I might have misjudged him based solely on our size difference.

“Thank you.”

When I slightly bowed and accepted the book, he asked in a puzzled tone.

“You’re giving this book as a gift?”

“Yes.”

His eerily low voice and refined pronunciation made his words sound like an interrogation. I managed an awkward smile while carefully observing his reaction.

“…Why?”

Then came his unexpected response.

“That… person already has this book, as far as I know.”

“What, really?!”

This couldn’t be true. Asrein already owned this book? Finding information that contradicted the novel shocked me deeply. I stared blankly at the now useless book before a realization struck.

Even if it made sense for Asrein to own this book… how did this person know that? About to return the book to its place, I suddenly approached the man who towered two spans above me.

“Wait. How do you know that?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you acquainted with Professor Asrein?”

“…Well… we are acquainted.”

His manner and appearance had led me to assume he was merely another nobleman, but to think he knew Asrein! My eyes lit up instinctively. Perhaps he taught at another university. Or maybe… No, impossible. Such a renowned professor wouldn’t visit an old bookstore in this quiet neighborhood. After considering various possibilities, I asked what mattered most.

“Wow, then do you know what he likes?”

“Why do you need to know that?”

“Actually, the professor is coming to Count Ameli’s mansion tomorrow. I’ve admired him for so long and want to try talking with him somehow, but I don’t think that will work on its own… I thought he might like a book as a gift.”

The sharp atmosphere softened considerably when I spoke honestly. Though his hood concealed his face, I sensed his intense gaze studying me. Feeling evaluated down to my smallest movements, I offered my brightest smile to leave a good impression. After a moment’s silence, he spoke first.

“You’re a servant of Count Ameli?”

“Yes~ Anyway, as I was saying, I’d like to give him a book he doesn’t already have, what do you think?”

“Well…”

He turned toward the bookshelf, appearing to consider options. Since an acquaintance of Asrein was choosing it, I felt certain the gift would be perfect. That belief lasted about 5 minutes. He checked every bookshelf in the store before returning empty-handed. After a few blank stares, realization dawned.

“…I suppose someone like the professor would already own all the books here.”

I had severely underestimated someone who possessed even unpublished works. Attempting to buy Asrein a gift from a used bookstore seemed foolish now. My shoulders drooped with disappointment. While I muttered about my short-sightedness, he suddenly produced a thin book from the shelf behind.

“Ah, he might not have this one.”

The book he brought over with his long strides was a children’s book titled ‘Magical Creatures for Beginners.’ Large text meant to capture young readers’ interest filled its pages. My mouth twitched awkwardly while accepting it with both hands.

“Well, he probably wouldn’t have this book… that’s true.”

“Mm.”

Though I suspected he was joking, his serious nod suggested otherwise. Really, this book? Could I give a children’s book about their field to a professor? It seemed equivalent to giving a mathematics professor an addition and subtraction workbook. Unable to reject his kindness outright, I glanced between the book and him while asking.

“What if he thinks I’m looking down on him…?”

“That won’t happen.”

Such certainty in his answer. He spoke like someone who would receive the gift himself. I wanted him to sign an agreement stating ‘If I get criticized for this gift, you’ll take responsibility.’ But his overwhelming presence left me no choice except to clutch the book preciously.

“T-then I’ll take this book.”

The man silently nodded. With a heavy heart, I briefly examined the cover. The chapter title ‘What are Magical Creatures?’ made me momentarily dizzy.

Still, the cute illustrations evoked childhood nostalgia. Perhaps it could work as an unconventional gift. While trying to think positively, he suddenly asked.

“Are you studying magical creatures?”

“‘Studying’ is too grand a word. I’m just self-learning by reading books.”

“Books?”

“Count Ameli’s study has an enormous collection of books written by Professor Asrein. And the topics are so diverse, you know? One time I was cleaning the study and got so absorbed in reading that I didn’t even notice the sun setting. And…”

Realizing I was sharing too much unnecessary information with a stranger, I quickly concluded.

“Um, anyway, he’s an amazing person.”

Nodding with satisfaction, I approached the counter with the children’s book. While counting out my meager living expenses from a fist-sized pocket, he asked from behind.

“What do you plan to say when giving the book?”

“Hmm, if he accepts the gift…”

Though grateful for any acceptance, I had already decided what to ask given the chance. Hugging the purchased children’s book to my chest, I turned to face him with excitement.

“Could someone like me become your student?”

For the first time, I voiced my true desire. Despite feeling embarrassed, I delivered it confidently after much practice. Noticing his sudden silence, I glanced at the darkening sky. Time was running short. After wrapping the book in cheap yellow paper and tucking it under my arm, I bowed.

“Oh my, the Count will be looking for me, so I should go now.”

Without waiting for a response, I hurried from the bookstore. Ding-a-ling, leaving the cheerful bell behind, I rushed toward the Ameli mansion.

Fearing discovery by the Count and his wife, I hid the poorly wrapped book under my blanket. After completing my tasks and collapsing onto the floor, I suddenly remembered my oversight.

“Ah…!”

In my haste, I had forgotten to thank the man who helped choose the gift. Deeply regretful, I lightly tapped my forehead where my parted hair revealed it. I resolved to properly thank him and learn his name if we met again.

But returning to the mansion, the mountain of laundry erased all other thoughts. Another panicked servant informed me that the Count had ordered all curtains washed. Something about not showing dusty curtains to guests. His arbitrary demands without offering help were infuriating. While washing curtains in wooden tubs, memories of the bookstore man naturally faded away. After the exhausting labor, morning arrived.

“An important guest is coming, so everyone mind your behavior!”

Today marked the day – Professor Asrein would visit the mansion.