‘The library is too precious to risk permanent expulsion over something like this.’

It would be throwing away my future on a momentary impulse.

I changed my mind.

Waiting until spring to ask for protective magic is overwhelmingly more rational.

Of course, in the game there was never an option for ‘protective magic’ to begin with……

But to ensure Anastasia’s safety, I need to use every method available.

‘I should increase the guard personnel first.’

My requests now had priorities.

But asking Duke Cromwell would come later.

✧ʚ .·:¨༺♡༻¨:·. ɞ✧

It was a morning like any other.

Chief butler Hasson stood in front of the dining room.

“What’s the matter?”

I approached him and asked.

“His Grace will not be joining meals for the time being.”

The moment I heard those words, my mind filled with worry.

‘Weren’t we getting along well?’

My pupils trembled.

After my one-sided promotion of Anastasia, we had something resembling a conversation, and he even opened the library.

‘Did I make a mistake yesterday?’

When my concern reached that point, I covered my mouth.

“Has something happened to the Duke?”

I asked Hasson with worry.

Did I offend the Duke?

I carefully examined the chief butler’s face, but his wrinkled features revealed no clues.

“There’s no need to worry.”

Whether he understood my feelings or not, Hasson spoke with a benevolent smile.

“His Grace said you may continue taking the lady’s meals here. Please feel free to use this space.”

“……”

“Your meal has also been prepared.”

The dining room was empty as instructed.

Is it necessary to feel this hollow just because one person is missing?

‘Well, his build is nearly twice that of a normal person.’

My breakfast was also kindly prepared on the long table.

“How can food go down my throat in this situation……”

My worries grow mountain-high.

What if the Duke never returns after today?

What if yesterday was our final meal?

What if I have to spend mornings looking at an empty head seat from now on?

I pulled at my hair.

I could easily imagine Anastasia sitting alone in this empty place.

This is exactly the kind of thing the Duke Cromwell from the game would do.

‘If I had known this would happen, I would have asked about guards right away.’

I should have mentioned it when he showed mercy by opening the library…….

Given the situation, I must meet Caligo no matter what it takes.

Duke Cromwell is unlikely to spontaneously come up with the perfectly sensible idea of providing guards for his daughter.

✧ʚ .·:¨༺♡༻¨:·. ɞ✧

Two days had passed since breakfast without Duke Cromwell.

—His Grace is training at the outdoor training grounds.

—In this weather?

It’s not like his whereabouts are unknown.

♡SYSTEM♡ Your visit level is too low! (Visit Level: 3)

But I can’t go find him because this stupid notification keeps appearing.

It’s infuriating.

By the time I get to ask about guards, Anastasia will have been kidnapped, and I’ll be punished for negligence.

So I finally decided to find my own lifeline.

I can’t afford to wait until Caligo appears in spring.

“Are you really here to read books?”

“Of course.”

“I should have seen you actually reading at some point……”

I had been showing my face at the library every day for the past few days.

“That must be something you missed, Mr. Veros.”

I visited frequently enough to laugh off Veros’s scolding.

He always follows me around.

Worried like a parent who left their child by the water’s edge might cause a tsunami, he gradually started to believe that I was different from ‘Lorelai.’

“Be careful not to tear it.”

“Wow, can’t you see I’m holding it very carefully right now?”

“You’re getting saliva on the book.”

“……”

If asked whether he completely trusts me now, the answer would definitely be no.

I pretended to read a book I had no interest in.

In Bling Bling ♡ Raising A Noble Lady, the mage appears in different parts of the library depending on the season.

In spring, he’s on the east side of the second floor; in summer, in the first floor reading area.

To avoid unnecessary suspicion, I decided to visit one season’s location each day, and after covering spring and summer, today was the day to check autumn.

‘Another wasted trip.’

He wasn’t in the secluded corner window on the second floor either.

I’m not particularly surprised or disappointed.

‘The tutorial period is essentially winter, after all……’

In winter, Caligo stays in the basement where restored ancient books are kept.

‘I’m certain he’s in the basement.’

I wanted to start with the basement according to the information from the official guide, but Veros would become suspicious just seeing me heading toward the basement stairs, so I postponed it.

Now the only area left is truly the library basement.

‘Whether it’s Black Sea or Blue Sea or whatever. He should just get the book already.’

Once the tutorial period ends, I’ll definitely go to Pons village and get the book, truly.

While the spring through autumn locations aren’t restricted areas and have no visitation constraints, the library basement is different.

With Duke Cromwell absent, I want to meet Caligo before the tutorial period ends, but it’s problematic if Veros keeps following me until spring arrives.

‘I need to gain his trust first.’

After putting the book back in its place, I spoke.

“Does the librarian really need to stay by my side? I’ve been behaving lately.”

“This is surveillance, surveillance. I never know what you might do.”

I meant to ask when he would leave me alone, but Veros answered without concern.

“I told you I created a children’s book section for the lady…… I really don’t understand why you only look for the ancient book section……”

He hit the nail on the head.

I quickly spoke up before arousing unnecessary suspicion.

“I’m grateful for that. It’s made choosing books much easier.”

I lightly tapped Veros’s arm and continued.

“But I’m curious about what kinds of books are in this magnificent library. Since I’m here after so long, I just want to look around.”

“……”

“It’s amazing that you manage a place like this, Mr. Veros!”

To create false familiarity, I flattered him and smiled.

Please let’s change the subject…….

Veros, who had been staring at me, spoke as if convinced.

“……The Cromwell library is indeed impressive. It’s probably the second largest in the Empire after the imperial library.”

Seemingly proud of being the librarian of the Cromwell library, Veros spoke to me about something other than precautions for the first time.

Day 23 of Being Trapped in a Terrible Game, Day 22 of Tutorial

“Huh?”

How many days had passed with Cromwell-less breakfast at Cromwell’s?

Suddenly, Duke Cromwell appeared.

I was so surprised I almost pointed at him.

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Unlike my flustered state, Duke Cromwell was utterly calm.

Rather, he seemed to find my surprise strange.

“Hasson should have told you it was temporary.”

He said casually.

—His Grace will not be joining meals for the time being.

Well…… now that he mentions it, Hasson did say ‘for the time being.’

But since he never showed his face in the game…… I unconsciously assumed he would never appear again.

‘Did I consider the Duke to be complete trash?’

It’s funny how I feel honored just by him existing in the same space as his daughter, but compared to the game, this is truly a reformation.

“I didn’t expect you to return so quickly.”

“……”

“Ah! I absolutely don’t mean I dislike it!”

In case he misunderstood, I hastily added.

“The lady seems happy to see her father after so long. She looked bored until yesterday.”

What expression changes could a newborn possibly have?

Except for occasionally drooling, crying when uncomfortable, and sometimes making baby gestures, Anastasia always has the same expression.

It’s just something nice to say for a parent’s ears.

“I don’t see much difference.”

Unable to take kind words at face value, Duke Cromwell expressed doubt.

“Oh my! That’s because you don’t see it. Lady Anastasia is so different when you’re here versus when you’re not.”

“……”

“Look. She usually sleeps except when eating, but now her eyes are wide open to see her father.”

I explained how happy Anastasia was right now.

‘I hope this effort pays off someday……’

Making up these lies is reaching its limit.

Duke Cromwell gazed at Anastasia for a while.

‘Finally.’

Are you properly looking at Anastasia after several days?

I tried to read the intention behind that gaze.

Whether it was a father’s tender look at his daughter, or an impure gaze suggesting the terrible marriage ending.

A momentary curiosity flickered, but indifference followed.

“……”

His crimson eyes shifted to me.

Wondering if that monster-like sensory owner had read my disappointment, I tried to recover with a smile.

How long did this awkward exchange of glances continue?

“……I’ve never seen you eat.”

Of all things, he suddenly said this while observing me.

‘Ah.’

Today again, my breakfast was prepared on the table.

Is it a terrible breach of etiquette in this world to not eat food provided by a noble?

I searched through Lorelai’s remaining common sense, but there was no such case.

“……”

Duke Cromwell folded his hands on the table as if waiting for an answer.

‘Is there any reason to choke while eating?’

I’m already busy feeding Anastasia and praising his daughter to him.

If I ate in this uncomfortable place, I’d surely not know whether food was going into my mouth or nose.

“I don’t have much appetite in the mornings.”

Hahaha.

An awkward laugh filled the dining room.

‘My health stat is fine anyway.’

I looked at the pink window sparkling in the air.

Health: 92/100

I’ve never been healthier.

‘If there’s a problem, I can just drink a potion.’

I’m a high-income earner now, aren’t I?

Still, the extended conversation is a positive sign.

But since the focus of the conversation shouldn’t continue to be ‘me,’ I decided to make the request I had forgotten over the past few days.

“I’ve been wanting to tell you this for several days…… thank you for opening the library.”

Since I couldn’t abruptly say ‘give me guards,’ I first buttered him up.

“And…… um, I have another favor to ask……”

“……”

“……is that okay?”

Duke Cromwell silently looked at me.

Since he didn’t say no, it must be okay.

“I’ve been thinking…… Lady Anastasia should have guards.”

It would be nice if the person who’s supposed to be a father thought of these trivial things earlier.

‘No, I should be grateful just for the lack of rejection.’

“Guards?”

Duke Cromwell asked again as if making sure he heard correctly.

“Are you doubting the security of the mansion?”

His already deep voice sank lower.