The jewelry store at Beresht 3 certainly deserved the association president’s recommendation. 

Its designs didn’t excessively follow imperial trends, yet they weren’t so uniquely creative that they became difficult to appreciate. It struck a perfect balance, being uncommon while maintaining appropriate mainstream appeal.

While leisurely examining the beautiful accessories displayed in the showcase, Serena found it slightly strange that there were no bracelets in sight. Typically, any jewelry store would carry necklaces, earrings, and bracelets as standard items.

“Does this place not make bracelets? Do you only take custom orders for them?”

“I apologize, customer. According to the owner’s business policy, we do not accept bracelet commissions.”

Thinking this was an unusual policy, Serena reflexively looked down at her own wrist, noticing the thin black bracelet she wore. A simple bracelet made of thin black thread without expensive gems or elaborate decorations. 

It looked far too modest to be considered an accessory worn by a noble lady, but Serena tenderly traced it with her fingertips.

She couldn’t clearly remember when she had started wearing it or who had given it to her, but it was a bracelet she had always worn since childhood. 

Though made of thread that seemed likely to fray quickly, strangely, while other metal accessories lost their luster, this thread bracelet always remained unchanged. Its consistency felt like a protective charm, and now it had become so familiar, almost like her own skin.

“If you wish to commission a bracelet, I can guide you to another store…”

“No. What I want to commission is a necklace.”

The clerk seemed to have misunderstood her purpose when she was touching her bracelet. Serena quickly covered her wrist with her clothing. She had never even considered wearing any bracelet other than this one. 

Having examined the displayed items and confirmed the craftsman’s skill, it was time to formally place her order.

“I want to commission a necklace as a birthday gift for the Imperial Princess.”

At her words, the clerk belatedly recalled one widely known fact about Serena.

Rosalia, the Emperor’s youngest daughter, beloved by the imperial citizens. And Serena, Rosalia’s only friend.

Serena had frequently visited the palace since Rosalia was a child, spending time with her as a companion. 

When Serena reached the age to enter the academy, Rosalia had caused quite a commotion by insisting on enrolling as well, throwing the imperial household into chaos. 

Due to that incident, there was hardly anyone in the empire who didn’t know how fond the Imperial Princess was of Serena.

Moreover, the Princess had been so displeased with even that brief period when they couldn’t attend school together that after graduation, she persistently begged Serena to become her lady-in-waiting. 

The position of lady-in-waiting, the highest honor for a noble young lady, depended entirely on the Princess’s preference, so if Serena had agreed, there would have been no issues proceeding. However, Serena had declined her request, much to the Princess’s disappointment.

Being by the Princess’s side as both secretary and friend would automatically bring power and honor, but Serena had already decided to follow her father’s wishes to help with the family business in place of Cecil, who had become a good-for-nothing. 

Having no particular desire for power or honor, she also strongly wanted to avoid positions that might entangle her in political risks.

Fortunately, their friendship had continued without major issues afterward, and Rosalia’s birthday was coming up in a few months. 

Especially since rumors of Rosalia’s potential political marriage had been circulating recently, Serena wanted to give her a more special gift this birthday. After all, if Rosalia married and left for another country, it would be difficult to meet frequently like they did now.

“For a gift to the Imperial Princess, we will do our utmost. First, let’s discuss the image you have in mind with our designer.”

In the reception room at the back of the store, Serena spent a long time consulting with the designer, finally selecting the necklace design and gemstones. 

There were more decisions to make than expected, and by the time she finished completing the order form and left the store, the sky had already darkened considerably.

“It’s later than I thought.”

“But are you satisfied with the necklace commission, my lady?”

“Yes. I’m glad I came. I’m truly pleased with the unique variety of gems and designs they handle, nothing common or ordinary.”

Above all, Serena was satisfied that they could incorporate the magical formula she had devised into the necklace.

Even among the finest craftsmen available, it was difficult to find someone with excellent understanding of magical formulas, though many knew how to use magical tools. Without understanding formulas, even when copying patterns exactly, small mistakes were inevitable.

The craftsman at this store had extensive knowledge related to formulas, confirming that seeking out a shop behind the curtain had been an excellent choice.

“What time did I tell the coachman to return?”

“I believe we still have about two hours left.”

Had she given him that much time? 

Serena, who had been thinking about heading back, paused in contemplation. Since there was time to spare, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to visit some other shops while she was already in this district.

The commissioned item would be sent to the Marquis’s residence when completed, so she wouldn’t need to return to this street within the week. It was just a casual thought to explore other places while she was here.

As her gaze lightly swept over the shop signs along the street, something caught her attention.

Yulinus’s Bookstore.

The building’s appearance was nothing special, resembling an ordinary bookstore commonly found in any bustling area.

‘Yulinus…’

But the name “Yulinus” displayed in front had a compelling power that couldn’t be easily overlooked. 

Though he was already deceased, he had once been the head of the empire’s greatest information guild. Even esteemed imperial personnel had been regular clients of his guild, making it pointless to elaborate on how remarkable his abilities had been.

“Daisy. Wait for me at that café over there for a while.”

“You’ll be going around alone, my lady?”

“I’ll be in the bookstore, so don’t worry. When it’s time for the coachman to arrive, come find me in front of the bookstore.”

Daisy was conflicted about letting her go alone, but when Serena smiled kindly, pressed some money into her hand, and gently pushed her toward the café, she had no choice but to comply. 

From Daisy’s perspective, this place was full of suspicious shops and seemed quite dangerous, but…

‘The young lady had good fencing grades in academy classes, so she should be, be fine, right?’

Though she kept anxiously looking back, all she could see was Serena’s composed face waving at her.

* * *

Should this be called a bookstore or a library?

Upon entering, Serena tilted her head upward at the overwhelming massive bookshelves. Books were densely packed all the way to the tops of shelves so high their peaks couldn’t be seen. 

The interior space felt completely different from the building’s structure visible from outside.

‘Spatial magic perhaps?’

Picking up a book from the nearest display stand, Serena examined it back and forth, looking for a price tag that wasn’t attached anywhere. However, neither the book nor the display stand showed any price. 

Moreover, the leather-bound book didn’t even have a common title written on it, only the author’s name, which was none other than “Yulinus.”

‘Living up to the name proudly displayed on the sign.’

After fiddling with the locked clasp that prevented opening the book, she placed it back in its original position. Heading toward the counter to find an employee, she noticed an elderly woman dozing off in a cozy rocking chair.

“I have a question.”

At Serena’s voice, the old woman blinked awake from her sleep, found and put on her glasses, and drowsily examined Serena’s face.

The formal attire despite the summer heat and the texture of the high-quality fabric. The old woman immediately recognized her as a “noble” among the various types of visitors to this place and deliberately cleared her throat while avoiding eye contact.

Though better than nouveau riche who relied solely on money to throw their weight around, nobles with their haughty attitudes weren’t particularly easy for the old woman to deal with. Pretending not to know the visitor’s status, she opened her mouth gruffly.

“Ahem, what can I do for you?”

“Yulinus’s books have neither titles nor prices. Are they all for sale?”

“It’s a bit embarrassing, but hmm, this place doesn’t sell books.”

“That makes the name ‘bookstore’ rather misleading. Then how can one read the books here?”

“All books cost the same, 10 gold! Pay the money, and you can choose any book to read within this bookstore.”

“So it’s a rental.”

“Something like that. But you can only read three books per day. Even if you don’t finish reading by the time you leave, the money won’t be refunded, so you’d better choose wisely.”

The old woman spread her wrinkled hand and placed it firmly on the counter. Well, are you going to pay or not? With an annoyed expression, she waved her hand impatiently, prompting Serena to take out gold coins from her pocket.

Clink, clink. 

Without hesitation, gold coins fell one after another into the old woman’s hand. 

Ten gold was equivalent to a commoner’s monthly living expenses, making it excessively expensive for a single book, but Serena handed over 30 gold coins to the old woman without hesitation.