"And then it stayed on her shoulder like that! It was so scary, like those butterflies you see in horror movies. Well, if you've ever watched movies before. But since there's no TV in this world, I'll just say... like the ones from scary books. Have you ever read scary books before?" I asked, glancing at Ice, who had been staring at me the entire time we were walking.
His eyes never moved. They just followed me—calm, unblinking, almost like he was studying something strange.
"Do you even understand what I've been saying this whole time?" I snapped, waving my hands in frustration. My voice echoed slightly through the narrow path between the tall trees.
He simply shook his head.
"You do read stuff, don't you? Mangas and novels, right? Like that recipe book you gave to Selene the other day. That one!"
Still nothing. Just that steady gaze that made me feel like he was trying to read my soul.
I frowned, then puffed my cheeks. "Do you have something to say, Ice? Is that why you're staring at me like that?" I stopped walking, crossing my arms and waiting.
He pulled out his scroll and blinked once. The scroll shimmered faintly before glowing letters appeared across it.
You do look similar to the dark stone. I don't think my queen has noticed yet, but the way you described that butterfly... it matches the stone's appearance. Now that I think about it, I can see the resemblance.
I squinted at the glowing words. "So you're saying the dark stone is the butterfly, and I just happen to look like it? Or whatever you're trying to say?"
He wrote again, his expression still blank.
Not the face. You don't look like them. But only those connected to the stone can see the form it takes when it's hiding, or when it chooses to show itself to them.
I blinked, tilting my head. "Wait, wait. Who's they?"
He paused. The words vanished, then new ones appeared slowly like he was thinking hard.
I can't tell you about them. But if you can see them, will you help me catch them so I can bring them back to my queen?
"Oh, so now you want my help, but you're not going to tell me anything?" I threw my hands up, nearly tripping over a root. "How am I supposed to catch them.. if I don't even know what they are?"
Ice tucked his scroll back into his sleeve and kept walking, completely ignoring my glare.
"You know, not telling me anything is just going to make things worse!" I called after him, jogging to catch up. "I need to know what that butterfly is! It's making Shion act all weird, and I'm pretty sure it's the reason she almost killed that guard today!"
Still nothing. The silence stretched so long that only the crunch of our footsteps filled the air.
"Okay, fine," I muttered under my breath. "Let's change the topic then."
I jogged beside him, matching his long strides. "I need you to take me to that bookshop where you buy books for Selene. I want to see if there's a book about how to plan the worst date ever."
Ice turned his head slightly, giving me that what is wrong with you? look.
"What? Don't look at me like that," I said quickly, waving my hand. "If there's a book called Recipe for a Perfect Date, then there should be one called Recipe for the Worst Date too. That's how books work, right?"
I crossed my arms dramatically, pretending to pout. "So take me there. And while we're at it, I want to check if they have any mangas. It's been forever since I've seen one."
He still didn't respond. Just turned down another path with his usual calm expression.
"This better lead to the library shop," I grumbled, hurrying after him. "If it doesn't, I'm telling Selene on you."
...
When we finally arrived, I almost gasped.
"Wow... this place looks like a modern-day bookshop! So many books, wow!" My voice echoed as I spun slowly in place, my eyes wide. "It looks exactly like the libraries from my world. When I started to read manga collections and anime magazines... this is amazing! The author must have been inspired by my favorite shop. Wow, she really has good taste."
Rows of books stretched endlessly, the scent of parchment and ink floating in the air. A faint golden light spilled through the high windows, giving everything a warm, calm glow.
I turned to Ice, still amazed. "Which section did you get the romance books from? This place is huge."
He didn't answer, his attention glued to me again. It was unnerving, but this time, his stare felt different. Like something in my words had stirred a memory.
"I still don't understand how I'm connected to your dark stone," I said softly. "But since you won't tell me anything, just show me the romance section."
I stared back at him, refusing to blink. After a few seconds of our silent battle, he sighed through his nose and finally pointed to the left side of the hall.
"Ha! I win," I said proudly, flashing him a grin before walking off.
The romance area was beautiful. Soft colors, flowers painted along the shelf edges, and dozens of books lined neatly in rows. The air here was warmer somehow, like the stories themselves gave off heat.
I was about to walk deeper when I froze.
Someone was sitting on the floor between the shelves, cross-legged, completely focused on a book.
Suki.
Her hair caught the light, and her lips moved slightly as she read, like she was mouthing the words. She looked peaceful, almost glowing in that quiet moment.
Should I talk to her or just pretend I didn't see her? She's the quiet one in the group, right? But disturbing someone who's reading feels wrong. If it were me, I'd be annoyed. Yeah... better to just sneak away quietly.
I took one slow step back.
Then her eyes lifted—straight at me.
"Hey, Cousin Rin. What are you doing here in the library shop?" she asked, closing her book and standing gracefully.
"Hello, Cousin Suki. You're here!" I said quickly, trying to sound casual even though I was panicking a little inside. "I'm just... looking for a book to read."
She blinked. "You? Reading? That's something you never do..." She stopped, her expression shifting as realization clicked. "Oh, right. You're not actually the real Rin Kisaragi. You got isekai'd into our world."
I scratched my cheek awkwardly. "Uh, yeah. That's me."
Her gaze shifted to Ice, who stood quietly behind me. "Is that... the Ice Queen's dragon?"
"Yes, this is Selene's dragon in human form," I said quickly. "I see you really love reading."
"Yes," she replied with a small smile. "Trying not to be boring led me to romance books. Now I read every day. If I'm not in the Maiden's Club, I'm here."
"Wow, that's great. I read too. Mostly mangas or webtoons," I said, nodding. "But I prefer reading alone. Quiet room, no one around. Anyway, I must've interrupted you. You can go back to your book. I'll just look for what I came here for."
I started stepping back, my smile tightening.
"What book are you looking for? I can help you find it," Suki offered kindly.
"Oh, no, you didn't hear me," I said quickly, waving my hands. "Keep reading your book. Ice will help me."
But she didn't stop. She stepped closer, her smile as gentle as ever.
She's not going to leave me, is she? Great. Just great.
"No need to worry," she said, waving one hand lazily. The book beside her lifted from the ground and floated back to the shelf with a soft whoosh. "I've read it multiple times already. I'll help you instead."
I froze on the spot, unsure what to say.
"So, Cousin Rin," she continued, tilting her head slightly. "What book do you want to read? We can read together."
I sighed quietly.
Did this girl not hear me earlier when I said I like reading alone?