24 Longing for freedom (1/2)

Rachel's mother had recently mention to her that she had fiancée and that it was the long thought-to-be dead prince of Crawford.

She was also informed that her mother was searching for the missing prince who could still be alive.

She was upset by the news. She didn't want her happiness to be decided by others and she certainly didn't want to marry someone she never met and know nothing about. But alas she doesn't have a choice in the matter.

Her parents loved her, but their decision was final. Such was the life of women born in noble families.

Their life is used to be traded for their family's interest. Being born in noble families, they enjoy higher privileges but also loses their freedom.

If she had a choice, she wished she was born to a common family. She didn't need such privileges as long as she had her freedom to choose how to live her own life.

Leon could see that Rachel was feeling down, but he didn't know how to console her under her servant's watchful eyes. It would feel awkward to do so.

He felt like they weren't really bodyguards sent to protect Rachel, but more like the eyes of the Duke to keep track of his daughter's activities. Leon smiled wryly at that thought.

Rachel and Leon's gaze met each other and understood they were thinking the same thing.

”Let's book a private room. It would be easier to read books without being interrupted.” Rachel suggested. She was used to her servants arranging such things for her. It was annoying that the boys would flock to wherever she goes.

”Alright.” Leon gave it some thought before agreeing. It would be annoying to read, while having a bunch of jealous eyes directed at him. His luck with women seems to be really good these days. Rachel was originally the only friend he had since the start of his studies at the campus. But suddenly now there's also a Lina and a Lynne, who he is now being used as a shield for.

They went to grab the books they wanted to read and headed to the private room reserved for them. Leon picked the [Discovery of Ancient Ruins] that he didn't get a chance to read last time, while Rachel selected some books related to archaeology.

The library occupied the whole building that consists of nine floors. Each floor had 8 private rooms offered for hire. They arrived at the 2nd private room on the 4th floor.

”You two can guard the door outside.” Rachel suddenly said.

”T-this... doesn't seem appropriate... The lord instructed us to keep you within our line of sight.” The servants refused after being startled.

”Where could I even run to from here? Besides how am I supposed to focus on reading with you two standing around?” Rachel argued.

”...Never mind, just let the lady be willful for once. Please call us if you need us, my lady.” They ended up conceding. After they left the room and closed the door behind them, Rachel let out a long sigh of relief.

”Was there a need to make things difficult for them? They are only following your father's orders.”

”I wanted to feel some freedom even if it's just an illusion... say... did you really mean it when you said I was like a goddess that descended from heavens?”

”Umm... I guess so?” Leon wasn't sure where their conversation was heading.

”But I feel more like canary locked in a cage.” Rachel had a sad look.

Leon thought he should try to lighten the mood.

”You could be a canary that was locked in a cage after descending from the heavens.” Leon joked

”So, it wasn't the descent of a goddess but a canary?”

”Why do you have to separate the two? Can't a canary also be a goddess?”

”Pft~ I didn't think you were into canaries. I seem to be lacking appeal to a certain someone.” She joked.

”Aren't you a canary?”

Rachel blushed.

'What does that mean? He didn't deny anything. Is he saying that he likes me? Well... I don't dislike him... He... would be a better choice than some prince I never met.' She contemplated.

Leon was unaware that he created such an ambiguous misunderstanding. He thought they were still joking around.

”What's wrong? Why did you suddenly go quiet?”

”Can I tell you something?” She thought before asking.

”Uhh... yeah?” Leon was puzzled. It doesn't seem like he can keep up with a woman's thought process. But if he could perfectly understand woman then he might begin questioning his own gender. Just kidding.