Episode 40

I glanced discreetly towards the room, picking up a random book. Selena stood next to me, engrossed in a book titled **”101 Ways to Braid Hair.”**

“Your Grace, look at this! It shows how to braid hair into a ribbon shape.”

I skimmed the page Selena had opened. The hairstyle looked like something a famous pop star might wear—extravagantly bizarre.

“Yes. It’s quite unique and pretty.”

“Isn’t it? I’m thinking of trying it out.”

“…”

On whom? Don’t tell me she’s planning to try it on me?

I looked at Selena, her eyes shining brightly, with unease. It seemed I was the only person she could practice braiding on.

“I think I’ll buy this book while we’re here. Hehe.”

Selena hugged the book to her chest, looking delighted. I hoped she wasn’t planning to try all 101 styles on me.

A strong urge to snatch the book from Selena’s hands rose within me.

“Your Grace, have you chosen a book…?”

Suddenly, Selena’s face turned to one of shock. What on earth did she see?

“Huh? What’s…”

Selena’s gaze was fixed on the book I was holding. Following her eyes, I too froze in place.

**”A Newlywed’s Guide to the Bedroom.”**

“…Th-this is a misunderstanding, Selena.”

So don’t look at me like that.

But it was hard to claim it was a misunderstanding when the cover depicted a half-naked couple in a passionate embrace on a bed.

“No, it’s fine. I understand. You’re newlyweds, after all.”

Selena’s forced smile looked painfully awkward.

Why, out of all the books, did I have to pick this one?

I wanted to explain, but I knew any explanation would only make things worse.

“I-I’ll just go over there and keep an eye on things. Feel free to take your time…”

Creedman and Dike were already standing guard. But Selena, looking as if she had seen something she shouldn’t have, quickly retreated.

Selena’s departure left me alone with a profound sense of embarrassment.

“…I just grabbed whatever was there.”

Of all the books, why did it have to be this one?

I sighed deeply, approaching the bookshelf to put the book back.

“…No one else is here anyway.”

Maybe I should take a quick look.

Having already been misunderstood by Selena, it seemed a waste not to at least peek inside.

Luckily, the bookstore was empty except for Selena, who was far away. I scanned the area once more to be sure, then opened the book.

“…Oh.”

And then I closed it.

‘…What did I just see?’

I felt like I had seen something incredible, but it was too much to process.

Taking a deep breath, I opened the book again. This time, an illustration showed what appeared to be a woman and a man in a rather complex embrace. A brief explanation was written beside it.

**”…This position, which allows for the most intense stimulation in a short time, requires both partners to have considerable stamina. It’s a variation of position 28, where the man lies down and the woman…”**

“…Wow.”

I read only up to that point before closing the book again.

It’s a good book. I should buy it.

I placed the book in a basket nearby.

Feeling embarrassed about the explicit cover, I picked up the book Selena had been reading earlier to cover it.

Holding the basket, I looked around and noticed several other interesting books.

**”99 Exercises Couples Can Enjoy Together”**

**”Romantic Baths Using Essential Oils”**

**”Everything You Need for a Hot and Special Night”**

I wouldn’t be taking a bath with Apollion anytime soon, but these might come in handy someday.

I put all these books into the basket and moved to the fiction section.

The fiction section contained many familiar titles. They were akin to classic Korean novels like “The Cloud Dream of the Nine” and “The Story of Hong Gildong.” It seemed the author of this world had a Korean influence.

This world also had adult novels.

The adult novels were mixed in with the new releases, barely noticeable unless you were specifically looking for them. The covers and titles were deceptively normal, but my keen reader’s radar couldn’t be fooled.

Ordinary-looking books often contained the most extraordinary content.

**”D-Duke…”

As the buttons popped open one by one, the thin shirt fell to her feet.

The Duke gently laid her down on the bed.

‘Relax, Maria.'”**

I frowned, burying my face in the book. The next scene was undoubtedly going to be very, very important.

**”D-Don’t look at me like that. If you keep looking at me like that…”**

If you keep looking at me like that, what? What’s going to happen?

I swallowed hard and turned the page.

**”…If you keep looking at me like that, your eyes will get tired, my Lord.”**

“Ugh!”

I couldn’t help but exclaim at the exact match of the female protagonist’s lines in the book.

The shivers down my spine subsided as I stood there, frozen in place.

I took a deep breath and, moving my stiff body, turned around.

The bookstore owner was looking at me with a warm smile.

“Sorry to interrupt your reading, but looking that closely can strain your eyes.”

“…”

The bookstore owner’s gaze naturally shifted to the book in my hand.

“Oh, you’re reading a new release by Cardnon.”

“…”

“That book is one of the rare gems released this year. It’s already a bestseller.”

“Is that so.”

I nodded reluctantly and closed the book.

The bookstore owner gave me a knowing smile.

“There are many similar books in that corner.”

“No, I… I’m not looking for that kind of…”

“This one is very popular among young ladies these days!”

She pointed to another book that looked equally suspicious.

I tried to refuse her recommendation, but she didn’t seem to hear me. She enthusiastically suggested all sorts of adult novels before finally excusing herself, saying she had talked too much.

She also wished me a happy newlywed life.

In the Theabrite Grand Duchy, commoners weren’t particularly afraid of nobles due to the lack of strict social stratification. Given her behavior, this seemed true. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have dared to act so boldly with me.

I sighed deeply, looking at the basket filled with books.

Yet, at the same time, I couldn’t help but feel a thrill.

The books she recommended were exactly to my taste. They were renowned for their 19+ scenes.

As much as I wanted to buy all of them, it would look suspicious to walk out with a stack of adult novels. Even someone as bold as me couldn’t shamelessly buy a pile of explicit books.

And besides, books about a happy married life would be utterly useless to me.

I was struggling to even hold hands with Apollion, let alone exercise or bathe together.

So, I decided to put some of the books back.

I kept a few essential ones and the book Selena had picked, then returned the rest to their places. The basket became significantly lighter.

I turned and headed towards the children and youth section. I picked a few sex education books that seemed appropriate for Apollion’s level.

To avoid any rejection from him, I chose ones with mature covers but detailed, thorough content.

Planning to educate him step by step as his knowledge improved, I added some more advanced books to the basket. Then, I turned to head to the checkout counter.

“Oh my!”

A small, round head suddenly bumped into my stomach.

Startled, I quickly bent down. The girl who had been crying earlier stood before me.

This mother-daughter pair seemed to have a knack for appearing out of nowhere and surprising people.

“Are you alright?”

I bent down to check on the girl, who was rubbing her forehead.

Her forehead was slightly red. Given how she bumped into my outfit adorned with jewels and lace, she must have been in pain.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t see you because I was in a hurry.”

The girl rubbed her forehead and looked up at me blankly.

“It’s okay.”

“Really? It looks like it hurts.”

I moved closer to examine her face.

From a distance, I hadn’t noticed, but she had large eyes with long eyelashes and a pretty face. Her nose and lips were adorably petite.

But I had no time to focus on a little girl right now. My mind was preoccupied with the 19+ book I had picked up by accident.

I had forgotten that I was drawn into the bookstore on a whim.

I was so engrossed that I barely noticed the girl anymore, my gaze shifting to the books in my basket.

“Pretty sister, why are you looking at that?”

“Huh?”

The girl pointed to the books in my basket.

“Are you going to read those?”

“…No.”

“Those books are for babies like Sion.”

“…”

“Do you have a baby at home?”

No, but there’s someone who is quite underdeveloped for his age.

“Well, not a baby, but there’s someone who needs to read these.”

“Oh, they must be very behind. I read those when I was five.”

“…Really?”

Apollion is indeed very behind in this area…

I looked down at Ariana, who was flipping through a book titled **”The Four Great Comedies.”**

“Do you like that book?”

“Yes! I like it a lot. It’s really funny.”

Ariana’s big eyes sparkled as she spoke, clearly passionate about her book.

“That’s wonderful. Reading is very important.”

“Do you read a lot too, sister?”

“Yes, I do. But I like different kinds of books.”

“What kind of books?”

“Well, I like stories about adventures and magic.”

“Oh, I like those too! Do you have a favorite book?”

I thought for a moment, considering how to answer.

“Yes, I do. It’s called ‘The North Wind and the Sun.’ It’s about how gentle persuasion is more powerful than force.”

Ariana’s eyes widened with interest.

“That sounds amazing! Can I read it too?”

“Of course. It’s a great story for everyone.”

Just then, the bookstore owner approached us again, smiling warmly.

“It seems you’ve made a new friend.”

“Yes, she’s very curious and loves books.”

Ariana beamed at the compliment.

“Do you want to be a writer someday, Ariana?”

“Maybe! I love telling stories.”

“Then you should keep reading and writing. Who knows, you might write the next great book.”

Ariana nodded enthusiastically, clearly thrilled by the idea.

“Thank you, sister! I will!”

As Ariana scampered off to her mother, I felt a strange sense of satisfaction. Despite the initial embarrassment, it was nice to see a young reader so passionate about books.