It's Mondstadt's day off; plenty of visitors crowd the Library.
Most observe the Library rules, but with so many people even whispers add up to noticeable noise.
Normally, Head Librarian Miss Lisa would remind them—or, if needed, apply a tiny jolt.
Yet oddly, today she only watches the room with calm eyes, saying nothing.
Don't mistake this for trivial: though usually a bit lax, Lisa values the Library's books and order above all.
A simple cough to hush people costs no effort, but today she remains utterly silent.
Some patrons glance toward her seat: she props her chin in one hand while the other's fingers drum the desk, soundless.
She seems lost in thought, completely absorbed.
A rare, earnest expression shows on her face.
"What's with Miss Lisa? She looks weighed down by worries."
"Maybe she's in a bad mood? Let's be careful not to make trouble…"
Everyone notices her unusual demeanor and can't help worrying.
Soon the Library's clamor fades away because of Lisa's strange behavior.
If word of this spread, it would sound downright miraculous.
Yet these people don't realize Lisa isn't unhappy about anything.
With her temperament, only a heaven-shaking event could truly affect her mood.
She's simply pondering a question she'd previously overlooked.
Namely, the relationship between Stelle and Jean.
The last time she visited Jean's home she'd bumped into Stelle—it was their first meeting.
Back then Stelle and Jean weren't particularly close; Jean simply offered Stelle a place to stay for the night out of kindness.
Yet after that single night, their rapport advanced rapidly, and Stelle became a frequent guest at Jean's.
Lisa doesn't think it's bad—just finds it a bit strange.
As Jean's long-time friend, Lisa knows her very well.
As Acting Grand Master, Jean is perpetually busy, and every action reflects on the Knights of Favonius.
Over the years she's rarely made true friends; most relationships stay politely distant.
But with Stelle, Jean behaves differently—often summoning her to the office and inviting her home.
Could it be… "Has Jean fallen for that Little Cutie?" Lisa lifted her gaze to the clock on the wall.
Lunch break was approaching; she intended to drop by and probe Jean for hints.
If her suspicion proved true… things could get a little complicated.
Lisa sighed, faint worry coloring her breath.
Honestly, if it really came to that, she'd have no right to stop Jean—on the contrary, as a close friend, she ought to offer whatever help she could.
Jean loves reading sappy romance novels, after all, but her practical experience in love is limited to the pages of those very books.
Unlike her—while she's never practiced either—her theoretical knowledge is definitely superior to Jean's.
Yet the moment she pictures Jean together with Stelle, Lisa feels an inexplicable pang of reluctance.
Not because Stelle is unworthy of Jean, but because someone that beautiful shouldn't belong to any one person.
No one should have sole claim.
"Goodness, where did this strange idea come from?" Lisa snapped out of it, shaking her head and muttering to herself.
Unless Stelle herself has no such interest, she'll probably choose a partner sooner or later.
In the end she'll still grow old with someone, won't she?
Whoever the lucky one turns out to be.
"No good—I have to go ask Jean directly." Lisa stood up, resolve flashing in her eyes.
If Jean truly has that intention, then—reluctant as she might feel—Lisa would give her the best advice she could.
After all, settling Jean's lifelong happiness wouldn't be a bad thing…—
"Jean didn't do this on purpose, did she?" Stelle pushed at the bedroom door and said, exasperated.
The house was locked from the outside; without a key she was stuck inside.
Not that escape was impossible—there were plenty of ways—but any of them would damage Jean's house.
Stelle didn't want that, and making too much noise might draw unwanted attention.
"Nothing we can do but wait for big sis to come back," Barbara said, eyeing the door in resignation.
Fortunately she was off duty today and didn't have to go to the church.
"If Jean only returns tonight…" The thought made Stelle uneasy.
If Jean came back late, did that mean she'd be stuck here the whole night?
"Probably not. Maybe she'll come during the lunch break," Barbara mused.
Jean was careful and meticulous; she wouldn't accidentally lock them in without leaving a key.
Besides, there was nothing to eat in the house—Jean would remember their lunch.
So this was most likely intentional.
"Then let's wait a bit." Stelle shrugged, stretching lazily.
Her body still felt stiff from just waking up.
Keeping perfectly still while Jean's hands roamed her earlier had been surprisingly exhausting.
She turned, pulled Barbara to the sofa, and scooped the girl into her arms.
"Mmm… you smell so nice." Stelle buried her face in Barbara's fair neck.
The first thing they'd done this morning was bathe; a faint dampness still clung to Barbara's skin.
"Tasting you like this should be interesting…" "X-Stelle…" Barbara squirmed, unable to break free.
"I-I can't today," Barbara whispered, cheeks crimson.
"Ah… right." Stelle nodded, as if only just remembering.
The wandering hand that had been heading south stopped.
Instead it drifted upward.
"I'll be careful."
"Mm…"
---------------------------------
If you'd like to read the next 70 chapters in advance, you can support me on Patreon.
I regularly post chapter previews there, so you'll always be up-to-date and won't have to wait too long.
patreon.com/SolyuraMT
And if you enjoy the story, don't forget to give me a Power Stone. Your support really motivates me to continue translating!