Slap!

Resel was uneasy about her father's remark, but she nodded anyway. Unlike before, she preferred a curt smile to the carefree one. She behaved in accordance with her father's wishes.

"This way, Knight Vlaids," she led the way, and he followed in her footsteps.

Mr. Rubin was happy. Inside he felt giddy as malice clouded his eyes. Rune who was standing there easily grasped his emotions. He snickered inside his mind.

"So, what's next? Can you tell me where the underground library is?" Vladis inquired softly. The library was eerily silent, and even whispers were audible, but they were fortunate that Mr. Rubin had cleared it out. Resel, Vladis, and Rune were the only ones left.

Resel's guard was still up. "We need to wait until midnight," she said when she realized it was safe. Actually, when Sir Rune came to visit, we both tried to locate the secret library but were unsuccessful. I know the underground library exists, but I have no idea where it is. I apologize for the inconvenience. "I can't help you," Resel grumbled.

She wanted to assist them, but she didn't know-how.

Vladis fell silent. He had anticipated this result. After all, Rune was a capable individual who never failed to complete any mission.

Vladis quietness only made Resel feel bitter.

"It's all right, Resel. Don't be depressed. We will figure out something. Now let's discuss it. Mr. Rubin said that you are familiar with this place like the back of your hand. Am I right?"

She responded, "Yes."

"Then try to recall it. Is there somewhere in your household that your father forbids you from going? Is there a cupboard or a basement? Isn't it also possible that it's a room? Is there anything like that?"

Resel pondered but couldn't recall anything. "In reality, I was always warned not to leave the library. I suppose you might say I was always grounded." She made a sarcastic remark.

Vladis felt sorry for her. "It's all right. Don't get too worked up about it. We'll come up with a solution."

Resel's shaky nerves calmed down a bit when Vladis soothed out her worries.

On the extreme right corner, Rune felt uncomfortable. He knew Vladis and Resel were simply discussing, but he failed to understand why was Resel so happy?

What honey was dripping from Vladis that she was smiling so brightly? He knew he can't be hast, so he endured it. Soon Rubin came back and welcomed Vladis and Resel for lunch.

Rune was left to his own devices.

"Left me in the lurches" Rune grumbled.

He was so engrossed in his sulking that he didn't notice a small presence approaching him from behind. Resel, who had snuck out of the dining room, was trailing Rune on tiptoe. When she became aware of his grumbles, a small smile emerged on her face. She put a gentle tap on his arm.

Rune was startled. "You? What are you doing here?" He asked with obvious confusion.

Resel smiled sheepishly. "I am aware that you haven't eaten anything since last night. At this rate, you will only be a burden to Knight Vladis and me. So, you better eat this up."

As they continued talking, she brought a neatly wrapped sandwich. She passed it to Rune as she urged him to eat.

Something stirred inside Rune's heart. He didn't what was that feeling but it felt warm. He accepted the sandwich and munched it down. He gracefully wiped corners of his lips as he thanked her.

It was the first time Rune had ever shown his gratitude towards her. This made Resel flustered.

"How did you get in here?"

"Ah! I said I was full and wanted to stroll so I was excused. After all my father has no interest in me. He was busy talking with Knight Vladis" She said sheepishly but Rune noticed the sadness masked behind her smile.

Unexpectedly he patted Resel's head. "It's fine." Resel turned pink behind her ears.

Resel abruptly left Rune alone, saying, "Now I shall take my leave."

As Rune saw her scurrying away from him, he grinned. He was sorry that he had been left alone once more, but he wasn't sad.

Mr. Rubin and Vladis spoke until late in the evening, while Resel sat and catered to their needs. Mr. Rubin asked Vladis to stay overnight once it began to get dark outside. To which Vladis agreed.

"Good. Resel go prepare the guest room for him and serve him well" He ordered her.

"Father?" Resel couldn't figure out what was going on.

"Oh! Don't be shy. We don't have maids but even if we don't have them, we should be hospitable. What if Knight Vladis needs anything in the middle of the night. You better stay outside of his room to adhere to his needs" He said as a matter of fact.

His intentions were crystal clear. Resel was humiliated, but she was too afraid to defy her father. Vladis, on the other hand, retained his soft smile but his eyes darkened.

"It's all right, Mr. Rubin. Our Lord requested that I carry the books as quickly as possible. I'll ask Mis Resel for assistance and then leave. You know, Lord can be a pain to deal with on occasion," Vladis said flatly. He was modest but commanding. Mr. Rubin's face darkened when he saw Vlaids.

He was dissatisfied but couldn't say anything because he couldn't raise his voice.

"As you wish, knight Vladis," he agreed grudgingly.

"Do you mind escorting me to my room, Resel?" He inquired politely, but Resel understood better than anyone that he wasn't asking her, but rather ordering her to accompany him to his room. "Of course, father," she exclaimed, taking a deep breath.

With this, she escorted him out.

SLAP!

Within the room, a loud slap rang out.

Resel was flung to the ground. "You wretch girl. You tried to flee with a nerd scholar first, and now you have the courage to return and face me. Well, I was very angry at you first to the point that I wanted to kill you with my own hands, but I guess I will forgive you now".

"I am sorry father" She apologized.

Mr. Rubin approached Resel and crouched down, his hand on her cheek. He locked his gaze on her for a few moments. He was disgusted to his soul in those seconds.

Smack!

He slapped her once more. Because of the impact, Resel's lips began to bleed.

"At last, you've proven your worth. If you want to be daddy's little princess, you must not squander this chance. Request that knight Vladis spend the night at our home, and you, better serve him personally" He said each word clearly.

Resel was appalled. She knew her father didn't love her, but she had no idea how much he despised her. Tears streamed down her face as she sniffled.

"I'm not sure how you do it, but you do need to make Knight Vladis fall in love with you or compel him to acknowledge you. As far as I understand him, he would take you in if he touched you even in mistake. Do you understand what I am trying to say" Mr. Rubin threatened her?

Mr. Rubin smiled happily. "Now now," He wiped her tears with her palms.

"Don't cry Resel. Daddy is in pain to see you crying." He lovingly stroked her cheeks.

Resel was repulsed by his touch, but she couldn't stop him.