Lead colored clouds brood in the sky. The sky was like this when I received my appointment letter banishing me to the borders, Regis thought. His gaze returns to the ground, the town that is similar in color to the sky is different from the capital. He did not miss the bricks, marbles and streetlights, but the walled streets remind him of a prison.
The border town Turnvale. 100 li (444km) away from the capital and 5 days travel by horse carriage. The streets are dim even in daylight, the freezing wind inflicts pain. The cloudy weather is normal during winter for a place in the north near the border. But it feels like a sign of his future.
Am I a failure? Regis thought. He lost his master, status and future, and was exiled to the front lines in the north.
"Well, it's not too bad... Life is not just about career advancement. In fact, this will increase my leisure reading time."
The afternoon bell was ringing in the church when the caravan arrived. The people in the convey spread out to source for lunch. Regis walks towards a shop that has nothing to do with food. The shop windows are lined up with books. Rows of bookshelves are lined inside the building constructed from stone. The smell of paper and ink lingers in the air.
"--ah, I am free if there are books, and that place will be my home."
Quoted from Cello Romeros 'Bourgui Journals' -- he added silently in his heart.
Regis claims to be a book enthusiast, but he is actually a bibliophile.
He search passionately in the shelf labeled new release.
His mouth widens gradually due to panic.
"What, what's happening..."
"Hmmm? What's the matter Mr. soldier?"
The bearded shopkeeper behind the counter deep within the store asked. The scar on his face and his muscular body made him look closer to a military drill instructor instead of a bookstore clerk.
Regis continues searching despite the oppressive air.
"I can't find the new release by Cello. Or Count Ludocell. Or Professor Illusi... Are they sold out? I know they are popular, but that is too cruel."
"Mr. soldier, did you came from central?"
"Ah, I came from the capital..."
"That's why you didn't know. The books you mentioned won't sell in this town, so most stores won't import them."
"... What, did... you say...?"
Regis sounds like a stranded man in the desert craving for water.
His throat was dry in an instance.
The storekeeper shrugged, he doesn't seem to be joking.
"This is a war zone. Heroic stories and erotic novels are what sells here. Ah, this one is the bestseller in my shop."
He pointed at the title 'How to write your will without regrets'.
No way!! Regis hugs his head as he thought.
"Wait, wait a minute... There are no stocks of those famous authors? Am I really still in Bulgaria? Did I stumble into a barbarian settlement?"
"Well, this was the neighboring nation's territory 50 years ago."
"Uguu... And what is with this price? It's 10 times that of the capital..."
He finally found a book he wants, but Regis looks like he is about to cry when he reached for it.
The bearded storekeeper says casually:
"Well, books are heavy and bandits are roaming around recently. It takes lots of effort to transport it here, and the customer base is small... near the borders, books are a luxurious hobby for the upper class."
"Why is this happening!"
"Sorry about that..."
The shopkeeper reaches for the book Regis is holding.
Regis hugs the book in a panic.
"Wait, wait wait, I didn't say I'm not buying...!!"
"Eh? Are you serious? You look like a young soldier. It's strange for me as the seller but... pardon me, wouldn't that cost you a week of your wages?"
"Uguu... This is hell..."
Regis moans.
At this moment, the storekeeper let out a weird sound "Oh!?" and stares with his eyes wide open.
Regis follows his gaze and turns around.
At the entrance of the shop is a young girl with her back to the light.
A pretty young girl with red hair that looks as if it is burning and ruby colored eyes. She is around 13-14 years old. Her features are still a bit childlike, but she has a charm that holds your gaze, making you unable to avert your eyes.
Her erect index finger is touching her lips.