Were these pastries from her?
No, probably not. Vanessa shook her head gently.
The tea was hot, and the plate holding the pastries was not portable. They did not look as though they had been brought in specially.
Vanessa looked around but saw no servants accompanying the girl.
Besides, wouldn't anyone bringing tea and pastries to the Library be turned away?
So... were these provided by the Library?
Vanessa nodded in realization, feeling she had found the truth.
But she still found it a little hard to believe. Were these exquisite pastries really hers to enjoy?
As expected of the Imperial Capital's grand Library.
She hesitated, then beckoned to the girl opposite her. "Let's eat together! There are so many sweets here!"
The girl opposite her did not raise her head, but the hand turning the pages stopped. She glanced at Vanessa.
"I've seen you reading here all this time, and you haven't eaten anything."
"I'm not hungry."
"How could you not be hungry? People always get hungry. I used to forget to eat because I was reading, too... and since the Library has provided these pastries, wouldn't it be a waste not to eat them?" Vanessa murmured, pushing the sweets toward the Blonde-Haired Girl.
Although she said they were provided by the Library, Vanessa still subconsciously looked around, looking very much as though she were stealing something.
As though she did not believe they were meant for her.
Watching Vanessa feel guilty over merely eating a pastry, the Blonde-Haired Girl opposite her froze briefly. Her previously expressionless face suddenly came alive.
She gently covered her mouth, trying not to laugh aloud.
"W-what are you laughing at..."
Vanessa glared at her, a little embarrassed and annoyed. She had kindly offered to share the pastries, yet the girl was laughing at