Chapter 157: In the Earl’s Library
Despite how highly esteemed the Audens were and their closeness to the Crown, Irene was pleased that the Earl and his wife seemed to be such laid-back people. Her expectations were shifted upon this realization.
Regardless, the girl was thrilled to take advantage of the Audens’ hospitality and, the moment she had dropped her things in the guest room she was to share with her family, she went off to the library with the other apprentices. It seemed that her mother and brother were in the township with the Countess enjoying tea with other noble ladies who had already arrived.
She imagined that if she were still a noble lady, she might have been forced to participate in that sort of thing. How interesting that her brother was forced into the environment just because he was still a child. It must have been a pain for him to have to sit and play nice.
She silently hoped that there were other children for her brother to be around so he could at least have some company.
Since Irene was staying away from the other apprentices who were in guest rooms in a different hallway, she was surprised to see that Leif was also going to spend his time in the library that day.
When she walked into the library and saw Leif already browsing the shelves, she raised her reddish eyebrows.
Immediately seeing her expression, Leif felt the need to defend himself.
"What else are we meant to do?" he asked. "Sir Gunnar said we must be on our best behavior and the knights are occupied with the nobles."
"I suppose you’re right," she admitted. "There isn’t much we can get up to in a library, after all."