CHAPTER 25
1161 Words
To be honest, this is too exaggerate for him to do. Did he even think about the money he wasted if these books were stock for long waiting for them to be read? What if termites and live around here? It would be such a waste if these books would end up being destroyed by those pests rather than consumed by the minds of a true-blooded reader.
At this moment, I can't help but feel sad while looking at the massive inventory of books inside this place. I wish I have the authority to read all of them.
"Why would he build such a big library like this if he can only read a few only when he wishes to. It's a total waste." I told Leandro with full remorse.
"Actually miss Emalia, this library was built for you to use while you are here."
"For me?"
“Yes. My master wishes to convey that he wanted you to have something to entertain yourself while he is away. Perhaps books could be of assistance."
I pick up a book among the shelves standing high before me and told him," I wonder how did he know I was into reading books. I don't remember ever telling him. About it." I really don't remember ever saying it to him. As a matter of fact, I was sure I never told him anything about me. His master and I never get the chance to know any information about each other.
For days that I've been staying here, all I ever did was observe his master and the things he often does so that I could understand what kind of attitude or nature he has without the need to ask him. But what I didn't realize was that for the past few days, I didn't even get the chance to know his master's name.
I think it's just fair that I don't know his name. I didn't even tell him my name either, it's just that Leandro keeps on addressing me with my name along with so I highly believe his master already knows about it. Pathetic.
I never bothered even asking it from Leandro but he never even introduced it to me even once. Was he still waiting for me to ask about it? Good grief!
But just when I was about to ask him regarding his master's name, Leandro suddenly chimed into my thoughts when he asked, "how about you, Miss Emalia?“
There was that enthusiasm in his eyes once more that even the way he had asked me sounded very eager for my response.
"What do you mean about 'what about me?" I asked. I wasn't really paying too much attention. I have to be clear since we're walking along numbers of eye-catching books to read and it's taking my interest away from reality. Asking him again if I ever missed out on what he needs to know would be best to avoid being humiliated by this man again if he tried his outwitting skills against me once more.
Leandro considered rephrasing his question instead. And this time he asked, "I mean if you are fond about books as well?“
"Well, yes. Why?“ I finally told him. It can't be helped. He'd be able to know it sooner or later as I can't contain my excitement seeing these books anyway. I suppose hiding it from him is futile.
"My intuition then is right. I knew you are fond of books when I saw you picking up that book inside my master's study." Leandro was so happy to reveal it to me. He's even more elated when he added saying, " Actually the whole idea of this library came from my suggestion, Miss Emalia. My master was asking me what other possible indoor activities I can suggest to entertain you while he is away and I suggested some books to be delivered to your room. But I didn't expect him to throw away all his gun collection and refurbish this place into this massive library you're seeing now."
I think I was even more shocked now than I was right before I step inside, "All these books are for me to read? You mean he meant to give these books--all of these books for me to read?" I had to be so sure I am grabbing the right thing for me here. But I don't want to sound like I was taking advantage of it.
Reading books has been a thing of man ever since. My friends would always nudge me back to reality since I am getting too engrossed in reading when I do find time to read or when I really get hooked with what I am reading. I always dream about owning a big space than my room at home to store the books I have collected through the years but never, as in never, in a million chance did I see myself getting to have or even receive a grand place like this as a library of my own. To me, it's still so magical having to be trapped in this place filled with fictional places stored on each of the pages.
But as soon as I realized I am getting too awestruck by what I am seeing, I have to instantly slap myself back into reality. "Is this his way of bribing me to stay in this place? Don't he ever think I'd finally stay here just because you are offering me this place, Leandro! I am still firm about wanting to go home."
Leandro's face went from that enthusiasm to sadness. "But Miss Emalia, what is it that still forces you to leave my master's place? You have here most of the things that you can't possibly imagine that you'll have without working so hard. All you have to do is stay."
I scoff back after hearing that from Leandro, "You might be missing about something, Leandro." I told him with a grin.
His brows furrowed. And as if his eyes were trying to communicate back at me for an answer, he then asked, "What is it, miss Emalia?"
I gave him a slice of my victorious grin before telling him, "Ever heard of family and friends? I guess not. This household lacks that. And that's what I want to have that you and your master can't ever give me. That's why I wanted to go home. Because I can only have that back at home, not here and not from any one of you in this god-forsaken place!"
And my eyes felt so glad seeing Leandro defeated by my words for the first time. Nothing beats an act of sweet revenge against a man who's so loyal to his ill-tempered and unreasonable master after all. I might enjoy doing this so often until they both get tired and just freely allow me or maybe just sent me back home by themselves.
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- Writer
