Lost in the Path of Fate

Chapter 55 - Winter Nights (4)

"Have you read all of Hamiel's books?" Raphael asked as he was leaning on a shelf while crossing his arms.

The young master was reaching something on the upper shelves and he was tiptoeing as he did so.

"I have read every one that I can find. However, I cannot actually identify if I did read every single one." Pier responded when he finally got the book.

"That's understandable. Hamiel himself is a mysterious person." The young duke shrugged his shoulders and Pier laughed at him.

"How about you, Sir Raphael? Who's the author you favor?" He asked as he gently sat on one of the seats before scraping the book off of any unnecessary dust.

"I think I like Emperor Morgan's books the best."

"How's that so?"

"He knows how to teach readers about proper rulership over large territories. His anecdotes are quite entertaining, to say the least." They both laughed and Raphael took the initiative to sit on the opposite chair that was facing Pier.

"The notes on his journals are endearing for me though." Pier answered as he flipped a page of the book and Raphael nodded his head.

"His mother was quite the woman! She was strong-willed which Emperor Morgan got his characteristics from." Pier chuckled at Raphael's statement as they talked about the books they like.

"I could not disagree. A woman who knows how to carry herself even amidst her status is quite formidable that no noble man can easily handle!"

Laughter filled the furthest corner of the room as they both spent their first day in the palace's library.

Nobles were going in and out of the place as there were also events held outside even though the snow was falling hard.

"What about Hamiel? How come you like him so much?" Raphael asked as he eyed the book Pier was reading.

It was one of the last books Hamiel had written.

"I could not find any particular reason. His books simply brought me to the world he created through the quill and ink."

"Hmm... that's vague but acceptable." Raphael responded and Pier snorted. He covered his mouth with the back of his hand to avoid looking displeasing.

"The imagination itself is vague yet particular. It contrasts both perfectly!" Pier rolled his eyes as he flipped another page and the young duke leaned his head on his crossed arms on the table.

Pier's small laughter, soft voice, alluring display of grace and elegance.

Raphael could not help but notice each and every single one of those.

'No wonder my mother likes Pier.' He thought as he observed Pier even more.

The straight posture as he held the book firmly with two hands and a focused gaze while silently reading was attractive to look at.

He was a perfect noble that portrayed how things should be done within nobility.

"I wish to find someone like Emperor Morgan's mother." Raphael stated out of nowhere and Pier raised his gaze from the book towards the young duke.

"That would be hard. Looking for a woman who could stand up even against a dragon without flinching nor screaming is pretty impossible nowadays."

"That's too specific. The words about dragons were altered in many versions until they come off as truly terrifying." Raphael responded. He leaned back on the chair as he was truly enjoying the conversation with Pier.