civilwarnovels Chapter 270 Borrower XIII
Chapter 270 Borrower XIII
Chapter 270 Borrower XIII
Before leaving, Peggy asked Aaron a favor.
She begged Aaron not to tell Dick she had been there.
Actually, this was unnecessary. If Dick hadn't asked, Aaron wouldn't have said anything anyway.
When Cathy returned to the hall, he looked preoccupied.
He suddenly came to Aaron's side and asked:
"Mr. Mosley, was my choice to hate the right one?"
Aaron smiled and said, "At least hatred isn't a fault."
Kathy nodded, pondered for a moment, and left.
With Dick's departure, this episode came to an end.
But this is also a continuation of the events surrounding Henry's death; once the beginning is written, it cannot be easily ended.
Dick said he would come back in six months. Would that be the time for reckoning?
Aaron had no idea what Dick and Casey were talking about, so he could only watch quietly.
Afterwards, the library returned to its usual tranquility.
Cathy became more lively, but his mind was entirely on Harriet.
He had angered Harriet last time and didn't seem to have been fully forgiven, so he kept trying to make Harriet happy.
However, Harriet doesn't seem to be so easily fooled, and Cassie is probably going to be in for a while.
Compared to the two of them, François seemed to have little presence.
He was used to hiding himself, observing everything but never expressing his opinion.
But this is for the best, it won't cause any trouble for Aaron.
The only thing Aaron was unhappy about was that his learning progress was too slow.
To date, his knowledge of banned books is only about 1%.
At this rate, wouldn't it be decades before he fully masters the forbidden books?
Although Aaron wasn't in a hurry, it would definitely be better if things could be done faster.
Alchemy differs from other supernatural arts in that it places great emphasis on theory.
Therefore, if there are people to discuss it, or if there is a good academic atmosphere, the learning progress will definitely be twice as effective.
Aaron believed that François's learning efficiency would definitely improve significantly if he were in that kind of environment.
Currently, the center of alchemy has shifted from the frozen continent to the Far East continent.
François himself also wanted to go to the Far East to learn culinary skills.
Therefore, Aaron considered finding an opportunity to send François to the Far East.
Of course, it's best to let things take their natural course.
A few days later, when Cathy and Harriet returned from town, their relationship had completely changed, and they had clearly made up.
It wasn't until dinner that Aaron realized the reason for their reconciliation.
Suddenly, Cathy said to Aaron, "Mr. Mosley, a theater troupe has suddenly come to town. Their comedies are hilarious, and their love tragedies are also very good. Harriet even cried. Sir, you should take some time to see them before they leave."
Aaron immediately guessed that it must have been the theater troupe's performance that brought the two back together.
As for going to town to see the show, Aaron would never agree to that.
He simply nodded and didn't say anything more.
But François seemed to be tempted; his eyes were full of longing.
It seems he really enjoys being a spectator.
For the next two days, Cathy and Harriet went to town every day, presumably because they were fascinated by the theater.
On the evening of the third day, after Cathy and Harriet returned, a visitor arrived at the library.
Aaron's "Borrowing Record of Forbidden Books" has also undergone changes:
[Borrower, Serial Number ×III]
[Name: Sofia Maldini]
[Suitable for use with banned books: "Rolling Techniques"]
[Level of Knowledge: Not Borrowed]
[Borrowing Time: Not borrowed]
[Return Date: Not borrowed]
Aaron looked toward the door and saw Sophia.
She wore a four-colored, tight-fitting long dress that perfectly accentuated her tall and slender figure.
The curly hair on her head did not seem to be natural, and paired with a black silk headband, it made her look extremely glamorous.
She strode into the library with an enchanting gait, surveying everything inside with an arrogant gaze and a smile.
Suddenly, Casey stood up and asked:
"Miss Sophia, what brings you here!"
Does Kathy know her?
Aaron was puzzled and immediately began to observe Harriet's reaction.
But Harriet didn't seem angry. She noticed Aaron's gaze and explained:
"Sir, this is the lead actress from the theater troupe that came to town."
I see, no wonder they reacted the same way.
Sophia ignored Cathy and Harriet and quickly fixed her gaze on Aaron.
She walked toward Aaron, bent down, and rested her elbows on the registration desk.
In this position, her already low neckline appeared even more open.
But Aaron remained unfazed, responding with his usual professional smile:
"Miss, I'm Aaron Mosley, the administrator for this area. How can I help you?"
"I have a name, my name is Sofia Maldini."
"Excuse me, Miss Maldini."
"Calling me by my surname sounds too formal, and besides, my surname is really quite ordinary. Aaron, I want to hear you call me by my first name."
Aaron nodded gently in response to Sophia's coquettish voice.
"Yes, Miss Sophia."
"Don't add 'Miss' anymore. Forget it, how about you just call me 'Sweetheart'?"
Aaron remained composed: "That would be rather impolite."
"No, I agreed."
Sofia spoke as she walked around the registration desk.
"I heard there's an old library here, so I came out of curiosity to check it out. Can't you grant me this small request?"
"So, Sophia?"
"Ha ha,"
Sophia had come to Aaron's side, placed her hand on Aaron's chest, and drew circles with her fingertips.
"You're very handsome, Aaron. Just seeing you makes me feel that choosing to come here was a wise decision."
"You flatter me, Sofia."
"No," Sophia pressed her body closer to Aaron. "Aaron, you are the most handsome man I have ever seen. Hey, Aaron, I have a request."
"Please speak."
"I want to become one with you."
Aaron's smile remained unchanged: "Ha, Sophia, your request is too sudden, especially since this is our first meeting."
"Suddenness is a good thing. Impulsiveness is the spice of life; it can bring you passion and prevent your soul from falling into numbness."
"Impulsiveness can be poison, and besides, I'm quite rational right now," Aaron said. "Sophia, we should take it slow."
Sofia's smile turned sly: "Then I'll come again tomorrow, so it won't be the first time we've met."
Aaron nodded: "If you come again tomorrow, I will give you a gift."
Upon hearing this, Sophia stood on tiptoe and bit Aaron's earlobe:
"Then I hope it's a rich and abundant gift."
"Of course," Aaron nodded, "It's definitely thick."
There is nothing more substantial than knowledge.
"Then it's a deal."
Sophia breathed warm air into Aaron's ear before jumping back a few steps.
Then, as if dancing, she left the library.
Aaron shrugged and looked ahead.
Cathy and Harriet immediately turned their heads away.
From their bright red ears, Aaron could tell that the two of them must have been eavesdropping on his conversation with Sophia.
However, there was no point in hiding this conversation.
But these two people are definitely overthinking it.
After Aaron instructed François to prepare dinner, he went to the second floor of the library.
He easily found the book "Roller Craftsmanship," which was the gift he wanted to give to Sofia.
Aaron understood perfectly well what Sophia was implying.
But Aaron has lived for so many years, what hasn't he seen?
His heartbeat was perfectly steady, and his emotions remained calm.
To Aaron, Sophia was merely a borrower of forbidden books.
He prepared the book in advance so that he could give it to Sofia the next day.
Time passed quickly, and the evening of the second day arrived soon after.
Sofia arrived at the library as promised.
She seemed to have dressed up more carefully than yesterday, and Aaron could even smell the fragrance of flowers on her.
But Sophia's very first sentence really surprised Aaron:
"This morning, someone proposed to me."
Aaron pondered for a moment, then smiled and asked, "Really? And what's your answer?"
“I agreed,” Sofia said. “And before coming here, I had already married him, and now I am his wife.”
"Then tonight is very important for you, you should stay by his side."
Sophia immediately went to Aaron's side and hugged his arm:
"But tonight, I only want you."
"This is not good."
"There's nothing wrong with it. This isn't my first time getting married."
"Oh?"
"My first marriage was in my hometown. My dad found me a man who was a shoemaker, and I heard he was quite skilled."
Sophia leaned against Aaron, speaking candidly as if it were as natural as discussing the day's weather.
"I married him smoothly, but on our wedding day, while he was drinking with guests, I played a wonderful game of chess with his brother."
"His brother wanted to play fast chess, but I disagreed and insisted on playing slowly and strategically. In the end, my husband, after seeing off all the guests, caught us playing."
Aaron asked, "And then?"
"My husband immediately started chasing after his brother, yelling that he would kill him. Before he could react and deal with me, I hurriedly packed my bags and fled my hometown overnight."
"An interesting story."
"It's not a story, I didn't lie at all," Sophia said. "Aaron, do you know what my most vivid memory of that day is?"
Aaron shook his head.
"It was my husband who opened the door and saw the chessboard between me and his brother."
Sofia's breathing became rapid.
"My God, at that moment, my heart was pounding faster than a sudden downpour. The intense excitement even made me burst out laughing, and I still miss that feeling to this day."
Sophia was clearly not lying; Aaron saw that her cheeks were flushed.
She looked at Aaron: "Oh, but don't worry, I didn't tell my new husband where I was tonight, so he's unlikely to find me here."
Aaron smiled and said, "It's alright, I don't mind."
"Ha, then we really are a match made in heaven," Sophia's hands began to roam over Aaron's body. "Hey, Aaron, since that's the case, let's get started."
Aaron nodded and immediately took out the book "Roller Techniques" and handed it to Sophia.
Sofia was stunned when she saw the book in front of her.
She frowned and asked:
"What does this mean?"
"The gift I promised you yesterday."
"I want a rich and substantial gift!"
"The knowledge and power contained in this book are absolutely abundant."
Sofia's nostrils flared as she listened.
She loosened her grip on Aaron's arms, took two steps back, and questioned him:
"What is this? Are you making fun of me?"
"Sophia, I had no such intention. Perhaps there was some misunderstanding in our communication."
"fraud!"
Sofia yelled and swung her right arm, slapping Aaron across the face.
This movement appeared extremely slow to Aaron.
He reached out and blocked Sofia.
Sophia glared at Aaron, then stormed out of the library.
Only then did Aaron notice that Cathy and Harriet were also surprised by Sophia's reaction.
Aaron shrugged helplessly. It seemed that delivering the books this time would be more difficult than he had imagined.
However, Aaron didn't force it; he'd let things take their course.
Two days later, Sofia came to the library again.
She stood in front of the registration desk, staring intently at Aaron:
"Am I really that unattractive in your eyes?"
"You are beautiful, Sofia."
"But you're unwilling to take things a step further with me."
"I care more about the inner things."
"You think I'm dirty?"
Aaron smiled and shook his head: "There's no such thing as dirty or not. I'm not talking about experiences, but about the soul and essence. I admire your frankness, but it's not my type."
"But I'm leaving tomorrow," Sofia said.
"Where to?"
"Go with the theater company to the Far East, a mecca of art," Sofia said. "We may never see each other again. Are you really unwilling to grant me this small request?"
"I'm sorry, Sophia, you're already a married woman."
"I can marry you again, if you want."
Aaron looked at Sophia: "Why are you so persistent with me?"
"Because you're handsome, my body tells me it wants you, and I've always followed my instincts."
Please allow me to refuse.
"Then farewell, Aaron," Sophia said resolutely as she turned and left.
"Wait a minute," Aaron called out to her.
"What is it?" Sophia turned around expectantly.
Please accept this book.
Sofia glanced at the book, frowned, and asked:
Why do you insist on giving it to me?
"So that one day in the future, you can return it to me."
Sofia's brows relaxed: "Is this an agreement?"
"I guess so," Aaron lied, "but after I've completely mastered this book."
Sofia smiled and accepted the book: "I'll come back to find you again!"
She was about to leave again when Aaron spoke up once more:
"Wait a moment!"
"Is there anything else?"
"You said you're going to the Far East?"
"Yes."
"Could you bring one person with you?"
"Who?"
Aaron looked at the portly chef: "François!"
François stood there, stunned, for a long time before finally uttering a single word:
"Huh?"