"Oh, so it's that person, no wonder."

"Yes, Lord Shuke became an S-Class through his own efforts, and has been serving the country ever since. He is very righteous, and I think anyone from our country would admire him."

A bunch of advantages were listed all at once. Ryuto was not very familiar with that person, but didn't think these were all wrong, but...

Why did it feel different from the kind of admiration for Duke Crepes, not like the simple-minded fans, rather quite rational, speaking in the usual calm tone, was it admiration or liking? However...

Compared to the former, something was missing, lacking the essence of what a fan should have.

"Well, I got the gist of it. It's getting late, isn't it?"

Ryuto's implied meaning was that he wanted to go back.

Crepes Clair understood Ryuto's intention.

"Is it? It's about time, I should also take Mr. Amagi back. Mr. Amagi's friend must be worried too."

"Well, it's okay..."

Because he had snuck out, Ryuto could only respond with a wry smile.

With that said, the two of them started heading back.

Just then.

*Ding—*

The sound of a phone ringing echoed.

"Sorry, Mr. Amagi, I need to take this call."

Saying so, Crepes Clair walked towards a corner.

Well, it must be something confidential. If caught eavesdropping on confidential matters, that would be terrible, Ryuto didn't want to follow in the footsteps of Comrade Duke Crepes.

So, Ryuto tactfully distanced himself and walked in the opposite direction.

In front of him were rows and rows of bookshelves.

Hmm...

Since they weren't comic books, Ryuto had no interest in these unfamiliar books, so he just grunted.

After all, it was just killing time, so Ryuto casually scanned the shelves with his eyes.

Well, they were all books he hadn't seen before, no, to be precise, apart from textbooks and comic books, all other books were unfamiliar to Ryuto.

Thinking this, his gaze continued to sweep until he reached the bottom shelf.

Huh?

Ryuto was attracted to something.

So, he naturally squatted down and took out that item.

Is this a photo?

I didn't expect to find a photo here. Could it be some kind of scandalous photo? Comrade Duke Crepes, how should I describe you for hiding this kind of photo in the bookshelf...

I have to take a look, so Ryuto widened his eyes and carefully examined it.

Don't get it wrong, it's just to confirm evidence.

But the next moment...

"This..."

He murmured in a voice filled with disbelief.

Just then.

"Mr. Amagi."

Crepes Clair's voice came from behind.

"Ah..."

While hastily responding, Ryuto secretly put the photo back in its place. Fortunately, the other person was a bit far away, so this small action wouldn't have been seen. Should I say it was thanks to the bookshelf for perfectly blocking the view?

As Ryuto marveled at this, Crepes Clair had already walked in.

"Mr. Amagi, what happened just now?"

Crepes Clair asked with confusion.

"Huh? Why do you ask?"

"No, because Mr. Amagi's response just now seemed flustered."

"...Really? Was it? I didn't realize."

"I don't think I misheard."

Crepes Clair responded in this way.

"In fact, the reason I reacted that way just now was because I happened to be reading a book."

"Ah, I see, I'm sorry for interrupting in the middle."

With that, Crepes Clair lowered his head.

...

It feels like my conscience is being tormented, blatantly telling lies, and yet being apologized to.