In Raynemor's library, Ren leads a blindfolded Naja to the private reading sections. Once they're both seated and alone, Ren finally takes the blindfold off.
[Ren] Tada!
[Naja] Um, what are we doing here? Do we need to gather intel on something?
[Ren] No, we're having a rest day.
[Naja] Rest? Why?
[Ren] Because it's important to take some time for ourselves once in a while (and because big sis Kaya doesn't want you in the kitchen anymore).
[Naja] What would we even do here if we are not collecting intel.
[Ren] I'm glad you asked. Allow me to show you.~
Ren goes behind a bookshelf for a moment before coming back with a small, wrapped box.
[Ren] Here you go. I hope you like it.
[Naja] Do you want me to deliver this somewhere?
[Ren] No, it's a present.
[Naja] A present?
[Ren] You know, a gift someone gives you and you say "aww, thanks."
[Naja] Oh, um... Aww, thanks.
[Ren] Now open it up. I want to see your reaction.
Still not completely understanding what the point of this is, Naja slowly unwraps the gift. To no ones surprise, it was a book.
[Naja] (monotone) Aww, thanks.
[Ren] Do you like it? It's from my favorite series. It's a love story between a young lord and his maid. Even though it's supposed to be forbidden, their love can't be held back. Even if the entire kingdom is against their unity, their love will conquer all!
[Naja] I see, so it is a story about military affairs.
[Ren] (sigh) Close enough. Just read it and I'm sure you'll like it.
At her insistence, Naja begins reading the book. While reading, it becomes more obvious to her that the book isn't about military affairs. After half an hour of reading, she has a few questions.
[Naja] What is the point of this? They are constantly engaging in intercourse without the desire of mating.
[Ren] That's not the point. They don't do it to mate. They do it because they love each other.
[Naja] That is another thing I noticed. Why does the young lord only copulate with this one maid. It would make much more sense if he mated with all of the other maids as well. That would exterminate the need to hide their courtship.
[Ren] I think you're missing the point of the book. It's not supposed to be logical. Love isn't like that. Maybe you'll understand if you keep reading.
[Naja] Perhaps, I will continue my analysis on this book.
...
Ren wakes up early the next morning, Sakyo still sleeping at her side. Since this is a rare chance, she spends the next few minutes giving Sakyo lots of kisses on his cheeks. After she's done, she notices Naja isn't there. It's not like her to go off on her own this early, so Ren decides to go look for her.
Luckily, the first place she thought of was exactly where she was. She peeks her head through the library doors, looking around before calling out.
[Ren] Naja, are you in here?
With no answer, Ren goes in to look around some more. She ends up finding Naja with baggy eyes and cross-legged in the corner of two shelves, surrounded by multiple pieces of worn paper. She's still reading the same book Ren gave her the day before, holding it to her face closer than necessary.
[Ren] Um... Naja?
With a surprised jump, Naja finally looks up from her book. The bags under her eyes a clear indicator that she hasn't slept.
[Naja] Oh, hello Ren. Did you forget something?
[Ren] Have you been here all night?
[Naja] What? No... I do not think so. What time is it?
[Ren] It's morning already.
[Naja] Oh, then yes, I have been here all night. I have been researching your novel, but I still do not understand some things. Like this: In chapter 12, Mari cries after being kissed, but it says she is smiling. What does this mean?
[Ren] Well, it means she's happy. Sometimes your emotions can overwhelm you and you might find a few tears falling even if you're really happy.
[Naja] ...Is that allowed?
[Ren] Of course it is. Hm? Did you draw a picture.
She reaches down to one of the papers at Naja's feet, though it's quickly snatched away.
[Naja] This is not just a picture. It is a detailed representation of the compatibility between Lord Steven and all of the maids based on their functionality and the potential of their offspring. While he is more compatible with Mari than I had originally thought, his potential with Connie far outclasses all of the others.
[Ren] (But Connie is only introduced in the last chapter.) You got all of this from one book?
[Naja] It is all in the subtext, Ren. Allow me to explain. While it is true Connie was not introduced until the final chapter, that timing is precisely why her presence stands out. Her arrival creates a shift in the atmosphere without disrupting it. Unlike the other inferior maids, Connie does not seek or need Steven's approval; her presence alone commands it. In just three lines from her introduction, she demonstrates awareness, restraint, and an intuitive understanding of Steven's burdens. These qualities are something none of the other maids possess...
Without a word, Sakyo enters the library, sitting next to Ren as he becomes invested in Naja's speech.
[Naja] Her immediate action after noticing the dying azalea is a metaphor for Lord Steven himself: noble, beautiful, but neglected even when being surrounded by others. She effortlessly trims the dead branches without needing to be asked, a clear symbol of her willingness to silently support his growth. This level of non-verbal understanding creates a resonance stronger than ten pages of dialogue! Furthermore, Connie's brief time in the story is efficient, precise, and implies she would be a stabilizing force in Steven's life. And we can only imagine how competent their offspring would be in managing the estate. And that is why Steven and Connie are factually the best for each other!
[Sakyo] (thumbs up) Nice.
[Ren] Naja, how many times did you read the book?
[Naja] I was able to finish reading it five times. I would have reached six, but you interrupted me before I could start again.
[Ren] You mean you've just been reading the first book for the past twenty hours?!
Naja pauses in her place, eyes wide as she slowly turns towards Ren with a slightly concerning gaze.
[Naja] ...There's more than one?
[Ren] (sigh) Sakyo...
[Sakyo] Yep.
Completely understanding her request without needing to be told, Sakyo picks up Naja over his shoulder and carries her out of the library.
[Naja] No! You can not do this to me! If there are more books, I still have a lot more analysis to do!
[Ren] Naja, you need a break from reading.
[Naja] NOOOOOO!!!!!
With a loud protest, Sakyo carries her out. She tries to stay by clawing at the doors, but her efforts only leave scratch marks before she is fully out of the library.
[Ren] Maybe I should hold off before telling her about the other twelve books in the series.