Ariana was slightly shocked at how fast Leonard had uncovered her identity, but she had expected him to do it sooner or later. She wanted him to know she was from royalty; however, Leonard asked the question so nonchalantly that it fazed her.
'Even among royalty, I'm sure you would stick out,' Ariana thought while looking at Leonard.
"I came here to see how life is here. Nothing more, nothing less," Ariana spoke softly.
"Are you satisfied with what you've seen?" Leonard asked.
"No, I'm not," Ariana replied bluntly.
"Why aren't you satisfied?" Leonard could guess the reason why and her next few sentences, but he kept a look of ignorance.
"I don't think I've seen much to be satisfied," Ariana said with a sigh.
"Do you plan on coming back?" Leonard asked her.
"Depends if I'm free," Ariana responded.
"How about this: I give you tours while you give me books," Leonard said, his tone containing some excitement.
'Books?' Hearing Leonard's request, Ariana was tongue-tied; she had wanted Leonard to offer his services. Once Leonard shared his father's tale, Ariana could piece the pieces together and figure out who Leonard was. After all, he had described the Reaper with features he himself possessed.
Why would Leonard share his father's story? It was to get closer to Ariana while indirectly telling her that if you live around here and don't know the tale of the Reaper—who killed a Feather and had to be stopped by the royalties—then you must live under a rock.
Ariana wasn't dumb; she was able to catch on to what Leonard was trying to do. As such, she also shared the story about a Crazed Dancer; in that story, she mentioned a Class which could be associated with royalty. This was a hint that she belonged to royalty. She told Leonard what she came to do—see how life was here—and also expressed how she still wanted to tour the place. She wanted Leonard to serve as her bodyguard, or just someone who knew the area well and whose presence scared most. She expected Leonard to ask for money or something like that... but books?
"You want books?" Ariana asked again, her head tilting slightly. She couldn't understand his request.
"Yes, books. Preferably books that aren't common regarding matters such as Classes and Qi," Leonard said, then added, "I'm not keeping the books. I'll return them to you within a week."
'Books regarding Classes and Qi.' Ariana had read such books before, but she had never considered their value. To her, it was just knowledge her family possessed, but she did know that such books had value.
"Why do you want books?" Ariana asked curiously.
"Because I enjoy learning. Since childhood, I was completely avoided by the masses. It was lonely at first, but I soon got used to it. I started reading with what little knowledge I had until I was able to read words, then I taught myself a basic education. I want books because, to me, they have more value than money. After all, there is a saying that goes: 'Knowledge is power.'"
Hearing this, Ariana's eyes dilated.
'Knowledge is power.'
It was a saying most had heard in their lives, but what shocked Ariana the most was how Leonard considered knowledge to be more valuable than money. Most people would, without a doubt, choose money, but Leonard wanted to pursue knowledge. It filled Ariana with amusement; she found such a person to be interesting, as it was rare for her to meet someone like him.
'Even royalties aren't as interesting as you.'
But she also felt pity for Leonard because he had to grow up isolated and find comfort in books—and also for herself, because she saw herself in Leonard.
"Okay, I can agree to your request as long as you later return them," Ariana said.
Leonard nodded and asked, "When is your next arrival?"
Ariana thought through something and replied, "Let's say three times a week for now."
'That's plenty for someone of royalty. Is she not busy?'
"Do you mind if we meet here?" Ariana asked.
Leonard looked around the crime-filled park. Saying this was a good meeting spot would be a lie. Meeting somewhere like a library would have been better.
"Are you trying to keep your visits hidden?" Leonard asked.
"Yes, I am," Ariana replied.
This could explain why she didn't have any servants with her and didn't want to meet in a place such as the library, as there were Feathers there and educated people; she would easily be noticed.
'Is she from a family that isn't known, or is she just not important?'
The fact that someone of royalty was able to walk in public without being recognized suggested that she wasn't known much. If Melissa were to visit, everyone would notice her; even Melissa's sister appearing caused quite a scene. But strangely, when Ariana appeared, no one noticed she was royalty—not even Leonard. He could only tell she was royalty because of her behavior.
"Okay, we can meet here," Leonard said, agreeing to her request to meet in the park. Leonard didn't want to get too close to the top royals—those who might have Classes. Meeting her in a secluded area could help him stay hidden. "When exactly are you going to come?"
"Let's say two days from now," Ariana replied after thinking for some time.
"When you come next time, wear more suitable clothes, as well as a veil or something to keep your face slightly hidden," Leonard said to her. Her dress was too demanding of attention, even though she might not have realized it, and her face could be recognized by someone. Even if she wasn't well-known, such details were important to Leonard.
She just looked at her dress and sighed, then spoke. "Yes, I'll try to dress in more suitable clothes next time, and I'll wear something that hides my face."
Leonard was slightly surprised by how accepting she was of advice; he had expected some stubbornness.
"One more thing."