27. The Librarian

27

THE LIbrARIAN

“ T hank you so much for your time.” The goblin, who required a step stool to reach the counter, smiled and hoisted his large stack of books up. “I think I shall be back for your matchmaking service in a few weeks.”

I nodded. “Please do return. We are always looking for more clients to use the service, especially with the great number of successes in the past.”

“Oh, yes,” the goblin agreed, hopping down from the stool I’d provided him, “I’ve heard about all those stories. Love is so sweet, is it not?”

“I tend to think so, though perhaps I’m biased. Take care, my friend, and I hope to see you back soon.”

The goblin walked toward the exit, books in hand, and I emerged from behind the counter to put the step stool away. The bells on the door jingled and I glanced up, expecting to see the back of the goblin as he left.

Instead, I was greeted with the marvelous sight of an angel and his human companion, both of which could be only two people:

“Ciel? Ryan?” I clasped my hands together, rushing over to greet them properly. “Oh, it’s so wonderful to see you both back here — and together this time.”

Ryan laughed. “Well, you were the one who paired us up. I would think you out of anyone would know we would work through things.”

“I must confess, I had my doubts with this pairing — slim doubts, to say the least, but doubts nonetheless. I see now that I was correct in pairing you up. You are happy, yes?”

Ciel put his hand on Ryan’s shoulder, drawing him in closer. “Ah, yes,” he replied. “Very happy indeed. Ryan’s parents have already begun planning the wedding, though I’m not sure if we want to get married or not.”

Ryan nodded. “They’ve been great about this…unconventional pairing, but they’re still traditional in their own way. We may have to sit down with them at some point and discuss our plans for the future.”

I beamed. “What a problem to have — your parents are too accepting of your relationship.”

Ciel smiled. “Indeed. Now, my dear Librarian, as I’m sure you’re aware, we stopped in today to do more than thank you for all your time and effort with the matchmaking service.”

“Yes,” Ryan added, a nervous pallor washing over his face. “I, um, I sent in an application to work here. I know you’re not actively hiring, but several people encouraged me to do so, and…” he trailed off.

“Yes,” I said, returning behind the counter to find Ryan’s résumé. “Yes, I did receive your application, and I must say, you’re spectacularly qualified for a position here. Perhaps a bit overqualified, even.”

Ryan’s face fell. This was a response he’d gotten many times, surely. “I understand. I’ll keep looking, and if you hear of anything, please let me know.”

“I wasn’t finished yet,” I told him. “You’re correct that we’re not actively hiring, but we can always use an extra pair of hands here, and I had a chat with the board of trustees, as well as with a particularly generous patron who also found his match through my service.”

His eyes brightened. “Yes?”

“And they all agreed that you would be a perfect addition to the library.”

“I — what? Does that mean what I think it means?”

“It most certainly does. Welcome to your new job, Ryan. You start work Monday, and I’ll ensure you get all the other necessary details within the next few days.”

Ryan laughed, half with joy and half with disbelief, wrapping his arms tightly around Ciel. “This is amazing news!” he cried.

“Yes,” Ciel said, his tone much more even. “We will forever be in your debt, Librarian. Thank you so much.”

I shook my head. “The best repayment of whatever debt you think you owe me is to continue being shining pillars of this community. We love having both of you here, even if you have not been here as long as some other members like the orcs and the vampires. It makes no difference to us.”

“We plan on staying in this town forever,” Ciel said. “We’re quite happy here now, aren’t we, Ryan?”

Ryan looked at Ciel and smiled. “Absolutely. Couldn’t be happier, and it’s all due to you.”

I didn’t deserve this level of praise, but I had no choice but to accept it. This town comprised many more important individuals than just myself, and Ciel and Ryan were perfect examples of that.

But, knowing that I was making a positive difference in both humans’ and monsters’ lives alike was more than enough to make me happy, and as I watched Ryan and Ciel talk and laugh amongst themselves about all their good fortune, I was certain I was doing the correct thing in life.

How long it lasted, I couldn’t be sure. But for now, right now, I had the ability to change people’s lives, and that was not something I ever wished to take for granted.