Welcome to Gaia! ::

Lioe wasn't often sent to do work outside of the business, but today had him exploring competing book shops. In a land that valued knowledge, book shops were always on the lookout to have the best options available to draw in the customers unable to take advantage of the academy resources. And when a customer had come recently for a book they didn't have, the boss was immediately on the alert. Lioe was less concerned with scoping out the competition than simply seeing what else was available out there.

This particular shop was smaller than where he worked, but still seemed bursting with books. He was eager to explore-

Ah, but business first. The missing topic from his shop's own collection. He looked at the note again and shook his head. "Who's reading about ice trebuchets these days?" he asked out loud to himself. That was certainly a... niche interest.

He certainly wasn't expecting anyone to pipe up nearby! Lioe jumped a little and turned a bashful, and apologetic smile to the young man. "Oh, thanks. If you're sure you're done with it." If someone else liked reading it then perhaps he should take a peek at it before handing it over to his boss. He accepted the book gratefully and tucked it under his arm. " I.. I'm sure it's an interesting read since we don't have them here. Are you planning to make one for yourself or just curious?"

Lioe perked up with interest. Someone who would just pick a book at random to read? "Honestly, I don't know why they want it either. I work at another book shop. We had a customer come looking for a book on the topic and we didn't have it, so I got sent to find out who does and make an offer." He looked at the book again with a small smirk. "I really wasn't expecting to find one."

He turned his attention back to the stranger. "You said you're a trader? Do you travel or stay around here?" He cleared his throat and ducked his head shyly. "If you don't mind me asking, of course."