#surprise lore

(Years before the events of the game, Grace is replacing the books back on the library shelves, using a ladder to help her do so.)

Grace: Do you care to tell me why you visit so much?

Crowley: Is it that hard to believe that I enjoy a bit of reading?

Grace: Sorry. It's just... I expect the students to utilize the library's resources more than their headmaster does. (Crowley glances up at her before returning to the book in his hand.) But I suppose even the mightest mages don't know everything.

Crowley: I suppose that's true in some regards... not everyone can ever hope to know everything.

Grace: And that even the mightest of mages like reading trashy romance noves in his spare time. (She chuckles as the headmaster hides his face in said trashy romance novel that he's reading.) Don't let the students catch you doing that. They're relentless and will tease you mercilessly for it.

Crowley: That's why I'm here with you as company rather than them. (Grace hesitates before sliding the book she has in her hand on the shelf. She uses her foot to kick off the edge of the shelves below her, sliding the ladder towards where she needs to go.) Be careful. Otherwise, you might knock the shelves over.

Grace: They're nailed down. I'll be fine.

Crowley: Why don't you just use magic to reshelve the books instead? It would save you time and effort.

Grace: I'd rather not.

Crowley: Afraid of a little blot? (Grace's shoe narrowly misses his face.)

Grace: Don't joke about that. (He sighs, closing his book and going to retrieve what she just threw at him.) I know that magic would make my job easier, but you know that I don't have a magical bone in my body. Besides, there are moments where sometimes all you require is a manual touch. I personally find it relaxing. (He hums in reply. As he walks over to return her shoe, Grace pushes off the shelf to slide down to the next spot she needs to reshelf, but with her socked foot, slips against the hardwood more than expected. She falls, the books tumbling out of her arms. Crowley darts forward, catching her before she can hit the ground. A beat as they look at each other.)

Grace: Uh... sir.

Crowley: Huh? Oh! (He sets her down. Grace picks up her shoe that he dropped from off the ground.)

Grace: Thank you... I, um... Thank you.

Crowley: It's not a problem. *ahem* Please be more careful in the future, Grace.