Chapter 8
5466words
I just finished eating a big meal as well. I should be lying down on a big sofa with a wide, content smile on my face. But instead, I decided to be a smartass and ask for directions to the library.
Thinking of books instead of my own well-being and comfort. Maybe Esme was right, I really am obsessed with bo-
Oh. Right. Esme…
My heart suddenly filled with a lot of pain, longing, and somberness. I grip my chest very tightly, thinking it’d lessen the pain.
My eyes started swelling up with small tears as I remembered the name of my very good friend…
Come on, come on. Now is not the time for crying or tears. You can’t keep showing tears and pain to everyone under this place’s roof.
I place the palm of my left hand flat on my chest as I slowly breathe in and out while bringing the other hand up and wiping the small amount of formed tears with the back of it.
After calming down for a bit, I looked around me to make sure no one saw me in extreme distress over absolutely nothing.
Thankfully, excluding Rosaline, who’s still escorting me to the library, and me, there was no one at all except for the few guards that were doing the rounds on the ground floor, but they just greeted us and went along their way.
Anyway, the library!!! Isn’t this quite exciting??
If you were to be thrown into an entirely different place–hell, even a wholly different world–how could you possibly figure anything out without book knowledge and the writing of mentally unstable but talented authors?
What? Through interactions with different individuals and/or environmental storytelling?
Don’t be silly. Those things are limited, fleeting, and temporary. But books? Those are absolutely eternal! Passed down through generations, they hold the truth to the many necessary walks of life.
I really wonder what type of books I’ll find in the library.
Literature? History? Geography? Maybe even a little bit of magic if I dare.
I was holding a book when I first arrived here, “Magic for Dummies”. That should be a good place, more than any, to start learning magic.
I am feeling very giddy just from thinking about it. The pain in my heart was quickly replaced with happiness and excitement!
A few short moments later, Rosaline suddenly stops right next to another huge double door.
“We’ve arrived, Your Highness.” Rosaline declares and bows deeply before she grabs the knobs of the doors leading to the library and pushes them forward, giving me an incredible view of what my next few hours will look like.
I take in the scenery of this beautiful place as I take short steps in.
“Woah…” I exclaim as I look all around me, a multi-floored library that’s almost the size of a villa of its own.
Every floor contains giant, tall, erected shelves filled to the brim with books. Every shelf has its own golden plaque nailed on it, signifying what type of books it holds.
The decor and architecture of the library are a far cry from what’s normally seen in the manor. Although the manor is made up of mostly white marble, this place is more dark brown wood, shiny and well-maintained. There’s still a giant, crystal chandelier in the middle of the room, but that’s a given when it comes to manors.
The shelves, the flooring, and even some of the furniture are all made of the same luxurious-looking wood.
To the right of the library is a giant window overlooking a familiar-looking garden. I believe this is the one I saw yesterday. To think I was this close to this beautiful library and didn’t notice it.
“I don’t believe you’ve been here too many times, Princess. I’m glad you seem to really love it. Her majesty ordered a daily cleaning of the library, believing one day you’ll open your heart for books.” Rose said with a big smile on her face. “Their majesties will be very happy when they hear about this.”
Yeah, honestly, when I was this young, I didn’t enjoy reading either, but if I had a location like this to read in, I might’ve just grown a brain and gotten over it, because my god… what a beauty.
Rosaline steps into the library with me and gently closes the doors shut.
“What type of books do you want me to get you, Your Highness?”
“Huh? Nono, I can get them myself just fine.”
“No, Princess, I must insist. Please, allow me to fetch your desired books for you.”
Urgh… this is gonna be so embarrassing telling her what type of books I want.
“Okay, uhm, can we walk around a bit and see which books I want?”
“Of course, Princess. I’ll be right on your tail.”
Okay, let’s go!!
I start moving around the library, examining every golden plaque attached to every shelf with a huge smile on my face.
My god, I’ve never felt more excitement and happiness before!! This is just like heaven. If I could cook and eat each and every one of these books, I’d have gladly done so.
‘Language and Literature’ was the plaque I finally decided to stop on. I went down the aisle between the shelves and started looking up and down, trying to gauge the importance and usefulness of each book.
The size of the shelf itself is quite daunting, but at the same time, beautiful. But enough relishing–now to figure out which book to pick out.
As I looked around the books, Rosaline noticed my eyes darting around the shelf, lost and looking for something to read.
“I noticed that you’re a bit lost on what to read, Princess.” Rosaline speaks up, with the intention to help. “May I know what exactly you’re looking for, and I could assist you with it?”
“Oh uhm…” I look around some more, trying to gather my thoughts before speaking up. “Maybe a book with beginner grammar and literature for… the language we speak?” I reply, trying to sound as confident as possible.
“Oh, you mean Fluorin? Of course, if your highness wants a good book for learning Fluorin from the start, then I’d suggest…”
She darts with her finger around the books, staring intently at each one before pointing at one high up.
“That should work.”
Huh, that’s quite high.
I look around me searching for a ladder to use to reach the desired book, but I spot none at all.
“But how are you-”
Before I could finish my sentence, I noticed Rosaline’s dark red ring revolving rapidly. The moment it reaches one full revolution around itself, I feel a light gust of wind rising toward the book.
The book made a sound when the gust of wind pressed on it. It proceeded to lean forward, and instead of falling quickly, it gently floated down until it reached me, at which point I extended my arms forward to catch it.
“Woah…” I look at Rosaline, impressed and wide-eyed. “You’re amazing, Rose. Thanks!"
“I may not be as well-versed in magic as the special forces, but I’ve got my niche uses.” She said as she bowed, with a beaming smile on her face. “Are there any more books you want, Princess? I can do this all day.”
Well, if she makes such an offer, then how could I possibly decline?? I’d love to see this gust of wind again. Even if it was weak, it was very impressive!
Rosaline and I walked out of the aisle, me at the front, and I started looking around again for what I wanted next, at which my eyes landed on a plaque on the second floor, ‘Magic arts and transcendence’.
Immediately, I start heading upstairs, my feet skipping a few steps.
“Princess, please be more mindful of your steps!” She desperately yells out, but I pay her no attention as I arrive at the magic aisle.
I look at every book, salivating at what incredible power and knowledge they hold to fill my insatiable curiosity. But even if I read them all, I will never be satisfied!!
I must master this art no matter what. When will I ever get this type of opportunity to learn about fantastical magic again?!
Thinking deeply about what magic beginner book I should read before I’m once again reminded of the one I should’ve already had in mind, ‘Magic for Dummies’. The title sounds a bit offensive, but if it does its job well, then I can overlook it.
“Rosaline. ”
“Yes, Your Highness?”
“I’m looking for that book I was holding yesterday, Magic for Dummies. Can you fetch it for me?”
“Of course, Your Highness.” Rosaline didn’t have to look much at all; she just raised her hand, and I made sure to watch intently this time as her ring spun rapidly again, and when it finished its first revolution, a light gust of wind was conjured and it rose toward a book, which made another click sound.
The book leaned forward and fell straight into her arms instead of mine.
“Let me hold this one for you, Princess.”
“Hey, I can do that just fine! They aren’t that heavy.”
“I understand, Your Highness. However, these two won’t be the only books you’ll be reading, will they? Please, allow me to carry the next few books in your stead.” With confidence and wit, she replied. And I, being absolutely bested, just stayed speechless.
We headed out of this aisle as well, and I looked around the second floor some more, looking for extra interesting categories to delve into.
‘Swordsmanship and absolute domination’, one plaque said.
…no. Not right now, at least.
Maybe later, though.
‘History and Ethics’, another plaque said.
Ooooo, this sounds right up my alley!!
Repeating the same steps. I head to the aisle, look for books, yada yada, but this time I actually grow independent of Rosaline and look for one myself.
Staring intently at every book’s spine, trying to find something that’d catch my eye.
My eyes land on a book with a spine saying, ‘Judge the eyes, not the soul’.
Yep, sounds pretty interesting.
I pointed it out to Rosaline, and the same set of events transpired. And the book landed in her arms, just like the last one.
The books I have so far are:
-’All about Fluorin’, a book containing knowledge on the Fluorin language.
-’Judge the eyes, not the soul’, not sure what this one is about, guess I’ll find out soon.
-’Magic for Dummies’, an introduction to the vast world of magic and its varied arts.
None of them is too thick looking, perhaps like 200-250 pages at most each. I could skim through them to get the gist of whatever message they contain, except for the magic one, of course. I’ll be obsessing over this one like a hawk, and I’ll be leaving it up for last. As a dessert.
Hmmm, should I stop here? These three books should be enough for the day. I’m not even sure if I’ll be able to finish them all.
Oh well, I’ll just be content with those for now. I mean, the library will always be here, right? Not like it’ll go up in flames or anything.
“I believe this amount of books should suffice for today, Princess.”
Rosaline suddenly spoke up, as if she had read my mind.
“Please, don’t forget that you can’t read books all day, as you still have etiquette lessons late in the evening.”
“Huh? I do…?”
“Of course. Her majesty made sure to nail down the timing for these lessons. So, please be mindful of it, Your Highness.”
Seems like I won’t have as much time as I thought I did. But it’s whatever, I do require some etiquette lessons anyway. I need to make sure that what happened back in the dining hall must not repeat.
“Unless you want me to inform her that you want to keep reading. I’m sure her majesty will give an exception.”
“Oh, nono, it’s fine. I’ll take the etiquette lessons. After finishing these books, of course!”
Rosaline gives a warm smile, but doesn’t say anything more.
I took it as our conversation finally ended, and I started exiting out of the bookshelf aisle with Rosaline right behind me, books in hand.
Going down the stairs, I examine the library looking for a good place to read in.
Now, when you want to read, what do you look for exactly? Obviously, an open place with nice ventilation and sunlight! Sitting near a window on a train, car, or plane, being in bed with a lamp and a fan, or sitting right next to the window in a cafe!
So, I’m obviously going to sit right near the giant windows overlooking the beautiful garden!
I trot over joyfully toward the royal chair and table set right next to the window.
“Princess, please!” Rosaline calls out, anxiously. But I pay her no mind.
My heart is filled with joy right now, woman! How could I possibly be calm?!
Finally reaching the chair and table, I gently place the only book I had on it, pull the chair, and plop myself on it as I wait for Rosaline to bring the rest of the books.
She reaches me, not a moment later, and immediately places the books right next to the one I had already placed.
“Thanks!” With a show of gratitude and a bright smile, I thanked Rosaline.
“Of course, Your Highness.” She bows deeply, “I’ll be standing right next to the door, just call for me whenever you need me.” With that, she turns around and heads toward the door where she now stands.
My gaze moves from her to the books then back to her, just to realize that she actually meant what she said.
“Uhm, Rose?”
“There’s no need for you to actually keep standing there. You can leave and do your own thing.”
“I’m afraid I can’t be doing that, Princess. I must be present to tend to your every need and in case you request anything.”
“Oh, okay. Well, thanks!”
“No need to thank me, Princess. I’m more than happy to serve you. And besides, I’m just doing my job.”
I’m not sure how much comfort could be derived from her standing there, watching me like an eagle, and awaiting orders. I’ve never really had someone do nothing but watch me read before, so, this is a new and quite an uncomfortable feeling…
Oh, well! I am sure my mind will filter her out eventually when I’m nosedeep in these books.
Ahem ahem. Without further ado, let’s get educated!
The first book on my agenda should be… the language one of course! How else could I properly write and send letters without learning the language first?
‘All about Fluorin’.
“An extensive and beloved guide to learning the greatest and most widely spoken language in the world!
Written by insille selen.”
Is what’s written on the front cover of the book.
What a weird ass name. But I shouldn’t judge, I’m technically the weird one here.
I start flipping to the first few pages of the book, taking my sweet time reading them.
They didn’t offer much value when it came to the Fluorin language. However, it did give a good introduction to what Fluorin is.
Ahem ahem.
“Fluorin is a giant city situated in the south-eastern, fourth quadrant, side of the world. Although, in some other definitions and views, Fluorin itself can be seen as an empire, instead of just a simple city.
Reasons as to why it is seen as such are its incredible control and heavy influence over many things, such as: widespread culture, prevailing language, superior military, domination of supply lines, etc.
However, what makes Fluorin special is its–more than perfect–leadership and governance. All of this is thanks to the two individuals at the top, King or Emperor Cadel and Queen or Empress Minerva.
P.S. As mentioned before, due to the difference in writings, king, emperor, queen, and empress will both be used to be more in tone and in-line with different authors.”
Wow, I’m going to be honest here, this sounds more like a piece of propaganda literature than an educational book. But hey, it’s working on me so far!
“During the great war that the emperor and the empress participated in, Fluorin was used as a forefront and was the epicenter of it. The city was left completely barren and its people dying one by one, almost to the point of going extinct. Food was short, water was, although present, but their abilities to extract it straight from the source to satisfy their daily consumption were unfound.
That was until Emperor Cadel and Empress Minerva took rein of the forefront and led their entire army to victory. They returned to their hometowns after their win, however, they occasionally dropped by Fluroin in order to assist its citizens, helping them prosper and rebuild a new civilization.
A century after the war ended, with both of them constantly assisting the Fluorins, they were presented with the throne of the city–”
I’m sorry, a century?! Just how old are these two?!
They also participated in, fought, led, and won an entire war…?!
Just what kind of people are my new parents. I’m more intrigued by the minute, but the way they acted toward me was a far cry from being war veterans…
“The Fluorins kept nagging “You’re the right choice for the throne!”, “Nobody could lead us as well as you could!”. Eventually, the emperor and the empress caved in and took hold of the throne, making Fluorin prosper year by year, only growing stronger as time passes.”
My goodness… This world just keeps getting more and more peculiar with every word I read.
Wasn’t this supposed to be a book about language and a bit of literature?! Why’s the introduction a generic historical propaganda piece?!
Insille, what the hell, man…
I begin once again flipping widely through the pages, this time not paying too much attention to everything written in it.
Please, just give me something related to this language already.
My prayers have been answered as I finally landed on a page with many individual letters that seemed like the alphabetical letters for Fluorin.
Finally, something worth my time!
I look around me, looking for something to write in, only to be reminded that I brought nothing but these books.
Oh, because of course. You wanna learn a language? Don’t write shit down and you’ll be more than A-okay!
I lightly facepalm and laugh to myself before laying my eyes on Rosaline, who’s still standing near the entrance of the library.
“Are there any notebooks around here that I can write in? And maybe a pen, too?”
“I was wondering when you’d ask that, Princess.” She giggled before rushing to the second floor.
Urgh, so she knew I’d need a notebook and a pen? Well, I guess I’m the idiot here for not thinking longterm.
Not too long after, Rosaline came down with a white notebook in one hand and an ink pen submerged in a pot in the other hand, rushing straight toward me.
She placed the notebook and the pot on the table.
“Here they are, Princess.” She said, with a smile.
“Of course, Your Highness, anytime. I’ll be in the same place whenever you need me.” She gave a light bow before turning around and walking back to where she was standing.
“Hey, Rose.”
“Yes, Princess?”
“Please, do tell me next time if I’m missing something necessary.”
“I’ll be more than happy to do so, Your Highness.”
As our conversation ended, I took the white notebook in my hand and inspected it alongside the ink pot with the pen in it.
Nothing special. Same looking stuff I had back in my room.
I take a deep breath in and a deep breath out.
Cracking my knuckles, I place the Fluorin book open, resting on the other books so that I could see the contents better. The open notebook in front of me with the ink pen in my hand and I get ready to finally start learning the language of this city.
…or empire.
Slowly and taking my time, I began noting down every letter individually, making sure to memorize each of them properly.
The alphabet isn’t too difficult to memorize, the letters aren’t as complex as Mandarin nor are they as simple as English.
There’s about 28 letters, each with their own pronunciation. Most letters cover a different movement of the tongue and mouth, almost like Arabic.
I’d say the letters look more like a mix of Hebrew and a bit of Irish, except they have more pointy ends, almost like a sword’s tip.
After about an hour or so, I was done memorizing the letters alongside their pronunciation. I must’ve looked like an idiot, quietly attempting to try out each letter.
It took longer than I expected, but it’s done now. I’ll have to take this notebook with me back to my room when I’m done as I’ll need to practise some more.
I flip through the pages, trying to find simple verbs and words I could memorize. The grammar can be left for later.
Once I stumbled upon a few nice tables containing verbs and simple words, I started noting down every word and verb I came across, making sure to focus on their pronunciation.
This language’s writing system goes from left to right.
Man, this is so trippy. This is a completely different and foreign language and yet I could read and understand what each word means but I just cannot write without having a good look at them first.
Another hour passed, and I went through everything I wanted to note down, for now. I’d say this has been incredibly productive and a valuable use of my time.
I put the ink pen back in its pot, close the notebook, and close the language book.
Setting them all aside as I grab the next knowledge vault for me to read.
‘Judge the eyes, not the soul’. The name is quite silly, but I’m hoping it has more depth than just that.
The cover doesn’t offer much when compared to the last one. This book is quite simplistic in its first impressions, only having the main title as the introduction and the author’s name.
The author’s name is, “Omari zeiden”.
I hope this book doesn’t just make Fluorin its entire personality like a certain other book…
Alright, let’s begin!
I start reading through the first few pages of the book, engrossed with the peculiar message it’s trying to send.
The book is a short, simple introduction to many of the humanoid species that guard this world.
“Have you ever wondered how easy life would be if, through one simple look, you’d be able to judge many of the individual’s traits? Not just physically speaking, but also mentally and culturally as well? Some might be tempted to call it racist, or even surface level thinking. However, I call it being more perceptive than those same people.”
Great, so, propaganda and racism. What the fuck are these damn books, is there no quality control in this library?
…let’s hear it out anyway.
“A few millennia ago, normal humans lived in solitary for too long, not interacting much with the many other species which had similar traits to them such as: language, culture, intelligence, and the desire to expand.
It is said that these species should consider themselves lucky the humans didn’t find out about them sooner. Or is it perhaps the humans who should consider themselves the lucky ones?
There are many classes of humanoids out there, according to modern discoveries there have been a total of six species so far. Is there more out there? Wouldn’t you like to know.”
“This book will only cover the three main humanoid superpowers in this world.
Note: this book does not mention non-humanoid creatures. If you feel the need to enrich yourself some more, go read Insille’s books.
Anyway, starting with the humans, there really isn’t anything special about them.
They breed too fast, their population increases rapidly, and adaptation and inventions are their strong suits.
It is said that before any other humanoids appeared, the normal humans were the first ones. Like an origin of everything of sorts. Unproven, but it gives humans something to brag about.
Next are the Trahhos. A golden-eyed, battle-loving species. They possess impenetrable thick skin, strong, burly muscles, heights that’d reach average-sized doors, and an incredible, insatiable love for combat.
Due to their incredible physiques, their childbirth is not only painful, but the pregnancies last three months longer than those of humans, for a total of one whole year.
Despite the fact that Trahhos are testosterone-filled machines, including their women, their bodies aren’t covered in thick, dark hair like other species. So, they prefer living in warmer climates instead of the colder ones.
Some might call them uncivilized barbarians, but that could not have been further from the truth. Trahhos are quite the sweet-talkers, you see. Their culture is rich and vast, they have a huge influence on many of the artistic pieces of literature and decoration that you'd see all around the world, sometimes too unique for the gaze of ordinary folk...
Some advice I'd give to someone interacting with them is to be careful of their silver tongues. Don't let their fuel for battle deceive you; they're diplomatic individuals who're able to get what they want just through conversing. To come up with the right things to say at the right time is one of their biggest qualities.
One thing I’d appreciate the Trahhos would do is curb their raging lust. There is no need to have sexual intercourse twice a day. And even if there was, I wish they wouldn’t be so damn loud through the whole process.
Once I was working as a war journalist hired by a few high ranking knights. Their territory was engaged in a skirmish with a neighbouring settlement.
One of the soldiers was, of course, a female Trahho. I had an office assigned to me near the barracks to keep in touch and have an accurate status on most warriors.
As I was organizing my thoughts, writings, and papers, all alone in my office, the entrance door suddenly opened and in came the very same Trahho I mentioned.
Other than the few times we interacted for me to get to know Trahhos better, we barely ever spoke to each other.
Want to know what she did, dear reader? She closed the door as she looked at me with a seductive smile on her face, walked towards me like a succubus whore, and plopped her ass right on my desk with her legs crossed.
“ “Wanna fuck?~” she suddenly spoke up after that whole act. But of course, I had to ruin her charade.
Not only will I not sleep with clients, but I also appreciate having an intact pelvis.
She left in a pissed off huff and almost broke my fucking office door when she slammed it shut.”
Okay, so my new dad belongs to the Trahho species.
Good to know.
And that fun story left at the end… good to know too, I guess.
“Ahem… I apologize. I got a bit overboard there.
Anyway, for the final species… the Sterrans.
By god, what is there to even say about them? By far, they have the worst reputation amongst all species, one that precedes them. Humans fear them, Trahhos try to fight them at every given moment, and rich nobles traffic their juveniles. But I feel the need to say that it’s all lies and slander!
The Sterrans might be terrifying when in their presence, insufferable to interact with, and quite prideful. But below the surface, there is an incredible group of individuals who, when you get to know them, become your greatest allies.
Sterrans have white skin, almost as pale as snow, bodies skinny and quite fragile, relatively speaking.
Their hair is midnight purple, and as they grow older, silvery strands start appearing. Their eyes are even more incredible; they possess midnight purple irises with white, four-edged stars as their pupils, which stretch to the outside of their irises. Incredibly useful for spotting rings and magical strength.
I’ve interviewed plenty of Sterrans and conversed with plenty more. The reason given as to why their anatomy is so unique when compared to other species is their absolute adoration for the starry night skies.
You see, Sterrans worship the stars. They believe they have the ability to communicate and talk to the night sky that normal individuals can’t.
Do I believe them? Dear reader, if a Sterran cannot be trusted, then no one can. Also, what is there to doubt? Purple irises and starry pupils? If that doesn’t show a night sky, then I do not know what would.
Sterrans live in much colder climates, despite their fragile physiques. Colder places are bound to be less populated, meaning there's less light pollution, which leads to clearer night skies.
The clearer night skies allow better view and worship of the stars.
More of a reason for their rotten reputation is their extreme pride and reserved nature. Forming civilizations and cities away from other species, living in unlivable conditions, and their aptitude for the mastery of magic is bound to give a few individuals the creeps.
When it comes to magic, Sterrans are in luck, as they have the assistance of both stars and nature itself.
‘In magic, we believe. And if there is no magic, there is no us.’ was a statement given to me by a female Sterran.
A few finishing notes about Sterrans. If you are a human male, then don’t bother interacting much with them. As mentioned before, due to their looks and beauty, Sterrans are kidnapped and trafficked for extreme profit. Hell, some cities even encourage that type of business.
The Sterran species have not been kind to their males. They got the shit end of the stick as their magic isn’t as refined as their female counterparts. Why? I’m honestly unsure. There was no definitive answer given to me by any female Sterran, and male Sterrans are as rare as can be, so, it’s not like I could just go question them.
If you can find a male Sterran or managed to hold a conversation with a female Sterran as a human male, then may I suggest you indulge yourself in a lottery ticket?
I’ve been told that males have their own power. Albeit rare, it still exists. But I have not been disclosed on what exactly it might be.
Due to the difference in power, as you can imagine, there’s a huge chasm of distrust between the males and females. However, I’ve heard that there have been many attempts at fixing the relationship between them for the past two centuries. Only time will tell if they’ll finally be able to find middle ground.”
And my new mom is a Sterran.
Honestly, perfect! Maybe I was too harsh on you, Omari.
There is more to this book. However, this is the gist of it. I’d say I learnt a bunch of useful information regarding certain dynamics in this world, even if it was too grim.
I’ll have to read more books to get the full picture of what other powers exist in this world, though.
Weird… This book didn’t mention anything about someone like me. Am I perhaps not important enough to be written down? Or am I just an ordinary product of a Sterran and a Trahho?
It’s whatever. I’m sure I’ll find something about me if I look deep enough into this library.
Anyway, the last book.
Mmmmm, was I waiting for you with anticipation.
I place this book right on top of the other one and move them aside, far away so as to not obstruct my focus, and I grab the final book.
‘Magic for Dummies’.
Oh, you’ll be my baby and I will love you very much!
The cover is also simplistic, not much to offer. Except for two small details.
“A small gift for my lovely daughter.”
And also, the author’s name was, “Minerva Zornitsa”.
This book was written by the empress?! For me?!
How sweet of her. Judging by how she’s a Sterran, I’m sure she’ll have some incredible insight on magic and how to wield it.
Oh man, am I even more excited to read it than before!!
Ahem ahem!!
Let’s begin.
