LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 21
The Duke, seeming surprised by my unexpected words, hesitated briefly but soon extended his hand obediently.
I grasped his outstretched fingers.
“If you press here like this…”
Firmly, I applied pressure.
His large hand was rough and calloused. As I pressed the hardened fingertips, the Duke’s hand visibly flinched.
“It might feel unfamiliar, but if you keep doing this, it can temporarily relieve fatigue. How does it feel?”
“It seems effective. How do you know this?”
“Well…”
He asked as he withdrew his hand, as if taking it back by force.
Because overworked K-office workers will try anything under their boss’s watch just to stay awake.
Isn’t this just the vibe you develop over time?
Remembering the days when I lived on coffee and energy drinks, I felt a twinge of melancholy.
Of course, I couldn’t explain it like that, so I came up with a plausible excuse.
“It’s a traditional remedy passed down among commoners.”
“Useful. I owe the Princess for this favor.”
“Pardon? A favor might be a bit of an overstatement…”
“Then I should repay it accordingly.”
“Repay… what exactly?”
A bad feeling washed over me.
“Did you know that the Blaire family’s library holds a collection of books comparable to the imperial archives?”
“Oh…”
“Whatever you’re looking for, it’ll take considerable time to find.”
I hadn’t considered that.
But from the way he spoke, could it be…? Was he actually offering to help?
This person?
This intimidating person?
But my absurd thought turned into reality.
“I’ve been studying here since I was young, so I’ve read almost every book. I can guide you.”
“Are you saying… you’ll bestow me with an extraordinary favor?”
When I finished speaking, the Duke furrowed his brow slightly instead of answering immediately.
‘What now? What doesn’t he like this time?’
Well, whatever.
I plastered a big, silly grin on my face, knowing no one could resist a friendly smile.
“Thank you.”
Fortunately, this time, his expression softened slightly.
“Let’s go right now, then.”
“Huh? Don’t you have work to do?”
“I was just taking a short break.”
Well, if you say so.
The sooner, the better, anyway.
As we arrived at the Duke’s library, it was exactly as he’d described—an enormous collection of books.
If I exaggerate just a little, the shelves stretched endlessly to the ceiling, crammed with countless books.
If I had come alone, I’d have gotten lost, let alone found the book I needed.
Overwhelmed by the grandiose sight, I wandered around, mouth agape.
“There’s so many…”
“The collection dates back to the first Duke. Many of my ancestors were avid readers.”
“I can see that.”
If I hadn’t known better, I might have mistaken this place for a museum.
“So, what kind of book are you looking for?”
The Duke stepped forward, his question snapping me out of my daze.
I looked closely and noticed small labels on the walls of the nearest bookshelves. It seemed like the books were organized by category.
“Hmm, I’m looking for something about minerals. For example, a mineral strong enough to break mana stones.”
“If it’s related to mana-resistant minerals…”
Thankfully, the Duke didn’t seem suspicious about my vague answer and began leading the way.
The library was darker and quieter than the more frequently visited areas, but it was immaculately clean.
As I marveled at the plush carpet that muffled even small footsteps, I suddenly found myself walking straight into the Duke’s back, nose first.
“Ugh!”
Why was his back as hard as a rock? My nose throbbed from the impact.
“S-sorry!”
He responded in his usual composed tone.
“Watch where you’re going.”
“Y-yes…”
Clutching my aching nose, I stepped back awkwardly. The Duke pointed at a bookshelf nearby.
“There’s very little information on mana stones. To find anything useful, you’ll need to examine all the books here.”
“Oh…”
“Of course, this shouldn’t be too difficult for you, Princess.”
Is he insane?
I looked up at the massive shelf, packed with thick books, and let out a laugh.
“Hahaha…”
“What’s funny?”
“Oh, n-nothing! Just… you’re absolutely right.”
Absolutely ridiculous.
Sensing my inner thoughts, he added another comment.
“But if you’re looking for a mineral with high mana resistance, I’d recommend this book.”
He reached up to retrieve a thick book from a shelf too high for me to reach, even on tiptoe, and handed it to me.
I Shall Defy Magic
By Nostradarmurides.
“Ugh!”
The book was ridiculously heavy and thick. My arm drooped under its weight as I awkwardly smiled.
“Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll just take this and—”
“Books cannot be removed from the library. They must be read here.”
“Oh, I see. Then…”
“Looks like you’ll be visiting here frequently.”
His words shattered my dream of comfortably reading in my cozy room with snacks.
“Th-that’s right… No lending services, huh?”
“Lending service?”
The confusion in his voice made it clear he had never heard of such a concept.
I shook my head.
“Never mind, haha.”
Resigned, I trudged over to the bookshelf and leaned against it.
Unaware that the Duke’s lips curved slightly upward as he watched me.
* * * *
The book I Defy Magic by Nostradarmurides, contrary to the cheap and flamboyant impression of its title, contained surprisingly professional content.
Of course, some of the information was outdated and not aligned with current standards, but considering that magic itself is inherently unpredictable, even the old-fashioned data was worth a thorough look.
Flip, flip.
“Magic nullification, transplantation… Ah, found it.”
[Magic Resistance]
I quickly turned to the indicated page and began reading through the densely packed text with keen focus.
And before long, I silently cheered in my head.
“…!”
Yesssss! Jackpot!
Suppressing the triumphant shout that almost burst out, I continued to absorb the text in front of me.
Today, what is known as Partanium is a mysterious mineral with high resistance to the pure and natural power of mana.
Therefore, the ancient blacksmiths of the Dwarf race used to refine Partanium to forge magical tools.
Fortunately, Partanium was a material I was already familiar with.
Though it had briefly gained attention as a fascinating material, it was now almost forgotten.
Not only did Partanium resist magic, but it also demonstrated high resilience against temperature and corrosion. However, its demanding processing requirements made it exceedingly difficult to handle.
I recall hearing that someone attempted to craft it into a weapon but gave up because the effort wasn’t worth the cost.
Even the Mage Tower, which owned a Partanium mine, had abandoned it for decades, which says it all.
‘If not for my tyrannical employer’s assistance, I would’ve been in big trouble.’
I gently patted the book on my lap as if cherishing a treasure.
Had I not found this clue, I would have been forced to take a much longer, more roundabout journey.
And, in this grand archive, where my short stature barely afforded me visibility, it was doubtful I’d have found the book on my own.
That was something to be grateful for—to some extent. However…
“…Your Grace?”
“What is it?”
“You don’t have work today?”
“No, I’m handling it here.
Why not just go to your proper office?
I barely swallowed the question that had risen to the back of my throat.
Kayan Blaire, I still didn’t know why this enigmatic man had been coming to the library with me every day while I read through the books.
Was he just teasing me?
Being in the same space as him made every nerve in my body tense, and I couldn’t even clear my throat without it being awkward.
‘That’s over today.’
I awkwardly smiled at the Duke and, holding the book, walked over to the bookshelf.
‘It’s high…’
But the shelf where the books were placed was quite high.
Fortunately, I spotted a small step stool nearby, and I stepped on it and raised myself on tiptoe.
Balancing the heavy book with one arm, my body swayed dangerously, but I focused all my energy on keeping steady and pushing with my weak core.
But…?
“Eh?”
Something felt off.
Why does it feel like the bookshelf is getting closer to me?
As the world seemed to slow down, the tall bookshelf began to tilt.
“Ah, aahhh!?”
Please, let this be a mistake.
I really hope it is…!
It was the moment when I tightly closed my eyes.