Chapter 31

"Today, I might be a bit late as I plan to stop by the library on my way back from work."

The next day.

Acting on my impulse, I announced this to Emilian and the others at breakfast. Arnold, who was sitting next to me, merely raised an eyebrow slightly and said nothing.

"Would you like me to guide you?"

"No, that's okay. I'll borrow a map."

I shook my head at Emilian's kind offer. I already knew where the library was, and I wasn't sure how long my research would take. Besides, this research was entirely personal and had nothing to do with Platnovena. I hesitated to trouble anyone.

"But..."

"Leave the research to Emilian. She has read almost all the books in this town's library, so she will surely be of great help."

A voice came from somewhere. I quickly turned my gaze in the direction of the voice and saw Alek standing there with a warm, welcoming smile.

"Emilian can finish two books before I finish one. She also has an excellent memory and remembers the contents of most books she has read. Her head is filled with a lot of knowledge and... her favorite fairy tales, which she often tells me. It's never boring."

Alek proudly puffed out his chest, and Emilian's cheeks flushed. Their affectionate relationship was evident, and I wondered if it was really this obvious in the story. Despite my loneliness, I was genuinely impressed by their bond. At the same time, I understood why Arnold had asked her to do some research yesterday. While it was true that he was busy during the library's opening hours, Emilian, who had read most of the books, could quickly and accurately extract the necessary information. Emilian looked pleased, her lips curving into a smile.

"I can be of help!"

Emilian nodded vigorously at her fiancé's words. Hearing that she had read almost all the books in the town's library, I genuinely wanted to take advantage of her knowledge. While I had a rough idea of what books were available in the royal library, I was not familiar with Platnovena's library. If she accompanied me, my research would progress more smoothly. I asked her, proudly puffing out my chest and blushing.

"But, would it be a bother?"

"Not at all, I'd be more than happy to help!"

She answered with a bright, lively smile. Alek, who had somehow moved behind her, also smiled smugly. It was heartwarming to see them get along so well. I bowed my head, deciding to take her up on her offer. Meanwhile, Arnold, who was standing nearby, remained expressionless and unresponsive, as usual.

***

In the evening.

After finishing work early, I met Emilian in front of the Platnovena branch and headed to the library. On the way, she asked, "What kind of books are you looking for?" I chuckled lightly and replied,

"I want to research the local legends of this region."

As expected, Emilian's mouth opened in a cute, surprised expression at my answer. But then, perhaps remembering the book Arnold had asked her to find yesterday, she nodded in understanding.

"Among the legends, for example, a spring that can instantly cure any illness... I'm looking for such extraordinary healing properties in various places."

At my casual example, Emilian furrowed her brow in thought for a moment, then her expression brightened. She said,

"Actually, there's a legend from my hometown, not Platnovena, about a spirit's drinking water—"

"Is that in the city of Flaria!?"

I couldn't help but exclaim loudly at the unexpected connection. As expected, Emilian, who was in front of me, flinched in surprise. Despite being older than me in physical age, her reaction was like that of a small animal, and I thought, "How cute." But I quickly regained my composure, lowered my voice, and asked again,

"Sorry, I've heard of that legend... Is Emilian from the city of Flaria?"

"Yes, that's right."

"How reliable is that legend? I've been curious about it for a while..."

"I'm sorry, I'm not sure if it's reliable. But an old man I know always told me that he had a serious illness when he was young, but he was cured and lived a long life thanks to that spring water."

—What a coincidence. It's almost too convenient. Perhaps this is all part of a predetermined path, a meta-event flag, so to speak. Arnold visits this town, meets Emilian, and obtains information about the spirit's drinking water. Then, Elvira is saved by the spirit's drinking water. The story could be set up this way. After all, it's too convenient.

At this point, I wondered if I could ride on this convenient plot development. I cautiously asked,

"Could you introduce me to that old man?"

Without hesitation, Emilian nodded vigorously.

"Yes, of course!"

—Perhaps I had successfully set the flag for a significant event. I was so excited that I had forgotten the cold, and my cheeks were even warm. I took Emilian's hand and, to her wide-eyed surprise, bowed deeply.

"Thank you so much!"

It wasn't certain that Elvira's illness would be cured, but at least we had a starting point. A small but definite path had opened up. I still needed to continue researching the matter of the monster's horn. I slapped my cheeks to muster my determination.

***

That night, I reported to Arnold, who had just returned home, without even saying, "Welcome back."

"Arnold! I've got some good information!"

Arnold's eyes widened slightly.

I must have been blushing and my eyes wide with excitement, clearly different from my usual self. He seemed surprised by my unusual behavior.

In the afternoon, I went to the library as planned and searched through some documents with Emilian's guidance. Unfortunately, I didn't find any new information about the monster's horn.

—But I have a special piece of information.

"There's a spring in Emilian's hometown that is said to cure serious illnesses. There's even an old man who was cured of his illness by drinking the water."

Arnold's expression changed as I reported this. I continued speaking quickly.

"The location is the city of Flaria, not far from Schvaria. I'll go there as soon as we return."

A few seconds of silence.

As if gradually absorbing my information, the strong light in his slightly widened black eyes grew. His eyes, which seemed to be staring at a small, distant hope, looked forward resolutely.