Chapter 6: Royal Library (II).
Elizabeth's POV
The extent of my research continues. There were so many books to choose from. My heart was beating so fast with the excitement of information that it was certainly adrenaline-pumping to a bookworm like myself.
"Victoria, please get me books that are related to magic, culture, history, and the economy of this world. Since... I'm too short to reach for some books."
She beams at me taking interest in my education and smiles, "Why of course! I would gladly help your highness in my utmost care!"
And with that Victoria goes off silently browsing over books on a shelf at the very top while I try my best to contribute by checking the lower part of it and grabbing the books with anything that relates to what I'm looking for.
One by one I read the titles.
With my fingertips brushing the top leather covers of the books, feeling the dust and cobwebs of it just reminds me of the feeling of desire for knowledge.
These books looked old and dusty but they'll suffice for whatever I need to know.
After stacking about five thick books in my arms I carried them balancing my steps so as not to tumble over and I see Victoria easily carrying a dozen with no sweat, her biceps flexing under her maid uniform.
"This is all that I have found, your highness." (Victoria) presents me with the ones she's found and I nodded in acknowledgment that these will be sufficient for today.
I found an open space to read and sat down.
Sitting on chairs that I can't reach is a pain so the floor is fine. Surprisingly Victoria doesn't mind that I sit on the floor this time but she made sure there was a blanket underneath before she let me read.
She must've taken it out of her [Storage Ring] when I wasn't looking.
These were items that were invented for a wearer to store things inside a personal space made by magic, of course, it has its limits and it would drain the wearer's mana for consumption and use.
Once the wearer has run out of magical power, they will no longer be able to use it. "Your highness, please do mind your back." (Victoria) calls out to me pointing at my posture.
"Thank you, Victoria."
I grabbed the nearest book I could reach and then suddenly Victoria set the stack of books she was carrying before besides me.
Thump!
"!!!"
I heard the floor shake for a bit, not that it scared me for a bit...
Just that she's surely strong... and not just average strong.
Elite royal knights' level of strength.
Now that I look more closely she seemed to be buff, mostly not noticeable but when she carried me to bedtime I felt her... abdomen.
With a little bit of push, she can be a handsome girl with her features.
With her raven black hair and tall figure, no one can doubt that she's female. However, her skirt changed my perspective.
So it's curious of me to think what could be her reason for joining the high ranks in the military instead... wanted to be assigned as a maid for my care.
Maybe she had connections to my parents? I'll ask her that too perhaps later.
"Victoria, may you accompany me after you're done collecting more books? We can read together." I waited for her to come to sit with me on the floor but she lowered her head.
"Yes... But will you grant me permission to grab a tray of food in case you may feel hungry?" (Victoria) asked worriedly.
Oh right... I haven't eaten yet since this morning. The thought of food was certainly tempting but I just got inside the royal library, I don't want any of those royal knights trying to get in again.
I can't let that get in the way of my research.
"I am fine there's no need to" I was about to refuse her offer but something came out of me.
Grumble…
"..." (Victoria) stood there, her lips slowly turning into a curved smile.
It was my turn to lower my head glaring at my stomach for making such a noise when I just said there was no need for food!
"Damn it's stomach! Why do you betray me?!"
Victoria lets out a muffled giggle as I was left to cover my face with the book I grabbed flushed red from embarrassment.
"I'll follow my highness' real wish. I will be back for a bit. I'll inform the guards not to disturb you." (Victoria) curtsies after she replied.
I nod with my face still flushed red from the embarrassment. "T-Thank you, Victoria. If you don't mind… If the kitchen has brownies available can you bring them for dessert?"
"As always your highness." (Victoria)
…
I heard her close the door and began reading the book I have in my hands.
"Idiot's Guide to Magic Book I."
This name is rather horrendous but I suppose it's perfect for me.
I do not know magic yet since I don't even know if I possess a thing. Supposedly everyone has magic they're bound into, by the spirits of elements that would bless them.
I sigh and flip the page to get to the introduction.
"Welcome to the Idiot's Guide to Magic! Book I! Are you an idiot who's looking to study magic but has no clue of even what it is?"
Yes, I am-
"OF COURSE, YOU ARE! IF NOT THEN WHY ARE YOU EVEN READING THIS BOOK IDIOT!"
...
I was rendered speechless, what kind of publishing company would dare not revise this whole thing and just turn it into a book?!
"What in the world is this book?!"
I screamed complaining at how horrible the introduction was yet I continued reading even after I was insulted by this.
I'll ask Victoria to burn this for me after I'm done with it.
"Well, you're in luck! This book will explain all the basic things you will need to know about magic!"
I rub my temples trying not to get a headache.
Hopefully, I won't waste my time on this book. "First of all magic is all around us! Everywhere even. We use them in our daily lives. Killing, hunting, farming, and protecting anything. However, there are unfortunate things where they don't possess any magic."
There are people not having magic? It certainly piqued my interest to continue reading.
"Ohhh... Interesting but the way this book described them was rather rude, calling them unfortunate things." I flip another page and see drawings of normal animals, and their evolved version containing a particular glowing stone inside of their bodies.
"There are animals that have no magic but are dangerous enough for their physical capabilities. Some animals possess magic orbs or what we call [Magicores]."
So there are also normal animals here.
"[Magicores] are removable after the animal is dead, however, you can also remove them when it is alive- It is the source of their magical power. If removed they won't be able to use magic attacks. They can do physical attacks though so be careful!"
I wonder if you can sell them? Certainly, they would be something of worth, seeing it contains magical power; perhaps it can be a source if we find a core big enough to power a whole castle.
"If you just thought about if you can sell them then yes! They are fuel for our light around the city. The bigger the better and the rarer the more magical power it has."
"Adventurers mostly made a living using this way. Other than taking quests they have to present the core, some quests don't need the core and just want you to kill the animal or magical beast."
This is making me understand more than I thought.
Flipping through the next pages it seems like there are different kinds of [Magicores] depending on the element it has.
"[Magicores] change colors after it is removed or collected then its value will be analyzed."
The book showed me pictures of [Magicores] having different designs from the others.
They can also be turned into dust to power various weapons.
Although it can't always be done since they also damage its durability.
This is surely complicated…
"Your highness. I know you're too absorbed in that reading so I'll just put the fresh brownies next to you and some warm milk in a glass so that you'll grow tall." (Victoria)
H-Huh?
Oh! Victoria?!
I saw her set the tray beside me quietly as she sat in front of me.
"I'll keep watching your highness. Please maybe after that book you'll eat. You haven't eaten anything since this morning. I'm worried that you'll faint..." (Victoria) looked at me with a pleading face.
It was making me feel guilty for not eating.
I saw the sadness in her eyes and I sighed, yielding to eat.
I suppose that's true... Well, I hope eating now is better than after finishing this book and to get this feeling of guilt out of my body.