Returning to the city from Konu Town, it was already past 8 p.m. by the time Galon got home. After washing up, he went straight to bed.
His parents weren't home, probably out at a work party again. His sister, Ying'er, was sitting on the sofa reading a book. Seeing him return, she deliberately raised her book to cover her face, as if playing some prank.
Galon's arms were dislocated, and despite applying ointment, they still hurt. The bizarre incident in the castle had left him both physically and mentally exhausted, so he paid little attention.
After resting at home for a week, the swelling in his arms subsided, but he still couldn't engage in intense exercise, like martial arts training.
Galon couldn't stand staying at home any longer, especially since his sister was sulking and not talking to him. In this era, there were no computers or TVs for entertainment. He decided to head to the city's library with some change in his pocket.
"Here is your library card, please keep it safe, and don't let the number wear off."
The lady at the reception desk handed him a black square card with a smile.
"Thank you." Galon took the card, noticing the number 233. "Is this number assigned based on the number of people?"
"Yes, sir," the receptionist nodded. "For general books, please go left. For rare books, special collections, and foreign languages, please go right."
"Got it."
Holding the card, Galon headed down the left corridor.
The black corridor was dimly lit, with amber wall lights giving it a subdued glow.
He noticed two young girls walking ahead of him. The thick black carpet on the floor muffled their footsteps almost entirely.
"People rarely come here, mainly because the membership fee is too expensive. Five thousand for a card, requiring a referral, and it's only valid for a month. Most people who genuinely want to read can't afford it, and those who can don't have the time or energy."
Shaking his head, Galon followed the people ahead, turning left into a narrow room illuminated by soft yellow light. The walls were invisible behind bookshelves filled with dense, red-covered books. The room also contained two single red sofas and a black wooden table piled with books.
Looking straight ahead from the entrance, he could see another door leading to a similar room, and beyond that, another door, creating a chain of rooms linked in a straight line. Visitors could walk straight through all the rooms.
The two girls in front of Galon didn't stop; they continued until they reached the third room before pausing.
Galon withdrew his gaze, scanning the books under the wall lamps, categorized by wooden signs. This room was dedicated to history.
He moved forward to the next room, which focused on geography.
The third room covered dance, drama, and the arts. The two girls, not particularly beautiful, were engrossed in their books.
The fourth room dealt with mathematics, physics, chemistry, and philosophy.
The fifth room was about marriage and sexual health, essentially housing books on sex. The federation's culture, heavily influenced by the Wesman Empire, was quite open, allowing such books to be published openly.
In this room, a woman in her thirties was deeply engaged in reading.
Upon entering the sixth room, Galon saw a girl in a white dress with black stockings, her light golden hair tied with a white band, sitting on a sofa. She looked exceptionally ladylike.
"Finestine? You're here today too?" Galon was slightly taken aback, then smiled and sat down beside the girl.
"What a coincidence." The girl lifted her face, revealing a delicate and innocent visage.
Her skin was fair, almost translucent, with large, clear eyes. Her deep blue irises gave Galon a cold, distant look, like a younger sister pretending to be aloof, a stark contrast to her haughty demeanor during their last picnic by the riverbank.
This was one aspect of her life, the gentle side she showed to friends she acknowledged.
Finestine, sitting in the spacious, soft sofa, looked almost engulfed by the red surroundings. A large red book rested on her lap, covering most of her upper body, giving her a quaintly cute appearance.
Galon knew this pretty girl was the cool type, not easily swayed by appearances. He had Finestine to thank for his access to this library; without her introduction, he might not have been able to enter. Until then, he hadn't even known of its existence.
Finding a more comfortable position, Galon picked up a book on heraldry from the table, casually flipping through it. The book provided a comprehensive introduction to famous family crests in the federation and worldwide.
"Even though it's a holiday, how do you have time to visit Huai Shan again?"
Finestine continued reading, "It's quiet here, unlike Manrolan, where I'm constantly bothered by flies."
After their last meeting, they discussed cursed jewels. Galon's unusual interest in cursed antiques sparked Finestine's enthusiasm for special and mysterious antiques and jewels.
Finestine could tell Galon wasn't approaching her with ulterior motives. Once she let her guard down, their conversation flowed effortlessly for hours over her favorite topic, mysterious antiques and jewels. Their shared passion made them true aficionados of antiques and jewels.
"You seem busy, always ducking and hiding," Galon chuckled. "By the way, you mentioned finding something new last time. How's that going?"
Finestine set down her book, her brow furrowed in frustration.
"It's tough to acquire. The seller refuses to let go, despite my raising the offer twice. It's clear he's genuinely not interested in selling."
"What is it?"
"A lucky figurehead from the Age of Exploration, said to bring fortune to its owner, a mermaid half-statue."
"A mermaid half-statue? How much did you offer?"
"Two hundred and fifty thousand."
"That does seem a bit low for a mermaid figurehead."
"But that's the most I could arrange recently. Any more would be impossible, and my allowance has been cut."
"Let's not dwell on that. Any news on the two jewels I asked you to research?"
"That was easy," Finestine paused, recalling, "One is 'Marceline's Blue Fantasy,' crafted by a jeweler named Marceline for his lover. After completing it, Marceline died shortly after. The lover, however, wearing the jewel, quickly rose to become a new jewelry master and wealthy. The jewel became the flagship store's treasure until it was stolen, leading to countless imitations, making the original irretrievable."
"Did the lover survive?"
Finestine shot him a look, "Why would he die? He's living well."
That's what she enjoyed about chatting with Galon – the ease and relaxation. To others, her beauty and background were paramount. But Galon, a regular boy of her age, cared only for her knowledge and understanding of antiques and jewels, especially mysterious ones.
"Oops, my mistake," Galon grinned, "And the other piece?"
Finestine leaned back, pulling a black cord on the wall, "Hold on, what would you like?"
"Uh... Gujerati black tea, please."
Nodding, Finestine waited.
Soon, a girl in a black-and-white maid outfit entered, "May I help you?"
"One Tonino coffee and one Gujerati black tea, both hot," Finestine ordered.
"Right away," the maid bowed and left.
Galon chuckled, "Didn't you used to prefer cold drinks?"
"What are you laughing at? Can't I change my taste once in a while?" Finestine blushed, "Do you think I'm copying you?"
"Of course, of course, I understand," Galon waved off, barely holding back his laughter. "I get it." But he couldn't help but laugh again.
"Be serious!" Finestine tapped him on the head with her book, though gently, "The other piece, also a treasure of the jeweler's store, is called 'Averil's Eyes,' inspired by a princess named Averil from the Wesman Empire. Born blind, her eyes were said to be incredibly beautiful. This jewel bears her name. There's no mysterious background, just that it was blessed by Wesman III, hoping her eyes would always be as beautiful and clear as the jewel. Rumored to have disappeared into the populace for many years, its authenticity remains uncertain."
"It must be real..." Galon mused softly.
"How do you know?"
"Just guessing."
"..."
Galon laughed, then turned serious, "Back to business. Last time you mentioned a new change in the cursed ring you bought. What's the change? Can I see it?"
Finestine hesitated, then quietly spoke. As the maid returned with their drinks, placing the coffee and tea before them, she left as quietly as she came.
The steam from the brown cups filled the room with a cozy silence.
After a long pause, Finestine finally spoke, her expression troubled as she massaged her temples.
"I can't explain it... but it's a strange feeling. Everything's been going wrong, my allowance was suddenly cut, and friends started quarreling with me for no reason."
"You know I don't have many friends, and my circle is small. Since I got the cursed ring, things have turned like this. You don't think it's really the ring, do you?"
"Where's the cursed ring? Let me see." Galon frowned.
Finestine's cheeks flushed.
"I didn't bring it... I'll bring it next time.