When Emília entered the hall, she was met with a variety of books and shelves. It was a kind of library-greenhouse, as most of the books in her kingdom were sustained by magic. The data was renewed daily, and plants from all over the planet, through their roots, absorbed every piece of information that had touched the soil or even been seen by a tree.
Some books glowed with an intense golden light, signaling they were being updated, while others remained in their natural state.
When she reached the counter, a middle-aged man was assisting an elf. Elves were considered noble, and unlike humans, they were born with magic. They could live forever, as long as they were not harmed. As the elf left, she glanced indifferently at the girl, who lowered her head. Emília was already used to being looked down upon by these and other beings, so she didn't mind much.
"Raise your head," a voice commanded. Emília hesitated, but the voice insisted, "That's an order. Lift your head."
When she did, she saw a young man who appeared slightly older, carrying books in his hands. He had long black hair, blue eyes, and a nervous expression.
"Never lower your head to anyone. Be they human, elf, or fairy, no one in this kingdom should be humiliated," he said before leaving. Emília watched him as he walked away, confused. That had been... strange.
She turned back to the counter, and the man laughed.
"He never changes, always seeking justice."
"Who is he?" Emília asked, curious. "Why would an elf help a mortal like me?"
"He would help anyone in this kingdom because he has a good heart," the man replied. "His name is Arthur, my assistant. But I'm sure you don't want to waste time listening to an old man's stories. How can I help you?"
Emília smiled, happy to be so warmly received. For a moment, she even forgot about her mission.
"I'm here to apply for the position of librarian," she said with determination. The man lowered his head, thoughtful.
"I'm sorry, little girl, but I'm already the librarian," he answered after a long pause.
"Any position, please! I just need access to the books," she insisted, realizing how odd that must have sounded. Someone asking for access to something could be plotting something. "I just want to read, it's what I love!"
The man chuckled.
"You don't give up easily, do you?" He thought for a moment. "Well, I'll accept your help with the maintenance. But first, you'll need to pass a test."
"A test?"
"Yes. If you love reading so much, you'll have to finish a few books and tell me exactly what is written in each one. You have until ten."
The librarian handed her a stack of ten books. The task was impossible for anyone, as Emi would only have three hours to complete it. He knew that. In fact, he himself wouldn't be able to perform such a task and simply wanted to get rid of the girl. She was kind, but taking care of one more child would interfere with his work.
"All right, I'll start," Emília said, heading to a table near the window. In her previous life, she had had to read piles of enormous books in much less time. During the Great War, the death toll rose rapidly, and many families came to ask whether their loved ones' names were in the records.
The first book was about art, and the next few followed the same theme. Emília's eyes glowed gold as she turned the pages, storing each piece of information in her mind. Gradually, she grew tired.
"My body is still too fragile for my age," she thought, but she kept reading, using as much magic as she could. When the clock struck ten, the librarian appeared.
"Well?" he asked with a smile as Emília stacked the books and stood up.
"You may start with the questions, sir."
"Then tell me, what image is in the third volume of Aleksandro's masterpiece, the elf?"
"The painting of Queen Macâmia, from Drakondia. She was the only human queen in history and had no powers. But when King Aleksandro found her, he fell in love and painted a portrait in her honor."
The librarian raised his eyebrows. The fact was true. That art collection was his favorite, and he knew it well enough to judge fairly and impartially.
"Correct..." he replied reluctantly. "Let's see... Who was responsible for the painting of the First Great War, found in volume eight?"
"Colonel Hash. He was a master archer, a strong elf, who, after the war, dedicated his life to art, expressing his feelings about the battlefield."
"Impressive... this girl is... special," the librarian thought, though he said nothing. He continued asking questions, all of which the young girl answered correctly.
"You told me I'd be accepted if I answered everything correctly," Emi said, worried he might go back on his word.
The librarian, whose name was Edward, came from a noble fairy lineage. He kept his word, just as elves kept their noses high.
"Yes, that's true," he confirmed. "You start tomorrow. Pack your bags, I'll prepare your dormitory. My name is Eloe by the way"
"Dormitory?" Emília asked, confused, and he nodded.
"Have you changed your mind?" Elo teased, and Emília quickly shook her head.
It would be hard to explain to her parents and to Oliver that she wouldn't be sleeping at home anymore, but it was a necessary sacrifice. The lives of everyone were at stake, and only she knew which books contained the precious information for the kingdom.