The Duke seemed surprised by my unexpected words. He hesitated a little, but quickly extended his hand obediently.
I grabbed his outstretched fingers.
“If I press here like this...”
I pressed hard.
His large hand was rough and calloused. When she pressed his calloused fingertips, the Duke's hand visibly trembled.
It may seem strange, but if you keep doing it, it will relieve fatigue temporarily. How do you feel now?
“It seems to be working. How did you know that?”
“Okay...”
He asked, pulling his hand away, as if he was pulling it by force.
Because exhausted office workers will try anything under their bosses' noses just to stay awake.
Isn't this just a feeling that develops over time?
When I remembered the days when I lived on coffee and energy drinks, I felt a twinge of sadness.
Of course, I couldn't explain it that way, so I made up a plausible excuse.
“It is a traditional treatment passed down from the common people.”
“Helpful. I owe the princess this favor.”
“Excuse me? Maybe calling it a favor is a bit of an exaggeration...”
“Then I should pay it back accordingly.”
“Repayment…what exactly?”
I had a bad feeling.
“Did you know that the Blair family library has a collection of books comparable to the Imperial Archives?”
“Oh…”
“Whatever you are looking for, it will take a long time to find it.”
I hadn't thought of that.
But from the way he spoke, could it be...? Was he really offering to help?
This person?
This scary person?
But my silly idea 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 do me an extraordinary favor?”
When I finished speaking, the Duke frowned slightly instead of answering immediately.
What now? What didn't he like this time?
Well, it doesn't matter.
I put a huge, silly smile on my face, knowing that no one can resist a friendly smile.
"Thank you."
Fortunately, this time, his expression softened a little.
“Let's go 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.
When we arrived at the Duke's library, it was exactly as he described it – a huge collection of books.
If I exaggerated a little, the shelves extended endlessly to the ceiling, crammed with countless books.
If I had come alone, I would have gotten lost, let alone found the book I needed.
I was astonished by the magnificence of the scene, so I walked around the place with my mouth wide open.
“There are so many...”
“This collection dates back to the reign of the First Duke. Many of my ancestors were avid readers.”
“I can see that.”
If I didn't know the truth, I might have thought this place was a museum.
“So, what kind of book are you looking for?”
The Duke stepped forward, and his question brought me out of my trance.
I looked closely and noticed small posters on the walls of the nearest bookshelves. It seemed as if the books were arranged by category.
“Hmm, I'm looking for something related to metals. For example, a metal strong enough to break mana stones.”
“If it's about mana-resistant metals...”
Fortunately, the Duke did not seem suspicious of my vague answer and began to lead the way.
The library was darker and quieter than the more frequented areas, but it was very clean.
While I was impressed by the plush carpet that cushioned even the smallest steps, I suddenly found myself walking straight into the Duke's back, nose first.
“Oof!”
Why was his back hard as rock? My nose was throbbing from the intensity of shock.
"Sorry!"
He answered in his usual calm tone.
“Watch where you're going.”
“Yes...”
I held my sore nose and took a step back. The Duke pointed to a nearby bookshelf.
“There's not much information about mana stones. To find anything useful, you'll need to check all the books here.”
“Oh…”
“Of course, this shouldn't be that hard for you, princess.”
Is he crazy?
She looked at the huge shelf full of thick books, and let out a laugh.
“Ha-ha-ha…”
“What's so funny?”
"Oh, nothing! Just… you're exactly right."
Very ridiculous.
After sensing my inner thoughts, he added another comment.
“But if you are looking for a metal with high mana resistance, I recommend this book.”
He reached out to take a thick book from a shelf too high for me to reach even while standing on my tiptoes, then handed it to me.
I will challenge magic
Written by Nosterdarmourides.
“Oof!”
The book was excessively heavy and thick. My arm dangled under his weight and I smiled awkwardly.
Thanks for the recommendation. I'll take this and—
“Books cannot be taken out of the library. They must be read here.”
“Oh, I see. So...”
“Looks like you'll be visiting this place frequently.”
His words shattered my dream of reading in the comfort of my warm room with snacks.
“That's right...there are no lending services, right?”
“Lending service?”
The confusion in his voice was clear evidence that he had never heard of such a concept.
I shook my head.
“It doesn't matter, haha.”
Giving in, she slowly walked over to the bookshelf and leaned against it.
I didn't realize that the Duke's lips had slightly curled upward as he watched me.
* * * *
Contrary to the cheap and flashy impression of the title of “I Challenge Magic” by Nostradermorides, the book contained surprisingly professional content.
Of course, some of the information was outdated and inconsistent with current standards, but considering that magic itself is inherently unpredictable, even ancient data was worth a careful look.
Turn, turn.
“Magical cancellation, implantation… Ah, found.”
[Resist magic]
I quickly turned to the indicated page and began reading the dense text with intense concentration.
Soon after, I started chanting in secret.
“…!”
Yesmmmm! I won the grand prize!
I suppressed the cry of victory that was about to explode, and continued to absorb the text in front of me.
Today, what is known as Bartanium is a mysterious metal with a high resistance to the pure and natural power of mana.
Therefore, the ancient blacksmiths of the Dwarven race used to refine bartanium to make magical tools.
Fortunately, partanium was a material I was already familiar with.
Although it briefly gained attention as a fascinating material, it is now almost forgotten.
Not only was bartanium resistant to magic, it also showed high resistance to heat and corrosion. However, its complex manufacturing requirements made it extremely difficult to handle.
I remember hearing that someone tried to turn it into a weapon but gave up because the effort wasn't worth the cost.
Even the Wizards' Tower, which used to have a Bartanium mine, has been abandoned for decades, so that says it all.
Without the help of my tyrannical employer, I would have been in deep trouble.
I gently patted the book on my lap as if I cherished a precious treasure.
If I had not found this guide, I would have been forced to undertake a longer and more complicated journey.
In this huge archive, where my short stature barely allowed me to see, it was doubtful that I would have found the book on my own.
That was something to be somewhat grateful for. However…
“…Your Highness?”
"What is this?"
“Don't you have work today?”
“No, I'm handling it here.”
Why don't you go to your official office?
I could barely swallow the question that was lingering in my throat.
Kayan Blair, I still don't know why this mysterious man came to the library with me every day while I was reading books.
Was he just kidding me?
Being in the same place as him made every nerve in my body tense, and I couldn't even clear my throat without it being embarrassing.
It's over today.
I smiled awkwardly at the Duke, then picked up the book and headed towards the bookshelf.
“It's high...”
But the shelf on which the books were placed was very high.
Fortunately, I spotted a small chair nearby, so I climbed onto it and raised myself on my tiptoes.
As I balanced the heavy book with one arm, my body swayed dangerously, but I focused all my energy on maintaining my stability and pushing with my weak torso.
but…?
“Huh?”
Something was wrong.
Why do I feel like the bookshelf is getting closer to me?
As the world seemed to slow down, the tall bookshelves began to tilt.
“Ah, ah!?”
I hope this is wrong.
I really hope so...!
That was the moment I closed my eyes tightly.