Chapter 84
Chapter 84
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 83
Chapter Title: Librarian Ernst (4) - The Result of Ignoring Advice
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To clear up any misunderstandings, Eris hadn't completely neglected her studies in favor of slacking off.
Her determination to become a grand mage was genuine, and her desire to delve into new theory books contained not a shred of deceit.
However, Eris was the type who tackled annoying and tedious tasks first.
When eating, she started with the foods she liked least, saving the delicious ones for last. When given homework, she didn't procrastinate until the last minute—she finished it right away.
From Eris's perspective, reading the book that ill-tempered librarian had handed her was no different from doing homework.
That was why she'd prioritized it over everything else. It absolutely wasn't because she hated studying and wanted to read the novel first.
...Though she'd miscalculated by binge-reading straight through to the end instead of stopping at a good breaking point and picking it up the next day, it had ultimately saved her time, so there were no real issues.
Lunchtime.
As Eris chased away the drowsiness from lack of sleep and boring classes with a cup of coffee, the noble ladies seated at the same table began chattering about this and that.
"By the way, have you heard? There's an oddball at Lowton Raid Academy."
"An oddball?"
"He's the adopted son of Count Grimrun. Apparently, he's rock bottom in theory classes but unmatched in practical ones—no one can keep up. Rumor has it he's going to be one of their representatives at the upcoming exchange event."
There were currently four raid academies in the Labelosia Kingdom.
They held exchange events at regular intervals to foster camaraderie, but as was typical of such gatherings, competition and comparisons between the academies were rampant.
The highlight was the mock battles where representatives from each academy pitted their skills against one another. Since the audience included dignitaries from the royal family and the Sky Academy, ambitious students vied desperately to be chosen as their academy's rep.
Of course, it had little to do with Eris.
Her skills were unrivaled even within Aldrich Raid Academy—to the point where people wondered who else they could send if not her. And indeed, at the last exchange event, she'd crushed the representatives from the other academies with overwhelming dominance.
"What do you think, Lady Eris?"
'What do I think? Comparing me to some student from this low-tier place is insulting in itself.'
"You can win like last time, right? Right?"
'Winning is a given. Is that even a question?'
"Our academy can't lose to the others! That's the only way I can brag to my parents!"
'Even if Aldrich wins, it's because of my excellence, not yours. What exactly are you going to brag about?'
Eris responded to the ladies' questions with cynical retorts in her mind, but outwardly, she opened her mouth in a calm tone without betraying a hint.
"Thank you for the high expectations. The world of magic is unpredictable, so complacency is the enemy, but I'll do my utmost best."
The noble ladies squealed like birds in a nest at Eris's words, laced with humility and grace.
As she dealt with them using her practiced smile, Eris inwardly sighed.
A different kind of fatigue from physical exhaustion settled over her.
Instead of wasting time and energy on such pointless matters, it would be more worthwhile to read that novel the librarian had given her...
'...No, what nonsense is that?'
Eris shook the thought from her head.
It had to be the lingering sleepiness. She decided to have another cup of coffee.
Eris returned to the library on the third day after receiving the theory book.
And the one most surprised by this fact was none other than Eris herself.
'To fully read and comprehend a single theory book in just three days.'
Considering it used to take her nearly three weeks of grueling effort for something similar, the gap was staggeringly huge.
Who knew the results could differ so dramatically just from having an easy-to-read annotated version.
The existence of grimoires she hadn't yet obtained, and discovering that library—it could only be described as fortune in every way.
If only for that one librarian who sat at the counter reading his own book, oblivious to customers coming and going.
"Ahem!"
With a deliberate cough to announce her presence, the librarian's eyes finally turned toward Eris.
Thinking how his gaze was as sharp as ever, Eris grumbled reproachfully.
"...Do you have no concept of customer service?"
The librarian shrugged.
"Not everyone in a particular profession can be perfect at it. Isn't it fine to have a librarian who's a bit lacking in one area now and then?"
Was he seriously calling this a joke?
Eris stared steadily at him, but reading any emotion from that impassive face was exceedingly difficult.
In the end, she shook her head with a sigh and returned the books.
The original theory book. Its annotated version. And that somewhat entertaining—no, utterly useless—novel.
"It'd be nicer if the next ones were grimoires."
"Unfortunately, I can't promise that."
"Isn't a librarian's role to fetch the books a customer requests?"
"That applies to books on the first floor. Those on the second are closer to non-circulating items, strictly speaking."
He never yielded an inch.
With a sigh, Eris extended her hand.
"Fine, just give me the test."
"Understood."
The librarian pulled a sheet of paper from a drawer and handed it to her.
After scrutinizing the question, Eris quickly realized something and raised an objection.
"Hold on. This doesn't have a clear-cut answer."
"It's fine. For questions asking for impressions, as long as you reference the content, anything goes as the correct answer."
"Seriously?"
"What would be the point of lying about something like this?"
To gauge his sincerity, Eris stared straight at his face, but the librarian's expression remained infuriatingly unchanged.
Eris pondered for a moment.
In terms of difficulty alone, it was ridiculously easy.
She could technically pass with a single word.
But.
'...In the end, this man is the one bringing the rewards.'
Based on her experiences so far, even if she cheated her way through, the librarian would keep his promise.
But he'd probably fetch some worthless trinket from the second floor that held no value for her. It wouldn't technically violate the deal.
So answering earnestly would be the smarter path to better rewards... but.
"Hmm."
Eris hesitated, unable to open her mouth easily.
If it were quoting specific content from the book, it would be simple—just pull the memory.
But voicing her personal impressions like this was quite awkward. There were no clear standards.
'...No, this is all for the grimoires.'
A chance to improve her skills was right there— what did a little embarrassment matter?
Eris feigned composure and spoke.
"I think the protagonist is incredibly foolish."
"Oh? Why is that?"
"If he hadn't made that choice, the ogre would have gone to the village, causing massive casualties for sure. Two old folks' lives versus the entire village—it's no comparison. The protagonist did the right thing."
"If that's all, he'd be wise, not foolish."
"No, he's foolish."
Eris declared firmly.
"Despite his torment, he takes no action. He doesn't even visit the couple's surviving family to offer compensation, let alone fear his deed being exposed—he doesn't even build a grave for them. Yet every night, terrified of sleep, he drowns himself in alcohol. Isn't that the worst of both worlds?"
If he believed his actions were right, he should live with his chest puffed out in pride.
If he thought they were wrong, he should strive to atone.
Failing at both and waffling in ambiguity—that was true foolishness, Eris critiqued.
"I see."
The librarian nodded.
Eris asked.
"Do you think the same?"
"No, completely different. If the protagonist had done that and strutted around as a hero without shame, I'd despise him. But that's why it's all the better. Comparing differing views is enjoyable."
The librarian's face remained stoic as ever, but his eyes seemed a touch softer than usual.
"Your reward this time, and the book for the next test."
With that, he pulled out five books and offered them to Eris.
Two theory books and their annotations. And one novel.
"That's quite a lot."
"You approached it seriously, so the reward matches."
"Hmph. Good thing you know."
Scoffing, Eris couldn't hide her smug satisfaction.
It felt like the fulfillment of completing a tough assignment from her master and earning praise.
'...No, snap out of it. This whole situation is absurd to begin with!'
Horrified at how she'd nearly been tamed, Eris shot the librarian a piercing glare.
It was the kind of look that would make fellow students wonder what they'd done wrong and tremble.
"Oh, and I recommend saving the novel for last. It won't interfere as much with your studies that way."
But it had zero effect on the librarian.
Suppressing the urge to land a hit on that brazen, smug face, Eris left the library without so much as a goodbye.
The "Looking forward to your next visit" trailing after her was utterly infuriating.
That night.
"...If there's a flaw in the books, at least I could complain."
As she inspected the received books, Eris muttered what wasn't quite a complaint.
The theory books delved into advanced topics too sophisticated for lesser raid academies, while the annotations broke down the fiendishly difficult content into digestible pieces that slotted neatly into the reader's mind.
It was like the difference between chewing raw wheat and eating a cake made after milling it properly.
Eris, who had seen a few real grimoires back when she lived with her master, honestly thought these annotated theory books might hold more value than mediocre grimoires.
She desperately wanted to dive into the theory books right away, but first, she set aside the ones she'd been reading and picked up the novel from the corner.
"It'll interfere with studying, so read it last? Hah."
What a cheap provocation, Eris sneered.
Even last time, when she'd read the novel first, her sleep had only dipped slightly that first night, with no impact on devouring the theory books.
Reading one novel wouldn't make her rejoice or despair and affect her actions.
With confident flair, Eris opened the first page.
A detective protagonist with a deerstalker hat, coat, and pipe that left a strong impression.
His sidekick, ever the reliable foil.
A rival exuding villainous charisma.
The protagonist plummets off a waterfall alongside the rival—
...
Eris fell silent.
A very, very long silence.