Chapter 247 - THE HIDDEN LIBRARY

"…The secret library. It's the oldest library only royals, Saint Ava and I can visit here. If you had your title as the blessed child, you could come here whenever you want. Where did you think I was taking you?"

"No, it's just too dark. I'm scared." Veronica lied once again.

The Head Priest once again believed her. He couldn't imagine someone lying to him.

"Oh, you are scared of the dark. There is something I must tell you, Veronica. Never fear the darkness. Think of them as neither your friend nor foe. Darkness glorifies you. Darkness is your opportunity. Darker the place is, the brighter you shine."

'Darker the place, brighter I shine?'

Veronica cocked her head, not understanding why she would shine in the darkness.

Soon, they saw light in the darkness. Fire torches were illuminating a yellow, orange hue, giving off a mysterious vibe. Not long after, they met a dead end.

Veronica was confused. "What now? There is nothing but a wall."

The Head Priest told her, "You cannot always see the truth with your eyes and what you see isn't false either."

'What's with the riddles today?' Veronica wondered.

The Head Priest placed his hands on the stone wall and pushed it. The stone moved and revealed a space.

Veronica stood still. She was sure that the wall couldn't move.

Who knew…?

Although it was dark, she entered into the darkness along with the Head Priest. The moment she entered, she smelled heavy dampness. It's because sunlight never reaches this place. As a result, the place wasn't wet but it was cold. 

Veronica saw him lighting up a candle and the small room brightened up. She found wooden bookshelves with scrolls in them.

"Are you sure this is the best place to keep these scrolls?" she mentioned. "I think you told them they are ancient and valuable."

The Head Priest nodded. "They are indeed. That's why we have to take utmost care of them. You see, these scrolls were covered with waterproof silver covers. 

"The papers of the scrolls were mixed with herbs when they were specially made. As you can see, humidity won't affect them. They have been here for thousands of years. Still as good as new."

"Oh, amazing! I never thought people in ancient times were so knowledgeable."

Taking a candle from the table, she lit it up. Two candles were most certainly better than one. With the help of the candlelight, Veronica looked around.

The Head Priest instructed her, "Search what you are looking for. We have hundreds of scrolls here. Look at the silver covers. You will see something written there that's related to the scroll inside it."

"All right."

Veronica knew how tiring it was to search for the ancient basilisk and dragon war story. Especially when they had to look through the pages.

However, here, she only had to check the silver cover. On the cover, there was a title and anyone could understand what's written there. This way, the task became easier.

A long time had passed. While the Head Priest was relaxed and reading historical scrolls, Veronica kept looking for any information regarding elves and the basilisk. 

It was a good thing that she brought her homemade sandwiches with her. When they were hungry, they shared the sandwiches to fill their stomachs.

Who knew what time it was, Veronica finally found the scroll that had mentioned basilisk and dragon's war.

'Finally!' Her eyes glittered. With expectation, she excitedly opened the silver cover only to find it empty.

"Huh? Where is the scroll? It's not here!" she exclaimed. Her heart suddenly felt empty.

The Head Priest rolled the scroll he was reading and looked at her.

"What do you mean? Why would anyone take the scroll?"

He stood up and came forward. He took the silver cover from her to check.

She was right. The cover was empty.

"Is there any rule to take the scroll?" Veronica nervously asked.

The Head Priest's expression was somber. It was the first time he looked this serious. "There is no such rule because these are valuable."

Veronica muttered, "Then who can take it? Will the king…"

"Nonsense! He doesn't care about scrolls unless there is a war and other kingdoms want to hire healers."

The Head Priest paused before asking, "Did you perhaps tell anyone what you are looking for? The person who has access to this place."

"Oh, you did say you, the king, and the saint..." Veronica gasped. "I told Saint Ava. I told you that I went to her for an answer. Oh no! What have I done! Did she come before me and take the scroll thinking I'd approach you to come here?"

She cupped her face. She didn't know what to say or think.

All the people she had faith in kept betraying her to the point she felt like she was all alone.

The Head Priest was surprised. "For Saint Ava to do such a thing… She doesn't do anything unless it's necessary. But going against you without telling you the reason… I can't fathom what she is thinking."

He helplessly shook his head. Curious about what Veronica was searching for desperately, he read the title on the cover.

"Basilisk and Dragon war? Why do you need that story? More than that, how do you know this story? Not just anyone can know it. The temple worked so hard to keep it a secret."

Being cornered by his questions, Veronica knew she was busted.

"I'm looking for elves. I searched everywhere outside the country. When I heard the location might be found here, I asked for Saint Ava's help. But she didn't. So, I came here."

She couldn't tell him everything. So, she hid many parts. If she told him about the trafficking business, the Head Priest might not help her. Just like Saint Ava.

"Elves… you are looking for them!" The Head Priest's beamed. "That's amazing! Why didn't you say so before? So, you want their assistance. I can understand why. They will definitely support you if you ask them."

'Why would they assist me?' Veronica was puzzled.

She inquired, "Do you know where they live?" Her heart was shaking in excitement.

"Yes, I do. They live in…"

At that moment, something terrible happened that they didn't expect.