Chapter 13

In the middle of the night, darkness had fallen. Ashite came back to her room after a deep conversation and had some snacks prepared by the servants. She lost track of time and missed a meal.

But hunger was not so terrible. It had been time well spent. She was able to learn some information that may not have been too helpful but still useful to know, including the treaty details, logistics behind each article, interests and concerns, any related situations, thoughts of Hanus II and Del Month the Third, the situation in Skara after the war, and more. It was quite a satisfactory conversation that solved her curiosity.

What she liked the most among the articles was for Lante to go back in three years. A relieved smile appeared as soon as she heard the news. It was impossible to hide. Rather than worrying about the Crown Prince and the line of succession, she was more worried about the child who would be staying alone at Ramon Chater. But there was no point in worrying now because he would go back in three years’ time. The king undoubtedly had offered to be responsible for Lante, including his safety. What a big relief. He would be treated better than her.

Besides, she was also told about how Salamanca Osensei had donated one-third of its output, reclaiming Shumen and other major articles. Skara had little damage in comparison considering the lost side. For instance, some of the grain output that was offered by Salamanca Osensei would have to be returned. However, not all of the southernmost part of Skara was taken over. If the king set his mind to it, he could move the border a lot more north. Del Alchevs’k did exert himself to get these things done.

She also learned he was the one who suggested the third princess instead of the Crown Prince.

He repeatedly apologized over and over while talking about the treaty details. Ashite said it was okay. In fact, it really was okay. He had no other choice.

Also, Ashite personally liked a specific article that stated about ten thousand original books or copies from Wroclaw would be transferred to the Monterovis royal library sometime soon.

<>

The only decent place in Skara when she stayed by herself was the library. She remembered the good old days when she used to sit in a corner of Wroclaw with books as friends. The more books she read, the more knowledge she gained, and it was a different kind of fun to re-read.

She smiled broadly. She met up with Lante and even Delg Alchevs’k. A peaceful and calm daily would continue again.

***

It was an afternoon with warm sunlight beaming in.

Lu Havre grinned after hearing a message from Baron Oslo. He stood up after finishing off some paperwork he was working on.

“Karbala.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“I am visiting the library for a bit.”

Karbala received the paperwork the king handed over.

“Sort them out and pull aside the important ones.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Nurel, kindly escort him.”

“Yes, Sir.”

The first generation of Etutu usually guarded inside the castle. Lu Havre thought Etutu took principles very seriously.

But he was more interested in books than such a thing. He was oddly excited. Lu Havre wished to visit Wroclaw ever since he heard about it. Reading, an act of enjoying a good book or classic had been a big interest of his, and the fact he has not visited yet was disappointing.

So, the king started demanding books from libraries whenever negotiating a deal. Hanavah claimed to make new copies of the old ones with only partial wooden blocks left and to transcribe everything else. Several classics were shelved only at Wroclaw. It was a great treasure to have them at our royal library, Lu Havre thought. Books were none other than a record of knowledge and cultural heritage and an effective professor to raise fine scholars. Moreover, they were historically and culturally important publications. There was no way to hide such a satisfying smile.

Soon, the king entered the library. Baron was waiting by the entrance. The top librarian greeted him respectfully. The inside was so spacious that it made it seem breezy. Lu Havre strode to the library with a collection of Wroclaw books and opened the door.

He sensed the presence of someone. Who could it be? <>

Ashite was a bit excited. More than a handful of them were ones she had already read. All the popular classics were here. She could not help but get excited to see all kinds of books including ones on literature, history, philosophy, art, and science.

When she heard the door creaking, she did not think too much of it other than the librarian coming in or a guest visiting to see the books from Wroclaw. She did not care anyway. She thought it would be more natural for people to come like this. How many of the Monsterovis royals or nobles would have visited Wroclaw? The library was the best place where anyone who liked to read would want to visit. She was skimming through a literary section with a smile and went around to the other side. Would history books be here?

And at that moment, she faced the king.

Lu Havre was sweeping the back of the books from one side of a shelf with his finger, and Ashite also had her finger on the shelf to continue skimming through.

So eventually, their fingers touched. Their eyes met when they felt a little warmth.

Ashite moved away first after seeing only herself reflected in the king’s red eyes. Lu Havre looked away instantly and continued exploring the rest of the shelf in silence.

There were a few moments of silence. It had not been that long, but at least he got to see what books were there. He was calmly reading a book and not interested in her even a bit. Ashite was just about to say goodbye to Lu Havre and leave.

“Your Highness, I—”

“Do you know this book?”

The book was about Latrice mythology in every philosophical point of view. It was written by four famous philosophers in Skara about 300 years ago. Its special feature was a fluent writing style that used lots of symbolism. Ashite first read it roughly four years ago and two more times afterward.

“I read it in Skara.”

Lu Havre turned the pages quickly. [Reading Mythology with Philosophy]. Despite an interesting title, the main topics were quite heavy and hard to understand — and yet she had already read this.

“What is it about?” he asked in a calm voice.

Ashite could not easily figure out why he was asking her about it. Did he truly not know? Whether it was a simple question or had a deeper meaning, she could answer without a doubt.

“It is an analysis of gods and humans from Latrice mythology from a philosophical perspective. A summary of the first chapter is a debate about a human nature between Nobara and Genoace. The second chapter talks about humanity during the first and second Latrice war. The third chapter is about the main character of the mythology and the last chapter is mainly about the alliance members of Latrice.”

Lu Havre slightly nodded in understanding. He opened to the first page of the first chapter.

“What is the difference between the perspectives of Nobara and Genoace?”

Ashite could not figure out the intention behind these questions. Was he testing to see if she had read it? Or to share opinions and debate about the book?

Of course, as a person who enjoys reading as much as herself, she liked reading and talking about books. Rather, the real problem was that there had been no one to talk with. Though his questions may have been random and quite sudden, it was not too bad talking to the king about this book.

But this was only at Wroclaw. He may have known the summary but had never read the original. He must have been asking because he did not know, Ashite thought. Curiosity rose up and she could barely hold it to respond calmly.

“I will explain it briefly. Nobara claimed the importance of strict regulations and external control to protect human beings since they are weak from birth. On the other hand, Geneace saw humans as purely innocent. According to him, humans are rational beings and are capable of understanding order and striving after virtue.”

Lu Havre’s red eyes glistened lightly. He looked straight at her.

“Princess. Whose philosophy do you think is right?”

He was not asking simply because he did not know. She slowly realized his intention. He was asking for her thoughts and values.

<>

None. It had always been more of making short announcements regarding public issues such as national events. Asking a question for nearly the first time, and moreover consecutively, she could finally understand what the king was looking for.

It must not have been leisurely talking about the book and having a philosophical debate because he only had been asking questions. He did not even react to her responses. There was merely slight nodding or flipping through the pages.

Could it perhaps be about understanding her culture? Ashite got a little anxious. She tried keeping a calm voice and face.

“I think it would not be possible to say who is right and who is wrong.”

“Why?”

“First, both of their claims are right. Humans are imperfect beings who need control and restriction and can make rational decisions on their own. They can not be evaluated in terms of black and white. Nobara and Genoace especially viewed them in drastic points of view. After this book was published, another philosopher made a compromise between the two points and received considerable support. I think this was possible because the middle ground seemed more convincing than the polar opposites.

Second, their debate was not only limited to the mythology. It also was deep in the roots of history. A progenitor of Skara, Pescara was basked in powerful royal authority in his initial years and implemented strict policies, so no one would dare to show complaints towards the royal family or the country. But when this book was written towards the end of his career, an increasing amount of people spoke against him. When Pescara established Skara, he even charmed the enemies of the government. But eventually, this caused troubles as they were done seizing power. In comparison, Nobara was in Pescara’s shoes and contradicting Genoace. Some say Genoace made such claims because he got criticized by the political opponents of Pescara. Therefore, the first chapter does not only talk about the debate on human nature but also political terms indirectly. Just like that, philosophical opinions are closely connected with political views and carry different values based on the generation and ruler. I think it would not be easy to determine right or wrong from such relative matters.”

In fact, she related more with Genoace but wanted to deliver the truth only with little personal opinions. Lu Havre has not taken his eyes off her. He seemed to be paying attention to her every word and slightly nodded a few times throughout. After a short period of silence, he exclaimed “hmm” while touching his chin.

“You must like books.”

“Yes, I do.”

“You must have been to Wroclaw.”

Ashite swallowed. How could he say such a thing in an oddly calm and careless voice? She just hoped the sound of swallowing would not echo through this large and quiet library.

“Yes, I have.”

Wroclaw at Skara itself had been the symbol of knowledge. An assembly for all of Latrice wise men and a name of several big libraries and the original, Wroclaw. The place where book worms would like to visit at least once, philosophers to debate like bees being attracted to a flower, and for anyone to learn. But the people who could visit were limited. There were requirements for entering and borrowing books, it was forbidden to export any book, and even foreigners could not even enter.

The library of wise men.

“Hmm.”

The king’s low voice echoed through the library. Ashite thought to walk out of the library.

“Wroclaw… interesting.”

The first sign of interest here.

Ashite opened her big round eyes.