Chapter 329: The Library

Chapter 329: The Library

The Royal Library was massive. It stood on its own some distance away from the Palace, made of white stone and walls decorated with reliefs and statues of beasts and warriors. Two pairs of guards stood at the entrance, standing straight and looking mean.

The door behind them was reddish-brown, almost like high-quality mahogany. At least that is what Gerald thought about it. Who knew if the trees here were the same as on Earth? Many of them sure looked similar.

As he was accompanied by a pair of servants, he had no trouble getting inside. The guards have even opened the door for him, letting him enter while he kept his hands behind his back, curiously observing everything around him.

The Royal Library was massive. The arched ceiling was at least five meters high, and wide just as much. Large windows made of stained glass let in soft and colorful light, made to portray important people of the past.

The place was like a long gallery with two floors, containing thousands of books. Each wall between the windows was filled with shelves and decorated with wooden ornaments and gilded stands. nove(l)bi(n.)com

Along the middle were wooden tables with glass cases on top, containing extremely old books that were on the edge of decay. A good way to protect them from moisture for sure, however, just the light from the sun would degrade the fragile pages over time.

'Not the best in terms of protection,' he thought.

A spiral staircase was on either side of the hall, leading to the balcony on the upper floor, where even more books were stored.

As Gerald entered, a librarian rose from his table and offered his services, in case he was searching for a specific book or article.

But he was denied, as his services were not required. Not because Gerald wasn't interested in specific things, but because he planned reading, at least partially, every single thing in sight! Nothing would escape his grasp, even if he had to spend a few months here!

He was ready to uncover the secrets of King's power!

He performed a few stretches to increase his mobility and cracked his fingers, before taking hold of the first book. He started right at the beginning, first bookshelf, near the entrance.

And what a book it was!

[Records of Myrtana Vol. I]

Gerald opened the book and lightly skimmed through it. "Bron Wolfe, born in Auralba, 22.07.3 died in Auralba, 17.12.61 What is this?" Gerald murmured as he read a line. He flipped a few pages, "Tony Palmer, born in Auralba, 11.09.7 died in Auralba, 31.10.88"

He scowled with one eyebrow lifted higher, closed the book, and put it back.

"Damn it, that's just the records of its citizens" He took out a few more books and read the titles. [Records of Myrtana Vol. II], [Records of Myrtana Vol. IV], [Records of Myrtana Vol. XI]

"Well, that was something." He picked another one!

[Magic Metals Vol. V]

Wow! So cool! Another!

[Refinement and Uses of Pure Ether]

And another!

[Mithril Ore Refining Tips]

And another!

[Silver Foxes and Two Moons]

Another!

[Fire Manipulation Vol. I]

Another, another, another!!! He grabbed as many as he could carry.

[Magic Runes for Beginners], [Optimal Food for Foundation Building], [Swords and Spears Vol. III]

Gerald could barely hold any more books in his hands, as his eyes shined like stars. He was grinning from ear to ear. So much good stuff! Finally!

He wanted to cackle like a villain after his evil plan finally worked, but he managed to contain it. The old man on the bottom floor would probably think he went nuts if he didn't suspect so already.

He just carried the stack of books down and placed them on an empty table and sat down as well.

It was time to study! And none of that modern garbage where you had to memorize a bunch of useless facts, no! This was important, well-guarded, secret high knowledge!

"I have waited for this for so long!"

Gerald flipped open the first book and started devouring the pages.