Chapter 30

The Secret of the Forest Wolf

Macbel led me through a valley of books. There was something comfortable about the atmosphere that smelled of old parchment.

“Ohh, here it is.”

His face was beaming as he handed me a single volume. I couldn’t help but smile every time I saw the extent of his fondness for books.

“Thank you.” “Don’t mention it. I’ll look for other books related to enchantments while you read.” “That would be great.”

I took the book with me and settled down in a lounge-like corner with a table and chairs.

“‘The Art of Enchantment.’ That’s a straightforward t.i.tle…”

The book just screamed ‘enchantment!’ Now, to read it through. I was able to read the written words in this world. I wasn’t sure how it worked…and this book looked particularly old. Could I read ancient letters as well, I wonder? There was only one way to find out. I take in a deep breath and then dive into the sea of letters.

My eyes hurt. My back too. As long as we’re listing things, I think my shoulders sort of hurt as well.

“Gahh…”

I stretched my stiffened limbs. I could hear the dry sound of my joints cracking.

Ultimately, I was not able to solve this mystery of enchantments from monsters. Macbel had brought me several different volumes, but none of them had the answer I was looking for.

‘Enchanted Skills’ was a book about skills used to raise other people’s status. Buff skills, really. ‘Gifted Power’ was a journal about the rise of a man who had been given power by G.o.d. That seemed like overkill for a protagonist. ‘…gonia…Handmaiden.’ The t.i.tle of that one was scratched and unreadable. I wasn’t really sure about the contents either, but it did not look important. I asked to see ‘Monster Research Records’ because I wanted to see the relations.h.i.+p between monsters and enchantments. It was the record of a researcher who rose a child monster. There was nothing about enchantments in there.

I read a number of other books as well, but there was nothing about monsters enchanting people and giving them skills. Though, there were plenty of stories about a G.o.d doing that. Also, apparently ‘Monster Research Records’ was considered to be somewhat taboo.

Were records and stories concerning monsters being purposely erased? Perhaps I was overthinking it. Perhaps Macbel just happened to have fewer books on this subject. I close the book I was reading and tried to arrange my thoughts when Macbel returned along with a servant.

“Well? Did you find what you were looking for?” “I read through a lot, but there was nothing.” “Hmm…”

Macbel cupped his chin in his hands and pondered. We sat in silence for a while. A tea set was brought out and the hot brew was poured. I glanced over to Macbel and he nodded for me to help myself.

“Thank you, don’t mind if I do.”

I take the steaming teacup and drink it slowly. It’s rich smell and gentle taste spreads in my mouth and exits my nose.

“It’s delicious.” “Hehe, thank you very much.”

The servant smiles happily after I thank her. She seemed very professional.

“It is not good for your health to think too much. I hope that you allow yourself to rest.” “Thank you.”

She must have seen how concentrated I was while reading. I chuckle awkwardly and bow.

“Asagi. Why is it that you wish to know about enchantments?”

Macbel broke his silence as he looked at me. I put the cup down on the saucer and looked back at him and answered.