Book One Chapter Forty Seven: WoodElf_RelationValue ≥ 5

Book One Chapter Forty Seven: WoodElf_RelationValue ≥ 5

So it turned out that they didnt need a library card to borrow books. Apparently they were recognised as being a part of the Chosen Ones party and, despite the fact that the Exiled Prince and Exiled Princess were undercover and thus no one should have known about their activities, every librarian knew that they had given permission to enter the library.

However, many of the books were totally inaccessible. While the upper storeys of the building held bookshelves practically groaning under the weight of all the juicy looking volumes, there were no stairs or ladders up to them. Qube considered using the Chosen Ones stand on someones shoulders technique, but she didnt feel up to dealing with either Sewer Bard or Definitely Bad Guy acting strange about mounting her. And if she got on top of them, theyd practically be looking up her robe.

She could have made them mount each other, but that seemed ripe for violence.

Before they could leave the library, though, a clattering of books being flung about announced the arrival of the Chosen One and Sexy Screamy Spider Lady, who had accidentally merged with several of the bookshelves.

Hey, the Chosen One said casually, jumping on the front desk and looking at Qube. You do all your nerd stuff?

Qube gave him a pleasant smile as she tried to figure out what nerd stuff was.

I found a restricted section that holds several very interesting books, she cautiously offered. She glanced over her shoulder to see where Sewer Bard was. He was busy helping one of the disapproving librarians pick up all the books launched by Sexy Screamy Spider Ladys artistic posing near the romance section.

One of them is related to Sewer Bard, she whispered as quietly as one could to someone standing on a table. He says that there is an ancient epic saga that finding and reciting will make him the greatest Bard in all the land but well she trailed off, unsure of how to politely call the greatest achievement of all storytellers complete rubbish. I dont know if theres a spell laced into it that will reveal itself when he reads it out loud and its disguised as mediocre writing to hide its true nature, or if its in code that only Bards or the worthy can decipher, but Im worried that tastes may just have become more refined in the last few hundred years.

The Chosen One was looking mildly confused. He looked off into the distance, his fingers twitching and his eyes scanning nothing.

I mean, it could just be a total coincidence that he told me about this ancient epic saga known only by the Bardic Archiver of Songs and Stories and I immediately found a giant golden book in the restricted section that seemed to contain a very long saga but it just seemed likely. Qube frowned as she thought it through. Wait, although if the Bardic Archiver of Songs and Sagas has only heard rumours of the epic saga, what is it doing in the library that they presumably run? Unless its just a starting point for the quest or I misunderstood something Sewer Bard said.

The Chosen One started laughing and refocused back on Qube.

You totally unlocked his character's side quest for me! This is awesome! he exclaimed. Man, I could have you running around unlocking [snacks] for me without me having to lift a finger! I wonder how badly it would break everything if you did?

Im not a man, Qube gently reminded her best friend. The Chosen One looked at her, before sighing and shaking his head.

Qube was starting to suspect that when the Chosen One called her man, he did not actually think she was a man.

The Chosen One craned to look over at where Sexy Screamy Spider Lady was now sulking. Shed been chased into a clearing in the library by a swarm of shushing librarians, who were now busy picking up the books sent flying by her retreat.

Im gonna have you Wait, the Chosen One suddenly looked down at Qube suspiciously. How did you read it if it was in the restricted section?

Qube coughed. Chosen One, I really think we need to focus here, she started.

The Chosen One crouched down on the front desk until he was eye level with Qube.

Did you did you break into the restricted section? On your own?

Eight eyes rolled themselves as the giant arachnid gave an exasperated sigh. Even her eternally screaming childrens faces looked at Qube patronisingly.

My pure little Healer, sometimes I forget how innocent you are, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady cooed. Of course we were on a date. He took me, on my own, to go have a meal with just him. Why do you think he sent the rest of you away, if not so he and I could have a private, sensual experience together?

I I thought he trusted me to be in charge of Sewer Bard and Definitely Bad Guy and check out the library, Qube mumbled. Sexy Screamy Spider Lady leaned against Qubes side and wrapped her two left arms against her. Her claws dug into Qubes hips as she gave the half-elf a comforting squeeze.

And Im sure he does, my pet. Thats why he picked you to be in charge, rather than one of those silly boys. Youre his second in command and, no matter what he and I have, nothing will change that. Her two left claws were now rubbing up and down Qubes back, like one would comfort a small child. It would have been much more soothing if they hadnt been giant spider claws which dug into Qubes back rather painfully. Still, Qube appreciated the gesture.

Thank you, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady, she said sincerely, as she detangled herself slightly.

Anytime, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady practically purred.

Qubes thoughts swirled within her as she tried to absorb all the information shed just received. So the Chosen One was in love with Sexy Screamy Spider Lady? Was that why he had asked her to find out what her quest was? Was he too shy to ask her directly if her quest was to be with him? That seemed unlikely, but romance was known for making people do strange things. Remembering Slate and Zincy, it was entirely possible that outside of their relationship they were two sensible people. Constructs. Whatever.

Qube knew the basics of romance and love, but she had never had any experience with it. Only the annoying flirting of Quinton, back in the village, and Sewer Bards practiced lines. He, at least, seemed to take her more seriously as a Healer now, and had backed off on the delicate flower front.

...How was she supposed to ask Sexy Screamy Spider Lady what her quest was?

Sexy Screamy Spider Lady, she started, rather hesitantly. Is it important to you, to be with the Chosen One? Is it your quest in life?

Qube internally cringed. Sure, just ask it outright like that. Who needed delicacy and tact?

No, my dear, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady said gently. While the tender feelings between us are sweet indeed, to have someones love be your main goal she broke off, all of her faces frowning. I am not free to give myself over wholly to the pursuit of love..

Well, yes, we need to save the world, Qube pointed out.

That too, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady brushed the fate of the known world aside with a claw. But I, specifically, have responsibilities that I must one day take up. Something in her tone shifted, and she suddenly seemed to be focused not on Qube, but rather some point in the distance.

Our relationship is so important to me, but I am not free to love as I choose. For, you see, I am not just Sexy Screamy Spider Lady, renowned Hunter and loyal companion. I am also the heir to the Thorny Crown, and soon I must take up the trials to see if I am worthy to wear it. I am to be the Dryad Queens right hand, the mortal counterpart to her rule. It will be my duty to help guide the Forest Folk, and take on a husband who will protect my body. All her eyes sparkled with tears. And any man wishing to become Head Guard will have to take the trials with me. Oh, Chosen One, I could not bear if anything were to happen to you just so we could be together!

Qube looked over to where the Chosen One was pulling books off of shelves, flipping through them, and then throwing them to the ground in front of an increasingly distressed crowd of incessantly shushing librarians.

Ill, uh, Ill go let the Chosen One know, Qube said, moved to scuttle off back to her childhood friend.

Oh no my sweet, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady said, suddenly back to her normal self. She reached out and grabbed Qubes shoulders. Im not letting you get away that easily. She dragged Qube towards her.

Dont you think its time you told me all about your love life?