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Chapter 10
The Library
By the window where the morning light streamed in, I sat at the small round table, gripping my spoon with determination in front of the neatly arranged breakfast.
A gently sweet pumpkin potage, soft white bread baked to perfection, an omelet fragrant with sautéed vegetables and herbs, and a small plate of assorted fruits.
“…Wow… this is incredible…”
The soup I lifted to my lips had a gentle flavor that seeped warmly into my body. My maids, Berne and Rosalina, watched over me with their usual cheerful smiles.
Just that alone made me feel like Lilybel was somehow saved, and it made me happy.
“Lady Lilybel, does it suit your taste?”
“Today’s menu is also gentle on the stomach.”
“Thank you. It’s really delicious… truly delicious!”
As I chewed, my thoughts drifted to the dream I had.
A withered potted plant. Another version of myself coughing.
That child—she was completely alone, relying on no one.
(Even I… yesterday I asked Brother Luke for help, but I couldn’t do anything.)
But now, my body moved freely, and my mind was clear.
If that’s the case—then I had to do whatever I could on my own.
“…I think I’ll try to investigate it myself. Yeah.”
I nodded to myself as I murmured the words.
I had been able to train with magic, tend to herbs, and more—all without asking for anyone’s permission.
Then surely, going to the library shouldn’t be forbidden either.
I couldn’t just sit idly by if I wanted to avoid a narrated death.
(Alright, let’s go.)
I finished breakfast and slowly rose from my chair.
Yesterday, I had ended up meeting Rosalina covered in mud and water, which had shocked and worried her quite a bit.
When I told her I had been tending the herbs, she visibly relaxed, but immediately added, “From now on, please make sure to take us with you!”
“Berne, Rosalina… um, I’m thinking of going to the library today,” I said.
The two exchanged glances.
I didn’t know what instructions Brother Luke had given, but I should be allowed to do what I wanted too!
“Understood! Then I shall guide you today, Lady Lilybel,” Berne said.
“Wait a moment, Berne,” Rosalina interjected, looking flustered.
Berne puffed out her chest proudly, while Rosalina’s expression was a mix of worry and disbelief.
“But staying in your room all the time must be boring for you too, Lady Lilybel. The princess is allowed to enter the library, isn’t she? You look much healthier as well.”
“…That’s true… alright. I’ll report back on your behalf. Berne, make sure to protect Her Highness properly, alright?”
“Yes, ma’am!”
“Lady Lilybel, I shall accompany you to the palace gardens,” Rosalina added.
“Y-yes. Understood… got it.”
Rosalina, now looking relieved, helped me get dressed. Thanks to the ointment she applied so carefully every day, the bruises on my arms seemed to have faded a little.
“Please be careful, Lady Lilybel.”
“I’ll be back.”
I returned Rosalina’s worried smile and stepped out of the room.
(The library… the books there saved me in my previous life. I hope I can find something useful again.)
The moment I pushed open the heavy library doors, the mingled scent of old paper and ink wafted into my nose. I gasped at the sight of the towering bookshelves lining the walls.
(Wow… this is amazing…!)
I had read all the books kept in the palace before. I didn’t know when Lilybel had taken them in her hands, but I remembered how carefully she had cherished each one.
Where were those books now?
“Lady Lilybel, what are you looking for?”
Lost in thought, Berne’s cheerful voice brought me back.
Although I had felt nervous entering the library, there was no interrogation like when I entered Brother Luke’s room. I was able to step inside freely.
“Um… I’m looking for books about medicine, herbs, and diseases. And if possible, any texts on treatments would be great.”
“I understand. Please wait a moment—I’ll ask the professional!”
Berne smiled and hurried over to someone dressed like a librarian. After a cheerful conversation, the librarian looked back at us.
I felt a brief moment of hesitation—but I couldn’t back down now. I forced a smile.
“Lady Lilybel! It’s on that bookshelf,” Berne said upon returning.
“Thank you. That helps a lot.”
I thanked her and stepped toward the indicated shelf. Together, we traced the spines with our fingers, checking each title.
Thick books, worn-out volumes, even some lavishly decorated ones—all sorts of books.
(I hope one of these holds the key to changing fate.)
I first picked up a book with a black cover—it seemed to be a medical text.
“Lady Lilybel, how about this one, Foundations of Pharmacy?”
“Yes, I’ll take this one and that one too.”
Berne had found a book bound in deep green. For now, I decided to start with these two.
“Lady Lilybel, what are you doing here in a place like this?”
I was just thinking that when a calm, low voice spoke from behind me.
