The Library

'Okay, let's set aside the matter of tea for now.'

Ignoring the excessively sweet black tea, Riezel was genuinely grateful for Yuri's kindness. Not only did she save his life, but she also welcomed him to stay, providing temporary protection.

He was determined to remember this favor.

Therefore, he didn't rush to leave and sat in the pavilion, engaging in conversation with her. He observed that she genuinely enjoyed talking with him.

Perhaps she simply liked having someone with whom she could chat freely, and he happened to be that person.

When he was still recovering from his injuries, she often came to visit him. Sometimes they discussed important matters, while other times they engaged in casual conversation. Regardless, she always appeared happy.

Considering Yuri's status as a marquis and a renowned Strategic-Class Magician on the Akasha continent, why would she personally visit him and engage in conversation with someone like him?

Even if she rescued someone and brought them back for recovery out of kindness, it wasn't necessary for her to personally check on them. Instructing others to take care of him would have been sufficient.

Hence, as Riezel could sense Yuri's goodwill, he was willing to play along.

They chatted, relieving boredom and providing a distraction.

Initially, she might have only shown interest in him due to his potential to become a Tactical-Class or Strategic-Class Magician. However, as their interactions increased, her visits became more frequent. Now, simply sitting with him, chatting and having tea, made her content and happy, leaving him unsure how to react.

However, since she enjoyed talking to him, Riezel naturally did so. It was also an opportunity for him to learn about this world and understand Jinas through her perspective.

The original Riezel, a naive countryside peasant with limited knowledge, only possessed basic common sense. In contrast, Yuri, a high-ranking noble of the kingdom and chief court magician, had an understanding of the country and continent that others couldn't match.

During the month of recovery, Riezel learned a lot about this world through conversations with Yuri. Engaging in conversation with her now also proved beneficial for him, allowing him to quickly grasp the intricacies of this world and learn some hidden truths.

Until—

"My Lady."

An old butler entered the pavilion, bowing to Yuri as he spoke.

"The son of the Basolo family has come to visit."

With these words, the joyful expression instantly vanished from Yuri's face.

"I know..." Yuri responded expressionlessly. "Escort him to the guest room; I will be there shortly."

"Yes." The butler responded curtly, retreating.

Yuri's face regained expression, though it seemed less than pleased.

"What's wrong?" Riezel inquired, observing the situation.

"...Nothing." Yuri intended to say something, but after a moment's thought, she seemed to dismiss the idea and sighed. "I'm sorry, I need to attend to a guest..."

It was evident that this so-called guest was not someone she welcomed.

"It's okay." Riezel, though somewhat concerned, didn't want to press further. "You go ahead, I'll be fine on my own."

"Um." Yuri smiled. "You can return to your room or wander around, just don't leave this mansion. You're free to go anywhere within this building."

As she spoke, she took out a crystal from her pocket.

"This is for you." Yuri handed the crystal to him.

Examining it, Riezel soon expressed his surprise.

"Is this a magic crystal for communication?"

"Fufu, yes." Yuri chuckled. "Consider it a gift. If you ever need to, you can use it to contact me."

"But isn't this too much?" Riezel hesitated. "I remember this thing is quite expensive."

Magic crystals were items similar to the magic stones in the world of Danmachi. They were raw materials for making magic items, allowing various magical effects to be inscribed, creating a variety of special items for convenience in daily life, and many more.

The magic crystal she gave to him was for communication, allowing conversation regardless of distance, as long as the crystal had touched before, it would record the toucher's magical energy wavelength.

In comparison to the limited signal range of phones and cell phones from his previous life, this magical item was far superior.

Though there was the inconvenience of having to touch crystals to record magical energy wavelengths, the ability to have a conversation anywhere outweighed the drawbacks. {T/N: Like saving phone numbers.}

The original Riezel, despite being friendly with many noble children, did not possess a communication magic crystal himself. Therefore, he knew how expensive this item was.

However, for Yuri, it seemed like a trivial issue.

"Ah, this little thing is nothing; I have plenty. Marilyn has one too, so don't hesitate to use it." Yuri smiled warmly. "It's for the sake of easy communication."

Now that he wouldn't simply lie in bed, there was a need for a way to contact others.

"I've already recorded my wavelength in this magic crystal, and Marilyn's as well. If it's inconvenient to contact me, you can also reach out to her."

Yuri's words made Riezel glance at Marilyn.

However, Marilyn, who stood by Yuri's side, seemed indifferent, as if completely unaware of his gaze.

"Alright."

After some consideration, Riezel ultimately accepted Yuri's good intentions and took the magic crystal.

"Oh, by the way..." Yuri suddenly remembered something. "If you find yourself bored, you can go check out the library."

However, upon hearing that, Marilyn's expression unexpectedly changed.

"My Lady—"

Marilyn furrowed her brows and wanted to say something, but Yuri silenced her with a glance.

"What's wrong with this library?" Riezel asked with a slight bewilderment as he observed Marilyn's reaction.

"Nothing, don't worry." Yuri chuckled, shaking her head. "It won't harm you in any way. Whether you want to go or not is up to you."

Leaving those words behind, she stood up, turned, and walked away.

Surprisingly, Marilyn glared silently at Riezel and then left somewhat indignantly.

Alone in the pavilion, he watched the departing master and servant, lost in thought.

'It seems like this so-called library is not a place one can enter casually...'

After deliberation, Riezel decided to check it out.

Just as Yuri had said, he didn't believe she would harm him; otherwise, he would have died long ago.

As a result, he left the pavilion, ready to enter the mansion for the library. However, before entering the mansion, he encountered many people.

Outside the gate, at a distance from the courtyard, there was not only a luxurious carriage but also many people dressed as knights, standing in a tidy formation.

After glancing and finding nothing interesting, Riezel entered the mansion.

===

The Frenzel family's library seemed to be on the top floor of this luxurious mansion. It was located next to Yuri's exclusive study, not too secluded in position.

However, when Riezel asked the servants about the library's location, they looked at him with surprise. Shortly afterward, they notified the bodyguard, who came over to inquire.

Upon learning that he was seeking the library with Yuri's permission, the bodyguards exchanged bewildered glances and then directed him in the right direction.

As Riezel left, he distinctly observed envy and even jealousy in their eyes. Though, he didn't know why, he didn't care and continued his journey.

Later, on his way to the top floor, he encountered about three waves of people who tried to stop him. Each time, they only allowed him to pass after confirming he had Yuri's permission.

This further convinced him that this library was undoubtedly an important place.

Strangely, for such an important place, there were surprisingly few people guarding its entrance.

Riezel, puzzled, examined the library's door before pushing it open and stepping inside.

At this moment, he failed to notice that as he opened the door, a tiny magic circle appeared for a split second on the door handle.

The magic circle flashed briefly—appearing and disappearing so quickly that he didn't catch the abnormality.

After Riezel entered the library, the library door closed automatically behind him.

Inside, he surveyed the entire library.

It was a very ordinary-looking library.

Not too large but not small either, filled with numerous books neatly arranged on exquisite bookshelves.

However, strangely, there was no scent of paper in the air.

Approaching one of the bookshelves, Riezel picked up a book. As he held it, he finally understood why people in this mansion were so nervous about the library.

It was because the books here were all unique.

For instance, the book he held in his hands now was titled—Introduction to Elementary Magic.

Yes.

This was a magic book that taught people how to use magic and provided guidance on how to become a magician.

'Are all the books here some kind of magic book for teaching magic?'

Riezel's gaze at the library changed instantly.

Was this really a library?

It seemed more like a place of magic knowledge inheritance!

No, it wasn't just about magic knowledge.

Riezel discovered that on one shelf, there were books related not to magic but to swordsmanship.

"Swordsmanship?"

Riezel suddenly became interested.

If the original Riezel's memory was correct, then swordsmanship in this world was something special.