"Then go," Sumin said, waving them off lightly. "Head wherever you wish—but remember what I told you."
Keifer scoffed, crossing his arms. "Relax. We're not children to get lost. I know every path in this place."
Sumin let out a short laugh. "Oh, I'm well aware of how many paths you think you know."
"Yeah, yeah—whatever you say. Come on, Haru," Keifer replied, already turning away.
With that, Sumin disappeared into the crowded bazaar, blending effortlessly into the sea of voices and movement.
Without wasting a second, Keifer dragged Haru toward a nearby food stall. The two of them ended up eating again, as if they hadn't just eaten moments ago.
After finishing, Keifer glanced at Haru. "Alright, I'll take you to the library now."
"Let's go," Haru replied.
They stepped out of the bustling market and began walking toward a quieter part of the town.
"There—see it?" Keifer pointed ahead. "That's the library. You can see it, right, Haru?"
Haru's eyes were locked onto the building, filled with a strange intensity—almost like he'd been waiting for this moment for far too long.
Keifer smirked slightly. "Let's get inside already. The way you're staring, you look like you can't wait any longer."
He stepped forward. "Come on—no need to waste time."
The two of them stepped through the towering doors of the library, their heavy creak echoing softly behind them.
Inside, the air was thick with the scent of ancient pages—dry, faded, and strangely comforting. It felt as if we had stepped back a hundred years, into a time long forgotten.
Before they could take another step—
"Who are you?" a voice called out.
A man stood nearby, watching them carefully. "You don't seem to be from around here."
Keifer straightened slightly. "We've come from the Kingdom of Shikuza. My name is Keifer—I serve there as a commander." He gestured toward his companion. "And this is Haru Lexicon—"
But before he could finish, the man's expression shifted instantly.
"I am the owner of this library," he said, stepping closer. Then his eyes settled on Haru, filled with unmistakable recognition.
"Haru… I've read your books."
A faint smile formed on his face.
"In fact, several of your works exist within these very shelves."
He paused, almost in admiration.
"You are… a truly remarkable author."
"I'm truly glad you've come to my library," the owner said warmly. "Tell me—what is it that you seek? What would you like to read?"
Haru's expression softened, a gentle smile forming on his lips, as if the question itself pleased him.
Instead of speaking, he reached into his bag and pulled out a small piece of paper. With calm precision, he wrote down his answer before handing it over.
I want to study the history of kingdoms…
All kingdoms.
And the stories of every king who has ever ruled them.
The owner's eyes widened slightly as he read the words.
A quiet excitement flickered across his face. "That… will grant you a great deal of knowledge," he said, almost impressed.
He took a few steps forward, then raised his hand, pointing toward a distant corner of the vast library.
"Over there," he said. "You will find records of every kingdom… and every king who has shaped their fate."
"Thank you," Keifer said, glancing toward the owner with a nod.
Haru had already begun walking toward the far corner, his steps steady—almost as if something unseen was calling him forward… as if history itself had been waiting for this very moment.
The two of them reached the towering shelves.
Keifer dropped onto a nearby chair, letting his head fall onto the table as if he were completely drained—despite having no real reason to be.
Meanwhile, Haru's eyes moved across the rows of ancient books, carefully scanning each one.
Then—
THUD.
A loud sound slammed onto the table.
Keifer jolted upright instantly. "What—what happened?!"
He blinked in confusion… then froze.
The table was now stacked with a mountain of books.
Slowly, he turned his head toward Haru.
Haru stood there, offering an awkward, almost innocent smile.
Keifer exhaled. "You nearly gave me a heart attack…" He eyed the pile. "Don't tell me—you're planning to read all of these here?"
Haru shook his head.
Then, quietly, he pointed toward his bag.
Keifer raised an eyebrow… then let out a small laugh. "Oh… so you're taking them with you. Got it."
He waved lazily. "Alright, pick whatever you need."
With that, he dropped his head back onto the table again, as if nothing in the world mattered more than his sleep.
In the hushed quiet of the library, soft light spilled through the tall, towering windows, casting gentle shadows across the shelves. Haru began reading, diving into the history pages, yet it felt as though every account was incomplete, unfinished, or just barely recorded.
As he studied, his gaze wandered to Keifer.
"I could never forget you, my friend," he thought silently.
Keifer glanced at the books Haru had chosen. "Your choices are excellent. You really are quite the observer," he said.
The library owner approached, noticing the pile of books resting on the table. Haru looked up and carefully reached into his pocket, pulling out some coins to offer in payment.
But the owner gently stopped him, taking Haru's hand on his own. "Keep them with you. After all, you've come all the way from our neighboring kingdom, and this is your first time here. It's fine—take them with you."
Haru shook his head, refusing. He tried to place the coins into the owner's hand, but the man gently pulled his hand back. "Ah… now I have nothing to receive them in, and you have no proper pocket either. Just keep them with you," he said with a kind smile.
Haru set the coins carefully on the table instead, then bowed respectfully.
At that very moment, Keifer also stood up.
"Alright, Haru," he said, glancing at him. "Have you chosen which books you'll take?"
Haru nodded silently and began carefully placing the books into his bag.
"Now… let's go," Keifer said, turning toward the library owner.
"Yes, you must come again," the owner replied warmly, walking them to the library doors. "Take care of yourselves."
Haru and Keifer stepped out, moving toward the spot Sumin had told them about.
"You know," Keifer said quietly as they walked, "I hear Mr. Yazawa—the library owner—never takes money for his books."
Haru paused for a moment, hand drifting to his pocket where the coins were. A small, strange gesture crossed his face.
Keifer looked at him curiously. "Wait… when did he put money in your pocket, and you didn't even notice?"
Haru's gaze was calm, almost questioning, yet firm. "He does this with everyone," he said. "I've heard it's because he believes knowledge isn't something to be sold."
Haru smiled softly, as if pleased by what the owner had said, giving him a small nod of appreciation.
Then, keifer's gaze drifted toward the entrance, and his eyes widened slightly. "It looks like… Sumin is here already… or is that someone else?"
Keifer, sensing Haru's hesitation, grabbed his hand. "Come on," he urged, tugging him gently. "Let's go and see."
Haru didn't resist. Together, they started moving quickly towards that tree.