After the banquet ended, the next day, Green left the palace—this was what the purple-haired personal maid told Dolores.
“Where did he go?” Dolores asked.
“South of the Capital, to the Ruins Forest. For most adventurers from outside, that place is full of opportunities and danger.”
The purple-haired maid replied, then gave a brief explanation about the Ruins Forest region. Dolores now had a general idea.
Simply put, it was an area for treasure-hunting. Ruins of various eras interlaced throughout the forest, so it was possible to uncover all sorts of strange relics from previous dynasties. Green’s sudden trip there made her feel his intentions weren’t pure.
“I’d like to go to the Royal Library.” Dolores instructed the maid, and soon received a reply.
“I’ll prepare a carriage for you.”
Before she knew it, Dolores was leaning against her seat inside the carriage. After more than half an hour, there was still a trace of drowsiness on her face.
On her first night in this world, Dolores gradually recalled some common knowledge about this place, gaining some impressions and memories.
Although called the Royal Library, it was actually built outside the palace, functioning as a semi-open space for certain groups.
It served nobles, wealthy merchants, and students from Urglish University. The latter often visited to consult materials they couldn’t take out or to view royal artifacts.
Thus, Dolores’s carriage had to pass through the palace’s inner gates, and only after leaving the palace could she reach the library. As for entering the palace through the library, it was as difficult as sneaking in from anywhere else.
Dolores entered the library from the side entrance. There was no need for any formal displays; she had no reason to use the main entrance and attract attention.
The library had four floors, each requiring different levels of identification. The information she sought was on the first floor.
She found a staff member and asked to be led to books about the legends and history of the Land People.
After the events of the banquet, Dolores’s actions would not be seen as ignorance of the legends, but rather as an effort to seek out hidden secrets.
Only the purple-haired personal maid accompanied her. In the memories she retained, Dolores couldn’t recall the maid’s name, so she never called her by name, simply issued commands and instructions.
Apparently, someone had consulted the same books before her. The staff member went forward to negotiate. The young nobleman in question turned to see Dolores; any trace of anger in his eyes quickly disappeared. He put down the book and left.
These three books were handed to Dolores, who took them to a corner table and sat down to read.
After reading most of them, Dolores gained some impression and understanding regarding the legends and language that Green had mentioned.
She now understood what that branch represented.
Thud.
The sound of a chair being dragged. A blonde girl with emerald eyes sat down across from Dolores. Wearing a deep blue academy robe and cap, the badge on her chest let Dolores confirm she was a university student.
In the Capital, Urglish University was the only one bearing that name. Universities in this other world differed in structure—even greatly so.
In addition to the Divinity College, Law College, and Medical College that Dolores remembered, there were four major colleges, including the College of the Seven Arts, and even unique institutions like the Knight Academy and Mage Academy.
All colleges except the Arts College were higher academies. Students could enter the Arts College as young as twelve. In simple, though perhaps not entirely accurate terms, the Arts College fulfilled a role similar to middle or high school education.
Judging by her appearance, Dolores guessed the girl was probably an Arts College student, unless she belonged to a special race or had an eternally youthful face.
“I’m a third-year student at the Urglish University Arts College. My name is Albertco Berth Schrift.”
First name first, surname after. Albertco was her given name, followed by her father’s name and the inherited family name. The final word, Schrift, was widely recognized to mean writer.
Albertco’s green eyes were similar to Dolores’s—an uncommon color, originating from the royal bloodline, though over generations it had spread outside the royal family.
The royal family of Land were all green-eyed, but not all green-eyed people were royalty.
Dolores was not dressed too extravagantly. Before leaving, she had removed the jewels from her dress, but the elaborate style and the gold-threaded hem still hinted at her noble status.
“I came to the Royal Library to borrow the in your hand. The staff told me you’d checked it out, so I’ve been watching from afar, waiting for you to finish so I could borrow it!”
Dolores was momentarily surprised. So this meant the girl had watched her for over an hour from afar?
She glanced at her maid for confirmation and received a nod. Apparently, Dolores’s own awareness was lacking. It also showed Albertco was indeed patient.
“My name is Lis.” Dolores didn’t want to draw attention, even here in the Capital, so she gave only her first name and left out her surname.
Albertco’s mention of made Dolores slide the book across the table. Albertco’s delight was obvious, and then she took the initiative to continue the conversation:
“Thank you! I brought some Strawberry Velvet Candy. Would you like to try one?”
“No, I’m not interested… hmm…?”
As Dolores finished speaking, she noticed the maid beside her and Albertco both paused, looking a little surprised.
“Then I’ll have one myself, just to try the taste.”
Their reactions seemed even more off. Did that mean the original owner of this body liked this flavor of candy?
The candy Albertco handed over was checked by the maid for poison. Dolores bit into it—a fine, velvety texture blended with the sweet freshness of strawberry. The flavor was quite good.
It was as if Albertco had confirmed something. After a few hesitant gestures, which seemed deliberately performed, she placed a small, exquisite blue Magic Gemstone on the table.
“I’d like to be friends and get to know you.”
Albertco paused, then quickly added:
“I heard there are some ancient religious texts on the library’s second floor that relate to my research, but the staff said I’d need a guarantor to go up, so… so~”
Apparently, this was Albertco’s real goal—quite straightforward. As Dolores hesitated whether to accept, Albertco began explaining the origin and use of the item.
“My grandfather was once the chronicler for a Duke. To prevent demonic temptation and deception, he had this magic artifact forged. It can resist mind control and bewitchment, preserving a final shred of sanity if one falls.”
“It’s of no use to me, but as a gemstone it’s quite beautiful and rare. I wanted to offer it as a greeting gift because you are as beautiful and noble as the princess in my imagination.”
The gemstone shimmered brilliantly on the table. At yesterday’s banquet, Dolores had seen gems even larger and more beautiful, but the function described made her think of the system on Green. Would this kind of magical artifact be useful? If so, it was exactly what she needed.
For a moment, Dolores understood how her father must have felt when Green presented the branch.
“You can have my maid take you as your guarantor to the second floor.”
Albertco nodded happily. After walking a short distance, she lowered her voice and whispered her thanks:
“May good people live in peace~!”
A playful expression flickered on Albertco’s small face, unnoticed by Dolores and the maid.
Dolores looked up and saw Albertco’s cheerful face, bright and happy like a child who had received a treasure.
Dolores placed her hand on the gemstone. It was smooth and warm, a subtle but gentle power flowing from it, as if it could truly protect part of her mind.
If these magical artifacts could have any effect on Green’s system, Dolores would be quite happy indeed.
She hoped they would work.