NOVEL NEXT Chapter 7: Mission Accomplished!
The Kiramman Estate Library
Link Star sat at a grand desk, surrounded by towering piles of books, each a gateway to knowledge.
After arranging an interview with Caitlyn, he had mustered the courage to request access to her family's extensive library—a treasure trove of Piltover's finest intellectual collection.
To his delight, Caitlyn had agreed without hesitation.
From that moment, Link dove headfirst into the wealth of knowledge. He devoured the Kiramman family's vast collection like a starving wolf let loose in a field of sheep.
The library was magnificent. Towering shelves stretched high into the vaulted ceilings, their brass labels gleaming under the soft glow of alchemical lamps. Books covered every imaginable subject: humanities, geography, economics, politics, and engineering.
Link, however, focused his attention on mechanical engineering, preparing for the memorial and the imminent attack two and a half days away.
In mere hours, he absorbed knowledge from dozens of books. His mind, cursed yet blessed with insatiable curiosity, processed the influx like a machine. Thanks to his unique "curse of knowledge," his capacity to learn and understand knew no bounds.
The intense studying exhilarated him. It wasn't just learning—it was an electrifying journey into the unknown, where secrets buried in ink and paper unfolded before his eyes.
Every discovery sparked joy, sending shivers down his spine. He felt as if he were conversing with the great minds of the past, his thoughts a whirlwind of creativity and purpose.
For the first time in ages, Link felt truly alive.
"Oh, you really do enjoy reading, don't you?"
A husky voice interrupted his focus. Link looked up to see Caitlyn approaching with a lantern in hand, her elegant silhouette framed by the warm light. Behind her, Vi followed, her presence as steady and watchful as ever.
Recalling the tangled dynamics between Caitlyn and Vi, Link wasn't surprised to see them together. In the timeline he remembered, they were inseparable—though their bond was complicated in ways he couldn't fully fathom.
After all, he wasn't here to meddle in Caitlyn's private life. His focus was fulfilling the otherworldly Mrs. Kiramman's request.
"Apologies for the mess," Link said sheepishly, closing a book titled Ergonomics of Firearms.
The desk before him was indeed chaotic. Books were stacked haphazardly, some teetering dangerously close to collapse. The floor was no better, littered with finished volumes like discarded thoughts.
"It's no problem," Caitlyn said with a soft smile. "The maids will take care of it."
Vi, meanwhile, picked up a book from the desk and glanced at its title: Clockwork Engineering.
Her brow furrowed as she quickly placed it back in the pile, muttering something under her breath about it being "too complicated."
"If you enjoy reading so much," Caitlyn said, her tone teasing, "I could issue you a library card. You'd have access to this place whenever you like."
"That would be amazing!" Link's face lit up, his genuine enthusiasm breaking through his usual composure.
Given his abilities, learning wasn't just a pastime—it was a necessity. He couldn't rely on shortcuts or cheats like the overpowered protagonists from his favorite books. Hard work and wit were his only tools.
"Shall we start the interview?" Caitlyn asked, her gaze steady and expectant.
"Of course."
Link carefully extricated himself from the fortress of books, grabbing his notebook and camera as Vi fetched three chairs.
Once seated in a triangular formation, Link tapped his pen against his notebook, ready to begin.
"First question: What are your thoughts on your mother?"
Caitlyn's breath hitched. Though she had steeled herself to accept her mother's death, the question reopened old wounds.
Sadness loomed like a stormcloud, threatening to drown her in a deluge of grief.
Vi's jaw tightened. Her fists clenched, the soft crackling of knuckles echoing in the quiet library.
"If you're uncomfortable, we can skip the question," Link offered, his tone gentle but probing.
But Caitlyn raised her hand, stopping Vi's restless movements. Despite the tears brimming in her eyes, she lifted her chin and steadied her voice.
"To me, my mother was more than a parent. She was an icon, a beacon that inspired me to move forward."
"While she often planned my future without consulting me, she always supported my decisions. I'll carry that with me forever."
"Mrs. Kiramman truly was a remarkable woman," Link said softly before jotting down his next question. "What are your thoughts on the attack?"
Caitlyn froze. The image of Jinx's unhinged smile flashed in her mind—maniacal laughter echoing like a haunting melody.
Vi placed a hand over Caitlyn's, grounding her.
"This attack…" Caitlyn began, her voice heavy with restrained fury. "It was a tragedy. We lost so much, and relations between Piltover and Zaun have reached an all-time low."
"But," she continued, glancing at Vi, her voice steadying, "this was the act of a singular, deranged individual. It doesn't reflect the larger dynamics between our cities."
"And your next steps?" Link pressed.
"I'm just an enforcer. It's not my place to influence policy," Caitlyn murmured, her tone weary but firm. "I respect and trust the council's judgment."
Link observed the tension etched into Vi's features. Her inner turmoil was palpable—caught between her loyalty to her sister, Jinx, and her friendship with Caitlyn.
"Do you believe in justice through law or retribution?" Link asked carefully.
Caitlyn's fists tightened, but Vi's calming hand steadied her again.
"We must trust in the law," Caitlyn declared, her voice resolute.
With that, the interview concluded. Link snapped a few photographs of Caitlyn standing tall, her poise unshaken despite the grief and rage simmering beneath the surface.
As he exited the Kiramman Estate, a library card in hand, Link felt a surge of triumph.
The promise he made to the alternate Mrs. Kiramman was fulfilled.
Now, it was time to prepare for the memorial—and the mechanical wonders that awaited.