Chapter 14: Chapter 14 - It's hard to study when you're hungry
I went out of my room and my stomach suddenly grumbled. I realized I haven't eaten anything since that summoning event. Even if we include the time in my world, I only had warm ginger tea before I was summoned. I changed my route a bit and went to the school cafeteria.
Upon arriving at the cafeteria, I picked a few dishes, soup and bread. I started eating and then I was shocked when I realized everything was bland or weird. Don't get me wrong. They have put salt in it, the meat tastes like meat, and the vegetables taste normal but that's the problem. I can only taste salt. Don't they have condiments or spices here? The meal made me full but I was not satisfied at all. If all the food in this world is like this, I will go crazy.
Being a home buddy with no social life, the only things I love are my books and FOOD! How can the food here taste good when they only use salt for seasoning. I definitely have to improve this. I guess this is one of the things I have to work on. Ugh. I found another thing to do when I don't even know where to start with my tasks!
I returned my empty plates to the man serving the food and still said my thanks. I walked out of the cafeteria with a gloomy face. I couldn't see my own face but I am pretty sure I am gloomy and disappointed right now.
I went on my way and finally found the library after many twists and turns in the academe's hallways. This place indeed needs a map. After finding the library, I went through the door and saw an elderly woman behind the reception desk. I asked her, "Do you have a list of the books here or do I have to look for the books by myself per shelf? The woman, whom I am sure is a librarian said, "You must be new here. You see that box over there that is full of crystals? Take one and tell what type of book you need. It will light up and lead you to the part of the library that has your preferred books. Once you have decided which book you want to borrow and bring back, you can just bring it to me first so I can record them as borrowed under your name." I simply said thanks and proceed to taking one crystal from the box she pointed to earlier.
After taking one of the crystals, I simply spoke, "Athanoviya, Culture, History, Language, Cooking Techniques, Food, Government." I must have said too many topics because the crystal started showing different colors for about half a minute before settling for a light blue color. Afer that, it started to emit light and pointed on a certain direction and I simply followed it.
After making me go from one shelf to another for several minutes, the crystal finally stopped emitting light signaling that there are no more books to choose for now. After the third shelf the crystal has pointed me to a while ago, I realized that this library is really vast. I borrowed a small cart from the kind librarian since I am quite sure this crystal is going to pick a lot of books for me to read.
Since I need to prioritize, of course, I started on the books about cooking and food culture (smirk). After reading about half of the first book, I realized that this world is more backwards than I thought. They have very limited cooking techniques and have litte knowledge of condiments, herbs and spices. No wonder the food in the cafeteria, for a school as prestigious as this place, have that level of food quality. I am quite sure that the other women who came with me had the same reaction.
After reading the first book, I looked at the time and noticed that it only took me 30 minutes to read a 4-inch thick book. What is this speed? I can also clearly remember everything I read. Is this photographic memory? Is this because I loved reading so much that it turned to a skill after I moved to this world? Well, not that I am complaining. It is actually quite beneficial. I looked at the clock and it is still about 8 in the morning. I still have 4 hours till lunch and I only need to pick my attendant in the afternoon. I would definitely have time to read these 11 books today.
My morning went by reading 8 more books and then it was lunch time. My mind was working so much that my stomach is grumbling again. Ugh. I have to eat the food from the cafeteria again.
I quickly went to the cafeteria and saw that they have meat and vegetable stew this time and again bread. Gosh! I miss rice. I took a spoonful into my mouth and just got over it. I emptied my bowl and returned it to the cafeteria attendant.
I went back to the library then finish the last 2 books the crystal picked for me. Before leaving the library, I talked to my handy crystal again and said "Basic Alchemy, Plant And Animal Identification, Herbs, Basic Magic, Magic Seal, Resonance, Medicine Making". The crystal then took me around the library again and picked a total of 7 books this time. I pushed my cart towards the elderly librarian's desk and told her I would borrow all the books. I then asked, "How long can I borrow all of these?" She then said, "You can have them for 5 days but if you need more time just come here to extend the days if needed." I said my thanks and carried all of the books back to my room. I cast magic to make the books weightless so I can carry all of them back to my room. I should be able to read all of these by tonight and I can borrow more by tomorrow. Will the librarian think I am weird or I am just pretending to read all these books since I am finishing them too fast?