Chapter 67 - The Little Library
After a full day of rest, Hestia felt like a fully charged battery, ready to handle anything that came her way.
Arriving at the Crystal Dream café, she followed her usual routine: first changing into the black-and-white maid outfit before heading downstairs.
“Dantalion~ come here quickly.” No sooner had she entered than her colleagues called her over.
“Come take a look, your exclusive bar area is almost ready.” Two blue-haired maid sisters led her to a circular enclosure.
From the outside, it resembled Decarabia’s white-feathered chapel, but with a refined matte black texture. Entering the circular interior, a black screen wall greeted her, embossed with an emblem of an open book. Silhouetted behind the book was a figure of a girl, radiating a sense of mystery.
Inside, it was like stepping into a miniature library. Rows of vintage brass-colored bookshelves lined the circular walls, surrounding the cozy interior. Mounted on the sides of the bookshelves were old-style iron lamps glowing with a warm yellow light, casting a serene and inviting ambiance.
At the heart of the small library was a tall chair with trapezoidal legs that gave it a stable look. The sides of the chair had horizontal bars, making it easy to climb up like a ladder—perfect for shorter individuals. While Hestia wasn’t petite, sitting in the chair still gave her the appearance of a charming doll.
Behind the high-backed chair, hidden from the guests, was a storage compartment ideal for stowing books, pens, or even snacks.
In front of the chair were ten movable seats for visitors, including cushioned chairs, reclining seats for lounging, and soft gray mats for lying down. Two low tea tables were strategically placed for drinks and small items.
The space was just the right size—not too cramped nor too empty, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
“But that’s not all,” said the two maids, encouraging Hestia to sit on the tall chair and give a command.
“The ceiling, bookshelves, and even the floor can transform based on your instructions. The AI will adjust the environment according to your words.” The two maids nodded approvingly as they watched Hestia seated on the high chair.
“For instance, Dantalion, you could say you want to see a lush forest and grasslands.”
“Alright,” Hestia replied thoughtfully, then gave the command.
The bookshelves around her gradually disappeared behind descending curtains, while the ceiling, walls, and floor shimmered with a bright light.
Moments later, the light faded, revealing a vibrant village emitting wisps of smoke in the distance. They were now atop a nearby hill, with Hestia sitting under a large apple tree. The dappled sunlight through the leaves created a dreamy, ethereal glow around her.
“It can even turn into an underwater scene,” suggested one of the maids.
Before long, the room transformed into an aquarium-like environment. Overhead, blue ripples danced across the “sky,” while schools of fish and marine creatures swam gracefully around them. Beneath their feet lay colorful coral, shells, and fine sand, accompanied by the gentle sounds of water—a soothing melody.
“You can even experience adventurous settings.”
The space turned dark, the only light coming from a holographic campfire crackling between Hestia and her visitors. Surrounding them were silhouettes of mountains bathed in twilight, with a lone dark castle perched on a distant peak.
“Even ordinary café and cityscapes can be simulated.”
This time, the environment shifted into a bustling café. The walls were made of deep red bricks, and a nearby coffee machine hissed and bubbled, filling the air with its rich aroma. Outside the café windows was a lively street scene from the 18th century, where people drove vintage cars, read newspapers, or rode high-wheel bicycles.
“More extreme and dramatic scenes are also possible.”
Suddenly, they were atop a towering snow-capped mountain. Sharp, daunting cliffs surrounded them, while the peaks stretched endlessly into the horizon. The icy wind howled relentlessly, evoking both awe and trepidation.
…
The room underwent countless changes, transporting them to a variety of stunningly realistic worlds, each telling a unique story.
An hour later, Hestia finally stopped experimenting with the functions, although the two maids seemed eager to continue.
“Thank you, but that’s enough for now.” She stepped off the high chair using its sidebars.
“I’m Dantalion. May I ask for your names?” Though the two maids had warmly guided her through everything, Hestia realized she didn’t know their names.
“I’m Orias.” One maid placed a hand over her chest and bowed. A lion-head emblem adorned the ribbon on her chest.
“I’m Vapula,” said the other, curtsying with her skirt. Her ribbon bore a griffin emblem.
Orias: One of the 72 demons of Solomon, ranked 59th. She is depicted as a lion riding a tall steed with a serpent tail and wielding two infernal serpents in her right hand. She teaches virtue, astronomy, and celestial motions without bias.
Vapula: Another demon from Solomon’s 72, ranked 60th. She takes the form of a griffin and bestows knowledge of craftsmanship, philosophy, and science.
“We usually work under Lady Leviathan. This is probably your first time meeting us,” they said. Despite their close resemblance in height and hair color, they weren’t twins.
After introducing themselves, the pair continued asking Hestia if she had any suggestions or desired improvements for the room.
“Since this is the initial stage, it will take about a month to stabilize everything,” they explained.
“Don’t hesitate to reach out if you think of anything,” they added, handing her their communication IDs. “Also, if repairs or maintenance are needed, feel free to contact us.”
“Why not try inviting some familiar friends to test it out today?” they suggested. “Later, you could sell small souvenirs alongside, which would help boost income.”
“Alright, we won’t keep you any longer. See you in the afternoon.”
Their voices rose and fell rhythmically as they spoke. After finishing, they bowed together and left.
Watching their retreating figures, Hestia finally managed to organize her thoughts. Turning to survey the circular room, she found it both snug and exceptionally comforting. When the door was shut, the space became perfectly quiet—an isolated little world.
It was exactly what she wanted. Blinking her eyes, she smiled.