The Villainess is the Villainess [LitRPG]

Book 2: Chapter 13 - The Grand Library [Part 2]

The corridor ended in a set of tall, intricately carved double doors made of rich, dark walnut. A polished plaque above read Gendrian de Sariens Library in neat, golden filigree lettering.

"The library was rebuilt with an endowment by Seraphina's family over two hundred years ago. As a small matter of note, the de Lehmans will be financing an additional wing later next year," explained Rashana, stepping forward and pushing open the doors with a theatrical flourish.

Inside, the library soared upward in a sea of shelves, countless volumes meticulously organized across multiple levels connected by winding iron staircases. Stained-glass windows along the upper walls bathed everything in gentle hues of crimson and sapphire, while brass lamps glowed softly at desk stations occupied by students. The scent of old parchment and leather bindings—overlaid with the faintest whisper of academic desperation—evoked a hushed, reverential air. This was a temple to learning.

"Oh my," Michelié breathed, her plump cheeks warming with excitement at the sight of endless rows of books. She clasped her hands together under her chin, gazing around with childlike wonder. "I think I am feeling quite sleepy already."

Sir Gravens, stoic as ever, maintained an alert stance near Seraphina, though the subtle widening of his eyes betrayed quiet awe. Miriam hovered protectively at Seraphina's other side, glancing about for any sign of trouble, even though the hush of the library could hold no hidden perils.

Hughes lingered at the rear, craning his neck for a glimpse of the upper levels. His eyes were bright with fascination. He took a tentative step toward one of the towering shelves—far taller than a grown man—without minding the thick carpet underfoot, which bunched beneath his shoe. With a startled yelp, he stumbled forward.

In an instant, his shoulder rammed against a row of books. The entire wooden shelf wobbled with an ominous groan, threatening to topple. Several volumes slid from their places, tumbling toward the floor.

Michelié squeaked. Miriam let out a scandalized gasp. Gravens moved half a step forward—but Seraphina was swifter still. She shot forward and caught the shelf before it crashed down. With one hand, she casually put it back into its place. The clatter of books falling halted at once, replaced by the rattling echo of Seraphina's heartbeat in her ears.

For a moment, all was still. Slowly, she let go, ensuring the shelf stayed upright. Glancing around, she noticed a few curious gazes from the older students scattered throughout the library, but most of them, not knowing quite what had transpired, simply returned to their reading once the immediate commotion died.

Miriam fixed Hughes with a look so disapproving it verged on scathing. "You dolt," she hissed softly, lips tight.

Hughes ducked his head, ears flaming as he bent to collect the books that had fallen. "I–I'm so sorry," he stammered, his voice barely audible. "I mean, th-thank you, Seraphina. But… how…"

Seraphina forced a reassuring smile despite her annoyance. "Merely the correct application of physics. And don't worry," she said, her voice a quiet murmur in an attempt to remain respectful of library etiquette. "Just… well, watch yourself from now on."

Rashana, who had watched the entire scene unfold with one finely arched eyebrow raised, glided closer. "Well done, Seraphina," she said, her tone brimming with a faint trace of amusement. "I do see why you value your martial training."

"Some of us," Seraphina replied in a carefully controlled voice, "have more practical applications for our lessons than others."

The young girl was getting rather tired of all this verbal fencing with her childhood friend. What had gotten into her today?

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Rashana merely smiled, not rising to such obvious bait, then gestured grandly to the open space around them. "Now, to the rules," she began, placing a finger to her lips in an exaggerated shushing motion. "First and foremost: no food or drink is allowed in the library. Accidents can and do happen, and the Academy does not wish to see its precious tomes ruined." Her gaze flicked meaningfully to Michelié, who was known to carry sweet treats whenever she could.

Michelié went pink, pointedly looking away at one of the stained-glass windows.

"Secondly," Rashana continued, "as you've probably guessed, we like this place to be quiet. Whispering is permitted, but keep it to a minimum. You risk the wrath of both librarians and study-weary students if you cause a ruckus." She gave Hughes a sideways smile, half-teasing and half-warning. He looked away, cheeks aflame. "And, of course, there is to be absolutely no horseplay among the shelves," she added, her smile deepening with implication.

Seraphina, recovering her composure, sniffed delicately. "What about the books we'll need for our first-year courses?" she asked, keeping her tone quiet but crisp.

"Yes, about that," Rashana said, turning down a side aisle lined with thick tomes bound in green and gold, her bangles clattering as she walked. "Over here is the Reference Section for new students." She stopped before a grand wooden desk where a librarian, an elderly woman with half-moon spectacles and a stern expression, sat cataloging returned volumes.

Rashana swept her arm over the nearest shelf. "From memory, everything you need should be found in these sections: Aranthian History, Mathematica, Analects of Quas, the Codes of Chivalry—and if you're taking the general magic electives—Principles of the Arcane Arts, Basic Spell Theory, and so on. Second-year and upper-level texts are upstairs." She pointed to a spiral iron staircase. "If you need help finding anything, the librarians will assist you, but they can be… very particular at times. If you really need a copy, you should just simply buy one," the dark-skinned girl explained with a shrug.

Even for Seraphina, she sounded so cavalier. Some of those books, at least in the game, cost more than what a master craftsman could make in a lifetime.

"Understood," Seraphina answered, eyeing the librarian's hawklike stare. The old woman's gaze flickered over the group, then dropped back to her paperwork, evidently unimpressed. Would her charm work on an old bird like that? It wasn't like she could start singing in the library after all.

Hughes, trying to look smart, busied himself by looking through a copy of An Introduction to High Quassian—upside down, Seraphina noted dryly.

Michelié sidled up next to Seraphina, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she surveyed the shelves. "There are so many books," she whispered. "I never dreamed it would be this big. Do we have to learn everything…" she gulped, "here?"

Seraphina nodded, allowing a small smile to soften her features.

"Why of course, dearest Michelié, we do," Seraphina said matter-of-factly, but she could not quite hide the mischievousness in her eyes.

Her friend quailed for a moment before she realized that Seraphina was ribbing her and gave her a weak elbow.

Despite the tension that lingered between Rashana and herself, Seraphina could not deny the thrill of all these untapped resources—a treasure trove of information at her fingertips. Did the scenario writers of her game world envision this? She knew that they could not have put this much detail in this library, let alone the world at large. Just the number of books alone represented lifetimes of human labor. However, she had heard rumors that the lazy dogs had incorporated generative AI in their workflows…

Just then, faint whispers from another group on orientation beyond the towering shelves reminded her that Velens was somewhere on campus. The bounder was possibly weaving his way through the library himself, or else lurking around the corridors. No. She exhaled slowly, refusing to let him take up any more of her thoughts.

"Yes," she commented to Michelié, regaining the calm, aristocratic air that was expected of her. "It is impressive. But let us continue with our orientation. We wouldn't want to impose upon our dear guide's time any more than we must."

Rashana raised an eyebrow, but her voice remained pleasant. "I do hope you've found everything to your liking, Seraphina. Shall we continue your orientation then?"

Seraphina raised her chin slightly. "Of course," she said. "After all, it's only the first day. There's so much to see—and so much to do."

"Sorry to bother you," came a soft voice from behind her.

She turned to see Ms. Templeton, their tutor, standing there. "Err… Lady… Miss Seraphina," the woman began hesitantly, "you have a guest at the school gates. He was rather adamant about seeing you."

Seraphina exhaled, her patience wearing thin. "Miss Templeton," she asked, "what is this about?"