The Tiny Witch from the Deep Woods: Volume 2, page 13
“I wish I could run away...”
Tia gave her a sympathetic smile at Misha’s uncharacteristically negative attitude, which was more than enough evidence of what Lalaya had just put her through.
“You know, I doubt he would scold you or anything.”
“I know, but...I’m so embarrassed...” Misha whined, sprawled out across the couch. Now that she and Ren were back on speaking terms, Ren seemed to think this was some new kind of game; he happily jumped up onto the couch with her. Tia chuckled at the sight as she got Misha’s afternoon tea ready.
“Will you turn him down, then? I think he probably just wants to tell you the thing you were looking forward to is ready,” Kino murmured softly, a faint smile on his face. He was still waiting to take Misha’s answer back to the king.
With how stone-faced Kino usually was, the change in demeanor immediately caught Misha’s attention. It practically pulled her upright to sit with proper posture.
“I was looking forward to something?”
That elicited another amused smile from the butler.
“I believe you may have received permission to make use of the royal library.”
Her attitude instantly flipped. “I’ll go! I’ll meet him! Tell him any time is good!”
In the end, just as Kino had said, Ryan had intended only to inform her she had received permission to visit the royal library—as well as to check on how she was feeling after the night before. Kino had already informed him of how Misha had handled this morning, so he didn’t plan to fuss over that latter part. He didn’t want to bother her too much about the night before, considering how depressed she had reportedly been all day. Nonetheless, her anticipation of visiting the royal library had stolen her attention entirely away from any malaise she’d had before.
At her bright demeanor, Ryan had decided to change his plans a bit, inviting her to sit down for some tea.
“Looks like you’re on your feet again.”
“Yes, I slept quite well. I woke up today feeling even better than usual.”
Lalaya had done what she could to exhaust most of that positivity, but Misha didn’t mention that. She’d get yet another boost from what was about to come.
“I see. I discussed it a bit with Conan this morning, and he believes what you experienced might not have just been solely due to the alcohol. Apparently, the karas blood might have had some effect on you too.”
Panicked, Ryan had asked the doctor to take a look at her, but she’d been fast asleep by that point. Conan hadn’t noticed anything particularly out of the ordinary with her.
“Your temperature was a little high, but your breathing was slow and easy. Karas is naturally very nutritious; the blood, in particular, is often used as a kind of nutritional supplement. He believes it might have been a bit too much for you both because of your small stature and your already great health.”
Misha was quite surprised to learn a doctor had given her a checkup while she was asleep, but his explanation did explain why she felt so energized when she woke up. Had she been knocked out from alcohol intoxication, it would have been strange to have no headache or other symptoms.
“I’m glad to hear it. I was worried I’d have to be careful around alcohol even as an adult.” That was one fewer worry on her mind.
Ryan’s expression gave way to a small grin. “Well, it wasn’t a thorough exam, so you should be careful regardless.”
“Of course. Still, to think the impact karas can have on your body is that strong!”
“It’s so famous for it that people in the capital will go to the lake before going to a doctor when they feel sick. And not just the common people either. Even people from the nobility consume karas liver whenever they’re unwell.” Ryan frowned, and Misha tilted her head in confusion.
“Just between us,” Ryan said, speaking in a whisper now, “I don’t mind the meat from karas, but I don’t like the blood and liver. The flavor isn’t that bad, but I have an instinctive aversion to it. Even last night, I didn’t have any karas blood in my wine. Once I grew up, I stopped eating karas liver entirely as I was already healthy. You mustn’t tell Lalaya of this, though. I’m always saying she has to eat the food she gets whether she likes it or not, so she can’t know I’m breaking that rule.”
Misha strained a smile at Ryan’s conspiratorial grin. “Oh, heh. Well, the blood and liver seem more important as medicine than as food. If you’re healthy, I suppose you don’t need to eat it. Don’t worry, I won’t tell Lalaya.”
“Thank you.”
With that out of the way, Ryan moved on to the main purpose of the visit, placing a shining, golden card on the table in front of him. It displayed both the emblem of the royal library and an engraving of Misha’s name. The access cards for the library were divided into five tiers, and this signified she had the highest level of access possible, permitting her to read any book in the library and even check out some books available to the general public to take home with her. Normally, access of this level was restricted to titled nobility—a marquis or greater who had proven themselves an asset to the kingdom—and only after a lengthy application process.
Seeing how Misha’s eyes glittered as she took the card, holding it like it was more precious than any jewel or fancy clothing as she listened to his explanation, made all the effort Ryan had gone through to get it for her worth it.
It was the first time this level of access had ever been granted to a foreigner, so many had been opposed. However, considering Geord’s estimation that having Misha around might draw other People of the Forest to their kingdom, Ryan hadn’t been willing to give in. Moreover, he didn’t persuade the others by wielding his kingly authority like a club; instead, he talked to each dissenter individually, assuaging their fears one by one. He was sure Misha would balk at making use of her new rights if she knew they had been taken by force, so he made sure to use his power gently.
“Could I possibly go visit the library today?” Misha asked, giddy.
“I was wondering when you’d ask. There’s already an escort prepared for you.” Ryan beamed at her before calling to a familiar person outside the room.
“Yo, Misha. Doing well?”
“Mr. Geord!” Her face lit up once again as he stepped into the room.
Although he had accompanied her on the entire journey from Bluheitz to Redford, Geord had been preoccupied ever since they’d made it to the castle. He’d been busy writing reports about their trip, meaning they hadn’t had a chance to talk. She had grown to trust him quite deeply over their month of travel together, so losing all contact with him out of nowhere had left her feeling quite lonely, but now she was excited enough to jump out of her seat straight to him.
“I’m finally free from all that paperwork. Did you already eat lunch? I know a good place in town where we can grab something to eat.”
Misha practically jumped into his arms, happy to see that his sunny smile and frank demeanor hadn’t changed.
“What’s wrong, Misha? You’re acting like Ren.” Geord took the surprise attack in stride, lifting her off the ground and spinning her around.
She didn’t want to be seen as a child, but Misha couldn’t help giggling as her feet dangled during the spin.
To the adults in the room, she finally looked like a twelve-year-old kid, not the professional apothecary who had been entrusted with Lalaya’s care.
“I’ve never seen you like this,” Ryan said, a bit surprised by the transformation. The fact that Geord had so effortlessly drawn that out of her elicited a strangely gloomy feeling in him, though he stifled that thought.
Unaware of Ryan’s internal predicament, Misha came down from her excitement, suddenly embarrassed by her childish behavior. The way her face flushed brought a laugh out of Ryan, and gloom was the furthest thing from his mind.
Geord and Misha left the castle from its rear exit.
Rather, it was the two of them plus a ring of other knights following at a distance, where Misha couldn’t see them.
“So, you’re finally getting to go to the library, huh?” Geord said.
On top of a larger group drawing more attention than he wanted, Geord knew Misha wouldn’t like traveling with such a large entourage, so he had arranged for his sneakiest men to accompany them in a way that wouldn’t get them noticed.
“Have you ever been to the royal library?” Misha asked.
“Me? I’ve never gone there to read, but I’ve been there as a bodyguard a few times.”
“Oh, come on!” Misha laughed as they continued walking. The way she almost skipped down the street made it clear just how much she was looking forward to this excursion.
When they finally arrived, the library didn’t betray her expectations.
The building stood on the shore of the lake, its exterior not anything special. An observer wouldn’t be wrong to describe it as “a sturdy, unadorned box made of bricks.”
“The old king who called for its construction had been afraid they were going to make a building that was at risk of catching fire due to all of the paper indoors,” a staff member of the library explained as he guided them around. “Therefore, this was built without the use of flammable materials. Of course, that was merely the original building. The library has continued to see expansions as more books have come in.” The guide’s chest swelled with pride.
As Misha learned, the original library was a fifth of the size of its current state. Every new section expanded outward as if they were building blocks being lined up around it.
“There are now three floors aboveground and one below, with about a third of the building open to the public. Though, of course, you have full access,” he continued, a hint of envy in his voice.
Even the lower ranked members of the staff were not permitted everywhere. Being relatively new to his position, this particular young man could not access a number of areas.
“Aside from the ordinary curators like myself, we also have staffers who are tasked with studying the rare and forbidden literature in the restricted areas. This place holds a thousand years of knowledge gathered by the Kingdom of Redford.”
While their excited guide pushed them through the facility, Misha found the bookshelves around them already warring for her attention. Books, books, and more books! As far as she could see, in every direction!
They were currently in the largest room of the library, a section open to the public. It stretched up well into the second floor. Other than the countless bookcases, there were also numerous desks and chairs occupied by people absorbed in their books, some copying information and some simply reading for leisure. A spiral staircase in the center of the room led up to an intermediary platform between the ground and second floors, which had been fashioned into a corridor lined with more bookcases.
“The ground floor is mostly made up of books and journals intended for leisure reading. The platform up there has more specialized literature, sorted by field. If there is anything in particular you are interested in, I would be happy to lead you to that section.”
Misha hesitated a bit at the invitation. She would have liked to wander around and browse the books freely, but with a library of this size, the sun would set long before she found what she was looking for. She decided she’d leave the exploring until she was a bit more used to the place. For now, she’d focus on the things that most interested her.
Of course, that could only be one thing.
“Do you have any books about medicinal herbs?”
“Yes, of course.” The guide must have expected that answer, as he quickly and confidently started off between the books.
As they made their way after him, Misha felt a strange sense of déjà vu.
Geord didn’t care much for the books, but he was acutely aware of Misha’s sudden change in demeanor. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Oh, I just feel like I’ve seen this gentleman before.”
Geord blinked in surprise a few times before he burst out in laughter. “Hey. Good job dyeing your hair, but your cover’s blown,” he called out to the young man in front of them.
“Do you know him?” Misha asked, astonished.
“Yeah. Back when he was a student, I trained with him a bit.”
“You were more playing than you were training. This is why I don’t like you savages—always so obsessed with your swords,” the guide snapped, not even bothering to face Geord.
“I use a spear, remember?” Geord teased, but the guide refused to turn around.
Once they had made it to the platform, he finally faced them, placing a hand on his heart and giving a small bow. The simplistic, casual movement was nevertheless quite elegant, quickly bringing memories of a certain someone to mind.
“Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Mort Tin Wilkinson. I just graduated this past year. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“Wilkinson? That means...” Misha murmured, peering into Mort’s eyes. The color of his irises were hard for her to see, thanks to his glasses, but they were in fact that familiar violet.
“Tris is my eldest brother. Because I am the third son, I was free to pursue my own goals outside of my family’s influence. That said, our family’s hair color attracts a bit too much attention, so I normally wear it like this.” His long hair, a faded gray color that was reminiscent of but distinctly different from Tris’s bright silver, was tied behind his head. “But never mind my family. I am no more than a recently hired clerk at this library, so please don’t mind me. Now, our time is limited, so let’s get a move on.”
Mort spun back around, heading up the stairs as if to put an end to the conversation. Misha had to hurry to keep up with him.
When they arrived at their destination, she let out a cry of astonishment. The bookshelves here were tall enough that Geord could only barely reach the highest shelf. They lined the wall from end to end, almost entirely taken up by books on herbs.
“There are more technical books available, but these should be a good starting point. Once you’ve found something you wish to pursue, I can show you more... Ah, I see I’ve lost you already.”
“Oh, this is from the same series as my encyclopedia. I’ve never seen this one, though. Unique Plants of the Rega Mountain Range? That sounds interesting!”
Smiling sheepishly, Mort watched as Misha dashed back and forth in front of the shelves, her eyes racing over the spines of the books. As a fellow book lover, he couldn’t help but find the behavior endearing.
“And she’s gone. Guess we’ll be stuck here for a while.” Geord laughed and dropped into a nearby sofa.
“That sofa is for library patrons, Geord.” In sharp contrast to the warm gaze he had bestowed upon Misha, his expression turned to a subzero glare when it shifted to Geord. There was no mistaking the resemblance between the brothers.
“Oh, don’t be like that. It’s not like anyone comes up here but weirdos anyway.”
“I suppose it is an infrequently visited part of the library.” Mort sighed, returning his attention to Misha, who was already carrying a number of books in her arms. “She’s much more childish than the rumors led me to believe. Is she really overpowering the doctors of the castle?”
Geord laughed again, his legs now draped over the armrest of the sofa. “Overpowering? I don’t think I’d say that. Old man Conan treats her like his own granddaughter. And you’d be forgiven for thinking his students were her older brothers.”
The mood when they met to discuss Lalaya’s condition was closer to that of a tea party than of a conference of medical professionals, but the discussion went way over Geord’s head anyway. He barely understood half of what they talked about.
“She’s confident in her own opinions, but she still listens to others. She asks when she doesn’t understand something, and she always says ‘thank you’ when someone does something for her. She’s the ideal student. She also knows a ton of stuff that’s news to the old man, so I think he enjoys his talks with her a lot.”
He might have been too busy to meet with her properly, but Geord’s curiosity had led him to check in on her from time to time. She’d always seemed to be having a grand old time, so he’d never bothered interrupting to say hello.
“We’ll let you know if we need anything, so you can get back to work. You’re pretty busy, right, Mr. Humble Novice Clerk?”
At Geord’s grin and dismissive wave, Mort gave Misha one last glance before he quietly stepped away.
Chapter 12: Children of the City
“What could be wrong?” Misha muttered to herself, standing between the thickly growing plants.
The leaves glistened beautifully with rain just past. It had been four days since her first visit to the herb garden. Misha had spent what free time she had perusing old documents and accompanying the garden workers to help with their jobs, but she felt no closer to finding the cause for the weakness of the herbs.
“Let’s head to the royal library.” Forcing back a sigh, she trudged her way out of the garden. Ever since getting her reading card, she often went there whenever she needed something to pick her spirits up.
Naturally, Geord was too busy to accompany her on every trip to the library, but she always had a knight present as an escort. Misha had eventually come to terms with that. Regardless of how she felt, she was still the visiting daughter of a foreign duke. As annoying as that made her situation, she could still understand that it would be an international incident if anything were to happen to her.
Misha strolled leisurely through the city, its streets still slick from the rain that had recently finished. Walking in and of itself was enough to disqualify her as a daughter of nobility, but she wasn’t even going a full kilometer. She couldn’t fathom why someone would call a carriage for such a short distance. The capital was quite safe, and it wasn’t like she was walking the back alleys or anything. Since she was with her escort, she found it very unlikely anything would happen. When others had insisted she take a carriage anyway, she had replied, “Then I guess I don’t need an escort.” That had silenced any objections to her walking.
