January 27, 1522
Ashenreach District — STF Facility
The lounge room was buzzing. Everyone had claimed whatever seat they could find. At the center stood Harry, stroking his white beard as he addressed the room.
"As you know, Jyotiksha falls on Sunday," he began. "So, as usual, you're all getting your vacation until then."
A wave of cheer spread through the room. Conversations bloomed instantly—plans, shopping lists, places to visit. The mood was light and electric.
Ryenne slid into the seat next to Kite.
"We're going on a shopping spree tomorrow," she declared.
"Are you asking?" Kite asked, raising an eyebrow.
"No."
Kite narrowed his eyes.
She's not even pretending anymore… he sighed inwardly.
Sabrina approached with her usual warm smile.
"My, Kite, would you mind coming with me for a second?"
He nodded and followed her out of the lounge. Ryenne watched but said nothing.
—
Outside the Lounge
Sabrina clasped her hands with a charming grin. "I need a small favor. Will you help me?"
"Of course."
She pulled a book from her bag and handed it to him.
"Could you return this to the Hermes Library? I forgot, and Laura and I made plans. Please?"
Kite accepted the book with a nod.
"Thank you, sweetheart. I'll return the favor one day," she added with a playful wink before walking off.
She probably asked others and got turned down… Not that I mind, Kite mused.
—
Route 7 — On the Way to Hermes Library
The streets were quiet. Snow clung to the corners of stone buildings, and the city's pulse had slowed under winter's breath. Kite walked in silence, the book tucked under one arm.
From his coat pocket, Chu-Chu, the woolly mouse, stirred and poked his head out.
"Good morning, buddy," Kite said softly.
"Chu-Chu!" the mouse chirped, still half-asleep.
Kite chuckled. "You really like napping in there, don't you?"
—
Hermes Library
Kite entered the warm, candlelit interior of Hermes Library. At the front desk, he expected to find the usual receptionist—but standing beside her was Louisiana Tiffany, chatting animatedly.
She turned and lit up when she saw him. "Hey there, Kite! Been a while!"
"Hey, Louise. Where've you been lately?"
"Vacation at Mantország Beach. Totally worth it!" She pointed to her lightly sun-kissed skin.
They were about to continue when—
Ahem.
The librarian, Nikita, cleared her throat, expression flat. "If you're finished catching up, I do have work to do. Please state your business."
Louisiana pouted. Nikita ignored her.
Kite stepped forward and placed the book and his platinum pocket watch on the desk. Nikita glanced at the title, sighed, then looked at him.
"You know you're not their errand boy, right? Keep saying yes, and they'll just use you to avoid their own work."
She's sharp, Kite thought, silently agreeing.
Without another word, Nikita led him to the familiar side room. This time, however, she didn't reach for the usual blue, red, and black books. Instead, she pulled out white and blue volumes.
The shelf groaned and slid open, revealing the hidden staircase into the underground archives.
—
Hermes Library — Archive Levels
They descended together. Nikita logged the returned book in silence, then handed back his platinum watch.
"It's done."
Kite nodded and was about to turn away when she added, "You can stay a while. You're only here for a few more days."
Kite blinked in surprise, but didn't argue.
On the third level of the archive, he skimmed titles: The Evil Goblet, The Seeker of Salvation, The Eons War. Then something caught his eye.
Just beyond the stair railing, he saw the fourth level. A book lay directly parallel to where he stood. Its title, though faint from this distance, was clear enough:
The Mono and Azeo.
He didn't know why, but a strange tug in his chest told him that book was important.
Still, he reached for The Eons War instead and made his way to the desk to have it issued.
This is going to be such a drag…