The Duchy of Erwen had a grand library, much larger than the one in Hainar County. This library had books covering a vast range of subjects. And especially, it had old, vintage books and scrolls, hinting at a glimpse of Eidryth's vast history and expansion.
This was of great interest to Serin, who wanted to learn more about a lot of things—much of it not at all accessible due to the scarcity of records, as well as the sheer vastness of civilization's existence in this world.
Fortunately, the Erwen Duchy was one of the very few places in the Empire where he could possibly find something of value, apart from the pages and pages of history jargon that only made one feel like puking.
Since there was some time left before going to the Magi Temple, Serin decided to visit the library. Of course, there wasn't much time to go through even one percent of the place, but he wanted to see it for himself before leaving anyway.
After getting permission from the Duke, Serin arrived at the library with his two trusted knights, as well as Butler Fyhill.
The library indeed did not disappoint.
From the outside, it was a large building in the shape of a pentagon, with thick pale stone pillars at the edges supporting the structure. The building appeared rustic and archaic, with its gray, worn-out stony exterior casting an isolating, sacred presence in its surroundings—it was unlike anything Serin had seen until now. Perhaps only the Cathedral and the outline of the Spire gave him the same infallible feeling.
The library was heavily guarded, with a clear perimeter of guards around it, isolating the vicinity from the rest of the city.
Serin was surprised and impressed to see this. It seemed the Duke paid special attention and importance to the temple of knowledge, which was quite telling.
With the Duke's butler with him, Serin easily passed the guards and entered through the large, semi-opened wooden gates engraved with what Serin assumed to be history and culture itself.
Although it was a little strange that the guards at the post seemed troubled as they communicated something with the butler for a while—occasionally glancing at Serin awkwardly, their faces troubled—this was just a short interlude.
Of course, Serin took note of it but did not think too deeply into it. He was much too excited to enter and find something useful for himself.
The moment Serin stepped inside, he felt as though he had entered a place that existed outside of ordinary time. Tall shelves of dark, polished wood stretched upward, disappearing into shadowed balconies, each packed tight with books and sealed scrolls bearing the weight of centuries.
The air carried the dry, faintly sweet scent of old parchment and ink, layered with something deeper—dust, wax, and age—so different from the sharper smell of newer records in Hainar Keep.
Sunlight filtered in through high, arched windows, cutting the space into bands of gold and shadow, illuminating worn spines, cracked leather covers, and handwritten tags in scripts Serin did not recognize.
Standing there, Serin felt a quiet pressure settle in his chest—both awe and the unsettling realization of how small his understanding of Eidryth still was, and how much of the world's truth lay buried in places like this.
It dampened his mood a little, as he knew that even a lifetime would not be enough to go through the library of the Erwen Duchy, let alone other even larger ones in the world. But then, Serin laughed at himself inwardly at the silliness of that thought.
Butler Fyhill led Serin to the desk, where the librarian—a short woman—was busy with her work, reading some papers through her glasses.
Upon realizing that people were at the desk, she put the papers aside and looked up. Her eyes narrowed slightly upon seeing the butler, as if it was unexpected to see him, before she promptly returned to her usual expression of boredom.
Butler Fyhill introduced Serin to the librarian and told him to state his requirements for what he was looking for.
Serin was interested in multiple things. For one, he wanted to know more about the Ancient Gods, the origins of the Divine Order, the Magi Order, the Great Extinction, as well as the origins of the Divine Arena.
Hearing all these requirements, the librarian lady looked at Serin as if he were an idiot.
"Young man, how would the library of mortals hold the history of the Gods?" she sneered in disdain. "Scurry off to Sancta Verum. We don't have here what you want."
Serin's brows twitched. At the same time, he actually felt that the librarian lady made a lot of sense. The Isle of Sancta Verum was, for Eidryth, like what the Vatican was to Earth. In that sense, there was no better place for what he wanted. Unfortunately, it was not so easy to reach.
Meanwhile, Butler Fyhill glared at the librarian helplessly. In response, she shrugged and said, "Anything else you want, boy?"
Serin sighed and organized his thoughts for a moment. Then, he toned down his demands considerably and explained in detail exactly what he was looking for.
The librarian nodded along, and when Serin was finished, she clapped in realization and exclaimed, "Ah! Oh… now I see! I have just the thing you want!"
She quickly gestured to her assistant, a young man nearby.
The librarian said something to the young assistant in a low voice. Then the young man brought out a ledger from a nearby shelf and began going through the records. After a while, his eyes narrowed. Putting the ledger back in its place, he returned to the desk and said awkwardly, "Uh… it's already taken, madam."
The librarian's eyes widened in realization as she slapped her own forehead in regret. She looked at Serin apologetically and said, "Our Princess Leia is currently reading that one… so…"
The butler began looking around the library upon hearing this, then his gaze suddenly stalled.
Serin's brows twitched again. He was very frustrated. Such a chance wouldn't come again, and he didn't have much time. Likely, if everything went well, they would leave the next day itself.
Serin frowned. Reluctant as he was, there was no other option, and just as he was about to settle for something else, he saw everyone's face turn suddenly as footsteps echoed behind him.
"Looking for this?"
A sweet, mellow female voice crept from behind him. Serin turned to look and froze momentarily. A beautiful girl in a fancy purple dress stood there, holding a thick, old, large book nearly the size of the girl's entire head.
Behind her, two handmaids followed.
"Princess Leia." Butler Fyhill and the others greeted politely, while taking the book from Leia. The butler turned to Serin and introduced, "Prince Hainar, this is the daughter of Duke Erwen, Young Lady Leia."
Serin broke away from his daze and leaned forward slightly in a polite greeting. He walked forward and held Leia's outstretched hand. Even through the gloves, he could feel that it was smooth as silk. Serin felt awkward and strange doing so, but it was the norm in this world. Outwardly calm and gracious, Serin kissed her hand lightly, barely a peck.
"Prince Hainar, pleasure to meet you," Leia smiled.
Serin had never seen a more beautiful girl in his life, but it did not matter—his thoughts were still focused on the book… well, mostly on the book.
"Nice to meet you too, Lady Leia. What a surprise to see you here," Serin probed cautiously.
Leia nodded, gesturing toward the book she had been holding. "I like to read," she said, letting out a sigh of relief and satisfaction. "I finally finished reading this one."
Serin's eyes shone momentarily, but then dimmed immediately as hesitation came over him.
Leia noticed this change instantly and asked casually, "Something I can do? Do not hesitate. You are our guest."
Serin was a little relieved. He chuckled helplessly, rubbing the side of his head, and said, "I need to know a few specific things from this book, and as there's not much time at hand…" He paused briefly before continuing, "If you don't mind, Lady Leia, I'd like your help."
Leia opened her small mouth in understanding and chuckled playfully. "Why not? I'd be most happy to help."
Seeing that Leia seemed genuinely interested and glad—even a bit excited—by the prospect of helping him out, Serin exhaled deeply in relief, a sincere smile appearing on his face.
Leia dismissed her two handmaids, and similarly, Serin dismissed his two knights. Butler Fyhill handed the book to Serin and also took his leave, a cordial smile on his face.
Serin and Leia went to a quiet space by the window. Apparently, it was Leia's favorite spot in the library for reading. It was nice and cozy, with enough light coming through the window—however, not so much as to overwhelm the eyes.
Finally, Serin properly set his eyes on the book's antique and detailed cover. It read:
"Chronicles of the Known and Unknown World by Orren Valecant."