The two followed Alisa to the Royal Library.
The library of the Verdant Empire was far more impressive than that of the Jade Empire.
Their nation, being close to the forests, had a greater need for preserving books.
But in turn, as long as the right methods were used, their ancient texts could be kept in much better condition.
This was what Alisa explained along the way.
“So, our historical records are more detailed and accurate, but also more numerous. If you’re looking for something specific, you can ask me.”
“Huh? Sister Alisa, can you remember the exact locations of books in such a huge library?”
“No, I can just ask the librarian.”
“…”
Yulia choked.
This girl… she’s probably so obsessed with fangirling that she’s losing her mind.
Otherwise, as a princess of the royal family, she wouldn’t still be stuck at Gold Rank at her age—just a few levels higher than Yulia.
Back when Sister Aria was this age, she had broken through to Jade Rank.
Alisa’s talent should be decent, but she lacked the motivation to push herself forward.
Yulia suddenly glanced back at Edward.
Maybe I can give her a little push.
After all, she was the first royalty Yulia had befriended in the Verdant Empire, and they got along well—they can be considered as friends, at least.
As for Edward?
Well, since I’m already selling him out, might as well go all the way. It’s just a matter of a few days.
Behind them, Edward suddenly shivered, his neck shrinking slightly.
For some reason, he had a foreboding sense that trouble was coming.
“Do I have any enemies here? Probably not…”
Edward couldn’t figure it out.
As they entered the library, the scent of aged paper filled the air.
Yulia first skimmed through the catalog, picked out a few sections, and headed to the corresponding shelves.
She grabbed a book and began flipping through it.
Edward did the same.
Meanwhile, Alisa continued studying her copy of Jade Ten Swords.
But out of the three, only Edward was actually reading seriously.
The other two occasionally exchanged glances or stole peeks at him.
However, such subtle movements couldn’t escape a Legendary-rank expert.
Edward set his book down.
“What are you two doing?”
“Nothing.” Yulia covered the lower half of her face with her book, leaving only her eyes exposed. “I just think Teacher looks really handsome when he’s engrossed in reading—like a refined gentleman.”
“I had the same thought.”
Alisa delivered an extremely graceful version of ‘me too’.
“Don’t copy her way of speaking1. Don’t let her corrupt you.”
Yulia puffed her cheeks. “What did I do?”
“Just read your book.” Edward replied flatly before continuing to read his book.
He seemed indifferent, but Yulia knew he had definitely taken her compliment to heart.
Who doesn’t like being praised? Even Legendary experts are no exception!
Case in point—the old man’s posture while reading had become a little more upright.
Yulia began flipping through pages at an accelerated pace.
Swish—flip, flip, flip.
Edward frowned at the noise. “Is that how you read?”
“Yeah, I read fast.”
“Suit yourself.”
Meanwhile, Alisa started asking Edward for help.
Jade Ten Swords wasn’t an easy technique to grasp.
As a simplified version of the Golden Combat Arts, even though most of its arcane theories had been stripped away, it still retained some of its essence.
The Gold Clan, as the strongest lineage of the Human race, had doctrines refined over countless eras—far beyond what ordinary people could comprehend.
The Jade Empire, as a branch of the Golden Kingdom, had only managed to preserve a fraction of it.
But for outsiders trying to learn it, it was like deciphering an ancient scripture.
Edward had no choice but to patiently explain it to Alisa.
Since I already agreed, I might as well see it through.
Sure, it was that brat who promised on my behalf, but she’s still my student.
And so, they spent an entire morning in the library.
Alisa scribbled down notes, struggling but happy with her progress.
Suddenly, Edward looked up, scanning the area with a frown.
Wait… is someone missing?
“Where’s that girl?”
“Huh? Yulia? No idea.”
“…”
He immediately expanded his senses, covering the entire library.
But she was nowhere to be found.
When did she leave? How did I not notice?
Edward stared expressionlessly at Alisa.
Alisa lowered her head, avoiding his gaze, her words stumbling.
“Lord Edward, I—”
“Sigh…”
Finally, Edward massaged his temples and let out a heavy sigh.
“Never mind. It’s definitely that brat’s idea. It’s not your fault.”
He understood.
And for the first time, he truly felt how difficult it was to keep an eye on a mischievous kid—even for a Legendary expert.
Wait, no… this is the second time. The first time was in Fallen Leaf City.
…And it’s the same brat.
Hearing Edward’s resigned sigh, Alisa felt a flicker of joy instead.
Just as Yulia said! Lord Edward won’t get angry—just tired and exasperated.
Although his exhaustion made her feel a little guilty, she still had to admit:
Yulia, you did well!
“Then… Lord Edward, shall we continue?”
“Might as well.”
What else could he do?
Go out and search for her? There’s no way he could find her! If she wanted to hide, no one could track her down.
He could only wait until she was tired of playing and come back on her own.
Edward was at least confident about that—she had enough sense to return eventually.
The question is… how much chaos will she cause this time?
Should I swallow my pride and beg Griffith for mercy later?
…Hopefully, it won’t reach that point.
That was something Edward truly had no confidence in.
Rewinding the time slightly—about an hour after they entered the library…
Yulia had already slipped away.
With her skills, as long as the Legendary expert was distracted, she could vanish without a trace, leaving no clues behind.
Yulia had Edward completely figured out.
She got Alisa’s help, with Edward’s guidance as the payment.
As for the blame, she’d take it all herself—no dragging her friend into it.
Not like it mattered—she could handle it. Once they returned, things would go back to normal.
What’s Uncle gonna do, hit me?
If it’s Sister Aria, she might actually give a light punishment, but it’s impossible for this Uncle.
By now, Yulia had already reached the inner city.
Her destination was The Tower of Heroic Trials in the Verdant Empire.
The Jade Empire had several Heroic Spirit Towers, but the spirits encountered in each were the same.
In other words, think of them as gacha pools.
The Jade Empire was one pool with multiple entrances, while the Verdant Empire was another.
Since the Heroic Spirit Towers were built by the Golden Kingdom, she had to check it out.
Author Note
Opened a Persimmon Book Club group—feel free to join!
Translator Note
I have no idea what that is, nor do I know how to join…