Chapter 65: Last-minute Training

My first stop was the Library, which I was delighted to find abandoned. Even the librarians were out enjoying the Sun Festival, except Thron, who gave me a cheery wave.

"Welcome!" he said, putting down his quill and smiling at me.

"How'd you get stuck in here?" I asked, leaning my arms against the counter.

He chuckled, looking fondly over the empty library. Although his eyes shone fondly, there were slight undertones of regret in his voice. "This place is my life. Even if I took the opportunity to celebrate, it would be here, among this trove of knowledge."

"But don't you have any friends or family to spend time with?"

"Those who remain are back in the Ornth Kingdom. But I don't mind. It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make."

"Oh." I looked down, not sure what else to say.

He uncomfortably cleared his throat, his lips curving back into a smile. "But what about you? The heroes are the center of the festival, so why aren't you out enjoying the attention?"