Chapter 9: Nine
They are currently inside the Empire's library. Inside, there are wooden shelves painted golden. Historia quickly goes to the Magic Section and locates the Brimrock books. Zion also assisted her and eventually discovered the four books.
They both read two books each and take up vacant seats. "Hey, Zion, look!" Historia whispered, allowing Zion to look at the book she was currently reading. Historia realized she had called Zion casually, which surprised her. "I, I mean, Duke Zion!" she exclaimed quietly.
Zion's heart raced as he heard Historia call for his name. He didn't think Historia would go so far! This made his heart even more flattered!
"It's fine, Lady Historia. What did you find?" Zion inquires, looking at the book Historia is holding. Zion's face is much closer, just an inch away from Historia's cheeks. She could even feel his breath, which made Historia blush slightly. She shook her head slightly and pointed to the paragraph so Zion could read it.
"Here, it tells that the Hesthburg a few years ago also tried to summon the spirits, however, they weren't able to do it as they did something missing. What's more interesting is that Xian Brimrock and Alyana Hesthburg were the ones who wrote this book. The two of them joined together to publish this book," Historia said.
"Yes, I remember. The Brimrock and the Hesthburg family were once friends, however, one day they fought about something we don't know which made the two families become enemies. Up until now, there is still a tension between the two," Zion went on to say. Historia began to think about it.
According to what she has heard, the Brimrock Family is well-known for their gems and magic stones, which can be used by wizards to craft items. The Brimrock are primarily responsible for discovering the magical items that people now use, while wizards assist them in their creation. The Empire's wizard is one of the Brimrock people. Brimrock is also one of the Empire's assets, which contributes to its success.
"Has Hestburg done something horrible these past few years?" Historia asks Zion quietly and he just shakes his as a response.
'So Hesthburg is still known as good samaritans even though they did nothing wrong. According to what I've heard, Hesthburg is also known for its beauty, innocent-looking appearance, and kindness. But how could they hide the fact that they'd already killed people?' Historia thought to herself.
"Did you think of anything about them?" Zion asks Historia. She just shook her head in response.
"I just asked," she responded. She doesn't want to tell him everything. All of the information she gathers must be kept private until she can fully trust him. Especially since she still lacks solid evidence for her claims.
They read until they had finished all four books. They still don't know how to summon the spirits. The books only recently began the process of how the two writers failed numerous times before concluding that no one can summon a spirit.
Historia is thinking about it because, based on what Alyana Hesthburg has said in the book, it appears that Alyana knew something but kept it private. Historia suspected that the books were the reason the families became enemies.
"How the heck can I summon that?! If only I had mana!" Historia muttered, slamming her head against the book on the desk. "But how was that Spirit able to show in front of me at that time?" she asked, looking at Zion, who was reading another book about the empire's history.
Historia stood up and went back to the Magic Section. Something piqued her interest in the book above, so she attempted to take it but was unsuccessful. She looks everywhere for a chair she can step on, but she can't find one. She had just decided to try and take the book, but she was unable to do so when Zion appeared beside her.
"If you can't reach it, you can ask for my help," Zion said, handing her the book she desired. Historia just pouted. "That's a book about the four elements," he says, looking at the book.
"Yes, something in me just wanted to take it. I can bring this home, right?" Historia asks, clutching the book. The book is old and written in an ancient language, so Zion was wondering how she would be able to use or even read it.
Zion then looks at her dust-covered hair, which prompts him to lift his hands and attempt to wash the dust from her head. Historia was surprised by what Zion did. When Zion places his hand on her head, she feels a tingling sensation. "There, your hair was covered in dust," he said, making Historia cover her face with a book because she felt so embarrassed looking at him.
"Did I do something wrong?" Zion asks her confusedly and quickly shakes her head in response. She slowly took the book from covering her face to look at him, however, she saw a familiar face behind Zion.
When Historia realized who the person was, her eyes widened and she quickly grabbed Zion's hand, and they both hid behind the shelves. Historia was still holding Zion's hands, which made his face red from blushing! She has a serious expression on her face as she looks in that direction.
"W-what happened?" he stuttered, quickly looking over to see where she was looking when their cheeks met. The two of them were surprised and looked at each other before looking away. "I am sorry, My Lady," Zion said, still looking away and blushing from what had happened to them. He could feel his heart beating faster! Especially since Historia is still holding his hand.
When she realized she was still holding him, she slowly released her grip. "L-look," she stuttered, pointing to the woman in front of her. Zion moves slightly to look where she is pointing and is surprised by what he sees.
"What are those two doing here? With Madam Rinlax? I reckon they are discussing something," Zion said, still staring at the three people having conversations.
"I don't know, but she was angry at Madam Rinlax," Historia replied, quickly fleeing when she was almost apprehended by the other woman. "How could she have any interest in books now? When all she ever does is spend money!?" Historia murmured.
"Is there something going on with your mother and your sister nowadays? Speaking with Madam Rinlax is not usual since she barely talks with people unless it is important. So, I am getting curious as to what they are talking about," Zion replied, and the two of them were just staring at each other's faces.
Historia was wondering. It's strange for her to see them here with Admarine by her side, adding to what Zion had told her. She may want to ignore it, but something inside her tells her to look over them. She wonders what it is.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone