While Dahlia was busy in the courtyard, Valentina had taken off for her own plans. Without a second's hesitation, she found her way to the main library of the castle and, upon entering the massive repository of information, she headed up a set up steps and to a far corner where a locked door was located.
Claiming the room was locked was, perhaps, an understatement though. Not only were simple mechanical locks in place, but anti-divination and anti-teleportation wards had been implemented as well. Alongside these, the room was reinforced both physically and magically to prevent damage or any form of unintended intrusion, so the Archduchess couldn't help but be a little startled when she entered the door and someone was already there, sitting in a chair with feet on the table and reading a tattered tome from ages past.
Here's a short chapter because I'm very very tired. I actually liked writing this one, but I worry that my sleepy brain is just amused a little too easily.
Here's a bit of foreshadowing to look forward to politics though, and the empress is going to be joining the fray! I've alluded to her before, but she's a distant relative of Esme's. We'll see soon enough how she compares to her great great (I forget how many greats of the top of my head, but I think it's five?) grandmother.
Anyway, that'll be for a different chapter. For now, as always, I hope you're having a wonderful day.