studiobondurri Chapter 90 The Shadow (13)
Chapter 90 The Shadow (13)
Chapter 90 The Shadow (13)
Upon inspection, it seemed that the second recipe was primarily a record of wandering the continent, exploring the alchemical traditions of various regions.
The language used varied with each date in the paragraph, likely recorded in the local language of the area where the author stayed during the travels.
The professional content required considerable effort to translate. What a relief that records of minor tribes traditional alchemy were written in the common tongue.
Damian doubted whether he could translate it accurately with his own language skills.
There was no other choice. For a while, he would have to live attached to dictionaries in the library.
For one or two lines of sentences, seeking help from others wouldnt pose a risk, but finding a reliable language expert was another issue altogether.
***
The next morning, on the carriage to Eternia, I asked Trisha,
Do you speak any languages other than the common tongue?
Trisha replied confidently,
No!
Well, never mind then.
It would have been the best-case scenario if Trisha could translate. No such luck.
Why? What do you want to learn that for?
Theres a book I want to read, but its in a language I dont know. Do you know anyone, maybe a senior or classmate, who is proficient in languages?
I thought about asking art club president Haley for help, but making such a request when I had barely finished introductions seemed too forward.
Visiting a professor was also on my mind. This recipe should be interpreted with my own abilities as much as possible. I couldnt show the entire text to a professor and couldnt follow them around all day just for help with a few sentences.
I needed someone like Liria, someone who wouldnt get too involved but would certainly teach me the necessary parts.
And just in time, Trisha mentioned an appropriate name.
Yeah, Cecil Sis is the smartest. Shes of mixed heritage, so her family is spread out here and there.
Cecil?
But shes been really busy lately. Its tough even for me to see her face. I doubt shed associate with you. Shes not exactly close with you, right?
Where does she usually hang out? Any idea which club she might belong to?
I dont know.
Do you have any idea where she might be?
Do you really have to see Cecil Sis?
Cecil seemed like a very good option.
Yes, shes the person I need most right now.
Trishas expression darkened slightly.
Whats wrong? Did you have a fight with Cecil?
She replied stiffly,
No.
Then she turned her head away from me, as if she didnt want to talk any further. Though she didnt express it openly, it seemed like her mood had dipped somewhat.
Not the usual way she blatantly shows shes upsetit was as if she harbored feelings that couldnt be put into words.
Why is this happening? Does she always get in a bad mood in the mornings?
For now, I set aside everything else and laid out a plan to find Cecil.
First Id stop by Witthrush Hall to pick up a few petal candies. Whether to wear the mask or not was something to consider.
And as Cecil read what was written on the note, her eyes grew wider.
***
Following Bertangs words, Cecil temporarily set aside her personal research. Understanding the nature of the reward made it clear why her seniors were so insistent and desperate.
Just the thought of what could be achieved with that potion was enough to invigorate her.
She, too, succumbed to greed and switched gears to preparing for the joint class.
Weaving through the long rows of bookshelves in the reading room, she picked up books that seemed potentially useful and piled them into a cart.
HmmContinents Familiars and Tamer of Calamitys Beasts what else
While pushing the cart, she stopped upon spotting a promising title, reaching up to the highest shelf.
The bookshelf was too tall for her reach. Not wanting the hassle of fetching a step stool, she stepped on the lower shelf to hoist herself up.
Shortly after, the bookshelf swayed, and books slid out like rain, pouring down.
Kyaa!
The cascade of books sent her tumbling to the floor.
Fortunately, the bookshelf didnt topple over entirely, averting a major disaster, but the chaos around her sparked a surge of irritation.
While she was sorting the scattered books, someone, drawn by the commotion, came beside her to help tidy up.
With the cart blocking her view, Cecil couldnt see who it was. Between the gaps, all she could see was a muscled forearm, sleeves rolled up. She was too occupied to refuse the assistance.
She hastily scooped up an armful of books and placed them on the cart. Sorting the books could be left to the librarys Plantara.
After a rough tidy up, she stood up. The person who had helped also stood and offered her something.
It was precisely the book she had been reaching for.
Taking the book and looking up to see who it was, she was face to face with the red-haired man wearing a wooden mask.
It was Candy.
The sudden reunion momentarily paralyzed her thoughts.
You why are you here?
I came to read a book.
She stared blankly at Candy before suddenly realizing her own disheveled appearance and slightly bowed her head.
Just, wait a moment.
And as if asking him not to come closer, she stretched out a hand and shielded her face with the book.
She hadnt anticipated this surprise visit. It was a sneak attack. She had been up all night, her hair was a mess, and she hadnt even washed her face that morning. Unprepared for the encounter, she couldnt help feeling flustered.
Whats this? Showing up out of nowhere without saying anything.
He playfully bantered back,
Do you need a mask too?
Be quiet. You, stay right here. Ill be right back. If you run away, Ill turn you into an ice confection.
Alright. Off you go.
Cecil quickly turned and walked briskly out of the reading room. She knew Candy wouldnt follow, but she couldnt lift her head due to a peculiar sense of shame.
Only when she reached the lounge with the large mirror did she relax her guard.
Looking into the mirror, her appearance wasnt great. Her hair was disheveled, and her lips were pale pink, drained of color from fatigue. She tidied her hair with her hands and applied some color to her lips.
Then she loosened one of the top buttons of her white blouse to reveal her collarbone.
Cecil was about to head back to the reading room but stopped in front of the mirror, feeling something was missing.
After biting her lip in thought for a while, she ultimately decided to unbutton two more buttons.