[‘The Scales that Judge Souls’ says this is a quest prepared with great care just for you.]

[‘The Architect of the Tower of Trials’ clicks his tongue upon realizing the schemes of the Romance Pass trying to fill its dark desires.]

[‘The Vitriolist who Balances the Scales’ raises an objection, claiming the difficulty and rewards do not align.]

[‘The Wordsmith who Builds Worlds’ dismisses the objection.]

Certainly, the task is easy, but the reward is far greater.

Though the suffering is the same over two days and the Divine Descent’s cooldown cannot be used, the low temperature will likely cause less concern to those around me than a high fever. And perhaps I might even be able to maintain consciousness.

There’s no issue with the reading speed either. I can just save them in the integrated library and read them leisurely later.

‘And there’s no requirement to write a review either. Truly, I appreciate it.’

[‘The Scales that Judge Souls’ belatedly realizes.]

Before changing the subject, I quickly accepted the quest and headed towards the literature corner. It was neatly organized by title, making it easy to find.

<Ah, Ayleth. Why are you reading books like these?>

“Because it’s a mission given by the gods.”

There wouldn’t be enough time to read all four books. I flicked through the pages quickly with the intention of saving them in the integrated library to read them later.

Though I started with a sense of duty because it was a quest, it was surprisingly enjoyable...

<Ayleth.>

“Yes?”

<Is it really that interesting?>

“It’s just a mission.”

<For someone who claims that, you’re certainly focused. Do you know? I’ve called you three times.>

“...Ahem.”

I saved all four books in the integrated library. Just as I was about to return the last book to its original place on the shelf, I caught sight of someone through the gap between the shelves. Reid was standing in front of the bookshelf, looking at a book.

<Looks like he found a book he likes too. What’s he reading?>

I’m curious about that too. Since this is the literature corner, it should be a novel.

The navy-blue hardcover book turned slowly, each page flipping in a manner close to thorough reading.

I quietly approached, rounding the bookshelf. Reid stood straight, with his gaze fixed on the book, looking like an intellectual wizard drawn in a picture.

Of course, beneath the loosely draped coat, his body was the well-crafted form of a sword master, honed like a fine sword.

When he concentrated, he gave off an aura that made approaching him difficult. It felt as though an invisible boundary surrounded him, barring anyone from getting too close.

Then Reid seemed to notice my presence and glanced at me.

As the strong energy softened, it seemed like I heard a voice. It was as if he was giving me permission to approach.

When I moved closer, he lowered his gaze back to the book. With elegant fingers, another page turned.

I didn’t want to disturb his reading, but I was curious.

“A novel?”

“Yeah.”

“What’s the title?”

“The Secret of the Heizenberg Mansion.”

The title alone didn’t give me any clue about the content. I was intrigued.

[‘The Scales that Judge Souls’ whispers sinisterly that it’s a high-level romance fantasy.]

[‘The Confidential Inspector’ gets worked up, claiming it’s an affair story that needs to be censored.]

[‘The Architect of the Tower of Trials’ is puzzled why a mystery horror thriller has unnecessary romance and infidelity.]

[‘The Vitriolist who Balances the Scales’ strongly argues that they’re all wrong and that the genre of this novel is captivity.]

The gods had conflicting opinions. It would be better to ask him directly and discard the confusing information.

“What’s it about?”

“It’s about escaping a mansion.”

“Tell me a bit more.”

Reid, who hesitated for a moment, began summarizing the story neatly.

“The story starts with the protagonist hearing about his friend’s death. He braves harsh weather to attend the funeral at the deceased count’s mansion. But...”

“But?”

“There were no servants or mourners. Only the young, beautiful widow, Countess Heizenberg, was there to greet him. After the funeral, the widow asked the protagonist to stay at the mansion for a few days, which he accepted. Her request seemed innocent enough, wanting to hear about her late husband. But in truth, it was the protagonist who was infatuated with her.”

“Wow, so what happened?”

“At the mansion with no servants, the Countess treated the protagonist with surprising hospitality. She personally served him clothing, meals, tea, and various other services. The protagonist was very pleased with his stay, but when the agreed time ended, he was about to leave. That’s when the Countess revealed her true nature and forced him to stay.”

“Whoa.”

“The story follows the protagonist as he sneaks around the mansion in secret to escape. Along the way, he uncovers clues that reveal who killed his friend, and the hidden secrets of the mansion.”

[‘The Confidential Inspector’ protests, claiming that revealing more is spoilers!]

Though I wasn’t planning to read it, I respected the Inspector and stopped there.

“Is it interesting?”

“Sort of. I’m looking forward to the ending.”

“Do you have a preferred ending?”

“I guess... being locked up forever with the one you love?”

“...Oh, I see.”

The answer was at odds with his soft smile, and I felt a bit uneasy. Has he really turned into someone with that kind of taste?

At any rate, I just hoped this indirect experience could provide enough satisfaction and end there. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

“By the way, the librarian still hasn’t come. I can’t keep waiting forever. I’ll have to summon ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) her.”

“Oh, good idea.”

<What do you plan to do?>

Rather than explaining to Agnes, it was simpler and faster to show her.

I signaled to Reid, and he understood immediately, taking action right away.

The book Reid had been reading, The Secret of the Heizenberg Mansion, snapped shut with a sound. And then, it disappeared into an invisible space created by Reid’s magic.

It was a clear case of book theft. For someone who treasured books, it was an unforgivable crime.

The reaction was immediate.

[ Warning. ‘Librarian Elantia’ realizes the theft of her precious collection!]

[ The Dungeon’s non-regular owner, Demon Rank 477 ‘Librarian Elantia’ appears!]

“How dare! Which uncultured demon dares to steal a book...!”

A demon with sky-blue bobbed hair appeared suddenly, revealing the rank of a high-level demon. Of course, there was no one here who would be intimidated by such a rank, 477th or not.

“Finally arrived? You took so long.”

It was fine to summon her. The book of illicit romance could just be returned to its rightful place, but Reid didn’t seem to be in a hurry to reopen the space.

Yeah, the ending should be read.

That’s when I felt a sharp gaze directed at me. A demon’s vertical, snake-like eyes caught my attention in my line of sight.

Elantia stared at me with her eyes wide open, holding her breath.

“You.”

“Me?”

“Yeah, you.”

“Why?”

“Are you a low-class incubus?”

Had my disguise as a succubus been exposed?

The leather harness was effective, but unless one perfectly mimicked the behaviors of an incubus, there would always be demons like Nazril who could spot me.

But there was no real sign that Elantia was accusing me. Instead, strangely, there was an odd sense of admiration and goodwill.

She opened her mouth, almost hypnotized.

“This is surprising. To think such a noble soul is trapped in the body of a lowly incubus...”

“...What?”

What kind of nonsense is this?

Elantia approached. It wasn’t exactly threatening, so I didn’t mind.

“I am Elantia Levant, the Librarian of the Demon Realm. I’ve been appointed here thanks to my excellent taste. Do you know what kind of taste that is?”

“I don’t know.”

Elantia leaned forward, her upper body bending toward me. Her shiny, scarlet eyes reflected my face, and madness, demon-like craziness shimmered in them.

“I can instantly tell how refined a person’s literary taste is, how high their level as a reader is. And through my eyes, you...”

“Me?”

“You’re the epitome of a high-class reader! Truly, you have exquisite literary taste!”

“Really?”

“Yes!”

For a moment, I almost thanked her, but then I came to my senses.

That’s right. It was nothing to be happy about.

[‘The Eyes that Watch Over the Chaos of All Things’ smiles contentedly, saying that she really likes how consistent that demon is.]

[‘The Confidential Inspector’ wonders if the enthusiasm is as intense in the previous timeline.]

[‘The Vitriolist who Balances the Scales’ comments that this seems like the influence of the four books he just read.]

My right cheek felt strangely warm.

I couldn’t bring myself to meet Reid’s gaze right now, wondering how he was looking at me.

I stubbornly held Elantia’s gaze, and she said with a rosy blush and a voice full of goodwill:

“You truly impressed me. I can’t afford to let such a wonderful person go. I’ll share some special, valuable information with you.”