In the past, Kate had only seen private libraries filled with floor-to-ceiling books in TV shows or anime.
However, watching through a screen never quite conveyed the feeling. It was only by standing there in person that one could truly appreciate the insignificance of the individual in the face of the vast ocean of human knowledge.
Kate and the old butler ascended the spiraling wooden staircase, a small flame following closely ahead of them to illuminate the path.
"There are over seventy thousand books in this collection, encompassing various works from both the magical and Muggle worlds. Among them, there are nearly a thousand rare and unique copies."
"In addition to this, there is a specialized storage room deep within the library used to house the collections of past generations of clansmen, including quite a few works by master alchemists."
Kate looked up at the dust-laden books surrounding her and eyed the flames on the shelves with some concern. "The air here is stagnant. Once a fire is lit, isn't it very likely to cause a disaster?"
"It matters not. Every book admitted to the library has undergone magical treatment to be fireproof, moisture-proof, and anti-theft. One simply needs to cherish them a little when reading."
The old butler led her to the very top of the spiral staircase. Only then did Kate realize that this summit was still quite far from the actual ceiling of the library itself.
However, where the wooden stairs extended into the depths of the library, a desk had been placed, with guardrails thoughtfully installed around it.
"The seventh Head of the House enjoyed quiet, so he had this wooden staircase built. When he wanted to read, there was a desk right here."
Hmm... that is a rather unique hobby.
Though it certainly tests one's mental fortitude.
Seeing Kate's slightly strained expression, Rand smiled. "Of course, there were later Heads who did not enjoy reading here."
"But standing here offers a wonderful view of the entire library. If the Little Master were to come during the day, you would see sunlight projecting down from the skylight, illuminating precisely the spot where this desk sits."
Kate followed his gaze upward and indeed saw a patch of starry sky projected down from the skylight.
"This is a first edition of Hogwarts: A History. There are fewer than twenty copies remaining in the world today."
While she was still gazing at the distant starry sky, the old butler raised his hand and retrieved a heavy book from across the air.
Kate had sensed it the moment he released his magic. She turned her head with great interest to look at the thick parchment book in his hand.
An ordinary young wizard would likely be unable to discern the faint traces of magical light attached to the parchment.
"A retrieval spell is attached to every book. When retrieving a book, one only needs to release magic and recite the book's title in their mind to bring it down."
As she spoke, she blinked playfully at the old butler. "Grandpa Rand, did I guess correctly?"
"The Little Master has a keen eye." Rand smiled, casually releasing his magic to gently return the book in his hand to its place.
"However, there are simply too many books here. The Little Master can use the catalog to search for the books you desire."
Kate nodded in understanding. Her gaze circled the shelves that wrapped around the entire side building before finally settling on the depths where the candlelight did not reach.
That was where the collection was stored.
She remembered the Family Mission the System had previously assigned her, which required finding three key items.
If she was going to hunt for treasure, it would only be interesting to look in a place like that.
"Take me inside to have a look." She raised her hand, pointing to the small door beneath the distant bookshelves.
Rand smiled silently. "Very well."
The two walked downstairs one after the other, stepping quietly across the spacious and empty bluestone floor tiles.
Because the entire East Wing was the library, despite the distance looking short, it took a full fifteen minutes of walking to arrive.
The door to the collection room was significantly smaller than the bronze gates outside, but the material was the same.
Rand waved his wand lightly at the entrance, and the heavy door opened in response.
The candle stands hanging on the walls automatically ignited with flames upon the arrival of the new master. Whether due to magic or not, they illuminated the interior with brilliant brightness.
Similar to museums she had seen before, the room displayed various items Kate had never encountered.
Clothing, armor, antiques, and treasures were all displayed at the very front. Further in were some ancient alchemical products.
Just as she was about to catch a glimpse of those items imbued with mysterious magical auras, Rand reached out and stopped her.
"Little Master, it would be better to wait until you are a bit older to see the things further inside."
Rand's concern was not misplaced. From ancient times to the present, many Muggles or wizards with insufficient mental fortitude had been entranced by these alchemical products, leading to tragedy.
Although Kate was talented enough in his eyes, she still needed more experience before she could approach the deeper sections.
"...Alright."
Although she really wanted to see the things inside, Kate could generally understand the old butler's concerns.
Moreover, the key items required by the System likely wouldn't be those mysterious and dangerous alchemical products anyway.
She turned around, her gaze scanning over everything visible before her.
Aside from being related to the family, the System hadn't given her any hints. There were nearly a thousand items in the collection here just at a glance; if she had to stay here and search, who knew how long it would take.
What a scam of a System.
Habitually cursing it in her heart, she was just about to leave and return during the day when her hand accidentally brushed against something on the dressing table beside her.
Kate was startled and hurriedly reached out to catch it. Before she could even breathe a sigh of relief, she heard the System's notification chime—
[Obtained Key Item: Shafiq's Thumb Ring]
[Current Collection Progress: 1/3]
Th-th-this... this counts as finding one?
A herd of alpacas galloped through Kate's heart. But she couldn't worry about that now; she hurriedly took it to a nearby candle stand to observe it.
The firelight projected through the thumb ring, which was made of excellent jade.
Good stuff.
She hurriedly asked, "Who collected this thumb ring?"
Rand narrowed his eyes, leaning in to scrutinize it for a moment. "This should be the thumb ring carried by the second Head of the House. She cherished this object extremely, keeping it with her almost constantly."
"Then... can I take it with me?" Kate asked somewhat apprehensively.
"Of course. You are the heir of the Shafiq family. Everything in this manor belongs to you. You have the right of disposal over every item here."
Picking up an empty jewelry box from the dressing table to place it in, Kate carefully gripped the box tightly.
She was terrified that a slip of the hand might cause a tragedy.
"Grandpa Rand, let's go back."
"Yes, Little Master."
The old and the young walked out of the library. Rand then took her via Apparition back to the main building.
"It's getting late. Grandpa Rand, remember to rest early! I'm going to sleep first!"
With her heart set on the newly acquired thumb ring, Kate hurriedly gave him a reminder before trotting all the way into her room and diving onto the large bed.
Author's Note: Promoting a friend's book.
Manager X's Stardew Valley is Very Peaceful
[Warning: The following content is only open to Level 5 employees]
[The Stardew Valley ██ Case has been handled by Manager X]
This book is also titled: The Look of Former Lobotomy Corporation Manager X Challenging Stardew Valley
Tired of city life and agitated by work, Manager X remembered his grandfather's legacy one day—a farm located in Stardew Valley. Thus, he moved to Stardew Valley, far away from the city.
Healthy! Safe! Peaceful! A daily life in Stardew Valley that is wonderful in every way begins!
Everything here is very auspicious~
Absolutely no ████ will appear.
You, must be happy!
[Manager, go greet the residents of Pelican Town today, 0/28]
[Crows are eating your precious crops. Go craft a scarecrow to drive the crows away, 0/1]
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