"Here's the library," Aira informed with warm enthusiasm as she held the french doors open for us. Unsurprisingly, there weren't many people in here, just a couple of royal staff here and there and the librarian at the front desk. However, like a typical library, there wasn't much talking and if there was in any way, it'd be in quiet whispers, just like crickets at night.

Of course, there were countless shelves of books, in such varying sizes and colors that it would've been difficult to decipher them all. The stone-made tables were orderly arranged around the library along with the chairs, being pushed in neatly at their tables. The library smelled of book paste and old musty scrolls.

As the sisters led us through the library, Aira informed us, "This library has been around since Dragomir, the first king of Fealettia had ordered Commander Bakchos to build it. Over the generations, we had stored all our manuscripts, journals, and educational books here. But of course, all the books which refer to magic are here too."

"And if you need to have a chat with someone or you're just in dire need of assistance then you could ask Mrs. Galeneder." Hestia piped up, nodding to her at the front desk. "Or..." She led us upstairs to a brown bookstand which contained a red book with cursive calligraphy on the front and a gold lock engraved with emeralds.

"You could just come to the Book of Guidance." Hestia picked up the book from the stand and held it out effortlessly to us. "Don't worry, it won't bite," Hestia said with a wolfish smile when she saw our faces.

Instinctively, I took the Book of Guidance from Hestia. When I felt it, the cover was smooth with subtle texture and a bit on the heavy side.

"Alright, the first thing you do is say 'Book of Guidance, I need assistance'. Then just let the magic happen." Hestia instructed.

I hoisted the book further up with all my strength. "Book of Guidance, I need assistance." Within seconds, the engraved emeralds illuminated and the gold lock shimmered.

"Welcome, I'm the Book of Guidance. What assistance do you need?" The book turned automatically to the first page, which was titled 'Help Options'.

"Alright, now choose one of those options," Hestia instructed.

But there were so many books and with that came countless subjects. What option did I want to choose? Eventually, I chose to go with my gut. "Book of Guidance, I wish to know where the history section is."

The book illuminated golden as the pages flipped dexterously to a page titled 'History'. "Our history books are established through bookshelves 589-632. If your looking for a particular book in this section or are in need of any other assistance then please do say so."

"That's all, much obliged," I said.

"Your welcome." The Book of Guidance closed itself, the emeralds turning back to its inanimate form.

"Helpful isn't it? Now you know that if you need assistance, then the Book of Guidance is the best bet." Hestia said.

Sofia nodded, "That's pleasing to know, Calix would have loved this." She said, fingering the book briefly.

I froze at her words. Never had I heard her talk about Calix in a nostalgic matter. When he died, Sofia was the only one who didn't openly show her grief at his funeral. The only one who didn't talk much about him. So it surprised me when she had said that.

"There's plenty of places to look if you both wish to, but first let's find shelve 589 so you will always know where they find the history section," Odessa said.

Hestia grinned, "Then let's go."

While walking past shelves, I observed how despite the vastness, every single book was neatly placed in their respective areas. Very little signs of clutter or unevenness to spot.

"Everything's so neat and clean for a library this large," I commented plainly.

Aira nodded, "It is indeed. The library is maintained with the help of Mrs. Galender, the servants, and the fairies of course."

"Fairies? Where have the fairies gone off to?" I asked.

Aira visibly darkened, "The fairies have been dying off for unknown causes ever since Princess Rosalia had been placed under her deathlike sleep. No one isn't quite able to figure out why. Even the most skillful environmentalists and scholars aren't quite able to pinpoint a clear source." She explained.

As I took that piece of information in, I looked back at all the other things I've observed and other information I was given. Fealettia was well known throughout Eileithyia for having the highest population of fairies, that I learned. So when very little to no presence of fairies is the case, then you knew something didn't add up.

Out of the blue, somewhere near bookshelf 589, I heard Hestia call out, "Watch out!"

But it was too late as I heard the tumbling of books along with the bang of Sofia colliding with someone else. Without hesitation, Sofia scattered to pick up the fallen books remorsefully. Looking up, Sofia profusely beseeched, "I apologize for my-"

But when she did, her cheeks went pink, her pulse seemed to quicken slightly and I noticed how heartstruck she looked. This person she happened to collide with was no other than a man (of course), which appeared to be around Sofia's age if not older by three or so years. He had blonde hair, sharp amber eyes, and a princely aura about him, both in manner and appearance. In other words, even I'd have to admit he was quite comely.

He scowled disapprovingly at Sofia, placing a hand on his forehead in exasperation as Sofia picked up the last of the fallen books. "Goddamnit, you should watch where you're going. I have far more important things to do than waste time running into some ditzy girl." He cursed.

Sofia looked up with an appalled and disheartened glare as she proceeded to stand up. "First of all, I'm not ditzy and second, I was trying to give you a proper apology until you decided to be a haughty peremptory buffalo." She slammed the books into his chest angrily.

On the contrary, he looked undaunted by Sofia's words and if he was in any way, then he wasn't showing it. Instead, he smirked, walking away and muttering to himself something that sounded like 'pathetic'.

Sofia turned to Aira, Odessa, and Hestia directly. "What's his name?"

All three of them didn't at once give her a clear answer, proceeding to avert their eyes from Sofia and exchange quick, hesitant glances at one another.

Sofia placed a hand on her hip, "Anyone?"

Hestia was the first to break the silence, "Of course we do, King Bervon Jr."

"She means to say Prince Kapaneus, Princess Rosalia's younger brother and heir apparent of King Bervon." Aira promptly corrected.

Odessa chortled softly at her sisters. "Now, I won't lie and say he's the most nor amiable character. But I can assure you, there's more to him than most would see." She added.

Sofia furrowed her eyebrow, deep in thought, "Could you divulge a little more into what you mean?"

Odessa looked into Sofia's eyes, twirling a strand of her hair, "Sofia, it wouldn't be much fun for me if I just told you everything there was to know. But I'll place confidence in the fact that your tenacity will be able to handle him. That is... if you wish to."