After several minutes, we come to a large set of double doors that are already pushed open. Inside, three stories worth of books can be seen lining every wall, with spiral staircases leading up to the higher floors. A large reading table is situated on the first floor. It's an impressive library.
"Here you go. You're welcome to read whatever you'd like, even if it's not demonic or elven history. Just make sure not to take any books from the room, and to return them where you found them. If you need anything else, you can find me in my room. Klaus, Zara, let's get you two sorted out next." (Ilina)
With that, the three of them exit the library, leaving Alto and me alone to our studies. Alto's buzzing with excitement.
"Alto, you're welcome to go read about spells or magic theory if you'd rather, and I can do the historical research." (Mizuki)
Alto shoots me a puzzled look.
"Why would I want to do that? I think it'd be a poor use of time. What I learned yesterday…it changed my entire outlook on magic. I could never go back to just memorizing spells. Speaking of which, what was this test of mine that you mentioned supposed to be?" (Alto)
Ohhh…yeahhh…I forgot about that. It was going to be heating the air for us while Nina flew, but that's shot.
"Uhm…when our travel plans changed, I actually forgot all about that. However, we can try an analogous test now. It's a bit warm in here, so try mildly cooling down the air in the library." (Mizuki)
"Tch…figures, you're not taking teaching me seriously are you!? Also, I was able to do that during my training yesterday, but I don't think that doing it in here is advisable." (Alto)
"No, I swear that I quite enjoy my magic experimentation with you! Regardless, why would it be an issue for you to cast that spell in here?" (Mizuki)
Alto shakes her head in exasperation.
"Because altering the temperature of things directly, instead of indirectly with fire or ice, is a dark class spell. Since I'm an elemental class, me casting such a spell in here would be…" (Alto)
Before Alto can finish her thought, an amused voice rings out behind us.
"Impossible. It would be impossible, human. Fufufu…it's a good thing this elf was kind enough to join you. It seems that humans' grasp on magic theory is as tenuous as ever." (…)
Alto and I both turn in surprise to see a 20s-looking silver-haired elf behind us holding a couple of books. She's wearing a smirk, and she is glaring at me.
Behind her is a serious-looking elf of about Klaus's age and build, carrying a set of long daggers at his waist, but I get the sense he's way less agreeable. Yeah, if I had to guess…
"You honor us with your presence, First Princess Alara. I apologize for having my ignorance about magic theory on such full display, though I hope you won't extrapolate it to other humans. I'm somewhat of an especially unremarkable person in that regard, you see. I also agree that Alto spoils me with her company and scholarship." (Mizuki)
I bow deeply to cement the point, and I see Alto curtsy next to me. She looks very concerned.
"Oh my, well at least you're self-aware and own up to your shortcomings. Perhaps Dargo's praise of you wasn't entirely misplaced. In that case, would you like me to explain some basic magic concepts to you while I'm here? I would not normally spoil a human like that, but I've been instructed to play nice since Lady Nedonera is inexplicably fond of you." (Alara)
Wow…she's a real piece of work. Nothing compared to Dio, but way more condescending than Ilina when we first met. I flash her my most apologetic smile.
"Again, I'm humbled Princess, but I couldn't possibly impose on you. I'm sure you have much more important things to do with your time. Furthermore, I fear that your wisdom about magic would be wasted on me. I was just going to research elf and demon histories, as part of my job to serve Lady Nedonera." (Mizuki)
As I mention her 'wisdom' being wasted on me, I pull out my guild card to show her. She looks at it puzzled for a minute, then her eyes widen in surprise. She begins laughing at me.
"Hahahaha…oh my, that's truly pitiable! Fufufu…to have no magic talent at all…at least your ignorance on magic theory makes more sense now. I suppose that it would do you no good to learn. Well, in that case I'll leave you to your miserable existence. Please do read up on our histories so you can be of some use to your Lady. I already struggle to imagine what she prizes you for." (Alara)
"Of course, it is as you say, I should work hard to be of use to my Lady. Thank you for your sage advice, and we both wish you good health, Princess Alara." (Mizuki)
I give another bow to this cesspool of prejudice, and she walks off shaking her head with a smile. After a few more minutes, she exchanges some books and departs with another smirk in my direction. Alto and I are alone once again.