ALL NOVEL Chapter 9: Error
Irina sat cross-legged on the soft sofa, still lost in her thoughts. It's been a while since I entered the Library of Alexandria. The Blood Moon must have passed by now. If I want to get any more sleep tonight, I should leave soon. The only problem is, how do I get out?
The last time she was here, darkness swallowed her whole, and she'd woken up in front of Daly. It was Nefiref who made me leave, she remembered. Kind of like how Klein dismisses the Tarot Club members. Oh... Klein! Maybe I could use his method, letting myself grow heavy, as if sinking.
With newfound determination, Irina stood up and announced, "Let's give it a try!"
After a few moments of silent effort, she flopped back down onto the sofa with a sigh. Well, that didn't work.
I could wait until my spirituality drains and I'm kicked out, but that'll take too long. I'll feel like a zombie tomorrow.
Her gaze fell to the ring tucked in her pocket, the one 'He' had given her. I've been hiding it this whole time since it would look suspicious with my—let's say—'old' clothes. The last thing I need is a police officer accusing me of stealing it.
A new idea sparked in her head. Maybe I could write something, like when I enter. Next time, I'll do some real research; I need to find out what my pocket mirror really is and whether my sequence has anything to do with my parents... There's so much to uncover in this place.
She raised her hand and began writing invisible words in the air. 'Exit,' 'Way Out,' 'Leave'—nothing worked. She groaned, frustrated. It's all because of 'That' child-like God. Why didn't 'He' tell me how to get out?! This mess started when I wrote the name of the library—
As soon as she scrawled 'Alexandria,' everything turned black. For a brief moment, she felt a swirling, liquid-like mass surrounding her, but then she found herself standing in her room once again.
The eerie red glow from the Blood Moon seeped through the window, coating everything in crimson light. The curtains lay on the floor, stained with blood. That's when the sharp pain in her hands registered.
Her palms were covered in cuts, blood trickling down her fingers. Her eyes traced the room until they landed on the culprit, a shattered mug on the nightstand, its dark contents spilled across the floor.
So it was my fault all along, she thought with a sigh, exhaustion creeping in. She headed for the kitchen to wash her wounds and tear strips from her old nightgown to make bandages. I really need to get a medical kit. For now, this will do. And maybe some painkillers too.
Many hours later, Old Neil examined her hands, sighing as he bandaged them. "You're telling me you fell out of bed, knocked the nightstand, broke a mug, and then sliced your hands on the shards while standing up?"
Irina nodded sheepishly. "Then, while looking for bandages, the curtain got caught in my clothes and everything fell, including the curtain rod."
Old Neil pinched the bridge of his nose. "You're demolishing that apartment, young lady. At least it's the Captain's reputation on the line, not mine, since he's the one who recommended you."
"I didn't do it on purpose," Irina muttered, inwardly cursing the Blood Moon and strange dreams.
Hours later, Irina left the library with two bags full of books and a smile tugging at her lips. Wearing nice clothes really does make a difference. Yesterday's shopping trip with Madam Daly was worth it, even if this gold ring doesn't match my silver aesthetic. Oh well, it's not like I'm wearing it on my finger.
The sun shone brightly, warming the bustling streets. Couples held hands, children played, and gentlemen carried bouquets, likely for their beloveds. Captain was kind enough to give me the afternoon off since I got injured. Rozanne mentioned organizing a girls' night might be tough with our shifts, but Daly's all for it. I'm sure we'll figure something out!
As she strolled, her mind wandered. There are quite a few attractive people around today, she mused, spotting a blond man with a princely aura. He has a rich aura to him, but not the type that screams 'I'm superior to you all'. It's more like 'I'll treat you to a fine dinner my princess' kind of vibe.
Her gaze moved on, settling on a gentleman with brown hair and refined features. They all remind me of male leads from fantasy books. Look at him! His aura is so gentle.
For instance, that other gentleman over there is so handsome! Her eyes had moved on a young man with curly black hair. Had he been in a fantasy novel he would have had red eyes for sure. His clothes choice is a bit peculiar, especially with that pointy hat. His monocle kind of finishes the look... Wait... M-mo-monocle?!
Irina's heart skipped a beat as her body froze mid-step. She whispered, "I take back my words. I can't do this."
'His' black eyes locked onto hers.
OH SHIT! A HANDSOME GUY IS LOOKING AT ME! WHAT DO I DO?! EMERGENCY! MANEUVER 12, I REPEAT MANUEVER 12! OKAY, CALM DOWN! CALM THE F*** DOWN!
Irina took a deep breath and forced herself to keep walking, her mind still racing.
Fuuuuuck~ He's just like the novel described, though they didn't say how handsome... Wait, what am I even thinking? He's not the guy from the novel, he just looks similar. What was his name again? Oh, right—Cabel! From 'A False Confession', the last one I finished. He had purple eyes, not red ones... Still pretty cool~
The gap between them grew smaller, only a few meters apart, and neither broke eye contact. Our eyes are still locked… WHAT DO I DO?! Calm down, Irina, we practiced for this. Kind of... Okay, we didn't, but who could've predicted this?! The closer he gets, the more he looks like Cabel. Well, except for the curly hair—his was straight. But hey, I like it more so~
A small smile crept onto 'His' face.
I'm dead. I'm not surviving this. Why is he so over the top? He's not even my type! Wait… do I even have a type? Yes! Handsome, rich, with a good personality, someone who respects me and is deeply affectionate… Yeah, I'm never getting married, am I? Not that it matters—my job as an official beyonder is too dangerous for a relationship anyway. Maybe I should stick to my love for books. I need more time for reading—
The black-haired young man stopped right in front of her. "Good afternoon, my lady. I couldn't help but notice you've been staring for quite some time. May I be of assistance?"
…Yeah, he's hot. No doubt. And that voice—so smooth...
Irina straightened up, trying to sound composed. "Not really, I was simply admiring your charm, kind sir. You remind me of a book I read. I hope my gaze didn't make you uncomfortable. If I may ask, how should I address you?"
That didn't sound strange, right? He'll buy this... I mean, it's not an excuse! It was a novel, not a soft-p—NO! Dirty mind, stop! Don't think about that scene, don't think about that scene—
"Amon," 'He' replied, a smirk tugging at 'His' lips. "You may call me Amon."
Amon. Amon. Amon. Nice name, short, and perfect for shou—NO! Dirty mind! Focus! Don't blush! Run before it gets worse!
"How should I address this kind lady?" Amon asked, still smiling.
HE WANTS TO KNOW MY NAME!
"I-IRINA!" she half-shouted, then immediately coughed, quickly correcting herself. "I mean... Miss Irina, you may refer to me as Miss Irina."
WHY DID I SHOUT? She mentally cringed but continued. Okay, I fixed it. He won't think I'm insane... but I can't stay around him for long. I'm not going to survive! I can already feel a nosebleed coming.
Amon chuckled. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Irina—"
Before he could finish, Irina interrupted, "I'm really sorry, Sir Amon, but I must get home. I left my dinner in the oven, and if I don't attend to it soon, I'll go hungry. I spent too long at the library as it is." She lifted her bags full of books as proof.
That excuse should work, right? It's believable! Plus, I really do want to read in peace. Maybe I'll find more handsome men in these new novels. Some are even rated 18+, so I definitely can't be seen with them outside. The receptionist's judgmental look was enough embarrassment for one day.
"I understand," Amon replied, 'His' tone polite yet teasing. "I wouldn't want to keep you from your books. I'm sure they'll be... entertaining."
Wait... Did he just take a jab at me? Does he think I read scandalous books?! She glanced at her bags, blushing. I mean... I do, but I don't look like I do, right? RIGHT?!
Irina forced a smile. "I wish the same for you, Sir Amon. I'm sure a gentleman like yourself has many important things to do. Please excuse me."
With that, she hurried away, her pace much faster than before. I better not bump into any more handsome men on the way.
She reached her apartment in record time, her shoulders sore from carrying the books. Even then, thoughts of crown princes and cold-hearted dukes filled her mind, lingering well into the evening. As she lay in bed, she smiled to herself.
How am I still alive after that?