To say that Otto was displeased would be an understatement. He was infuriated. However, I remained oblivious and ignorant until we met the next day after Benjamin’s first Biology lesson.

  The moment I opened the library door, I noticed its once peaceful aura had faded. It had been repced with sharp coldness. Suddenly, the once light, dusty aroma of old books felt oppressive and sickening.

  I tried to turn around. I tried to flee because the previously welcoming Library—this Paradise of knowledge—had turned into a Horrible Caricature of itself, mocking my fleeting Hope of a few peaceful hours.

  But it was too te. Before I could fully turn around, the Door had already been closed, and a looming shadow had taken its spot, completely filling my view. I tried to look away but couldn’t. A slick but cold voice boomed through my ears.

  “Call for attendance! Miss Ruby?”

  “Here,” I whimpered

  Time skip: Four Hours ter.

  Otto read in an infuriatingly boring tone.

  “…Because of the sudden death of his Father, Ser Wilhelm Yuwen, as the only heir, had to take his father’s seat and rise to defend Fort Rosedorn from the Ibasan threat…”

  Ugh, this has been going on for Four Hours straight. And only now had we gotten to Janus’s Parents. No jokes, no fun stories or anecdotes, just brutal front-row seats to a reading straight out of a history book. I can’t, I just can’t do this anymore. I know this was supposed to be my punishment, but I’m close to bolting out of this Library no matter the consequences.

  “…Then, when he turned 19, he met the love of his life, Olivia Yuwen. The retionship was very harmonious, so it wasn’t long until…”

  And he just keeps going. I must stop him no matter what, or my head won’t be able to take this attack of knowledge. I raised my Hand.

  “Ehm, sorry, I have a question.”

  “Sigh. Yes, what is it?” The irritation in his voice was so thick one could slice through it.

  “Uhm, ehm…” I struggled to find a question. Desperately hoping it would deflect Otto’s annoyed gaze. “Oh, right! Earlier, you said that the coat of arms of House Yuwen was the Rose. But where does the shield come from?”

  Otto replied ftly, “The shield comes From Lady Olivia’s Maiden Home, House Fonbnque. Let’s continue…”

  No, I need to stop him.

  “Oh, oh, and why are the Roses Yellow? Is this Flower nguage?”

  Otto stared at me as if I had finally gone mad.

  “Flower Language? No, what are you talking about? Flowers don’t talk. They are yellow because the yellow roses in the rose garden have been there almost as long as these walls.”

  I could have sworn this was the reason, but I must have been wrong, so I murmured, “Weird coincidence.”.

  “What?” asked Otto while slowly tilting his head without hinting of emotion.

  Quickly, I replied with “Nothing!” close to a panic attack.

  And Otto asked in the same monotonous voice he had used to torture me these past Four Hours,

  “Can we return to the lesson now?”.

  Everything inside me screamed, “No more. I can’t take it; it’s SO BORING,” but Otto’s sharp gaze would allow no other answer.

  “Yes.” Ugh, maybe this is how Benjamin felt.