With all these odd events in the past week, I completely forgot about the Head Butler’s task. But not much to his surprise, I barely made it to the last 50 books on the last day. I owe it all to the all-nighters I pulled here. Today also being another all-nighter. 

“UGH! When am I going to be done with these books!?” The lack of sleep was finally taking effect. 

“Master, it’s almost done. Just a few more to go!” said the blonde haired boy peeking over from the other aisle. 

After finding out about the free travel, I asked Felix for a bit of help. Since he has been working and managing the Enchanted Library, I knew he’d be the perfect help. As well as that; 

“Kai! Are you here!?” A young girl’s voice resounded through the library. “Felix!” I quietly ushered towards him to hide. He picked up the crystal and went back into the Enchanted Library. I walked over to the entrance to find a young girl with a neat hair bun looking around frantically. 

“Don’t you know the law of keeping a quiet voice in the library? And why are you here in the middle of the night?” 

“Ah shhhh, would you rather I stay quiet and watch you starve?” She replied sarcastically. 

“Tch.” My stomach grumbled at the mere mention of food. How embarrassing! 

“That’s more like it.” She shrugged at her victory. 

Charlotte never asked about that day ever since. I mentioned it to her a while back and she simply said that she wasn’t curious. It’s obvious that's a lie, but I will respect her wishes. 

“So how many more books to go?” 

“On the final ten now!” My body was in so much pain. 

“Should I wait for you here?” She looked with worry. 

“No, it's fine! I’m going to finish these 10 and recheck the aisles. It will take a bit more time. You should head to sleep. The Young Lady’s Birthday banquet preparations are going to begin soon!” 

Charlotte seemed disappointed at me telling her to return but this was all for her sake. We continued chatting for a while and once I finished my snacks, Charlotte peacefully returned to the dorms. 

Felix wasn’t going to be returning now. Despite the bookworm he is, he seriously cannot stay up nights, and even has a routine bedtime. Sleep… that sounds so lovely. My eyes were getting drowsy at the idea of rest. 

“Ah! Kai!” I slapped my face to wake myself up. “We got this!” 

Sorting out the ten books wasn’t much of an issue, however rechecking the order of books in every aisle was giving me a headache just thinking about it. 

The night still had hours left. If I finish quickly, I can get a few hours of sleep. 

……….

It’s only been an hour and now the words are respelling themselves. I can’t read the titles! Only one more aisle to go! Kai! Come on Kai! It was no good. I was too tired to continue. The Head butler is going to be here on time sharp. But I can’t… do… this… my vision blacked out. 

Step. Step. 

“Why do you always do this!” A deep yet clear voice echoed in my ears. 

Step. Step. 

Who is that? Another servant? Did Charlotte come back? No, that voice was definitely a man. Felix? No, his voice is completely different.

The man picked up the title list from my hand and walked up to the aisles. 

Is he here to help? It seems so. 

So far, I’ve only met bullies and superiority complexes. This was a first. 

The last thing I remember seeing was a strange crest mark on the man’s wrist, and also a streak of shimmery golden sitting over his black hair. 

I swear that combination looks familiar, but I can’t remember where. 

………

GASP! 

When I woke up in the morning, I was lying on the couch in the entrance of the library. However I have no recollection as to why I was lying there. 

I grabbed the list and ran over to the unfinished aisles. Strangely, they looked cleaner than last night and the book list was also marked. This was almost like someone did my work for me. But who would? 

I glanced at the clock and rechecked the unfinished aisles in the remaining time. 

“It’s perfect.” 

It was definitely strange. Charlotte had returned earlier last night and Felix called in as well. Either way I’m glad this got done in time. 

Since I still had an hour, I went back to the servants quarters to wash up and have breakfast. It had been quite a while since I came here. It seems the birthday preparations had already begun so none of the servants were in the building. 

I came to my room and opened the door until a glimmer passed by my eye. Atop the desk there lay a crystal item, one that was very familiar.

This is- this is the magic pass. Why is it on the table? Did someone find it and put it here? The pass had my name carved into it along with an odd series of symbols as my surname. 

I didn’t know I had a surname. Is the crystal just messing with me? Even if someone did find it and take it, I doubt they were able to use it. I placed the magic pass in my drawer and locked it. 

After getting changed, I went down to the cafeteria. Is today my lucky day? 

Usually if I arrive late at breakfast, there would be a stale piece of bread with some fruits remaining, however, here before me the breakfast tray was full. It was the first time I ever ate my fill for breakfast. But why? Did someone miss their breakfast? 

These mysteries were piling up to the point that I just wanted to ignore them. And that’s exactly what I did. 

I walked back up to the library but on my way saw someone walking a different path beside me. The path they were taking was leading towards the haunted mansion. 

From their clothes, they didn’t seem like one of the servants. They were actually dressed quite nicely. They had pitch black hair and a little emerald earring. Might be one of the family members. 

It’s no good getting involved with nobles. I peacefully strode off back to the library. 

The clock ticked away with only 3 more minutes remaining until the Head Butler's appearance. 

3 

2

1

Knock. Knock. 

His timing is so accurate it’s almost terrifying. 

TBC