Chapter 12: Larissa’s Visit

The street outside The Page Age Bookstore bookstore had begun filling up as the rain had stopped and the sun had re-emerged from the clouds. People walked past the shop, staring curiously at the empty store's entrance. 

A few students had gathered around, waiting impatiently as they waited for the store's owner to open the store.

"What's going on?"

"Is this place for real? Don't they want to do business?"

"The bookstore is closed?"

"Why?"

"Are there still books inside?"

The crowd grows larger as more people arrive, wondering why the shop's owner hasn't opened his store. The Page Age Bookstore is known to have the largest collection of books in the city, boasting over a hundred thousand titles; the shop's owners have always been notorious for their strictness of rules and their love of books.

The only reason why the shop's owner was able to maintain his reputation and fame is because of his carefree attitude regarding their opening hours. The students wait, watching the shop from the distance, trying to figure out what the shop's owner's problem was.

"I wonder if the shop's owner died?"

"Maybe he went to buy food again."

"Or maybe his dog ate him!"

"Haha, that's funny! Maybe he ran off with a girl!"

A few of the students run to the shop's entrance to try and peek inside. The shop's door slowly creaks, and the sound of the bell ringing fills the air, revealing a woman dressed in the traditional robes of a noblewoman. With her hair tied neatly and wearing glasses, she looked like an ordinary lady from next door. As soon as the door opens, she closes it behind her, locking it. The group of boys look in awe, feeling a sense of relief that the shop's owner is okay.

"Lady Kahina! We heard that you're sick!" one of the boys exclaims.

Lady Kahina smiles weakly, "I'm fine." she replies, "I'm sorry to disappoint you all but my husband will be out soon."

The crowds' murmur, whispering to each other. People from other shopgoers stand nearby gather, staring curiously at the scene unfolding in front of them. Droplets dripped from the shop's roof, creating puddles of water in the middle of the road reflecting a gate by the street.

A beautiful figure appeared at the Grand Marketplace's entrance, dressed in simple clothes, silver accessories, and black shoes. With her black hair tied into a neat bun, she carried herself gracefully, gliding past the crowd like a butterfly. They noticed the noise coming from the street and, after walking past the store, glanced up at the store's sign: The Page Age.

"Ah! Young Lady Larisa, how may I help you?" Lady Kahina asks, stepping outside the shop, "Welcome to our humble bookstore." she bows as she speaks.

Larisa hums, smiling politely, "Is everything alright, Miss Kahina?" she asks.

"Everything is going smoothly." Lady Kahina nods. "How may I be of assistance? Do you need any books?" she asks.

"Actually, no. I had come to visit the bookstore's owner, Miss Kahina," she answers, "but he isn't here. It's been some time since I've seen him." she continues, her eyes looking around, "You must be taking care of your business well."

"We have some customers, but don't worry about us, Larisa. There are only a few people left today," she explains.

"Oh? he'd usually only have one or two visitors, so I never imagined that this place would be swarmed with such a crowd today." Larisa says, sighing.

Lady Kahina sighs, too, "The Grand Academy just received a new batch of first years." she replies. "That's why everyone's here today, so we were swarmed by many students today," she adds.

"Ah, yes." Larisa nods then sighs once more.

"It seems like you haven't missed me that much after attending the Academy." Lady Kahina chuckles.

"Of course not." she scoffs.

Some of the customers looked on curiously, wondering why the two seemed so close. Their beauty alone was enough to make people stand still in awe. Even though they only shared a brief conversation, their smiles appear genuine. As if they're meeting up with an old friend.

"Well, it's fine if you feel that way." Lady Kahina smiles. "But you should enjoy your time off. For people who live off books, reading can do wonders to one's life." she laughs heartily, "Hahaha!"

"Indeed, but we're not really free from work today, Miss Kahina," Larisa replies, bowing her head apologetically, "I have something that I want to talk to you about." she states, "Have you forgotten the deal?"

"No, of course not." Lady Kahina giggles, "I remember." she exclaims.

But I would like to have a chat with you anyway. Would it be alright if we talked?"

"Then come inside for a while," she replies, "We can discuss in the workstation since we're surrounded by people."

"Good," she replies, "I'll tell you the details on the way." she starts walking towards the shop's entrance, leading Larisa into the store. As she enters, the shelves filled with books suddenly change their shape. They grow shorter and thicker until they form a wall that separates them from the rest of the store, acting like a secret passageway.

"Waa, impressive as always, Miss Kahina. What's this?" she asks, surprised by the sudden change.

"Oh, don't you know? This is where we keep our hidden collection." Lady Kahina scoffs.

Larisa tilts her head, confused, "Hidden? But why is there such a small entrance if they're all in the back?" she inquires, "Do you use this to hide your books from people?" she asks.

"Aren't you curious?" Lady Kahina sighs.

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"Why would I be? To hide my book from other people? That's silly." she scoffs.

"If you want to learn more about the books, then you have to find a way to get through the door." she laughs.

"What?" she asks.

Lady Kahina laughs, "Just kidding. Come, let's sit down and talk." she leads Larisa to the workstation in the back of the store, where they both sat down on the chairs and started talking. As the door to the room closes, Larisa could sense the presence of 4 people walking outside the door. She could hear the voices of the four people, but couldn't see them.

"I don't like it," Sung Li grumbles, clutching his chest, "I feel sick," he complains.

Ijohen's eyes widen, his body trembling, "You brat, what have I done to deserve this?" he mutters. The books had given him a headache. Not only that, he felt dizzy and nauseous too!

"Don't worry," the shopkeeper assures, "I'm sure you'll feel better soon." he replies, "You're going to get used to it eventually." he scoffs.

"You can't be serious!" Ijohen protests.

"Alright we're done here today," Rihan says, "Let's go home," he suggests.

"Wait!" Sung Li exclaims, "How did we end up with so many books from that tiny piece of paper you gave him earlier!?" he asks.

"It's simple," Rihan sighs, "Most of these are a series," he answers.

"How is that possible?" Sung Li asks. "How can someone own so many books?" he asks. "How can you read all of them?" he asks. "I don't even know what kind of books these are anymore, and a rat-infested library?," he complains.

"You truly don't…" Rihan said while gazing at the books.

Sung Li looks at the books, then looks at Rihan, then looks at the books again. "At least they're packed, so no one will be able to see what they are when we carried them out," he sighs.

Rihan nodded, "That's right," he replied, "This is the only place in the world where we can do all of this safely." he added.

"Hm," Sung Li hummed, staring at the books.

"Plus, it's pretty damn bold and manly to carry around a bunch of "illegal" books, you know?" he teases.

Ijohen and Sung Li stared at each other. They both clench their fists, feeling a sense of pride in themselves that they had the guts to carry these books. They felt that these books were part of them as they clench the books in their arms tightly. They don't suspect him of doing anything shady.

After all, he's their friend. Their face turns red, feeling the blood rush to their cheeks, their hearts beating rapidly. A sense of exhilaration fills their chests, making them feel alive. They weren't ashamed of carrying these books around now that it's been packaged properly and wrapped.

"Well? Let's go back!" Ijohen yells, "These books are heavy."

They walked into the shop's entrance through the workstation, closing the door behind them.

Outside the crowds continued to gather, watching the commotion unfold. As the door to the shop's entrance opens, it revealed a middle-aged man, his face stern and his eyes glaring angrily. He glares at the crowd, his arms crossed over his chest. "Customers, if you have an issue, you may contact the guild. Do not crowd in front of the shop." he scolds, "Now, please leave." he demands, his voice echoing through the streets.

The group of students turns to leave, but a familiar scent stops them in their tracks.

"Isn't that Lady Kahina? Didn't she go inside the shop with another girl just now?" a student asked.

"Hm," a boy nods, "Yeah, she did. Who's this then?" he asks.

She walks towards the shop slowly, her footsteps light and graceful, her long pink hair swaying gently. Her skin was pale, her lips painted a deep pink, and her brown eyes glimmering with a mysterious spark. The students follow her from a distance, trying to catch a glimpse of her beauty. Some girls try to imitate her steps, but none of them can match her grace.

"What's wrong with you guys?" she asks Rihan and his group, turning the corner and about to enter the store.

"Renmi! Your mother's been looking for you," she hears the shopkeeper's voice.

"Yeah Dad, I know." she replies, "I just saw Lady Larisa outside. I wanted to say hi." she smiles, walking into the store.

"Ah, Larisa is here?" Rihan calls out.

The shopkeeper and Renmi turn to look at him, surprised.

"What's going on here?" Renmi asks, frowning.

"Nothing…" Rihan sighs, rubbing his forehead.

Ijohen scowls, "I didn't know we were having a party today." he scoffs.

"Why is the entrance blocked!?" Sung Li asked.

They were walking behind Rihan, before stumbling upon the scene. There, they found a beautiful girl standing in the doorway.

"And who are you anyway?" he scoffs, looking at her.

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