Evan's footsteps echoed faintly against the cobblestone streets, splashing through shallow puddles that shimmered in the dim lantern light.
A thin drizzle still clung to the night, weaving a gray veil of mist across the village road. The air was cold and damp, heavy with the scent of wet stone.
His black shoes were already soaked through, squelching with each step.
The linen shirt and trousers he had purchased earlier were damp as well, sticking uncomfortably to his skin. Evan rubbed at his right ear absentmindedly, a nervous tick he had carried since his old life.
Back in his school, whenever he stood before the class to present a report or presentation, he would do the same thing, as though tugging at his ear could steady his trembling nerves.
Strange… Even after transmigrating into another world, I still can't shake this habit of mine. The thought made him chuckle bitterly under his breath.
He drew closer to the carriage and the figures gathered near it. The pale light of the streetlamps caught the white robes of the men, and one of them, the tallest turned at the sound of his approach.
Evan stopped a few paces away, bowing slightly with a polite smile. His heart pounded against his ribs, but he forced his voice to steady.
"Greetings to you… May the Goddess bless us."
The robed man regarded him with wary eyes, then inclined his head. His reply came firm and composed, the same words echoing back like a ritual.
"May the Goddess bless us."
Relief flickered across Evan's face. It worked… Lucky for me I always heard that in the marketplace. Guess all that eavesdropping wasn't for nothing that's what I called information gathering he chuckled in the thoughts of it.
Clearing his throat, he lowered his tone to sound more respectful. "Forgive me for disturbing you at such an hour… I will not take much of your time. Tell me are you perhaps the Librarian, sir?"
The man slowly lifted his hand and pushed back the white silk hood, trimmed with golden embroidery.
The damp night air grew colder as the wind brushed against them. Evan could finally see the man's face, fine features, a little sharper than his own, but with the same dark eyes and brown hair. And also taller too, which only made Evan feel smaller under his gaze.
"I am not the Librarian," the man said, his tone stern. "Why do you seek him?"
Evan hesitated, then forced an awkward smile. "I've heard talk in the marketplace… they said the Librarian was searching for an assistant. I can write, and even read." He chuckled softly, hoping to lighten the tension.
But the young man's expression hardened, mirroring the same cold disdain Evan had felt from the gate guards he encountered when he first arrived in this village. "That must be nothing more than a rumor," he said flatly. "You would do well not to waste your time chasing whispers, and rumors."
Rumors? Evan clenched his teeth. But I heard it from the soldiers themselves.
That wasn't idle gossip, it sounded real… He dared not to argue more. One wrong word, and he might end up like the prisoners he had seen earlier been executed.
"Umm," he stammered nervously, "I still think it might not be just a rumor…" His laugh came thin and unconvincing.
The robed man gave him a long, unreadable look. Evan could feel the weight of his silence, as though the man were silently asking, Are you truly this foolish?
The rain thinned to a mist, droplets catching the faint lamplight.
Then, just as the man opened his mouth to reply, the heavy clang of armored boots broke through the night. Two soldiers approached from behind, their steel boots striking the stones in unison.
One stepped forward, blocking Evan's view of the robed man. His voice barked out harshly. "Who the hell are you, kid?"
Evan flinched. "I-I'm only asking a question, and looking for a work, sir!"
Before he could move back, the other soldier seized his shirt roughly, tugging him forward. Evan stumbled near a puddle, his new clothes straining under the man's grip.
"Hey! Careful!" Evan protested. "This is newly bought clothes! Don't rip it!"
He struggled against the iron grip, but the soldier's strength was overwhelming. Their raised voices spilled into the night, carrying straight into the carriage.
Inside, a young man lounged on a red velvet seat, legs crossed, head tilted back as if half-asleep. He wore a flowing white robe like a cloak, along with white trousers and shoes. His hair was a soft blonde falling neatly across his forehead. His features were strikingly delicate almost feminine, like the face of a noblewoman, yet belon to a man.
With a tired groan, he opened his light-brown eyes and rubbed them. His voice was soft but edged with irritation. "Why is it so loud outside, Can't I even rest in peace for once?"
Beside him, an elderly man turned a page in the book he was reading. His robe was more ornate, and embroidered with a blazing golden sun upon the back. His long white beard and grave expression lent him an air of quiet authority.
This was the man Evan sought, the Librarian.
The blonde youth leaned toward the window, slowly pushing it open just enough to peek outside. His delicate face twisted with annoyance. "What is this nonsense? A commotion, at this hour?" His words were sharp, like someone used to being obeyed.
The robed man Evan had spoken to earlier bowed quickly. "Forgive us, sir. It was a mere disturbance. I will handle it immediately."
But the youth's gaze lingered on Evan direction, curiosity softening his irritation. He tapped his chin, then gave a faint smile. "No… Bring him to me. I wish to see the one causing this noise and commotion."
The window shut with a dull sound 'clack'.
The robed man turned at once, raising his voice. "Guards! Release him. Bring the boy here."
The soldier sneered at Evan as he let go him. "You're lucky, brat. The Seeker just saved your life."
Evan glared back with thinly veiled contempt, brushing at the wrinkles on his shirt. A Seeker? What in the hell is a Seeker? The word gnawed at his thoughts, equal parts of it is fear and curiosity is the other one.
The guards escorted him forward to the main door of the carriage.
The young robed man leaned close and whispered to him calmly, "Wait here. I'll give the instructions to the coachman first."
Evan nodded, still confused, and watched him walk toward the front of the carriage. One soldier followed the same who had harassed him. Evan clenched his fist, but he kept it.
From where he stood, he could hear the faint murmurs of the coachman and the shifting hooves of the horses.
He dared a glance at the carriage itself, noticing details he hadn't seen before, the polished white wood, the golden designs carved along its frame, and the crest of the blazing sun upon its side.
What is the Seeker? Why did the guard say that to him? The thought clawed at him, gnawing at both fear and curiosity.
Minutes passed, until finally the robed man returned, his face calm and unreadable once more. He gave Evan the faintest of smiles.
"Are you ready to meet them?" he asked softly. And added "The Librarian."
Evan blinked. Them? His confusion deepened. I thought there was only one Librarian inside… Still, he swallowed and forced his voice to steady, and said. "Yes."
The robed man nodded.
Slowly, with a long creak sound of the door of the carriage, the main door began to open slowly.