Upon entering the library, Florent was struck by a sea of gold.
The first floor housed the works collected by the followers of the "Eternal Blazing Sun."
The content wasn't problematic in itself, except that all the authors managed to promote their Church, slipping in the occasional propaganda piece.
"Fanatics who never stop praising the Sun…
"It looks like a marketing cult," thought Florent, whose sincere impression was that the followers of the Sun spent their time preaching, no matter where they were, they never stopped.
The nickname "City of the Sun" given to Trier had existed since the founding of Intis.
However, originally – at the end of the Fourth Age – this title was considered in the esoteric world as an irony directed against the worshippers of the "Eternal Sun": living too close to the sun meant either death or madness.
Remembering that the first to call Trier so were the believers in the God of Knowledge and Wisdom – at a time when their followers and those of the "Eternal Sun" had temporarily united to face external causes – Florent judged this interpretation closer to the truth.
He owed this occult knowledge to a work from his late father's private collection.
Martin Abraham, entitled The Last Folly – The Pale Calamity .
Although the author, being only a Sequence 5 Traveler, had lived through the end of this Pale Calamity and studied many historical documents, the book therefore had some value and credibility.
The layout of the National Library in Trier was slightly different from the others: on the first floor, the books were not about the basics of the world, but about knowledge useful for survival and about disciplines that allow one to easily convert knowledge into money, even if their potential remained limited but it is still useful.
Here, Florent noticed a few scattered readers, standing or sitting, dressed simply, sometimes even shabbily. Some, in the middle of reading, were mechanically rubbing their stomachs. Beneath their worn clothes, one could make out gaunt and malnourished figures.
"It's touching, isn't it?"
A voice spoke from behind him as he watched the scene. Florent didn't turn around immediately, taking the time to search his memory for the faintest hint of the familiar voice before quietly turning towards the person.
Two young men, whose appearance contrasted with that of the other readers in the library, stood before him.
One, with short blond hair, wore a long white robe embroidered with gold thread. When he met Florent's gaze, he waved and smiled.
On her wrist shone a golden rosary, adorned with a kumquat flower, also golden, a singular detail.
The other, dark-haired, wore a blue suit with a brown waistcoat. His demeanor seemed more reserved, but not at all cold—rather, one of profound calm.
The contrast between the two young men was striking, but their association seemed strangely harmonious.
Looking more closely at their faces and outfits, Florent saw the blond's smile fade into embarrassment for a moment, before disappearing immediately. He ran his hand lightly through his golden hair and said cheerfully:
"As I expected, Florent, you're still as bad at recognizing people! I'm Quevedo Heim, student of the venerable, brilliant Sage Roman Kaman. We attended his classes together at Count Mann's mansion..."
Florent erased his air of forced reflection and, with a rueful smile, extended his hand:
"Sorry Quevedo, my memory isn't always the best, but I try to recognize my friends... so who is this gentleman who is with you?"
Quevedo exclaimed:
"What a beautiful custom to extend one's hand like this: it so well reflects the hospitality of the people of Trier! His Excellency Regent Rossel is truly a man of many talents!"
After shaking hands, he bowed slightly and made a gesture to introduce his companion:
"This is Mr. Erich Sabach, from Luenburg. Among all the young people I have met, his knowledge is unsurpassed, to the point that he could hold his own against scholars of the previous generation. I met him here in the library and was impressed by his knowledge."
Erich stepped forward, extended his hand toward Florent, and said in a calm, firm voice, "Hello, I'm Erich Sabach, from Luenburg. I'm currently studying in Trier. Mr. Heim is the warmest and most erudite man I've ever met. I'm happy to meet one of his friends."
Quevedo immediately added:
"Don't be fooled by his somewhat cold appearance, Florent. In truth, he never spares his help towards those who wish to learn."
He accompanied his words with an apologetic smile and clasped his hands in embarrassment towards Erich.
Florent paid no attention, shook Erich's hand, and replied,
"A friend from Luenburg, the sanctuary of knowledge, can only be a scholar. Quevedo himself is an educated man, and if such a scholar respects him so much, then you must be remarkable. I hope you will become my friend too. For for a scholar, a learned friend is the greatest reward."
Quevedo seemed momentarily surprised by Florent's words, but quickly regained his composure. As if suddenly remembering a constraint, he took a pocket watch from his robe, checked the time, and said:
"Forgive us, we must attend the reading room held at Count Conley's house. Take full advantage of the ocean of knowledge before you. I hope we can soon share a feast of knowledge together."
"Don't worry," Florent replied. "I'm sure we'll have the opportunity to share our knowledge. Go ahead, I don't want to delay you."
The two young people bowed their heads slightly, then left hastily.
Florent thought back to his own education. He hadn't attended a public school: the rich and noble didn't mix their children with those of the common people, and parish schools rarely provided useful knowledge.
For wealthy families, hiring a private tutor was an option. But renowned scholars generally refused to teach the newly wealthy. However, some nobles, allied with rising fortunes, did not hesitate to have their children and those of their partners educated together. For in the world as in the occult, the combination of power and wealth seemed inevitable.
Florent himself was no exception; he had attended classes at Count Mann's manor, taught by Master Roman Kaman. This was how he had met Quevedo.
(End of chapter)