At the entrance to the library, I was greeted by a petite girl with lilac hair and large glasses in a thin frame. On either side of the door stood two guards with spears and steel armor. Now it made sense why special permission was required to visit.
They wouldn't let just anyone in. And it's a good thing I managed to get in before the Church of the Three Heroes seriously turns its attention to me. If they're even half as influential as they were in the novel, I'm in for the same kind of persecution as the Shield Hero.
"Hero-dono, my name is Lin Tourel. I am the junior librarian and head of the Small Royal Library," the kawaii girl introduced herself confidently, though her hands betrayed her nervousness as they kept fidgeting with the hem of her dress.
"My name is Pluton, a pleasure to meet you, Lady Tourel," I said with a slight smile as I extended my hand. I then leaned forward and kissed the air above her hand, trying to follow proper etiquette and appear gallant. Whether I succeeded or not—who knows. I'd need a third-party opinion. I really should learn the local customs, at least on a basic level.
"Oh, no need for formality. Just Lin is fine," she said with a slight blush.
"Then please, just call me Pluton," I offered.
"Alright," she said, taking a key from her pocket and unlocking the large, richly decorated double doors before walking inside. I followed her in.
Once inside, I whistled. If this was the small library, then what on earth does the Great Royal Library look like? Around twenty shelves, each two meters wide and about three meters tall, stuffed to the brim with books. Barely any room left to squeeze in another volume.
"So, what are you most interested in?" Lin asked, pulling me out of my thoughts from behind the catalog counter.
"Magic books, first and foremost."
"I'm sorry, but the Small Library doesn't contain books on magic," she said apologetically.
"What? Then what does it contain?"
"Stories, fairy tales, novels, journals of notable figures, nobles, and adventurers…" As she saw my face fall, her voice grew quieter and quieter. "I'm really sorry…"
"Oh come on, it's not your fault," I said, snapping out of my disappointment with a wave of my hand. So, the Church of the Three Heroes already has its claws in me. Great. I thought I'd at least have one full day to myself. "Well then, let's try what we can. Maybe you have alchemists' lab journals, mages' memoirs, or crafting manuals?"
"There are no lab journals either—they're all kept in the Great Royal Library. But we do have some mage memoirs, and there's a whole shelf dedicated to various crafts," Lin said, starting to sift through the catalog.
While she was busy, I grabbed the first book I saw on the nearest shelf—The Tale of the Dragon Stone, as Lin had translated the title for me—and brought it close to the Grimoire hanging from my waist.
No reaction.
"Oh, come on, just eat it. What's the big deal?" I grumbled, poking the book at the precious gem in the center of the Grimoire. As I recalled, the Shield Hero could absorb all sorts of junk and level up his shields in the process. "It's tasty, I swear. I'd eat it myself—just look at that delicious cover."
The gem on the Grimoire blinked faintly. I could swear it was telling me, "Are you actually stupid?"
Putting the book back, I searched for the most eye-catching spine and pulled out another book—The Legend of Typhon. I tapped its edge against the gem again.
"Come on, just eat this one! Look at it—golden embossing, gorgeous font… Just look at that font!" The gem blinked twice. Yep, I think my Grimoire just flat-out told me to go to hell. "Tell you what—you eat this book, and I'll eat the next one. Deal?"
"Ahem, ahem…" came a cough from behind me. Turning around, I met a look that completely agreed with my Grimoire's opinion of me. Damn. I think I blushed from sheer embarrassment. A few seconds later, Lin's lips curled into a slight smile, which she tried unsuccessfully to hide.
"My apologies. I honestly have no idea how I'm supposed to enhance my Sacred Weapon. So, if you have any ideas, I'd be immensely grateful."
"Come on, I found the books you need," she said, turning around and heading to one of the shelves. On the way, she asked, "Would you really have kept your promise?"
"What promise?" I asked, momentarily confused, then replied, "If it had worked, I wouldn't have just eaten the book—I'd have done it with a smile and tears of joy."
"Tears of joy, really?" Lin giggled.
"Well, maybe not joy…" I admitted with a mock-sad face. "Still, it hurts that you'd even think I'd break a promise so easily…"
"No, no! That's not what I meant at all. I just thought you were messing around."
"Well, a bit, yeah. But still—doesn't change the fact that a promise is a promise," I shrugged as we stopped by the shelf in question. "If you want my forgiveness, tell me where I can buy magic books."
"Why not just ask His Majesty for access to the Great Royal Library? Surely, he wouldn't deny a Hero, would he?"
If only you knew how wrong you are, Lin. The chance of me getting access is basically zero. The Church of the Three Heroes would never allow it. Visiting the library might not make me an Archmage overnight, but it would probably give me a way to grow independently. And they'll do everything in their power to prevent that.
"But that's not the only place where such books exist, right?"
"Of course not! There are three shops in the city where they might be available. I can draw you a map and mark their locations."
"Oh, that would be wonderful! I'd be incredibly grateful," I said with a smile. Lin rolled over a nearby ladder on wheels and started climbing it.
"Um… maybe I should do it?"
"No need. I do this all the time," she replied.
"Well, if your goal was to seduce me, you're on the right track," I admitted, unable to take my eyes off her feminine, slender legs. Lin had climbed high enough that her knees were right at eye level.
"Gods, where are you looking?! Turn away!" she shouted, her face instantly flushed red.
"My apologies," I said, forcing myself to look away and even take a few steps along the shelves. "In my defense, your legs are incredibly beautiful." I heard a sharp, kettle-like whistle behind me. "And given the rest of the package that comes with those legs… I'm honestly jealous of your future husband."
A few minutes later, Lin descended and handed me three small books.
"I'll go look for the others in the meantime. And don't you dare peek!" she threatened. And of course, I had to peek… no, I was obligated to… But alas… I'm only human! Especially when this body keeps throwing surprises at me. Excessive lust? That's nothing. Back in the throne room, it took everything I had to suppress the boiling fury inside me. I suspect my new organs are secreting an unusually high amount of hormones. If I weren't a strong-willed person in my past life, I probably wouldn't have been able to keep myself in check.
For the next couple of hours, I tried feeding all the books Lin gave me to the Grimoire. Unsurprisingly, it didn't work. I realized that within the first five minutes. But since Lin had gone back to her seat to draw me a map, I needed something to occupy myself. And since I couldn't read the language of this world, I decided to try communicating with the Grimoire. I have a feeling that while it might not have full consciousness, there's definitely some kind of pseudo-awareness in there.
"All done," the girl said, handing me a rolled-up map. I unrolled it and was astonished. If I hadn't seen her draw it with my own eyes, I never would've believed something this detailed could be done in such a short time.
"I also marked shops, inns, and the most important places for adventurers on the map. It might come in handy."
"Lin, I daresay you have an undeniable talent for cartography," I said as I placed the map into my Inventory. I'd just learned how to use that function, and as far as I recall, the other Heroes didn't have it. My coin pouch was stored there now as well. As for the books—I decided not to take them at all.
"Oh, it's just a hobby," she replied, but it was obvious she appreciated the compliment. The way she fidgeted with the edge of her dress again said it all.
"May I help you put the books back?" I asked, nodding toward the stack on the table.
"No. That would devalue my work. I can handle it myself," she said firmly. "If you want to help, find a way to strengthen your Sacred Weapon—and stop the Waves."
"Yes, ma'am," I said, straightening up and giving a mock salute. "It was a pleasure meeting you. If I get the chance, I'd love to visit again. With your permission, of course."
"Of course. I'll always be happy to see you again."
As I wandered the endless palace corridors, I mulled over my plans. It goes without saying that, like the Shield Heroine, I'm in for some persecution. So teaming up with her seems only logical. Then there's the oddity of my Sacred Weapon.
I clearly remember from the original novel that Heroes couldn't deal damage with weapons other than their Legendary ones. In one episode, when the Shield Hero tried to break the Spear Hero's arm, he got shocked. Yet I had no problem choking Motoyasu nearly unconscious, and nothing happened to me.
I need to test whether this only applies to my body or if I can actually wield other weapons. In the Help section, it also says I'm forbidden from using any weapon besides the Sacred Grimoire. This needs to be confirmed—as soon as possible.
Next, I need to verify whether the canon has a rigid framework that's hard to break. So far, the evidence suggests yes. Just the fact that the Shield Hero is a girl rather than a guy should've changed everything. It's one thing to bully the original male Shield Hero, and quite another to do the same to a very attractive woman. And yet… Motoyasu, the womanizer, doesn't even seem to notice. And don't even get me started on the others.
Consulting the map, I realized Elhart's shop was closer than any magic book store. So I headed there. On the way, I greeted passersby who cheerfully returned the gesture, somehow recognizing me as the Grimoire Hero. Well, this sort of friendly treatment wouldn't last long. Best to enjoy it while it does.
Ding-ding.
The bell above the door chimed as I entered the shop.
It didn't look like I imagined. I always thought it was a small place, but just the main hall here was about thirty meters long—and located practically next to the palace.
"Welcome!" the shop owner greeted me energetically. He was a bald man with a small styled beard, athletic build, and looked maybe five years older than me. As I approached the counter, his eyes briefly flicked toward the Grimoire, but he didn't show any sign of recognizing me. Well, he asked for it.
"What brings Your Grace to my humble shop?"
I silently stepped up to the counter and locked eyes with him, dead serious. Slowly, the smile faded from his face. And just as it was about to vanish completely...
"Father, I've searched for you for so long!" I declared, leaning over the counter to hug the man while he was still stunned. "Dad!"
From the corner of my eye, I saw Elhart's brain struggling to remember all his past flings, trying to match my face to reality. That look—priceless. Shame I didn't have a phone to capture it. And I bet he'd pay a fortune to make sure nobody else ever saw that picture...
Only after a full minute did it finally sink in that there was no way I was his son.
He exhaled loudly—like he'd been holding his breath the entire time.
"Damn, what a joke!" he said, shaking his head in disbelief.
"You just didn't see your own face," I chuckled. "Pluton. Soon to be your regular customer."
"Elhart," he replied as we shook hands. "And I can already feel in my gut that I'd rather deal with anyone but a customer like you. That's the second time today I've heard something like this."
"You have no idea how right you are," I nodded with a knowing smile.
"So what can I help you with? Armor would need to be custom-made to fit you, and as far as I know, you can't use weapons."
"That's what I want to test. Got a sword I can try?"
"Your call, just let me back away before you touch it," he said, taking a basic gladius from a shelf and placing it on the counter, hilt toward me.
Once he stepped back, I picked up the sword.
For a second, I thought I got away with it. But no—an instant later, a jolt of electricity shot through the hand holding the blade. I was expecting it, so I didn't drop the weapon. Instead, I calmly set it back down. It was a pretty strong shock. A message appeared before me:
[Violation of the Legendary Weapon Agreement: You attempted to claim another weapon.]
"Shitty… but expected."
"Yeah, sounds familiar. So, you gonna order armor?"
"No," I shook my head. "I'm short on leverage right now. I'll be back later."
"Leverage? What kind of leverage?"
"You've already seen her: short, cute, hyper, with piercing emerald eyes. She's got a shield on her right arm."
"Oh no…" Elhart gulped, suddenly looking doomed. "Maybe don't?"
"Oh yes, Uncle. Definitely yes. Without her, there's no way I can haggle you down by ninety percent," I said, spreading my arms. We both burst out laughing.
"All right, joke's over."
"I wasn't joking," I added. His eye started twitching.
"Well, I still need to hit up the magic shop. See you around, Elhart. It was a pleasure meeting you."
"Yeah, likewise… son," he called after me.
Ding-ding.
The magic bookshop I needed was only about a ten-minute walk down the main road. Lin had marked it as the largest bookstore in the capital, and it seemed like the best place to start. The sign above the door had some scribbles on it—if not for the map, I'd never have found it. From the outside, it looked like a normal building with bars on the first-floor windows.
I stepped inside and looked around. The place was only slightly larger than Elhart's shop and packed with bookshelves and items I couldn't identify. The number of books was far smaller than the royal library's, but I held onto hope that the contents would be far more practical.
"Welcome! How may I help you?" said a middle-aged woman in a classic witch outfit, complete with a pointed hat. "Oh! The Grimoire Hero-sama! I'm honored to have you in my shop!"
"Hello, I hope you have some books on magic?" I asked with cautious optimism. Who knows—maybe the Church had bought up every copy just to keep them out of my hands.
"Of course!" she clapped her hands. "We have the biggest bookstore in the capital! Do you already know which type of magic you have an affinity for?"
"Um… no, but you can test for that here, right?" I asked, recalling that the Shield Hero had gone through a similar process.
"I'll prepare everything right away!" she said, pulling out a crystal sphere on a cushion from under the counter. She cast a spell over it, and the orb flashed. "Please, look into the sphere."
I looked inside. The orb began to glow—and the light kept growing stronger. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the woman's expression shift to surprise, then unease, so I quickly looked away and closed my eyes. The sphere immediately stopped glowing.
"What was that?" she asked.
"You're asking me?" I snorted. "So… does that mean the test didn't work?"
"Oh, it worked just fine," she replied cheerfully. "Now I'm curious whether any school of magic exists that you don't have an affinity for."
"Yeah… that's kind of what I expected. By the way, how much do I owe you for this… ritual?"
"Oh, don't worry—it's free for you."
"I see. So, about those magic books?"
"Which schools are you interested in? I have beginner-level books for all of them. Intermediate and advanced are a bit trickier, and I doubt you have enough funds for those."