Chapter 9: Librarian
I went to becoming a Librarian in the neighboring kingdom Nariel.
Librarians are positions reserved for Nobles. In my first life, I was brushing up on my skills in sewing and the arts and compulsory lessons. I easily finished everything since it was more like review. Now, I am free to do anything I want at the age of eleven.
The largest library around is in a neighboring country which also happens to be the place that Prince Erik has gone to in order to continue his studies. Luckily, there is an open position for me when I applied. I used the excuse of studying another country abroad to coax my parents in allowing me to leave. All I have to do is continue my personal studies while I am doing my duties as a Librarian and then use my free time surrounding myself with books.
Nariel is a large bordering country famous for the arts and studies towards ancient studies which includes the most famous Asmaria civilization that was once laid beneath it. During excavations, the people of Nariel discovered long lost documents of this civilization.
Asmaria was once hailed as the strongest and most influential nations that existed roughly a thousand years ago. Rumor has it that they were able to able to move coaches without the use of animals and their complex water system was use as a model for the water sewage system for the Nariel Kingdom.
In my first life, I had taken a few minor studies on Asmaria Kingdom including learning about the language and history. At this time, no one has been successful in fully deciphering the language. Even back then, it was rare for people to fully decipher let alone speak it.
Apparently, people of my bloodline were the first and only people that held records on how to decipher the language. These records are taught to only a select few of the Maddox Clan when they are of suitable age. It was not until later in my generation and after I was married that the records were released into the world.
As for why it was released only until much later in time is something I do not know why. I speculate that it might have to do with the rumors of the Maddox Family being the true heirs to the throne or whatnot.
As for the current number of people that know of the language, the number is very few. If anyone were to find out about my knowledge, or the possibility that I may be a true heir to the throne, I may really have to face against this country or Erik himself...
In either case, I should be careful in not letting my tongue slip.
I met with my aunt from my mother's side in the capital of Nariel.
I had not seen her since she had gotten married a few years back. She was just as beautiful as ever with her rosy pink hair and beautiful bright orange-colored eyes.
"Arielle!" she said as she squeezed me into her large breasts.
Everyone I know likes to shove me into their breasts for some odd reason...
"Lady Bernadette Wordsworth, it is a pleasure to see you again," I said trying to remain collected.
"Now, Bernadette... Maybe it is best to allow Lady Arielle some space for now," Duke of Wordsworth said.
"If you say so, Dear Husband," Lady Bernadette said as she released me.
"Welcome to Nariel, Lady Arielle."
"It is a pleasure to see you again as well, Duke of Wordsworth. I will be under your care starting today," I said with a curtsy.
"No, the pleasure is mine. The library already has dorm rooms, so I probably won't see much of you around here. Just remember that you are always welcome in our home and that I will provide you with anything that you need during your stay."
"I am already thankful for having someone of your caliber watching over me."
"I wish you in the best of luck in your studies."
Duke of Wordsworth and Lady Bernadette gave me a ride with their carriage to Exurbia Library.
I wonder if it was due to me riding in Duke of Wordsworth's carriage or my clothes, but I felt as though everyone's eyes were on me.
"Are my clothes strange?" I asked Lady Bernadette.
"Clothes? Clothes from Arundel are at the top in trend setting. How on earth could they ever be considered strange?" Lady Bernadette answered.
"I suppose the people are staring at me then... My looks are strange?"
"They are admiring a beauty as they should be."
"A b-beauty? If anyone would be a beauty, it would be Lady Bernadette."
Lady Bernadette cradled me in her arms again.
"My sister gave birth to such a lovely daughter. I wish to keep you by my side forever!"
Duke of Wordsworth pat my aunt on her back.
"We are in public, my dearest..." he said.
Lady Bernadette released me.
"So, it seems... Let us have tea together once you are settled in," Lady Bernadette said as she bid me adieu.
I waved back at her carriage as I entered Exurbia Library. It was even more beautiful than the rumors with its many floors and lavish decor. There was even a large sphere with large metal rings around it. I was quickly greeted by a young brunette with twin tails, a long-sleeved light blue buttoned up stand up collar dress with white decorative buttons and white lace decor on the sleeves and neck. On her skirt, was a long fluttery white apron and a golden embroidery design on the hem of her skirt.
"Lady Arielle, I presume?" she asked excitedly.
"Yes, I am Arielle Ira Maddox."
"I am Maura Maci, I am filling in for the Head of the library as her daughter."
She did not look much older than her early teens and she was nearly the same height as I.
She escorted me to my room which was part of a building built right behind the library. I was then brought to a rather large room with multiple empty shelves, a long desk, a vanity, fresh potted houseplants, a large bed, and ceiling length white curtains that lead to a wide-open balcony. For a live-in job of the service industry, this was a bit much.
"Lady Arielle is very lucky to have the best room in the entire building."
"Are all rooms like this?"
"They are generally not this big, but typically follow the same floor plan. The previous tenant brought in and left the large luxury mattress, house plants, and curtains from a nearby furniture store. If it does not suit you, I can have them all removed by today."
"No, it's fine," I said as placed my things to the side. "I never thought librarians would have such beautiful rooms."
"You are correct, Lady Arielle. Librarians are usually reserved for nobles, so rooms here are almost much better than someone could get in the capital. Also, since many librarians are researchers it makes them even more valuable to our economy. I have read about Lady Arielle's portfolio and I say that it is mighty impressive. You could indeed pursue a career as a scholar!"
"...I will be engaged in a few years and will be fully supporting my husband by then."
"Lady Arielle is the only daughter of a Duke after all..."
She expressed her sympathy for me through her face and holding her fist towards her chest.
I grabbed her hand and clasped it with both hands.
"It is not a bad thing...Supporting someone else and being the main person of their support, I could not be happier."
She suddenly burst into tears.
"Lady Arielle is so kind!"
What a hyperactive person...
I was soon handed similar clothes to what Maura was wearing but in a very light and pale pink color and the same white apron.
"Is this the uniform?"
"Yes. Librarians that usually start out are seen in a light pink uniform. The longer you stay here, your uniform changes to a darker shade of pink and then red is the darkest for those who have been here the longest. Only the Head of the Library wears a royal blue uniform. I am acting as the subhead, so my uniform is light blue for now. I will eventually have a royal blue uniform when I finish my training... If you would get changed, I will bring you to give you a tour of the library and have everyone meet you."
Maura waited outside as I changed into my uniform. When I got to the chest area, I found that my chest had grown.
I have to go through puberty a second time...
If memory serves right, I remember having a rather ample chest at a very early age.
I should get this quickly altered as soon as possible...
The chest area was a bit tight after I tried my best in making it fit.
I met Maura outside afterwards.
"How is the fit?" Maura asked.
"A bit tight..." I said with a slight gasp.
"Holy magnolia! At your age...I suppose it's right for puberty to start around now. I will get you a new uniform soon...Will you be alright wearing that for now? I have to show you the main parts of the library before we close. The showing of the dorm will occur later, so you can change after we are done at the library."
"I will be fine...I think."
My chest feels even tighter than in my first life.
I never asked to increase my assets as well... They were already troublesome before!
I looked to my left and saw that there were other rooms near mine as well.
"Ah, there is only two people living on this floor which includes you and someone from your country."
"Someone from my country?"
"Yes, that person is also new and came here some time before you. That person is usually quiet, so you don't have to worry about loud noises."
"Okay..."
I saw a brief tour of the library sections from how the aisles were divided to the separate study rooms and children sections. There was also an underground archive room, but I was only given a brief look from the outside. Along the way, I met with multiple female librarian colleagues as well as more so male colleagues. Instead of pink, they wore green uniforms that ranged from lighter greens to a dark evergreen color as being the darkest.
There was even a separate section available for purchasing books and a cafe with an optional terrace.
"This library has a little of everything."
"Our main customers are Nobles, so it ends up this way."
"I noticed that I am the only one in a light pink uniform?"
"Yes, that is because you are the newest and only addition in a long time. There is only one other person that has not been here very long, and it is your neighbor. They are not wearing a light green uniform, but rather a dark evergreen color."
"Someone can get a darker color uniform even if they have not been here long?"
"People that have passed a higher rank Librarian test can exchange their old uniforms with a new one and have more benefits open to them."
"Hm...I see. Then, this person from Arundel must be quite impressive."
"He is, but he is definitely not a people pleaser, so he mostly stays in the back."
"Really?"
"If you are curious, maybe we should go see him now."
A tingly feeling went through my body.
In the corner of my eye, I saw a young male librarian wearing a dark evergreen vest putting back a book onto the shelf.
He had a pristine posture and silky neck length black hair with a shiny glisten and large round gold framed spectacles.
The first and only other person other than my husband to move my heart...
"...Garett?"
He turned towards me when I called his name.
"... You are?"
Just then, a button propelled itself from my chest to Garett's forehead and rendered him unconscious...a chaotic reunion.00000