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CHAPTER 205: THE FORBIDDEN LIBRARY

CHAPTER 205: THE FORBIDDEN LIBRARY

After putting on the ring that I have received from the King and going to the second basement floor as instructed, a door appeared right in front of me in a place I had not noticed before. This ring was most probably the key that revealed the location of the door that had been hidden from the eyes of the onlookers by the help of some kind of a spell or Magical Tool.

Most probably, only those who knew of the existence and the exact location of the Forbidden Library and had the required key on them could enter the place.

「I just hope that the place is not ridden with traps. Like, there won’t be any kind of big bang to greet me the moment I open the door and enter inside, will there? But either way, I have no other choice but to open it for the time being……」

For now I decided to open the door, but contrary to my worries, it opened without any kind of incident or hindrance, and the calming smell of smoked wood, unique scent of old books and paper, tickled my nostrils.

Because this place was called the Forbidden Library…… Honestly, I expected that there would not be all that many books inside, but contrary to my expectations, the bookshelves here were lined up in a regular pattern across the ten square meters room, making it feel that the place was well-equipped and that it was carefully managed and maintained. There were probably many ordinary books stored in here to hide the select few of the actual forbidden books. “If you want to hide a tree, hide it in the forest”, I guess that it was the saying that described this place the best.

I was also interested in those “forbidden books”, but I did not have time to take a good look at them even if I wanted to.

Based on Fernando’s actions so far, there was a large chance that this room might have been filled full of traps or Magical Tools meant for eavesdropping, so I moved quietly and carefully while using the 「Detection」 Skill at all times. Then, when I got to the bookshelf at the very back of the room, I was able to find it so suddenly that it took my breath away for a moment or two.

「…… Huh!?」

I was so surprised by that fact that I could not help it but to let out a startled sound, but I quickly swallowed it and managed to contain myself. I had to move around at all times so that Fernando would not realize that I actually managed to find the bomb.

There were about twenty more minutes left until the time specified by Fernando, and from here on out, even a single mistake could make all the difference between the victory and defeat. With the use of telepathy, it was possible for us to communicate without actually speaking. I will have to share the information immediately and tell Ruzarc the shape of the bomb once I confirm it.

(This is Aun. Can you hear me, everyone? I have found the second bomb inside of the Forbidden Library on the second basement floor of the castle.)

(What!? The Forbidden Library?! So something like that really was located in this castle!)

(The Forbidden Library…… I certainly forgot about that possibility. I assumed my Brother did not have the key for that place…… But how did you manage to find it and get the key to it, Aun?)

(The King happened to entrust it to me. He also said, “Take care of this country and my sons.”)

(Huh!? Really now!? Is His Majesty safe?)

(Yeah. Just as Nelphie told me, he was in the deepest part of the castle’s dungeon, but he requested that the bomb issue should be prioritized before his rescue for the time being. So he still remains in his cell. It would also seem like he was aware that it would take a long time for us to move while also tending to him at the same time.)

(W-Well, I guess so…… He also did not want to share that with anyone else, but His Majesty is seriously ill. On top of all that, there is also the issue of this entire coup. I think his physical strength has also decreased considerably because of all of that. But if His Majesty said that we should prioritize the bomb issue, then I guess we have no other choice but to do just that —)

(Aun, I will go there right away. You will need someone with experience in Healing Magic, right?)

(Yeah, that’s right. Let’s leave the treatment of the King to Kinu for the time being.)

(I-Is that really okay? Even if there is only one person that needs medical attention there, they need that help right now……)

(Yes, because I am the best suited person for that job. Besides, Aun and Ruzarc want that, isn’t that right?)

(Yeah, that’s right. No one here wants a bad ending where the King is the only one who does not survive through this situation.)

(Mhm. I will head over there right away.)

(Thank you, everyone. I really appreciate it.)

Rescuing King Alto was one of Ruzarc’s major concerns during this operation. It must have been very emotional for Ruzarc to stand his ground and entrust this task to Kinu for the time being.

Originally, Ruzarc’s top priority was searching for the bomb, but now that the bomb has been found and partially dealt with, he had enough time to send Kinu over there to assist the King.

However, considering his current status seen in the appraisal screen, even if the King was successfully rescued, he would not have much time left to live. But not having time to say goodbye to Ruzarc was just too much. Every member of ”Seiha” would try to avoid such an ending at all cost.

In this cornered situation, the King’s life, the bomb disarming, and Fernando’s treatment…… It may be arrogant for us to try and grab everything with our own hands. But even so, we would not give up on everything like that! If there was even one percent of success here…… Then I…… No, WE will bet on it with all of our might!

(Now then, Ruzarc. I’m going to tell you the shape of the bomb. I’m sorry to say this while you are on the move, but please tell me what to do. In the meantime, leave the vigilance of the surroundings to Cinque and there will be no problems here.)

(I will definitely protect Prince Ruzarc no matter what! Please rest assured and concentrate on the telepathic communication with Aun-sama in the meantime.)

(Okay. Then, please tell me as much information as possible about the bomb.)

(Okay! First of all, what I can see right away is――――)

After telling him the shape of the bomb, Ruzarc concluded that it was probably the same type of bomb as the one in the arena, so I began to defuse the bomb as instructed by Ruzarc.

However, it was extremely difficult to completely defuse the bomb without Ruzarc present at my side. Therefore, the top priority here was given to removing it from the pillar it was attached to, and the work proceeded accordingly from there.

And just like that, just at the appointed time, Ruzarc arrived at the throne room without interruption.