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Prologue
You weren't a beast. You were reading a book, after all.
That was the permission that place granted me.
That's what Karia Alexander heard later.
Back then, she believed that there were places suitable and unsuitable for every profession. If you asked her what the most unsuitable was . . .
Why would a battlefield need a librarian?
Now, those words were echoing back to her, laced with mud, regret, self-reproach, and guilt.
We do need one, don't we . . . ?
She murmured to herself as she sat on the rubble, staring at the war-torn base.
In her line of sight, soldiers who had made it through that day's battle were hastily clearing debris and mending defensive walls while the wounded and dead were simultaneously being transported away.
Injury and even death were inevitable. This was a battlefield.
They turned their backs on their humanity, embracing insanity and killing each other.
The battlefield was a place where one willingly needed to descend into madness to survive. That was a soldier's duty. Yet, they were expected to maintain discipline and remain calm for the sake of efficiency.
Staying sane seems impossible.
Nevertheless, soldiers did whatever they could to cling to the vestiges of their sanity. They remembered families, partners, friends. Some even held onto less noble motivations, like an unresolved bet or an unfinished cigarette—perhaps even the remaining chapters of a book they'd started reading.
Anything would work. Anything that kept them going.
We need this. I need this. Let me have this.
Gripping her book tightly, she stood up. Then, raising it in her hand, she shouted.
Hey, idiots!
Her actions and voice drew attention. Spotting the familiar faces of the soldiers, she continued.
The library's open tomorrow! I expect to see you lunkheads there!
Among the faces of the wounded and exhausted soldiers, hints of smiles began to appear.
Tomorrow! The day after! Next week, too . . . ! So, stay alive and visit!
A Miserable Excuse for a Library - Front
The Eleventh Imperial Frontline Base was located in the central-northwest part of the continent.
It was situated at the northern foot of the austere Garuntai Mountain range that sliced across the south. The mountains extended west to a steep cliff by the sea, and tapered off in the east. The railway and highway system passed from the base train station through the southwestern town of Camilton and beyond the mountains to the central part of the continent.
Here is your assignment. Please accept it.
As Karia disembarked from the train, an officer came forward to hand her a piece of paper.
In sheer disbelief, she read the brief announcement written on it.
Notice: Effective March 4, Imperial Year 890, Special Major Karia Alexander will be appointed as the Librarian of the Eleventh Frontline Base.
What the helllll?!
Hell . . . hell . . . hell . . . Her outburst echoed around the foothills, releasing days of pent-up frustration.
. . . It's good to see that you are in fine spirits, Special Major Alexander. Please follow me.
The officer, seemingly taken aback by the unusual woman who began yelling instantly upon her arrival, led her inside the base through the five-meter-high wall. It had a town-like atmosphere with various wooden and concrete buildings lined up inside.
Well, yeah! Obviously! There are thousands of people stationed here! Gods, I'm dumb!
However, its nature as a military base lent it an inorganic feel.
The Imperial capital cityscape, where Karia had been until the previous week, boasted cobblestone main streets with hardly any bumps. Gas lights, slowly being replaced by electric ones, illuminated the night, keeping the lurking darkness at bay.
There was no sign of the war occurring far to the north.
And now here she was, arriving at this desolate landscape.
This is more than just the shadow of war; it's the frontline. Hahahahaha. Of course, it's an Imperial Library. What could be more Imperial than a library on a battlefield inside a military base?!
The base's lighting came from exposed wiring, and half the ground was bare dirt. As expected, almost everyone passing by wore military uniforms or trench coats.
Unable to contain himself, the officer walking in front asked the woman in the middle of her half-smiling lamentation about her background.
. . . Excuse me, we're aware of your mission here, but do you think you could tell me more of your background here?
Oh, you want to know about that? Sure, I'll tell you. I guess there are no princesses to overhear us here.
Ignoring the regretful look on the face of the officer who had asked the question, Karia began to share her story.
It all started at the Solei Palace in the Orildaran Imperial Villa.
Lady Karia Alexander has arrived.
Thank you. You may leave.
She spoke in a calm tone. Once Karia confirmed that the attendant waiting on bated breath for her master's voice had left, she let out a deep sigh.
Whew. It's been a while, Your Highness. I'm so tired.
She wasn't glamorous, but she had a way of drawing the eye. Her vibrant, long, blonde hair was left untamed; sharp, wide eyes peeked from behind her large, round glasses. With freckles on her cheeks and notably sharp canine teeth, her tall stature and shapely figure combined with these unique features gave her a gallant, yet imposing charm. She wore a black dress that barely revealed any skin.
You always give the most excited greetings . . .
The woman who turned to say this, Cleostar Orildan, the First Princess of the Orildan Empire, wore a wry smile mixed with exasperation. In stark contrast to Karia, her beauty was meticulously maintained down to the tiniest detail.
Look, I was summoned by the Imperial family from my place in the sticks without so much as an explanation. I was tossed about in carriages and trains for five whole days. If not for the potential job offer, I may have misplaced your letter. How'd you learn of my joblessness so quickly? It's a bit unsettling.
Even if the two of them had been classmates at school, she was acting awfully arrogant towards a member of royalty. But Cleostar didn't seem to mind. Instead, she responded with a nostalgic smile.
I found it hard to believe that a diligent academy librarian such as yourself would end up as a librarian in a noble's house. I suspected it would not last, and sure enough, my suspicions were confirmed.
In other words, you're saying you were waiting for me to fail?
The frustration was evident in the now-ex-librarian's voice.
I thought it would be an easy, comfortable job. If it was just a show-off library for some dunce, I figured I could curate the collection however I wanted.
However, in reality, she was merely treated as the janitor for a storage room with no budget for books, or even bookshelves for that matter; just a pile of books handed down by their ancestors . . . !
And then, their idiot, sex-crazed son tried to use it as his secret rendezvous spot! But when he said to me, "Even a tomboy like you can be stylish sometimes," that was the last straw . . . !
Well, getting fired and taken to court after knocking his lights out does not seem to have been a real pain for you.
Heh heh, well the evidence and witnesses were all on my side, so it backfired on him. Everything I swindled out of them got used up for legal fees, moving costs, and travel expenses, though. Dickhead.
Well, it is not all about the money . . . Are you still estranged from your family?
They were the ones who kicked me out in the first place. I'm on my own, pure and simple. I'll never rely on them again.
While watching Karia vent her frustrations with an amused smile, Cleostar brought up the topic at hand.
In that case . . . there's an opening at an Imperial Library.
. . . So yeah, I'm broke right now, and . . . wait, what?
The surprise slipped out midway through her sentence.
I have good reason to appoint someone with your skills who can sympathize with my intentions. What do you think?
What?!
Karia, who had been seething up until that point, suddenly leaned forward with a look of pure surprise on her face.
The Imperial Library in the capital was the pinnacle of the empire's libraries, boasting the largest collection of printed materials in the country and highly skilled librarians. Needless to say, the salary was also good.
Really? Like, the actual Imperial Library? Not just some temp job?
Absolutely, it is an official position working with us. Just sign here.
Whooooa, woo-hoo! Having royal friends really does pay off! It's all about who you know!
Financially strained and unemployed, she eagerly signed without a moment's hesitation and without even glancing at the contract. She was incredibly excited about the opportunity to work her dream job.
So, when do I start?
Your title ordainment begins now. I apologize for the informal process, Special Major Alexander.
What? Huh? Ordainment? Special what?
She tilted her head, puzzled by the unfamiliar terms but somehow understanding their implications.
I trust you, my dear friend. Here is your ticket to your assignment location. You will be taking the afternoon train. A carriage will be waiting for you at the main gate to take you to the central station.
Huh? Assignment?
Accompanied by summoned attendants, Karia quickly found herself leaving the grand palace, boarding a carriage, and then being hurried onto an express sleeper train to the base station.
What's going on?
For several days on the tracks, Karia had been dodging the duties outlined in the documents she was given, all from the comfort of her sleeper car.
. . . Hmm?
And that's how she ended up at the Eleventh Imperial Frontline Base.
So, that was the reason for your sudden outburst earlier? I'm relieved to know you weren't going mad.
Yep, that was it. I was just startled when reality caught up with me. I'm glad you understand.
. . . Please try not to cause such a commotion in front of the general, will you?
Chided gently by the welcoming officer, Karia lowered her head.
I won't . . .
He was absolutely right.
Please follow me. We would like to hold a brief ceremony for your ordainment.
Sure. Wait, I'm a superior officer now, aren't I? This is all so new to me . . .
Karia redirected her attention to the reality of her situation. Prompted by the officer, she entered the building labeled Headquarters.
At the very back was a room with a sign stating Base Command Room. The officer knocked and announced their arrival.
Special Major Karia Alexander has arrived.
Come in.
As Karia and the accompanying officer entered, the room's commanding officer brushed aside a stack of papers on her desk and looked up. The officer, who she thought was the aide-de-camp, stepped aside. Upon closer inspection, a small red aiguillette cord was noticeable next to his badge, signifying the rank of captain.
Welcome to the Eleventh Imperial Frontline Base. I'm Telputhila Pitaka, the base general.
Oh . . . right. I'm Karia Alexander, Special Major . . . ma'am.
With her long, glossy brunette hair and a military uniform tailored to her figure, her stern expression evoked the image of a medieval knight.
I was expecting someone intimidating, but she's strikingly beautiful. Much different from Cleo, though.
Surprised to see a woman general, are you?
Karia was taken aback, feeling as though her thoughts were exposed.
To be honest, kind of. Even with a high level of nobility, it's not a position just anyone can attain.
The rank of a general meant leading up to ten thousand soldiers and having authority over warships.
Haha, I like your spirit. Now, let's make this official.
Telputhila said, standing up and beckoning Karia with her gaze.
As Karia approached the desk, the general repeated the formal decree.
Special Major Karia Alexander, as of today, the Fourth of March, Imperial Year 890, you are to serve as the librarian and magic librarian of the Eleventh Imperial Frontline Base.
Ngh . . . I accept the assignment.
There was no turning back now. Karia grimaced and offered a stiff salute. She was the one who signed up for this, herself. Without this opportunity, she would be penniless and jobless.
Telputhila returned the salute and nodded, dissipating the formal atmosphere. She pointed towards the reception desk.
Sit down. I'll explain everything.
The general instructed, gesturing towards the sofa opposite her desk.
Firstly, your rank is equivalent to a major, but as of now, you don't have any direct subordinates and you won't be leading a team or carrying a gun into battle.
The special term was, as the name implied, a designation for officers who undertook unusual tasks.
I understand. Although, I did undergo officer training when I was a student.
More accurately, Cleostar had forced her to. Despite being a course for nobles, it proved quite challenging when she actually wanted to take it seriously.
Good. Your primary duty will be that of a librarian. The Eleventh Imperial Frontline Base can house up to ten thousand personnel. Currently, we have nearly four thousand on base—that includes combat troops and other commissariat roles like sanitation and supply transportation. And one of the unique features of this base is our frontline library.
Yeah, to boost the morale of the soldiers . . . or so I heard.
Karia replied hesitantly. Her superior officer gave a nod in response.
I know it may sound odd, but it really does.
Except for the officers, there's no concept of private life on the base. The military is a group that adheres to the utmost disciplined behavior. Activities like sports or choir aren't very popular. Well, it's understandable when they're exhausted from training and combat.
The general shrugged her shoulders at the aide's interjection and then continued on.
Many enjoy watching plays, playing billiards, cards, and so on. Among these activities, books are the cheapest and can be enjoyed anywhere. There are solid survey results to back this up.
The military's top brass remained skeptical about its effectiveness. Even Karia shared their doubts to a certain extent. Yet they decided to implement the idea of having a library in this base. The individual who proposed it was . . .
And it was the Chair of the Wartime Library Committee, the Princess herself, who conducted the survey. Interesting . . .
Muttering to herself, Karia's eyebrows began to furrow.
Damn that cunning princess! She completely set me up!
And then, about your other role . . . magic librarian.
Saying the title out loud felt weird in and of itself.
Uh, um . . . I believe I have the documents. Here, let me see . . .
Interrupting the special major's words, the general waved her hand to show she understood.
All authority has been handed over to you. That's also implied by the special title. Honestly, even after reading the documents, I'm still a bit dubious.
I share your skepticism, myself, but I'm glad you understand. I'll do my best.
Observing Karia's strained smile, Telputhila offered a somewhat sympathetic look.
I wonder if Cleo burdened her with an unreasonable task, too . . .
Karia found herself fascinated by the idea of encountering someone with the same trouble she faced.
All right, let's move on to the next issue. The situation is as follows—
Enemy attaaack!
The distorted voice from a loudspeaker and warning bells immediately echoed around them. Karia let out a startled cry.
Eek!
Hmph, so they've decided to show up today?
Looks like it.
Amidst the chaos, the base general and her aide remained calm. They rose to their feet and directed the new librarian.
We'll continue this on the scene. You're technically an officer, too, so it would be beneficial for you to witness the battlefield.
A few minutes later, Karia and Telputhila stood on the exterior wall of the base's north main gate. From here, they had a clear view of the entire base.
The exposed foothills of the Garuntai Mountain range loomed to the south.
To the west, there's a steep cliff, and beyond it, the sea. The east leads to the heart of the continent. And to the north, it's plains and forests as far as the eye can see—what we call Windbreak Forest. We understand the Demon King's Army is stationed within.
Telputhila's brown hair fluttered in the wind as she spoke while Karia listened in silence. Despite having a general understanding of the state of the war, hearing about it from someone who was actually on the frontlines was a unique experience.
The Eleventh Frontline Base, as its name suggests, isn't the main battlefield. That's far to the east in the north-central part of the continent. From the Allied Forces' point of view, this location is too forested and should hinder their advances. However, from the Demon King's perspective, if they capture this base, they can send their forces to the main battlefield from the west.
Her finger traced a line from west to east, pointing towards the eastern horizon. Beyond it lay the north-central part of the continent, where numerous frontlines were witnessing large-scale battles involving tens of thousands of soldiers.
So even though it's not the most important stronghold, it's frequently attacked, and we need to bolster our defenses. That's how the top Imperial Army COs see it.
The top brass, you mean?
In that charged exchange, Karia and Telputhila acknowledged their shared worry.
By the way . . . is it okay for the general not to take charge?
There's no need for me to be involved in a minor battle of this scale. The ground forces can handle it.
The two officers, bracing against the wind sweeping across the plain, used their telescopes to survey the battlefield below.
Even though I'm not participating, this is actually a warzone. I'm anxious, but I also want to ensure I understand what's happening . . .
From the base on the plain, you can see three rows of trenches. The companies are currently stationed in one of them.
Karia directed her telescope where Telputhila was pointing. Inside the trenches where the soldiers hid, she could witness figures bustling about within.
One company was comprised of a hundred to two hundred soldiers.
The enemy force numbers around fifty. They're dispersed, so cannons won't be very effective.
We have them outgunned, but if we were to lose the numbers game against the demons, we'd be cornered.
The soldiers in Karia's viewfinder discharged their rifles while taking cover in the zigzagging, horizontally extended trenches. To avoid being encircled, it seemed they were still digging sideways. Shovels was propped up at the end.
In front of the trenches, multiple rails and barbed wire fences had been set up to hinder the enemy's advance.
As Karia swung her telescope towards the enemy, she began to recite something that anyone from the Allied Nations would know.
In other words, the major players in this war.
Our country—the Empire—and our surrounding allies have been at war with the demons for years now.
Exactly. The Demon Kingdom.
The Demon Kingdom . . . These days, magic—a force nearly extinct in humankind—existed within species possessing unique physical traits. The intelligent beings within these species were known as demons. They had established their nation in the northern part of the continent.
Since it's a kingdom, there must be a king, right?
The enemy forces were commonly referred to as the Demon King's Army. It may have felt like an old-fashioned term, but a few hundred years ago, a territory with nearly the same boundaries as the current Demon Kingdom had waged war against the human nations. Hence, it was referred to in the same way this time around.
Yes. Our mission is to prevent the invasion of the Demon Kingdom and protect the peace of the empire and, by extension, all of the Allied Nations.
While the Imperial soldiers had transitioned from swords, spears, and bows to rifles, they were being fired upon with arrows.
These arrows, launched from nearly a kilometer away, cut through the air, pierced through the barbed wire, and struck the trenches, either passing straight through them or causing the surrounding soil to explode dramatically upon impact.
Of course, such feats couldn't be achieved by human strength.
Wow, they're really letting them fly . . . whoa, are those snake-like ones nagas? I've never seen them up close before.
The demon reflected in the lens that Karia peered through was a naga, possessing an absurdly large bow, a human upper body, and a snake-like lower body that spanned several meers in length. General Pitaka added an explanation.
They're a species that uses their robust arms and even thicker tails, which are their primary source of muscle strength, to draw their unique large bows. The destructive power and range of the enormous arrows they fire surpass the standard Pelta-Forty Imperial Army rifle.
Around them, demons shorter than humans—goblins—were supplying arrows to the naga.
So, some races are just trying to make a name for themselves, huh?
The goblins are mostly in charge of providing arrows and acknowledging the achievements of the tribes. They sometimes serve as infantry, too.
This was the Demon King's Army, where concepts humans had abandoned, like individual bravery and glory in battle, still existed.
This time, the main force consisted of archers led by nagas, but the army as a whole was made up of even more races.
Humans, lacking in the brute strength they possess, have turned to science. We arm ourselves with guns that don't need high physique or aptitude to wield. We've also developed group tactics and strategy. But when it comes to military strength alone, one demon on average is equivalent to three humans.
Right, I remember that from officer training . . . Oh, no! Someone got hit! Are they all right?
One soldier leaning too far out of the trench was shot in the shoulder, causing a crimson splatter. The soldier in the viewfinder writhed in pain. The screams of agony seemed to reach the outer wall. Retaliation shots followed one after another.
Karia sighed and put down her telescope. Telputhila spoke, her voice devoid of emotion.
Right now, we're slowly losing ground. Just a bit at a time, like now.
The firefight lasted for about an hour. The sole casualty was a severe injury in the soldier Karia had seen earlier, and not much to show in the way of damage to the Demon King's Army. The day's battle was over.
As dusk fell, Karia was sent off to her place of work.
Donning the military uniform she received, she strolled around the extensive grounds before sundown, occasionally consulting the base map, and finally made her way to the library. The cleanup from the day's battle was complete, and it was now time for the long evening relief.
The main buildings are the barracks, then the armory and equipment storage supply depot, the mess hall, headquarters, and tucked away in the far corner, the ammunition depot and factory.
The general had given her free rein for her duties.
Dumping everything on me on my first day . . . but maybe she thought it'd be best to leave it to an expert like myself.
The library was situated near the north main gate. Its concrete and wooden structure was no different from the other barracks or mess hall, and could easily be mistaken for a storage warehouse if she wasn't told in advance.
Hmm . . . well, you can't judge a book by its cover!
Upon opening the door and stepping into the airlock, she was greeted by the scent of ink and the slightly sweet aroma of volatile compounds emitted by old books. Carrying her personal belongings and the new items she received upon assuming her role . . .
Huh?
The newly appointed librarian became aware of the commotion seeping through the other side of the inner door: a constant hum of chatter, laughter, and sound. When Karia cautiously opened it, she was met with an cocophany of sound.
They're being so loud . . . !
There was a multitude of indistinguishable murmurs and laughter, intermittent shouts of anger, and faint whimpers in between.
The interior was in a state of complete disarray. It was filled with dozens of people. Some were casually eating at the reading tables as though they were in a rest stop. Others were boldly walking away with armfuls of books from the shelves.
Hey, stop! What do you think you're doing?!
Karia's confused voice was swallowed up by the clamor. She started to raise her voice but stopped short, shaking her head at the paradox. This wasn't a place for shouting.
What's happening here? It's complete anarchy! I guess . . . no one was in charge here before me.
She maneuvered through the Imperial soldiers, making her way to the counter near the entrance.
Hey, miss, which squad are you from?
You free tonight?
In your dreams.
Of course, the majority of the soldiers were men. She ignored their flirtatious comments and headed to the counter. Once inside, she surveyed the library's interior.
Whispering, eating, sleeping, and sitting anywhere but the chairs were just the start. Books were taken without being checked out, and there were even signs of other unmentionable activities hidden behind the bookshelves. It was a showcase of all the behaviors forbidden in the library.
Heh . . . hahahaha . . . This is it . . . This atmosphere is so nostalgic.
Huh? What are you doing behind the counter?
It's been so long since I've gotten to see regular patrons in action.
She responded to the unfamiliar private. Given that they were frontline soldiers, usually occupied with the war, she knew she had to assert herself, so she decided to intentionally break a library taboo.
Hopefully, this ends with just one shot.
She pulled a new cartridge from her belt holster, aimed the barrel upwards, covered her ears, and fired.
Bang!
. . . !
The gunshot silenced the entire crowd. True to their frontline training, most of them immediately sought cover and assumed defensive positions on the ground. They looked up as Karia made her proclamation.
Quiet in the library. That goes for everyone except me.
What . . . ?!
A-are you out of your mind?!
What the hell are you doing?
I said quiet, you lowlives! My name is Karia Alexander! I'm the librarian here!
Her voice silenced any remaining noise in the suddenly quiet hall.
L- . . . librarian?
Wait! That's a standard military pistol she's holding.
That means . . .
One person realized amidst the stunned silence. Only a select few soldiers in the Imperial Army were permitted to carry pistols.
That meant she was an officer, and a high-ranking one at that.
Relax. It was just a blank. I'll fill out the paperwork later.
In truth, even blanks could be dangerous at close range due to the combustion gases and wadding they released. Karia was more taken aback by the recoil than she expected, but she didn’t let it show.
I should probably avoid that . . . first rule of the library, no open flames.
Th-that's not the problem—
Hey, she said to be quiet, you idiot.
They covered each other's mouths, urging silence, as quiet settled over them once again.
The sound of a bell echoed through the base. Karia narrowed her eyebrows in thought at what it meant.
Crap!
Let's get out of here!
Sorry, ma'am!
The soldiers dispersed like baby spiders. Their break was over.
They're gone . . . Well, you can't really interfere with military schedules, can you?
Left behind was the chaos of their departure: litter scattered around, books left behind, chairs out of place . . .
Ugh . . .
Karia looked over the chaotic hall with a sigh.
Guess I gotta clean up the mess, huh . . . ? Hm?
Amidst the disorder, a lone soldier laid curled up on the floor, on the verge of tears. That figure was . . .
A female soldier? So, they do have them here.
The Imperial Army's male-to-female ratio was roughly ninety-nine to one. While most served in clerical roles, in a base housing thousands, female officers like Telputhila stood out.
Hey, you. Shouldn't you be heading back?
At the sound of her voice, the woman jumped in surprise, looking around frantically.
Eek!
She scooted back in shock, bumping into a desk.
Oh, dear. Did I end up scaring her?
Uh, um, I just work here. Please . . . just spare my life . . . I'll get up right away.
I'm not gonna hurt you . . . wait, did you say you work here? I didn't realize anyone did.
Karia's eyebrows twitched in response.
Karia clicked her heels together and straightened up. She'd be the first one to deal with.
I'm Special Major Karia Alexander. As of today, I'm the head librarian.
Whaaat?! M-m-m-m-m-major?!
The startled librarian let out an even wilder shriek. She fell backward . . . but managed to catch herself at the last moment, scrambling up like a self-righting doll.
In this base of nearly four thousand people, only four, including Karia, held the title of major.
I-I apologize, ma'am . . . ! I-I'm Eltras, Bravo Medic Company Private, First Class. I've been in charge of managing and operating this library until now!
Despite her panic, the woman soldier hastily introduced her name and rank.
Managing . . . and operating . . . ? This place?
Karia glanced around the library once more, muttering under her breath.
Eek!
Eltras teared up again.
I-I-I-I-I'm so sorry! I've been trying to get their attention, but no one seems to listen to me at all! P-please, I'm begging you! Don't punish me . . . !
Karia sighed deeply as she watched the terrified medic.
The faint cries she had heard as she entered the library were her pleas for attention.
I guess it makes sense . . . she's not a high-ranking official, and she doesn't seem to have much of a spine. It's only natural they don't take her seriously. I know I took officer training, but maybe that's why Cleo made me a major.
Even without a team under her, being the same rank as a major meant she was ranked significantly above a common soldier.
Relax, okay . . . ? It's fine. I just wanna talk.
Karia reassured her, inviting Eltras over to the counter.
Has it always been like this here?
With a sigh of relief, Eltras stumbled her way over.
Um, the library was founded about six months ago. Originally, a captain designated by General Pitaka was in charge, and I worked under him.
Oh, I see. There was an official in charge? And how did things end up in this sorr— . . . uh, current state?
At Karia’s tactfully-worded question, Eltras slumped her shoulders.
Um, well, around two months ago, he was killed in a battle against the Demon King's Army.
Karia was taken aback.
Ever since then, I guess my words haven't carried much weight. Discipline has completely fallen apart. What you did was terrifying, but in a way, it was also a relief. I mean . . .
R-right . . . I understand.
As she rose to her feet, she adjusted her askew glasses. War was hell.
So, this Eltras girl was basically forced to take over, huh? That means there's no one from the previous position to be held accountable. It wouldn't be fair to blame her for everything that happened . . .
This could potentially allow a focus solely on rebuilding, without the distraction of pointless disputes. Karia raised her eyes.
Hey, Eltras.
Y-yes?
I hereby appoint you as my aide here at the Eleventh Imperial Army Frontline Base Library . . . ! Or something like that. Are you willing to join me? I'll handle getting permission from the general and your unit.
. . .
Eltras blinked, her eyes filled with surprise.
M-me? Are you sure I'm the right choice, given my, uh, shortcomings?
As Eltras surveyed the neglected interior of the building, Karia's gaze remained fixed on the medic. Despite her short stature, her military background shone through in her solid physique.
Especially her lower half . . .
You're pretty solidly built, so yeah, you'll be fine.
Wh-what do you mean by that?
The question slipped out before she could stop it.
Never mind.
It was a common misconception, but the majority of a librarian's work was quite physically demanding. Books were heavy things, especially in large quantities. Part of the job entailed returning books to their original locations, and there were also numerous instances where workers needed to carry wooden boxes full of them.
Still, the job required a certain delicacy, as well, as it involved handling valuable materials and sometimes performing repairs. Careless assistance could often lead to lost or damaged volumes.
We'll need some more manpower to help out around here, too, but what I really need right now is the information you have about this place. If you're not too swamped with other pressing tasks, could we talk? I'll explain to the higher-ups.
At her words, Eltras's face brightened up instantly.
A while later, after some general tidying up, Karia was checking the ledger and listening to Eltras in the darkened library, inspecting everything she could. It seemed there were a considerable number of donations from the Imperial princess.
The interior was disheveled.
The bookshelves were a mess.
The books themselves were all over the place.
The lending records were extremely disorganized. After burying her face in her hands for a few seconds, she let out a deep sigh from the bottom of her heart.
What a . . . miserable excuse for a library . . . !
Eek! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!
No, um, it's fine, really. Sorry, I didn't mean to lose my cool . . . but I need you to comprehend that a library isn't just about housing lots of books.
Y-yeah, I think I understand. You're talking about classification, right?
Exactly. I mean, it's only been about twenty years since books started being mass produced, so some disarray is understandable. But as it stands, patrons can't even locate the books they need. They have no idea when the book they want to borrow will be back in circulation. If this continues, we won't be able to draw in new visitors, and we'll just be stuck with old regulars.
I-I've been trying to maintain a record of the books people borrow, but the actual number checked out doesn't add up at all . . .
In this condition, the books won't reach the people who need them. You got that?
Urr, you're right.
Eltras managed to mumble a response. Karia nodded approvingly. Her concerns were getting through.
All right, let's begin there. Cataloging the books, then classifying and shelving them, identifying unknown books, enforcing the rules . . . hahaha. Wow, we certainly have our work cut out for us . . . I'm counting on you, Eltras.
B-but this library . . . has thirty thousand books . . .
Like I said, I'm counting on you.
Karia flashed a grin.
She reciprocated with a teary-eyed smile.
