It Turned Out She Wasn't a Favored Concubine - Episode 119

The current director of the Imperial Palace Library was a young genius named Lean Veldro. Appointed as the youngest ever to hold the position, he was only three years older than Loki.

To Loki, who had avoided books all his life, Lean Veldro was not just fascinating—he was downright strange.

Loki couldn’t even look at a book cover without feeling sleepy, so how could someone live surrounded by books all day?

Still, regardless of his doubts, Lean was a close friend of Lady Arne. Trusting that connection, Loki rushed into the Imperial Palace Library and pleaded with Lean.

“…So you’re saying you’ll leave this Transparent Stone here today and return to the Kingdom of Jaren?”

Lean calmly summarized Loki’s explanation and asked again. Loki nodded vigorously.

“That’s right.”

“But wasn’t it you, Sir Loki, who insisted on delaying the date because visiting a library full of books before the Imperial Swordsmanship Tournament would bring bad luck?”

“…”

Loki bit his lower lip.

Lean’s point was valid. Loki had insisted—based on superstition—that he would deliver the Transparent Stone to the library the day after the tournament. This was all his own doing.

The most notable aspect of the mutual lending and joint research agreement between the Imperial Palace Library and the Royal Library of Jaren was, without a doubt, the Transparent Stone.

At the center of the Motus Research Institute, led by Perlo Shanier, promising Motus artisans had recently succeeded in systematizing the highly complex Transparent Stone crafting technique.

Thanks to the Edelheid family’s sponsorship, a specialized Motus crafting school was established. Anyone who completed the appropriate curriculum could now craft Transparent Stones.

Loki, who knew how much Arne—his charge and the Edelheid family’s steward—had dedicated herself to founding the school, naturally expected the first year’s enrollment to exceed capacity.

But reality was different. The inaugural class didn’t even fill half the seats.

Loki watched as Arne, though disappointed, calmly analyzed the reasons behind the low enrollment.

Were the admission requirements too strict? Was the curriculum unreasonable? Were the instructors lacking in skill? Was the tuition too expensive?

None of the above. Anyone with the innate ability to sense Motus could enroll. The curriculum was diverse and tailored to different levels.

The instructors were the best on the continent—actual researchers from Perlo’s institute taught the students. Tuition was reasonable, and financial aid for commoners was solid.

Most importantly, unlike previous Motus, the Transparent Stone had no tier system and no usage limits.

It was a revolutionary technique that anyone would want to learn. So why weren’t people enrolling?

The problem was that the Transparent Stone and the idea of learning in a public institution were too groundbreaking.

People couldn’t accept the existence of the Transparent Stone. Even if they heard rumors, they dismissed them as nonsense. Established Motus artisans also played a role, spreading malicious rumors.

Motus artisans traditionally passed down their skills through a closed apprentice system.

Mass-producing artisans through a school threatened their foundation. So they actively sabotaged the school and research institute. Considering all the interference, it was impressive that even half the seats were filled.

“We can’t let petty sabotage stop us.”

Arne considered various ways to highlight the Transparent Stone’s existence. Loki also racked his brain to help.

After much deliberation, they chose mutual lending between libraries.

Arne hoped the Transparent Stone would help people live ordinary, happy lives. She didn’t want it to cause harm or widen the wealth gap.

She didn’t know what the distant future held, but she wanted the Transparent Stone to be introduced as a benevolent tool for public good.

That’s why she chose the library—a place to exchange culture, research, and knowledge.

Lean’s appointment as director, given his close friendship with Arne, also influenced the decision. Lean actively supported placing the Transparent Stone in the library.

Thus, one month before the agreement ceremony, Loki was tasked with delivering the Transparent Stone to the Imperial Palace Library.

Loki, who hated even book covers, hadn’t volunteered. He and the other Edelheid knights played rock-paper-scissors to decide who would go.

Loki lost in the final round by choosing rock alone. Though reluctant, he planned to visit the capital, see friends, and participate in the swordsmanship tournament.

He never imagined things would get so complicated…

“Alright. Since it’s a request from a knight of the Edelheid family, I’ll accept. It’s no loss for us either. But I have one condition.”

There was noise outside. People who had witnessed Loki’s unbelievable duel were swarming the library, searching every corner to find him.

If caught, he’d be stuck for days. Loki quickly nodded.

“You must read a book I recommend and write a review.”

“What?!”

“If you refuse, I’ll have no choice but to tell those noisy guests where you are.”

“I’ll do it.”

“Good. Please send my regards to the Marquis and Lady Arne.”

Lean smiled gently. It was a pure and kind smile, but Loki couldn’t return it. He touched the Transparent Stone with a heavy heart.

“You’re back already?”

Billy, who hadn’t yet left the Motus Research Institute, waved and asked. Loki glared at his friend who had fled first.

“Thanks to you.”

“Impressive escape. You didn’t just ditch the Transparent Stone, did you?”

“I left it safely at the library. Though now I have to read a book…”

“Huh? What’s that about?”

“Long story…”

“Someone got you to read? Whoever it is, they’re amazing.”

“…Yeah, they are.”

Loki sighed and shook his head.

“What about the others?”

“They left first. Be grateful I stayed.”

“Much appreciated.”

“The Marquis wants you to deliver the Transparent Stone to the Royal Library and return to the estate.”

“…So I get scolded twice?”

Loki looked glum as he packed the now dimmed Transparent Stone. The research institute and school were in the capital of Jaren, and the royal palace was within walking distance.

Loki and Billy greeted the palace guards and entered the Royal Library.

“Billy! Loki!”

They looked up at the voice calling them.

And saw the queen, Marian, climbing a ladder three times the height of an average adult.

“Your Majesty!”

They rushed to the base of the ladder.

“That’s dangerous! Please come down!”

“Let me get that book for you.”

Marian replied nonchalantly.

“It’s fine. I’ll come down after grabbing this.”

She reached out while balancing on one foot. The two men panicked.

“You’re with child!”

“Oh… right.”

At Billy’s shout, Marian agreed and climbed down.

“Please be careful. Where are your maids?”

“They’re busy with final preparations. I just wanted to check a familiar book. Anyway, Loki, I heard you won the swordsmanship tournament?”

Marian quickly changed the subject. Loki scratched his head and bowed.

“Sorry for the commotion. What if interest in the library agreement drops because of me?”

“Well, some major announcements leaked early, but the goal was to promote the Transparent Stone, right? So it’s fine.”

Marian shrugged, then tilted her head.

“Though… the emperor’s sudden appearance at the tournament might not sit well.”

“You think so?”

Loki lowered his head. Marian patted his shoulder.

“It’s not your fault. Who could’ve predicted the emperor would show up?”

“Yeah. Don’t worry too much.”

Billy chimed in. As Loki lifted his head, comforted by their support, light shone from Marian’s arms and someone appeared before them.

It was Perlo Shanier.

“What’s going on?”

“Ah! Per—uh, Director!”

Loki let out a strange yelp and corrected his greeting.

Perlo had recently become fond of the title “Director” and insisted everyone use it.

“Oh? Loki. Thanks to you, the institute is flooded with inquiries.”

“S-sorry. I didn’t expect things to blow up before the ceremony…”

“Everyone was bracing for post-ceremony chaos, but you sped things up. The sudden workload has them screaming.”

Perlo crossed his arms and raised his chin.

“You sound like it’s someone else’s problem.”

Marian looked surprised. Perlo smirked.

“Hmph. I don’t need to deal with trivial tasks. The researchers can handle it.”

“Really? Glad you’re free, Director. Then I have another favor.”

“What? I just got my freedom…”

“Help review candidates for our baby’s nanny. You’ll be seeing them often, so they should be prepared for your temperament.”

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