The Elestar: Zero

"You've picked up on quite a lot," Master said.

"Yeah… I noticed something strange. There aren't many servants here. I've only seen five so far. For a noble estate, that's… odd. I mean, I always imagined places like this to be full of people. Maids, butlers, guards…"

"You're starting to think critically. That's good."

"It's thanks to you, Master."

"Then I have a task for you," he said, looking me straight in the eyes. "Take it seriously."

"I will."

"Stay close to Anna. Get to know her. Be around her as much as possible. I'll keep watching over the estate."

"Understood, Master."

—

After our training ended, I returned to the library. Something told me Anna would be there again. I wasn't sure why, but I had a feeling.

And I was right. She was sitting there, quietly reading.

[Looks like I found her. Guess it's time to do what Master asked.]

"Hey. How are you feeling?" I said as I approached.

"Hello," she replied softly, then fell silent again.

"Mind if I sit here and read, too?"

She glanced at me over her book but didn't say anything.

"I'll take that as a yes," I said, picking a random book off the shelf and sitting nearby.

We both sat quietly for a while, flipping through pages. The stillness wasn't uncomfortable, but it didn't really help me get to know her either.

Eventually, I started to get bored. Just sitting and reading wouldn't get me any closer to her.

So, I tried to break the silence.

"What are you reading?"

As expected, she didn't answer. But I wasn't ready to give up yet. I stood and walked over to take a closer look at her book.

She immediately shut it, hiding both the cover and the pages. But not fast enough—I caught a glimpse of pictures. Herbs. Magical beasts. Notes about their healing properties.

"You're into healing magic?"

"…No," she said after a pause.

"Then why the books? Are you trying to treat someone?"

"Yes."

"The Duke, right? You're trying to help him."

[The look on her face told me I was right. She's doing this for her grandfather.]

"I want to save him," she said quietly. "He's the only family I have left. I don't want to lose him. So I'm doing everything I can."

"I get it," I nodded. "I don't have parents either. So I understand what it's like… to give everything for the last person you care about."

She nodded.

"But…" I hesitated. "There are things in this world we can't change. Even if we try our hardest… we're powerless sometimes."

She frowned. "So you're saying I should give up?"

"No," I said quickly. "I'm saying… do everything you can. Leave nothing behind. Fight for him. That's all. I don't know why, but those words just came to me. And… I want you to know—you're a good person. I like that about you."

She froze—and her face turned bright red.

[Huh? Is she sick?]

Worried, I reached out and touched her forehead.

"Are you alright? You're burning up. Do you have a fever?"

Just then, Suna walked into the library. She clearly overheard everything but pretended not to.

"Attu, it's time for dinner."

"Suna, I think Anna might have a fever. You should give her something," I said and left the room.

"I'll take care of her," she called after me and rushed to Anna.

Anna had her head buried in the book, face red as a tomato.

"So? How was your first kiss?" Suna whispered mischievously.

"What?!" Anna gasped, eyes wide.

"Did Attu kiss you?"

"No! Of course not! What are you talking about?!"

"Then why are you blushing?"

"He just… he just touched my forehead to check if I had a fever."

"Boring. I was hoping for something more exciting."

"Nothing happened! And don't even joke about it!"

"Relax~ Things always start slow. First the forehead. Then the hand. Then maybe a shoulder. One day you'll both be holding each other."

"No way! I won't let him get that close!"

"We'll see," Suna laughed. "Now let's eat. You haven't even had breakfast. Come on, strong girls are attractive. I think Attu already likes you."

Anna stared down at the book on the table and blushed again.

[Does he… actually like me?]

—

The day faded into night. Once again, I returned to the library.

And just like before, Anna was there.

I entered quietly and started browsing the shelves. I was hoping to find something interesting—maybe a book on magic or swordsmanship.

But nothing caught my eye.

[What kind of books are these? "Miguel de Cervantes: Don Quixote"... yeah, that's definitely foreign. "The Adventures of Robin Hood"… no author? Weird.]

"Hey," I asked, "are there any books here about fighting or magic?"

"I don't know. Maybe. I never looked for that stuff."

So I kept searching until one book stood out.

The History of Humankind.

I grabbed it, placed it on the table, and started reading.

"What did you pick?" Anna asked.

"Something called The History of Humankind."

"Oh, I know that one. It talks about famous kings, powerful mages, and legendary Elestars."

"Sounds interesting."

I flipped to the first page. It began with the First Emperor.

[Name: Unknown

Lived: Unknown

Title: Emperor (commonly referred to as the First Emperor)

Origin: Unknown

Magic Specialty: Elestar

Not much is known about him. If that's true, how do they even know he existed? Hmm, let's keep reading…

'Very little is known about this man. However, some records claim he was the first to unite humanity and form a great empire. He's also credited with creating the Elestar magic system we know today. Some historians estimate he lived around 10,000 years ago.']

[Wait… didn't Master say it was a hundred thousand years ago? Is the book wrong—or was he? I'll ask.]

"Anna, when did the First Emperor live?"

"The books I've read say… about ten thousand years ago."

"Huh. Got it."

I kept reading. I couldn't understand everything—some parts were way over my head—but I still learned a lot.

There were mages powerful enough to defeat demon kings, legendary Elestars who shaped history, and not just the First Emperor—three others after him, each a legend in their own time.

The book was amazing. Full of stories, names, and power. When I finally closed it, I turned to Anna…

And realized she had fallen asleep beside me.

She was resting her head on a book, breathing softly.

She looked peaceful. Almost fragile.

I didn't want her to get cold, so I gently draped my cloak over her shoulders.

Then, without saying a word, I turned and left the library.

Back to my room.