For whom? The whispered phrase echoed in Emma's mind, pulling her thoughts into a tangled web of possibilities.

Her feet moved automatically, carrying her along the path she had promised to follow. She shook her head, trying to dismiss the nagging curiosity and rising sense of unease. Safety comes first, she told herself, clinging to the reassurance of that decision.

But as she walked, the tension refused to leave her. Her thoughts swirled in frantic circles. “All the traps have been set”? What traps? Are they meant for the elf princess? Is someone planning an attack during the royal bookstore’s opening?

The very idea made her chest tighten. If something happened to the princess, would the opening be canceled? The thought filled her with a selfish dread. I can’t let that happen. If the bookstore doesn’t open, I won’t be able to get new books!

Her steps slowed as she debated with herself. Should I tell someone? But who would believe a girl who overheard a fragment of a conversation? And besides, I can’t even speak the Eldan properly yet.

Her eyes darted to the glowing street around her as the tension in the air seemed to press down on her. A flicker of yearning crossed her mind. If only I had awakened. Things would be so different.

She sighed, forcing herself to pick up her pace. No, just get back to Mom. Later, you can figure out what to do.

When she finally reached the waiting line, the sight of her mother brought a wave of relief. She jogged to Vivian’s side, noticing the line had thinned significantly.

“Mom, did some people leave?” Emma asked, her voice low but curious.

Vivian glanced down at her with a calm expression. “Yes,” she replied. “Some grew impatient and left. They couldn’t wait any longer.”

Emma nodded thoughtfully, joining her mother in line. The knowledge that they were closer to entering eased some of the tension knotting in her stomach.

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Minutes passed, and then—finally—the guards opened the doors for the next group. As Emma and Vivian stepped inside, Emma’s breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening with awe.

The interior of the Royal Bookstore was nothing short of magnificent.

Towering shelves stretched high into the vaulted ceiling, their edges adorned with intricate carvings of mythical beasts and celestial patterns. The shelves were made from a dark, polished wood that shimmered faintly, as though infused with starlight. Books of every imaginable size and color filled the space, their spines glowing softly with enchanted sigils. Some floated gently in the air, suspended by invisible magic, while others rearranged themselves on the shelves as if alive.

A central chandelier dominated the ceiling, its crystal arms radiating a soft golden light that danced like living flames. Suspended within the chandelier’s heart was an enormous orb of pure mana, casting delicate rainbows across the room.

The air hummed faintly with energy, carrying the faint scent of aged parchment and blooming flowers. Golden ivy crept along the walls, its leaves shimmering like molten metal as it swayed gently in an unseen breeze.

Pathways lined with glowing runes wound through the vast hall, guiding visitors to various sections. Signs floated above the pathways, changing language to accommodate each passerby. Emma’s eyes darted to one that read Ancient Histories in elegant Elven script before shifting to another labeled Magical Bestiaries.

Clusters of floating reading pods hovered above the floor, each surrounded by a translucent bubble of soundproof magic. Readers inside lounged on plush cushions, entirely engrossed in their books. Overhead, a network of shimmering bridges connected the upper levels, their railings adorned with more of the golden ivy.

A soft, melodic chime resonated through the space, signaling new arrivals. Emma caught glimpses of magical creatures moving through the crowd—a miniature phoenix perched on a man’s shoulder, its feathers glowing softly, and a sentient stack of scrolls rolling past on tiny, enchanted wheels.

Her gaze was drawn to a massive mural covering one wall, depicting a scene of legendary battles and epic tales. The mural shifted subtly as if alive, the figures moving through their stories. In one corner, a mage conjured a storm of fire, while a knight on the opposite end parried a dragon’s strike.

Emma’s mouth fell open, her heart swelling with exhilaration. “This…” she whispered, unable to tear her eyes away.

Vivian chuckled softly beside her, clearly amused by her daughter’s reaction.

Emma’s thoughts swirled with wonder as she took it all in. The grandeur, the magic, the sheer volume of knowledge contained within these walls—it was overwhelming.

This is it, she thought, a giddy smile spreading across her face. This is heaven. The heaven of books.