Chapter 10 - The Limit is Three Days

――The Great Library Pleiades.

That is the official name of the tower that Shaula mentioned when she first invited Subaru and the others here.

Given that she doesn't seem the type to come up with such sophisticated words herself, she had probably been taught it by her "Master" who had ordered her to manage the tower.

She had learned these terms and explanations in that manner, and had diligently remembered them for four hundred years, finally getting to reveal them at that moment.

And now―,

“―The Great Library Pleiades, this is its ‘Books of the Dead’ library, ‘Taigeta.’”

As Ezzo said this, spreading his arms wide, there stood row after row of bookshelves behind him. The shelves were arranged in a circular pattern around the central staircase from the lower four levels, forming dozens upon dozens of rows.

Even considering the considerable circumference of the Pleiades Watchtower, the space used here couldn’t possibly fit; there must have been some sort of spatial expansion magic at work.

“With Yin magic, it's not impossible. But to configure a spell to last for hundreds of years without a practitioner to maintain it—that takes skill beyond human capability.”

Beatrice responded with a solemn face to the question Subaru held.

Being the Great Spirit of the Yin attribute, it was natural that she could sense the advanced magic placed on the tower and feel uneasy about it.

In any case―,

“――――”

Visiting the library for the first time, Garfiel and Petra widened their eyes without a word, astonished by the sheer number of bookshelves—no, the overwhelming number of books, in other words, the “Books of the Dead.”

It was no wonder. When Subaru first learned the true nature of the books in this “Taigeta,” even though he understood it theoretically, the sheer multitude of the deceased left him speechless.

“Are all of these...books of people who...died?”

Petra muttered in a voice barely audible, stunned.

Subaru found this reaction natural for her, whose eyes wandered slightly from shock. Lately, Petra had shown remarkable composure, facing any situation with a maturity that could rival adults. She had even briskly dealt with the “sand time” that troubled many challengers to the Augria Sand Dunes.

Petra found it impossible to remain calm in the presence of the alien atmosphere of 'Taigeta.'

"――ッ"

The same was true for Garfiel, who was looking around the library, making small noises in his throat. Rather, among their camp, he, who was straightforward in confronting matters alongside Emilia, might have been more overwhelmed by the vast number of books than by the solemnity of the 'Books of the Dead' and its eerie nature. Incidentally, the experience of witnessing the army of corpses—the resurrection and subsequent deaths of a large number of the dead—in the Vollachian Empire just before might have further intensified this feeling.

The reactions of Petra and Garfiel were also a concern for Subaru. However, the person he was most concerned about was the individual who, like the other two, had come here for the first time with a purpose—

"――――"

Letting out a small breath, Al looked around the library, moving his neck gradually. His reaction was more subdued than Petra's, and his neck movements were slower than Garfiel's as he looked around the library, but that slowness created a tension. Seeing his demeanor even made Subaru hesitate to speak, his mouth going dry.

But during his moment of hesitation—

"I can't read it," Al nonchalantly said as he approached one of the bookshelves, naturally pulled out a book, and opened it while leaning on his elbow with practiced ease. His actions were so unhesitant and natural that Subaru's reaction was delayed.

"Wait, wait, wait! Don't dive right in! You'll scare me!"

"Uh… oh, sorry. When it appeared right in front of me, I just went for it."

"You aren't scared to dive right into something unknown!?"

While saying this, Subaru hastily took the book from Al's hands. He was greatly surprised by Al's quick actions and simultaneously was reminded of just how precarious Al could be. Throughout their journey, Al had not outwardly expressed much, but his strong desire to seek the book was evident.

He wanted to show understanding but couldn’t let reckless behavior go unchecked.

"I told you before, the books here pack a lot more punch than you imagine. I almost ended up like Meili."

“What kind of joke is that!? Don’t say scary things like that!”

Meili, who had her name mentioned, raised a voice of protest, but this was not Subaru's joke or anything but the terrible sense of reality that the "Book of the Dead" possessed. 

During a previous journey, in one of the cycles where Meili lost her life—at that time, Subaru read Meili’s “Book of the Dead,” which placed a significant mental burden on him, immersing him deeply in her life to the extent that he harbored a heavy sense of her existence within himself. Honestly, it wouldn't be an understatement to say that Subaru's sense of familiarity and affection towards Meili, which even surprised her, was due to the influence of the “Book of the Dead.” If it was said that people feel familiarity through empathy and understanding, then the “Book of the Dead” was the ultimate matchmaker.

However, under normal circumstances with the “Book of the Dead,” the opportunity to reunite with a deceased person in a living state would never arise, so such a development could only happen to Subaru.

“Therefore, handle it with care. You might lose yourself.”

"Losing oneself, huh. …In a way, that might be desirable."

“Al…”

“I’m joking, just joking. A lousy joke that isn't even funny.”

Subaru's cheeks tightened at Al's painful words which sounded somewhat desperate. Hoping it would serve as a chance for revival, Subaru had listened to Al's request and brought him to the tower. However, the uncertainty grew stronger whether it was just harsh treatment that might deepen the wounds instead.

"As just advised by Lord Natsuki, let's consider Al's careless acts as already reprimanded. But please ensure that Garfiel and Petra remain cautious. If they haphazardly fall under the influence of the book, indelible scars could be left on their hearts."

Behind the exchange between Subaru and Al, Ezzo warned the newcomers. Ezzo's words carried nuances that only someone who had experienced the feedback of the “Book of the Dead,” just like Subaru, could convey. Undoubtedly, he too, like Subaru and Julius, was one who had touched the “Book of the Dead”—

"Wounds inflicted on the heart, although often underestimated, are troublesome. They cannot be healed by magic, and because they aren’t visible from the outside, they are often taken lightly. Moreover, the miasma is strong in this area, making people more prone to depression. If anything happens, be sure to report to me, the elder, immediately."

"Ah, thank you, Mr. Ezzo…"

"As the eldest, you are commendable, Lord Ezzo. I remember well when you read the 'Book of the Dead' for the first time, you rolled your eyes, foamed at the mouth, and wet yourself."

"Lady Flam!? We agreed not to talk about that!"

"You were convulsing in the library, and I rolled my eyes as well."

Ezzo, who was confidently beating his own chest, had his blunder revealed by Flam, his supposed ally, and his eyes widened. Upon hearing Ezzo’s tale, Petra, who had been looking at him with respect, started to give him a cloudy look, “Mr. Ezzo...?”

In response to the girl's look, Ezzo frantically gestured, saying,

"Ah, no, that's not it! I mean, it’s not quite wrong, but Flam’s story is too extreme! True, in the beginning, I was not able to endure it and fainted, but since I learned the knack for reading, I haven’t shown such failures!"

"A knack for reading? Is there even such a thing?"

"There is! To put it simply, you empty your mind. Close your heart. If you place yourself in such a mindset, you can recognize the incoming information merely as information.”

"You’re saying it like it's easy, but I don’t get it no matter how many times I hear it."

Nodding her head slowly in disbelief, Flam turned to others for agreement. But Petra, Garfiel, Meili, and even Subaru and Beatrice didn't understand either.

At their lack of favorable response, Ezzo was left stunned, thinking, “Impossible...!”

Regardless of Ezzo's shock, if he truly succeeded in protecting his mind and reading the 'Book of the Dead' as he claimed, it would be astonishing.

Since Subaru had actually read the 'Book of the Dead', he knew how absurd it was. Frankly, even hearing Ezzo’s tips, Subaru couldn’t believe he could do the same.

“You see, being reckless can lead to irreparable consequences. So, um, it’s best to...”

“Avoid touching any book other than the one we need. Got it. I’ll take your advice. Besides, we made it to the tower without trouble thanks to our brothers. I won’t complain.”

“...Well, if you understand that, then it’s fine.”

While speaking, Subaru returns the book he received from Al to the bookshelf. The name on the spine belongs to someone unknown, but he handles it with the care one might show a gravestone.

Indeed, "The Books of the Dead" can feel similar to gravestones and tombstones. That's likely why making noise or causing a disturbance here feels strangely off-putting.

At any rate—

"Finding the specific book among this vast number is going to be quite a challenge. It's best to settle in for a long search. After all, books are probably still being added to these shelves even as we speak," added Ezzo.

Ezzo's remark conveyed the difficulty of navigating this endless sea of books, a challenge quite different from crossing the sand sea and with no guaranteed success strategy.

△▼△▼△▼△

"I am Volcanica. By the ancient covenant, I will question the will of those who reach the top."

A large, solemn voice that could stir the soul of anyone who heard it—a voice belonging to something on a different plane of existence.

With the bright blue sky as its backdrop, a majestic dragon—‘Divine Dragon’—perched at the top of a towering spire, and Garfiel stood in stunned silence before its imposing presence.

This was not Garfiel's first time facing a dragon.

In fact, during the recent "Great Calamity" of the Vollachia Empire, Garfiel, entrusted by Subaru and others, faced the "Cloud Dragon" Mezoreia head-on and fought against it.

The nature of that battle was quite intense. Garfiel did not consider himself to have fully won against the "Cloud Dragon."

Still, the fact and pride that he wasn't defeated remained strong within Garfiel.

Dragons in this world are synonymous with the supreme beings, standing at the top of a hierarchical ranking that includes humans, demi-humans, magical beasts, and spirits.

Having faced one of the pinnacle beings head-to-head, Garfiel felt as though he had broken through a personal barrier.
However—

"You, who have reached the top of this tower. The omnipotent petitioner who steps on the first layer."

Leisurely resting its wings at the top of the tower was the blue-white glowing 'Divine Dragon' Volcanica. It was of a clearly different dimension, a fact understood instinctively, than the 'Cloud Dragon' Mezoreia.

It wasn't something evident from their appearances, but the difference in years of being a 'dragon' between Volcanica and Mezoreia was like that between an adult and a child.

"...Last time, I didn't have the leisure to take a good look, but it's really amazing," Subaru remarked in awe while looking up at the dragon, just like Garfiel.

At the previous Pleiades Watchtower, Subaru had been sent to the Empire without a moment's peace. The awe he felt before Volcanica wouldn't be much different from Garfiel's.

After all, Emilia had fought with this very Volcanica.

"Lady Emilia was really reckless..."

"Absolutely, Betty didn't feel alive at that time. Not only Emilia, but Subaru, Ram, Anastasia, and everyone had a hard time..."

"At that time, you really worried Beatrice to death, thank you," Subaru said with a solemn expression, recalling those events as he patted Beatrice's head.

What was spoken was true; it wasn't a matter that could be conveyed with a peaceful scene. Subaru had lost his memory, Meili had betrayed them, and there had been clashes with the 'Sage' and 'Gluttony.'

"If I had been there, the boss wouldn't have been sent flying to the Empire..."

"Do you mean to say that Garfiel could handle problems that Betty and Emilia couldn't?" Beatrice quipped.

"Uh, no, I didn't mean it like that..."

"It was a pretty joke from Betty. She understands well," Beatrice laughed at Garfiel, who had panicked about his careless words.

Garfiel felt relieved and Subaru continued, "Everyone was really worried. I can't say it's good that I was sent away, but thinking that the Empire might have perished if we hadn't been there..."

"It's hard to say 'all's well that ends well.' Considering Al's feelings and all."

"Not only him. Schult and the old man, too."

Subaru scratches his cheek with his finger, and Beatrice and Garfiel continue the conversation from there.

In Garfiel's mind, the image of their camp falling apart after Priscilla's disappearance surfaces.

Al is seeking the "Book of the Dead" while Heinkel is absent. Even Schult, who is usually the most positive, is trying his best to pull himself together but is a wreck. Leaving everything to Roswaal alone was too worrisome, so Frederica is staying with them to ease the burden.

If only they could each help move one item, one person, forward.

"Sorry to trouble you, boss. I've always wanted to see the 'Divine Dragon' once."

"It's not something you need to apologize for. If you know a famous person is staying on the upper floors of your hotel, it's only natural to feel curious. Well, going to meet them might be a breach of etiquette. Is this possibly overstepping?"

"No one has any reason to blame us. If anyone has the right to scold, it's the dragon itself. But—"

『――I am Volcanica. By the ancient covenant, I will question the will of those who reach the summit.』

"Just like that."

Beatrice shrugged at the ambiguity of Volcanica's response.

Garfiel was also skeptical, but upon meeting Volcanica, he realized it was true that the passage of a long, long time had made the world unclear for the dragon. Nevertheless, the extraordinary presence it exuded was the reason it was an exceptional 'dragon.'

Anyways—

"It’s clear again that there are always those above us. I need to avoid any misunderstandings."

"...You are strong, Garfiel. Among the people I know, you'd be one of the first I'd count from the top."

"My role is to make sure I'm at the very top, right?"

Garfiel confirmed his footing and lightly jabbed Subaru in the chest, reassuring him that he wasn't discouraged. Subaru let out a small "ug" and nodded tearfully.
As they were talking—

"—Oh, so you were here at the 'Divine Dragon's' place."

From the stairs, Ezzo came up to join them.
Ezzo looked at Garfiel, Subaru, and then at Volcanica beyond them.

"Of course we are. While the mysteries of this tower indeed stir one's spirit, the 'Divine Dragon' Volcanica, an irreplaceable being in the foundation of the current Kingdom of Lugunica, is also a subject of immense interest!"

"Haha, I might have a different perspective from Ezzo-san, but I admire dragons too. Volcanica is too huge, but being a dragon rider is a boy's dream."

"Dragon rider...!? Boss, you've got to tell me more about that later."

"Sure. That said, it's just like the 'Wyvern Riders' of the Empire."

Hearing the term Subaru mentioned while nodding, Garfiel's intuition was piqued. He sensed it was something incredibly cool and exciting.

As Garfiel and the others conversed, Ezzo touched his chin and tilted his head.

"I see. I thought we could discuss the significance of the 'Divine Dragon' from a historical and scholarly perspective, but perhaps another time. —Now then, Natsuki-dono, as requested, I've given Al-dono a detailed explanation of the library. For now, Miss Flam is with him."

"Thanks, that helps. I haven't really had a proper talk with Flam-chan yet, but is that okay?"

"No need to worry. She is the type of person who clearly states her dislikes. Though, it is a bit concerning for a servant to be so vocal at times..."

"I'm used to maids who say what they dislike."

"Yes, indeed."

At Beatrice's comment, Garfiel and Subaru exchanged glances and nodded.

The woman Garfiel admired, who had a strong self-awareness, was certainly someone who could express her opinions clearly, regardless of her position as a maid. He liked that.

Thinking about it, Flam was the same. Perhaps women with pink hair were strong.

"By the way, Miss Flam has a twin sister named Miss Grassis. Not only do they look alike, but their personalities are also very similar, which is troublesome."

"Over at Felt's place, they've got diverse characters like Rom-ji and Tonchinkan. Ezzo-san, how did you end up with Felt?"

"Once, I was indebted to Miss Felt and Sir Reinhard. Thanks to that connection, they looked after me and took me in."

"If that's the case, it was a good find. Like our Otto."

The term "lucky find" is something Otto himself often uses, but the common point between Otto and Ezzo would be their greenish attribute. For Otto, it's his clothes, and for Ezzo, it's his hair.

A green-colored "lucky find" is excellent and reliable. Garfiel thought so and couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

"You seem to be in a pleasant mood, Garfiel-dono."

"It's nothing, just something trivial. Besides, being called 'dono' feels ticklish to me. It sounds so grandiose."

"Is that so? I don't feel that way, but if you say so, I will call you Garfiel-kun, as I do with Rachins’' group."

"Hey, we've known each other a long time. That'll do."

Garfiel waved his hand lightly, and Ezzo nodded, saying, "Understood."

As Garfiel and Ezzo exchanged words, Subaru alternated looking at them and said,

"You two know each other, right? From where?"

"The 'Priestella Incident'... when the Witch Cult, led by Sin Archbishops, attacked the watergate city. I was called into the city by Lady Felt for the post-incident cleanup. That's where I met Garfiel-kun and Otto-dono."

"I see, back then..."

"Yeah, there was some trouble that time too, but it's a long story."

That happened while Subaru and his companions had left for the Pleiades Watchtower.

Otto, who needed time to recover from his injuries, stayed behind in Priestella, and Garfiel helped with the city's reconstruction. During that time, he also cooperated in the excavation of the 'Witch's Remains' sealed underground. One of the excavation team members was Ezzo—along with Garfiel, Ricardo, and for some reason, Liliana.

"Just hearing about it, sounds like it must have been chaotic..."

"It was challenging, but it was a time of great learning. Of course, there were numerous occasions when Garfiel-kun helped me. It might sound strange to praise him to his face, but he's a wonderful young man."

"Hehehe, oh, come on."

"It truly is so."

Without any embarrassment, Ezzo's words of praise, spoken with confidence, made Subaru and Beatrice happier than Garfiel. In reality, Garfiel was also aware that Ezzo was not an impractical, headstrong scholar but a highly competent and battle-hardened mage. However, Garfiel felt frustrated because he may end up undervaluing Ezzo due to the close presence of even more outstanding mages.

"—Now, deepening our friendship is not a bad thing, but let's get to the main topic first. It's about Al, who Miss Flam is looking after."

"—. About Al."

"Exactly. There's one thing I'd like to confirm... I suspect that Lord Al's goal is to resurrect Lady Priscilla Barielle. What do you think?"

"Wh-What!?"
"Huh?"

As Ezzo said this while touching his chin, Garfiel and Subaru's voices overlapped.

The sudden appearance of the word "resurrection" leaves at least Garfiel unable to keep up. While Garfiel is confused, Beatrice narrows her round eyes.

"What are you talking about? Resurrection of the dead... If this is about the 'Sacriment of the Immortal King,' I've had enough."

"I heard a bit about that incident in the Empire. While the forbidden technique known as the 'Rite of the Immortal King' is also very intriguing, that's not what I'm referring to right now. What concerns me is the method Lord Natsuki jokingly mentioned earlier."

"A method I mentioned as a joke...?"

"—It's about the pseudo-resurrection of the dead by reading Lady Priscilla Barielle’s 'Book of the Dead' and overwriting oneself with her existence."

"——"

Without any intonation and without mixing unnecessary emotions, Ezzo's words seep into their minds.

Pseudo-resurrection of the dead—Garfiel doesn't fully grasp the content of Ezzo's words. However, it's clear that it's not an absurd fallacy one can laugh off, given Subaru's reaction—stunned, sweating on his forehead.

Without words from Subaru, Ezzo continues as he watches.

"As I mentioned, I've already read about twelve 'Books of the Dead.' According to Miss Flam's statement, my initial clumsy performance was an embarrassing failure. And based on the feeling from back then... it can be argued that the overwriting of the mind is possible."

"…The story that 'memories' almost got mixed up—you've heard that from Subaru too, right? But it's hard to believe that would completely erase the consciousness of the reader."

"If it's the sense of being mixed and stirred, yes. But what if the reader is in a state ready to accept it? If from the beginning they have the mindset that they will disappear, wouldn't the spirit read from the book settle in without resistance?"

"――――"

"Of course, it's just a theoretical idea. I haven't actually tested it. But when considering the motive of someone who lost an important person and seeks the 'Book of the Dead,' this idea came to mind."

As Ezzo spoke his theory at length, an uncharacteristically deep wrinkle of concern formed on Beatrice's brow. Listening beside them, Garfiel didn’t have a chance to interject. He struggled to keep up and felt he had grasped the gist.

However, even if the 'Book of the Dead' poured all the memories and thoughts of the deceased into someone—

"That wouldn't mean they're brought back to life, would it?"

"Oh? And why is that?"

"Because... because, it’s like, the soul! The soul is different. It's not the person in the book."

Garfiel, his head a mess, gritted his fangs and answered this way. He couldn’t provide a proper explanation or rationale. But because he didn’t believe a human was just 'memories' or 'information,' he responded as such. Narrowing his eyes at Garfiel’s answer, Ezzo said,

"Indeed, I share the same opinion as Garfiel."

"…Huh?"

"What’s with that dull face and voice? You're ruining your ruggedness. Stand firm."

Watching Garfiel squeeze out an answer with a troubled expression, Ezzo continued, raising a finger.

"Precisely, Garfiel’s point is on target. Even if the 'Book of the Dead' contained everything about the deceased, even if one could re-experience the accompanying experiences and emotions, even if mental overwriting could occur, it is not the resurrection of the dead. It is the birth of a new being that shares the deceased’s memories, experiences, and feelings."

"A new being that shares memories, experiences, and feelings…"

"I don't consider that true resurrection of the dead. Many might feel that it is, in a sensory sense. Therefore, I want to confirm it.――Would Al desire the resurrection of the dead? If he chooses the 'Book of the Dead' for that purpose, his wish will not come true."

"――――"

"However, if his intent is to keep Lady Priscilla close in his heart, that too is a strategy."

Ezzo slowly shook his head and concluded his thoughts. The thought-provoking manner of his speech made Garfiel clench his teeth, and then he glanced at Subaru. Subaru, who had been the one most concerned with Al's heart and wanting to help in any way, was now listening to Ezzo's words. How would Subaru feel about what Ezzo said?

"Am I an idiot? No, I am an idiot."

"Subaru..."

"Until you mentioned it, I hadn't even considered that possibility. …I simply believed that Al was curious about Priscilla's final thoughts. Moreover, I even hoped that as we searched for the book, things would become clearer..."

Subaru pressed his fist against his forehead, berating himself for not realizing. Seeing this painful self-reproach, Garfiel grabbed the arm pressing against Subaru's forehead.

Hurting oneself in such a way wouldn't bring any relief; Garfiel knew this all too well from the white scar on his own forehead.

"I'm not blaming you for not thinking of it. This use, arriving at this perspective, is something that came to my mind only because I've actually read the 'Book of the Dead' and look at things from multiple angles. Whether Al arrives at the same thought is questionable. But――"

"I understand. I understand, Ezzo. If, by any chance, Al thinks that he can disappear and, by doing so, bring Priscilla back, that won't do."

Clenching his molars tightly, Subaru responded to Ezzo's words with determination in his eyes. Then, looking at Garfiel, who was holding his hand,

"Sorry for making you worry."

"No need to apologize. This time, worrying about you is my job, as I’ve been asked plenty by Otto and Lady Emilia, you know."

"That's another issue entirely."

When Garfiel released his hand and shrugged his shoulders, Subaru gave a wry smile and lowered his shoulders. Then, after a small mutter of "Alright," Subaru...

"As expected, let's avoid discussing this directly with Al. If he hasn't thought of it himself, giving him unnecessary encouragement could have unintended consequences. However, leaving Al alone is not an option."

"If he finds and reads the book he's looking for when he's alone, we won't be able to stop him."

"It's ideal to find the book before he does. Whether or not we show it to him, possessing the book gives us control."

"...I hate even thinking about struggling for control."

"Boss..."

Considering the possibility that Al might overthink things, Subaru weakly muttered during their discussion. Originally, they brought Al to the tower to prevent him from getting overwhelmed. And yet, coming here had ironically become a reason for Al to get overwhelmed—it was putting the cart before the horse.

Garfiel scuffed the tower floor with his foot and cursed the Pleiades Watchtower. Why did the tower keep the memories of the deceased in the form of the "Book of the Dead," causing such distress to those who sought it, and troubling Subaru and the others?

"Is Al currently looking for the book in the library?"

"Yes, he should be."

"What about the girl named Flam we've left with him? What kind of girl is she?"

"She serves Lord Felt... or rather, she's a servant of the Astrea family. Coming from a lineage that serves the Astrea family, she's young but highly capable. I probably couldn't match her without magic."

Garfiel, recalling Flam's posture, agreed with Ezzo's explanation. While he hadn't seen her move swiftly, her posture stood out as exceptionally beautiful—comparable to Ram's perfect stance. While her abilities might not match Ram exactly, working for the Astrea family hinted at significant competence.

"Al is likely searching for the book day and night. I intend to propose dividing our efforts to help him... What's the stay duration at the tower?"

"Three days. Al is aware of this."

Three days. That was the originally designated duration of their stay at the Pleiades Watchtower.

In those three days, even if they didn't find Priscilla's "Book of the Dead," Al would leave the tower and return to the Barielle territory, where he would stay by Schult's side.

Therefore, Subaru's wish was to create an opportunity for Al to regain his composure within that timeframe, and on this point, Garfiel was in agreement with him.

"I hope these three days will be used positively for Al.

And make sure it's not used for anything else—"

"This is something I have to do here."

Garfiel strongly clenched his fist until his bones creaked, firmly resolving his duty.
To fulfill what was entrusted to him by Emilia, Frederica, Otto, Ram, and Rem, who were not present here. And, of course, by Roswaal as well.

"—Thou who has reached the pinnacle of the tower. Thou who treads the first layer, almighty petitioner."

Thus, Garfiel and the others, who had resolved to erase any ominous possibilities, were watched over by the eyes of the "Divine Dragon" with unchanged ambiguity, as if it was unclear what it was gazing at.