Published: July 3, 2025
Ryo was in the restricted library of the North Library.
Since adventurers below b-rank are not allowed to enter the restricted library, he was, of course, not alone.
Sitting next to him was an elf woman with stunning beauty, who had her platinum blonde hair lightly tied back. That was Sera.
Originally, even with the accompaniment of a b-rank or higher, it was not permitted for someone without qualifications to enter the restricted library.
However, the reason Ryo was allowed to enter this time was that Sera had obtained special permission directly from the lord.
The purpose was for Sera to browse a certain bundle of parchments related to alchemy that she had found in the restricted library while Ryo was out on a request in the City of Whitnash.
Books, documents, and other materials inside the restricted library cannot be taken outside.
Considering that, the only way for Ryo to see the bundle of parchments was to enter the restricted library with special permission.
After glancing through the bundle, Ryo lifted his face.
"This is truly fascinating."
"Right? I thought so and went to tell you..."
"Sorry, I was out on a bodyguard request."
During the thirteen days Ryo was away from the city on a bodyguard request in the City of Whitnash, Sera had kindly come to inform the Guild about this bundle.
He could only express his gratitude.
"No, no, it's fine. Don't worry about it."
Sera's profile as she said this looked just a little proud to Ryo.
"Okay, then I'll take some notes."
With that, Ryo began to lay out the stack of paper, pen, and ink he had brought on the desk.
"Since it's on parchment, it can't be 'transcribed.' If it were on paper, it would have been easy."
Sera said with a disappointed expression.
"…Huh?"
"…Hmm?"
Ryo asked back with a strange voice, and Sera also repeated her question.
It seemed there was some problem with their communication.
"Did you just mention something about transcription?"
"I said something about transcription."
Just a slight change in the intonation could drastically change the meaning… words are indeed difficult.
"If this were drawn on paper, then it could be immediately copied onto another sheet using 'transcription'?"
"Yes, it can be copied. The way you said that, Ryo, indicates you don't know about the transcription spell."
Finally understanding, Sera smiled brightly.
(For this smile, I wouldn’t mind repeating 'I don't know about transcription' multiple times…)
Ryo's thoughts became chaotic.
But he used his willpower to bring them back to focus.
"Yes. I don't know about transcription spells…"
"Ryo is interesting. You seem to know a lot and be quite strong, yet you don't know the basics."
"Is transcription a basic thing…?"
Hearing that, Ryo finally solved one mystery.
The paper that is often found at the adventurers' guild… the explanation sheet that Nina showed him when he registered as an adventurer… all of them were copies made through 'transcription.'
That is why they could exist in such large quantities.
In the world of Fai, magic took the place of printing.
Thinking about it, it might be obvious.
If there is such an incredibly convenient 'tool' as 'magic,' then traditional printing wouldn't have emerged.
"Can I use that transcription spell as well?"
"Mm, I wonder. It’s attributeless magic, but interestingly, it seems some people are suited for it while others aren’t. So, when doing commercial activities in the city, you’d typically ask a Copy Shop for help."
It seemed there were printing companies in this world as well…
"Ah! If anyone can transcribe, then I wouldn't need to buy books at such high prices..."
"Well, that's illegal."
It seemed there were copyright-like laws in this world as well…
"After all, it’s better to properly buy and read books. That’s for the authors' sake."
"Yes, I will do that."
Since Ryo nodded sincerely, Sera smiled brightly.
After managing to copy down the notes and taking a breath, Ryo decided to ask Sera a question he had been pondering.
"I've been wondering for a while, but Sera, you often come to the library, right?"