Inside the dimly lit study, Father sat behind a mountain of paperwork that looked like it could collapse with the slightest breeze. He looked stressed, running a hand through his blonde hair as he muttered something under his breath.
"Arrgh," he groaned, slamming a pile of documents onto the desk. "I hate paperwork."
He glanced over at the tall grandfather clock ticking in the corner. "Bradly, how much longer until my break?"
From the shadows near the clock, Bradly emerged like a ghost in a perfectly pressed suit, his silver hair glinting in the dim light.
"Your first break is lunch, Master. Just one more hour," he replied, calm and composed as ever.
The door creaked open, and Adam stepped inside. "Hi, Father," he said, offering a polite bow.
Luka looked up, smirking like he'd just been handed an excuse to stop working.
"What brings my son to my humble study at this hour?"
"I was wondering if I could borrow Bradly to help me find some books."
Bradly turned. "Young Master, was the librarian not available to assist you?"
Adam blinked. "Wait—what? Librarian? I didn't see anyone. I was completely alone in there."
Bradly looked genuinely surprised. "I will introduce you to the librarian, Young Master," he said with a bow.
Adam paused. A librarian? He'd spent an entire hour wandering that massive library without seeing a soul.
"Alright, Bradly. Let's go."
Bradly nodded, and Adam followed him through the long marble hallways back to the grand double doors of the library.
"Bradly, who exactly is this librarian?"
As Bradly opened the door and sunlight flooded the room through tall windows, he said, "Your father, Lord Luka, has a contracted spirit tasked with maintaining the library."
Adam's eyes lit up. A contracted spirit? That sounded amazing.
They walked past towering shelves under a grand chandelier that fractured sunlight into shimmering rainbows.
"Her name is Ruth. Call her, and she will appear," Bradly said.
"So all I have to do is call her name?"
"Yes, Young Master. Just call her name and she shall appear."
Adam turned toward the center of the library. "Ruth, come here," he called.
After a pause, a gentle flash of light filled the space—and then, floating midair, was a black cat with a monocle.
She hovered beside Bradly, tail swaying as she sniffed the air.
"How's it going, Bradly? Oh—" she stopped and looked at Adam. "Who's the kid?"
She started circling him, her nose twitching. "Sniff... sniff..."
"Ruth, control yourself. That is Lord Luka's son, Adam. Don't inspect him like a dog," Bradly said firmly.
Ruth froze mid-sniff. "Y-You're joking, right? Luka doesn't have a kid!"
Adam sighed. Why did everyone keep reacting like that?
"Do you think I would joke about something so serious?" Bradly said. "Adam is Lord Luka's adopted son—and your new master."
He stepped forward, removing his monocle with a quiet intensity.
"He came here looking for books, unaware of your presence. Care to explain?"
Ruth's ears drooped. She looked panicked. "I'm dead. I'm absolutely dead. Wait—! That was him earlier! I thought he was just some curious kid!"
"U-Um, Bradly, let's not be hasty. I didn't know he was the kid!"
Bradly didn't flinch. "So, you saw him struggling, watched him search aimlessly, and did nothing. Even though that is your purpose?"
Adam sighed again. Worst. Librarian. Ever.
"As punishment for your negligence, you may only add one book to the library per week."
"That's u-unfair, Bradly!" Ruth cried, collapsing dramatically.
"Actions have consequences, Ruth," Bradly replied coldly.
"Please! Not the books! Anything but the books!"
"Help the Young Master and do your job. Do it well, and I may lift your punishment."
She perked up. "You really mean it?"
"Then stop whining and get to work. He's been waiting."
Ruth floated over to Adam and cleared her throat. "How can I help you, Young Master?"
Adam's focus returned. He had come here for a reason.
"I was looking for some beginner books on magic crafting."
"Then I shall retrieve Raphael's Guide to Beginner Magic Crafting," she said with newfound energy.
In a flash, she disappeared—then reappeared with a floating book beside her.
"Here you are, Young Master."
Adam reached up and grabbed the hovering book. Levitation magic? That was awesome.
The title read:
"Magic Crafting for Beginners"
Not the most creative name, but it would do.
"Thanks, Ruth. I appreciate the help. It was nice meeting you," Adam said with a smile.
As Ruth floated back to her shelves, Bradly straightened his cuffs.
"Shall I escort you back to your quarters, Young Master?"
Adam tucked the book under his arm. "No thanks, Bradly. I think I'll stay here a little longer."
The golden sunlight spilled over the ancient tomes and endless shelves. Adam stood there for a moment, taking it all in—the scent of old paper, the hum of magic in the air.