After finishing the sixtieth book, Velin lay weakly across the desk, watching the sixty-first book slowly descend before him.
When it landed on the desk, it automatically flipped open to the first page.
Staring at the densely packed text, Velin braced himself with both hands and sat upright, preparing to begin another round of study.
Suddenly, someone knocked on the study door.
Hearing the sound just as he was about to begin his explanation, Kyle waved a hand to disperse the panel formed from magical power and stepped back beside the desk.
Only then did Velin notice Kyle's actions and flop back onto the desk.
"Come in."
Outside the study, Head Maid Hilda pushed open the door at his words. Before she even entered, she saw her master's utterly lifeless expression.
After meeting his gaze for a second, Hilda swiftly lowered her head. She stopped ten meters from the desk, placed her hands over her abdomen, and bowed. "Master, an envoy from the Church of Life has arrived."
"Have Belder..."
Velin stopped midway through his sentence. He abruptly sat up, suppressed the joy in his heart, and asked, "Invite them to Star Moon Fort. I'll receive them personally."
"Yes, Master."
Hilda bowed, then left the study.
As the door closed, Kyle returned to the desk and re-formed the magical panel. He stared at his lord with an obvious purpose.
Meeting Kyle's resolute gaze, Velin opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately remained silent. He obediently picked up the book and continued studying.
An hour and forty minutes later, Velin was sprawled across the desk again, watching the sixty-second book being placed before him.
"My lord, at your current pace, you'll need to speed up."
"I know," Velin replied weakly.
He accelerated his studies while eagerly awaiting the