Densely packed bookshelves rose from the floor toward the sky, so tall that steps were needed to reach them. Countless books lined their shelves like branches and leaves sprouting from tree trunks-a whole forest made of books.
The carefully designed gas lamps were set into the walls, casting light that was neither too harsh nor too dim.
Vanessa's mouth slowly fell open, her eyes almost shining. Forgetting everything else, she hurried inside.
Books stood neatly in rows on either side. Vanessa's fingers brushed their spines, trembling despite herself.
Unable to contain herself any longer, she plunged into the sea of books.
Anyone else would have needed guidance to find the books they wanted in such a vast, complex library, but not Vanessa. She merely glanced at the titles around her, arranged them briefly in her mind, and worked out how the books were organized.
Then, like a king surveying his domain, she strode forward without hesitation, pulled out a book, and turned to head in another direction.
Before long, she had a stack of books in her arms.
Looking around, she headed toward the reading area where tables had been set out.
"How strange. Why doesn't anyone come to such a wonderful library?"
To Vanessa, this library was simply perfect. Its collection was exceptionally comprehensive, and both its sections and shelving system were very sensible, arranging books by both title and relevance.
That made it easy to find related books when looking up a particular subject.
She almost wanted to lavish every word of praise she knew on whoever had designed this library. If Vanessa ever became emperor, she would definitely have her palace designed like this.
Only when she reached the reading area did Vanessa see the first person she had encountered since entering the library.
It was a