The Library Genius Girl: The Book-Loving Novice Official Who Saves the Nation with Her Vast Knowledge!
While Filvalt was considering heading to the Ancient Ruins of Wandering, a letter arrived for Halca, who was continuing her purification journey.
It was…
“Waaah, it’s from Martina!”
The letter had been sent by Martina from the capital of the Hardy Kingdom before she headed toward the Ancient Ruins of Wandering. Since Martina had planned to ask for Halca’s help if her powers were needed during the exploration, Halca already knew about the Ancient Ruins of Wandering and that Martina and the others would be coming there.
However, due to her busy purification journey, Halca hadn’t been able to return to the capital to meet with Martina and the others.
“Martina and the others have safely arrived in the Hardy Kingdom.”
Halca nodded with a full smile at Sofian’s words.
“It seems so. When this letter was sent, they had just set out toward the Ancient Ruins of Wandering.”
“Then they should be arriving around now.”
After reading the densely written letter filled with updates, concern for Halca, and words of encouragement, Halca asked Sofian with a relaxed expression:
“Do you think the exploration of the Ancient Ruins of Wandering will end quickly, even for someone as capable as Martina?”
“I don’t think so… From what I’ve heard, no one has been able to fully grasp its entirety up until now, so it’ll probably be difficult even for Martina. It’s not something that will yield results in just a few days or a week.”
“In that case, could we make a small detour to visit Martina and the others?”
Halca’s purification journey was scheduled to head near the town where Martina and the others currently were. With just a slight detour, they could stop by the town where Martina and the group were staying.
Sofian, reminded of this fact by Halca’s question, hesitated briefly before breaking into a smile. The smile wasn’t perfect—it carried a hint of wryness.
“I think it’s good to take a little break every now and then.”
“Right? Then…”
“I’ll talk to the Hardy Kingdom side.”
Since the schedule for the purification journey was basically decided by the knights of the Hardy Kingdom accompanying Halca, they could consult about it right away.
For major changes, they’d need to get approval from the palace, but minor adjustments to the itinerary could be decided on-site by the knights.
“Thank you! If possible, I’d like to stay there for a few days and help with their exploration. The Ancient Ruins of Wandering sound so fascinating—I really want to go inside!”
In Halca’s mind, the ruins were conjured up as something akin to dungeons from fantasy novels.
(Wonder if there are treasure chests? If no one can grasp its entirety, maybe the ruins themselves move, and the passageways change over time?)
Lost in thought about the Ruins of Wandering, Halca wore an excited and joyful smile. Seeing how much brighter and more open Halca had become since first arriving in this world, Sofian gave her a gentle smile.
“Let’s negotiate with that in mind, then.”
“Thank you very much! In that case, I should write a letter to Martina…”
Halca trailed off mid-sentence. Curious, Sofian tilted his head slightly and peered at Halca’s face. Just then, Halca’s lips curved upward mischievously.
“On second thought, I’ll skip the letter. Let’s surprise Martina and the others by showing up unexpectedly.”
Seeing Halca come up with this playful idea, Sofian let out another wry smile—this time fully resigned. Floran, who had been earnestly acting as her guard up until now, also relaxed his cheeks ever so slightly.
“Halca has a bit of a mischievous side, doesn’t she?”
“Hehe, a maiden has many faces, you know?”
“Haha, I didn’t expect to hear such words from you, Halca.”
“I read a line like that in a book I picked up recently.”
Though not quite as avid a reader as Martina, Halca had still been finding time to read books since entering the Hardy Kingdom. Some of them were books even Martina hadn’t read yet, and if Halca told her about them, Martina might tremble with envy.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying this world even a little, Halca.”
“Yes, I truly love this world now.”
As Halca spoke those words, Sofian gazed at her as though she were dazzling, then quickly returned to his usual smile.
“Let’s negotiate secretly so Martina and the others don’t find out we’re coming. We should make sure this surprise succeeds.”
“Sofian… thank you so much!”
And so, Halca and her party of holy maidens decided to make a secret detour during their purification journey to visit Martina and the others.
