Chapter 104: A Rosy Exchange [Illustration]

Ding Dong!

With Anne behind him, Daniel takes a step back after pressing the bell to a home located in the northern suburbs from downtown Keystone. He rubs his hands together, only a little nervous.

"Urgh, maybe we should've just searched for this book at another library."

Yet, here they are, following Viviane's lead on a seller who has a copy of Victor Grayson's "An Alternative Perspective on Egyptian Rites". Earlier, Daniel had hoped they wouldn't have the time today to worry about Victor and his book between work on commissions and dinner at Rachel's home later in the evening, but he underestimated the amount of time saved by having such a flexible assistant by his side.

Rose Lane.

That's the name of the seller they're meeting. Reaching out to her after looking at other options, she responded fairly quickly and was open to an exchange in person. Although her listing for the book was fairly pricey, it was far more reasonable than anything he saw online. The alternatives were to drive far to other libraries that weren't guaranteed to have it, or wait on Lecia to return the book to the Keystone library.

At least before Viviane would meet with Lecia again, it didn't seem wise to delay any information they could learn about a man who had identified Viviane and could perform sorcery of flaming proportions.

Especially the last part.

However, Daniel has been reluctant to buy off from an individual. After all, they're not just dealing with a professor who studied in Egypt, but an actual mage with ties to Merlin. What would that say about people who own a book from him?

Anne leans closer to rub his back. "It'll be alright! Let's not overthink, okay?"

Daniel sighs, knowing his slime mother is right, but he can be forgiven for his caution.

"I just hope there are no surprises again."

"Not if you jinx it, sweetie."

The artist snorts, straightening swiftly as the door opens. A woman in her twenties appears with round glasses perched atop a tipped nose, bearing brown hair tied up into a ponytail. Despite expecting their visit, she seems uninterested in changing away her blue cotton sleepwear at this late hour.

She flashes a smile, adjusting the lens in front of her brown iris.

"Oh! You must be Daniel, right? Gosh, when I read your message saying you were interested in Doctor Grayson's book, I was shocked that anyone would want to take it off my hands when they could just check it out from a library."

Needles of awareness stab at Daniel.

While silently weeping, he shakes her hand and positions a rigid front. "Nice to meet you, Rose. It's actually, um...less for me and more for my girlfriend here. She's becoming a history buff, you see."

Anne snaps her eyes incredulously at her son for thrusting the purpose onto her. Recovering, she swallows any annoyance with a glare before resetting in front of the brunette.

"Ahem... Yes, hello, I'm Anne," the slime mother greets, stepping closer with a wave. "Just looking for fresh perspectives, you see."

"Eyaaah! So you understand the value too?!"

As Rose raises her arms in delight, her visitors flinch at an unexpected squeal that shouldn't belong to a grown woman. For better or worse, it seems the door to learning and intrigue opened wider than the actual entrance.

Daniel feels his stomach churn.

Like her pajamas, the girl either isn't aware or doesn't care as she hops back a step and waves in her visitors. "Please, come in! I'd love to hear more about what you're seeking! I have all sorts of books on Egypt, Europe, and..."

"A-actually," Daniel cuts, his smile now crooked. "We... we don't have too much time. If we could just pay you for your copy, we'll be on your way and..."

"Half."

Daniel freezes, a sweat crawling his neck. "E-excuse me?"

Rose readjusts her glasses again, the lens shining just as brightly as the eager pupils underneath. "I'll gladly give you the book half off from my listing if you don't mind sharing your stories! As your girlfriend says, I also love hearing about people's thoughts and perspectives!"

"That—"

"If you insist," Anne intrudes, hooking her son's arm. She turns to him with a grin. "Now, pumpkin, we should welcome some good hospitality! The whole point of buying books from locals is to also share our interests, no?"

The young artist cringes at the return of his squash address. As it follows, his protest is equally squashed, seeing that's part of their purpose in visiting an owner of the book. Of course, he can't deny the lure of half off what's already an expensive and risky publication.

Question is, will it be worth the trouble of enduring an eager bookworm?

"Hehe, your girlfriend understands well!" Rose grins. "If you really do have other matters, though, I won't push."

"No, it's fine. We have an hour to spare," Daniel gives, forcing down the wallowing regret in his stomach. "If you'll have us, Rose."

"Hmm hmm, of course! Come in! Shall I get you some coffee or tea?"

"That would be lovely," Anne answers, dragging her son in step to the home with a bright smile. "Coffee for me, please."

"Same," Daniel adds, resigned.

They follow into her warm-colored abode, decorated with various collections of paintings and antiques among a polished velvet interior. Naturally, there are several bookshelves lining the walls as they enter the living room, all organized by timeline and topics.

A true book nerd.

Anne and Daniel observe their surroundings until they're led to a half-circle couch. Settling in, Rose heads to the adjacent kitchen to prepare some coffee for her guests.

Anne clears her throat. "What's your job, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Oh, it's nothing special," Rose answers, grabbing some mugs from the top cabinet. "I work at Keystone Bank as a Financial Analyst."

Daniel blinks. "Really? Not exactly what I expect from all these books on History."

"Well, I do have a major in history. Ha, no surprise there. Sadly, that doesn't help with the bills."

"What were you hoping to do?"

Rose sighs as she finishes pouring ready-made coffee from her drip machine. Carrying the mugs on a tray to the coffee table, she sits next to Anne with a bitter smile. "Oh, the usual: an academic historian or a curator hired at a university or a museum."

Anne frowns and bows her head. "Sorry it didn't turn out as you hoped."

"Oh, no. I'm aware it's a matter of luck and connections to get into those positions," Rose waves off. "I don't regret it."

She takes some time to sip her cup before continuing with fire in her eyes. "After all, who wouldn't take a chance to travel and study in Egypt with a full scholarship? Life is too short for goddamn boring jobs that won't even make a mark on history!"

Anne widens her eyes. "Wait, you studied in Egypt?"

Humming, Rose stands up and takes out the copy of "An Alternative Perspective on Egyptian Rites" from a nearby shelf. Placing it down on the coffee table, it looks exactly like the one Daniel and Viviane found in the Keystone library.

"As it so happens, I was a student under Doctor Grayson," Rose proudly reveals. "So, the copy I'm selling is actually quite personal for me in that regard. Imagine my fortune that I was able to buy directly from the distributor when it was first published!"

"R-really?" Anne presses while glancing at Daniel, stun-locked by this chance development.

Maybe he really did jinx it.

"Yep! Out of the professors there, you could tell he was the most passionate," Rose continues, her eyes shimmering with even more passion just talking about it. "Largely, we tend to focus on a specific history but lose sight of the larger picture of how it affected everywhere else. He enjoyed seeing the effects of history rather than the history itself."

Daniel takes a sip of his coffee to calm his nerves; however, his face remains stiff. "Why are you selling the book, then?"

The brunette shrugs. "It felt like time, and I only have so much space. Although, I wasn't expecting anyone to be willing to buy it, so I haven't been trying to get rid of it. That said, it's not like I'm completely sentimental when I only participated in his lectures out of many."

She then claps her hands, her smile widening. "But what about you two? What do you do, and why the interest in this book?"

The slime mother takes point. "Actually, Daniel and I work in the business selling paintings. While I wouldn't call myself a history buff like my boyfriend says, I'm bigger into astronomy. It's only recently that I've been sliding my way into Ancient Egypt and Roman civilization as a personal curiosity. When I heard about this book, I saw his take as a good inspiration, I guess."

Rose breathes in sharply and leans forward. "Ooh, inspiration, you say? It's interesting that you mention stars, though, because they're part of history too! For example, ancient Egyptians believed that their pharaohs became stars after death. It's fascinating how they try to immortalize their rulers."

"Ahaha... Did Victor ever talk about stars?" Anne asks, finding the example all too close for comfort.

Lowering her gaze to the book, Rose hums and slides her hand over it. "In one of our lectures, I remember him talking about them, how they are the most prominent aspects of our universe to connect civilizations and history. Every society views them differently, but the one thing shared is how people relied on them to guide their way of life in some way. With science big in our century, a lot of the magic and mystery has sadly been taken away."

Daniel thins his lips. 'If only that were the case.'

"I'm sure you've heard, but what are your thoughts on the news of Al-Bali?" Anne asks.

Rose rolls her eyes. "Oh, that? It's overdone. We've all heard of chatter about some sort of 'End of the World' scenario, but it's just a repeat of what occurred when people tried to interpret the end of the Mayan calendar for 2012. What about you?"

Masking herself, Anne shrugs. "I've had...similar thoughts, but I guess I wish there was more substance from the author who claimed such."

"Well, I wouldn't put money on it," Rose scoffs, then stares up as she thinks. "Layna Moore, was it? Funny enough, I think there was someone who was named that in my class."

"...?!"

Holding silent, Daniel and Anne gape at Rose as she casually threw out something notable. The former quickly clears his throat.

"That's... a pretty big deal with everything going on now. Are you saying you knew the author?"

Rose blinks, then chuckles. "Oh, no! I'm just saying the name because I remember her being called out in class by Doctor Grayson. Although maybe I shouldn't say anything because I can't be sure if it's the same person."

"Wouldn't you know by appearance?"

As she tries to recall the lectures, she hums, squinting her eyes. "I'm not sure. She was the one who asked the most questions in class, but...huh..."

A silence invades the living room before Rose shuts her eyes and scratches her head. "I can't say I've paid enough attention, I guess. You'd think that I'd remember better, seeing how everyone is trying to find this author, but it's lost on me. In any case, I don't think it's right for people to bother if she doesn't want to be known. The internet should really just move on, but... easier said than done in this day and age."

Daniel and Anne glance at each other for a moment. The latter raises her hand reassuringly.

"It's alright. Back to this book, anything to note that you like?"

Like a trigger to such inviting words, Rose brightens again. "Ah, yes. I loved his talk on Druids!"

Her visitors just stare at her, expecting her to elaborate; however, she grins. "As in, he goes into a little bit of Druidism when talking about Egyptian rituals. I won't say anymore and urge you to read it yourself, but it's rather interesting how he connects them."

'Druids, huh?' Daniel repeats in his head, finding nothing in his aggregated knowledge about them.

In the end, Anne and Daniel don't push it as they continue on to various topics and favorite points in history. A lot of the research on world events was done by Viviane, so Anne assumes what she can while sharing her breadth of astronomy from Amy.

Time quickly passes when intellectual passions collide, but the artist feels increasingly left out of the conversation, despite carrying the same knowledge as his slime mothers. It turns out that even if he feels smarter, his appetite and battery for historic and scientific talks remain the same.

'Ugh, this is going to happen again at dinner with Rachel,' Daniel thinks, mentally sighing.

However, the young man remains patient until clapping his hands as it approaches the hour. "Rose, this has been very fun, but we do have to go. Unfortunately, we have another home to attend later tonight."

The ponytail girl perks up. "Oh, of course! Thank you for giving some time!"

She slides the book towards them, then raises her phone. "Can we confirm the payment and exchange from the app now?"

Daniel hums, pulling up his phone. "Sure."

As he and Rose progress through the transaction, Anne takes the chance to stand and walk around the living room, taking in the various collections of books and decor. She stops near one counter to see a photo of Rose and Victor among other students who appreciated his lectures. This only supports Rose's experience and admiration.

'This Victor looks the same as how Daniel met him at the clinic. Was he hiding himself as a mage during university?'

In any case, she feels she got to understand the former professor a little more, but it makes him all the more stranger.

Even more so if Layna was involved with Victor in some capacity.

"Um, Anne?"

The slime mother blinks, taken out of her thoughts as the Rose approaches her with a hopeful smile.

"Do you mind if we exchange contacts?" She asks. "Would love to hear more stories of the stars some time, even if it's a little over my head."

Anne glances at Daniel, who unexpectedly nods. It appears she got his contact as well.

More upbeat, she wiggles in place. "Yes, I hope to hear more from you as well!"

That's the slime's honest feelings. If there's anything gained other than Victor and Layna, it was that Rose was of similar curiosity and drive to her and Amy. She actually enjoyed speaking with a fellow seeker of knowledge, even if their foundations are different.

No, perhaps they're more aligned than ever with the mysteries that surround.

However, Rose's eyes close to a smile as they finish sharing numbers, unaware of such mysteries. "This has been fun! Don't be afraid to reach out. In case it isn't obvious, I'm always ready to discuss stories. It's kind of my thing."

"Haha, likewise."

By the end of it all, Daniel and Anne return to their car while waving goodbye to the glasses' girl.

Overall, it went really well, but...

"I don't like these odds," Daniel mutters once he's out of ears. Entering the driver's seat, he spares one final glance at Rose through his window as she heads back inside.

Anne curls her lips, her hands lining the edges of Victor's book by his side. "Maybe, but then again, who else would carry such a book if not a student inspired by a teacher?"

The artist sighs, rubbing his neck. "I don't know, but if this visit was somehow within Merlin's predictions or Victor anticipated this, I can't help but be suspicious."

"How could it be Victor? We could've gone to a different library or tried searching elsewhere!"

"But we didn't. It's useless to think about it now. More importantly, can you read the pages?"

"Oh, right..." The slime mother opens the book while Daniel begins his drive back to their apartment. Focusing, she flips through the pages multiple times before humming.

"It looks like all the pages show up fine for me."

"That matches. You were also able to read from the first pages from Viviane's memories, too."

"And yet, it was blank for her."

Daniel nods. "It's like how Merlin's message was stored for Mary in Marlin's book. I wonder if they'll see something similar from him."

"But say she can't view this copy we picked up from Rose. Does that mean all copies share the same magical properties?"

"I guess, but we'll have to try letting Mother read it. Maybe send her a photo?"

Twisting her lips, Anne grumbles. "I will, but I don't know if I should be happy that I can read Victor's words. Why am I different?"

"Guess you're not special enough."

The slime mother gasps, snapping her head to him. "How rude! Does Mama need to remind you how 'special' I can be?"

Daniel coughs. "Sorry, I meant to say that my lovely Mom is especially cute."

"That's better," Anne harrumphs. While they drive back home, she returns her attention to the book, starting where she remembers Daniel left off in the library.

"Do you think we should've asked if she got doused in blue flames?"

Her son nearly sputters. "Absolutely not! That's the last thing you ask someone!"

Anne only giggles, tracing the pages.

"Besides," Daniel continues, "If that were the case, she'd either be holding on to it or have sold it off sooner. More than the book, though, I can't help but feel she and maybe other students were affected by Victor somehow."

His slime mother cocks her head. "What do you mean?"

Daniel's grip on the steering wheel tightens. "Didn't it seem strange how she reacted to Layna Moore? If it's anything like what happened with the clinic, he's able to erase his existence and others, so..."

Anne's eyes widen, continuing his thought. "So, you're thinking he's stopping people from really remembering Layna, just like how none of the staff remembered you were a patient?"

"Exactly. Although Rose did recall someone with that name in her class, so I can't be sure if that's happening here."

Before Anne and Daniel can continue discussing observations, the car rings from Daniel's connected phone. On the dashboard, it shows the caller ID, Mary. There's no hesitation as Anne presses on the touchscreen to accept the call.

Beep!

"Mary!" She chirps. "How did everything go with Marlin?"

"Anne? Are you in a car?"

"We're on the road," Daniel confirms. "We just got the book from a local named Rose that Mother pointed to us."

"Ah, I see! Well, that's good. On my end, I'm pleased to announce that my uncle did not have a heart attack meeting Viviane. Both of you will definitely want to speak with him tomorrow, especially since I felt it was better for you to talk about your visit with Victor from the clinic."

"I see. Where is he now?"

"Resting in the guest room at my studio. He did say he brought a copy of his magic book to review, so we'll study it later tonight when he's ready. If anything strange happens, I'll let you know."

Daniel sighs. "Right, just be careful. For all we know, there may be more messages that Merlin would like to imbue onto you."

Mary huffs. "Then I say bring them! If anyone should be careful, it should be you two. No colorful fires have jumped at you, right?"

"No, and I can read it fine so far," Anne answers, flipping through the pages again. "It's odd."

"Then odds are I'll be able to as well. Whatever the case may be, I hope nothing sparks like it did with Lecia. I did let my uncle know about that woman. He says she may have been put into some sort of magical protection, just like how blue flames cover his book when anyone tries to damage it."

Anne and Daniel perk.

"Protection?" Daniel questions. "Victor's protecting her? From who?"

"That's what we need to confirm. I'm just worried something other than blue fire will come out."

Widening her eyes, the possibility lingers long enough for Anne to promptly shut the book and set it to the side between her and Daniel.

She feigns a cough. "Um, yes, that would be...bad."

Daniel can't help but smile, holding back a chuckle.

Unaware of the fear she just set into Anne, Mary continues. "What about this Rose you bought from? Anything strange she saw?"

"Not with this book, but...I'll text you the details," Daniel assures, needing more time to consider what they learned from the bookworm.

"Oh? Alright then, love. You and Anne enjoy your next dinner with Rachel. Just don't go too crazy like we did last night~"

Daniel shakes his head. "The bar isn't high, that's for sure."

He ends the call, then glances at Anne, who is notably keeping her hands clean from the book. Looking downward, she meets his gaze for a moment before fidgeting.

"W-what Mary said...um, surely if a fire spread out, it wouldn't harm Mama, right?"

"...Maybe?"

"You know, it might be better for you to read it first."

Daniel refocuses on the road with a snort. "Not getting me this time, Mom."