Ah...The Ivan the Terrible Murasaki Shikibu...

Why am I an elephant?

？！

......

Oh, I'm sorry! I was just so taken aback that I was genuinely at a loss for words.

I'm sorry, Ivan. Um, is it okay if I call you Ivan?

Indeed, it is. I see no need for formalities here.

Still, I have thought my body seemed strangely heavy for a while now... And I also thought my tusks were getting a little long in the tooth. Literally.

At any rate, the question remains. Why am I an elephant?

？！

Yes. A very, very long story...

No matter. Start at the beginning.

？！

Hmm, I see. So I was fused with Demonic Beasts...

Now I understand. That must have been a most trying time for both of you.

Yes, it was...

I will not ask that you forget what happened. But I will tell you not to let it hold you back.

After all, your battle is far from over.

All that aside, it sounds as though my archive did not exist in this Lostbelt place.

Archive? Do you mean your legendary library?

Indeed, I do.

It contained all manner of books from throughout history and the world, including a number of grimoires. It was a tremendous cultural achievement, and my pride and joy.

Unfortunately, it was burned to the ground after my death, and any books that remained were scattered far and wide.

So it would seem. We don't have any records on your library in our database, either.

All it says is that mages have been trying to find it for a very long time.

They must have been searching for my grimoires and their accompanying instruments. I did gather quite a lot of them, after all.

It looks like there was even one family who kept searching for a particular book across three generations with only the barest of leads to go on...

Hmm. Speaking of books...

While I am certainly glad that Chaldea's database has managed to preserve some books in digital form...

...it seems I will not get the chance to turn the pages of a paper book again, at least not while the world is in its present state.

？！

What do you mean?

I know!

As a matter of fact, Novum Chaldea now has its very own library, underneath the first floor.

Does it now?

If you're interested, I'd be glad to show you the way.

Yes, please do.

(Ahh, another peaceful day in the library.)

(It has just the right amount of people; not too many, and not too few.)

(It may no longer be as popular as it was when it was the hot new thing, but there remains a steady crowd of booklovers who visit regularly.)

(Not only that, today, I get to read a brand-new work from the great William Shakespeare...)

(...all while enjoying a plate of Japanese sweets Lady Tomoe Gozen made to practice her baking.)

(This is truly shaping up to be a perfect afternoon...)

(Hmm, interesting...)

(Oh my! What a shocking development!)

(I can't believe he brought in a guest character from Macbeth!)

(Ahh, I can scarcely wait to turn the next page and see how it ends.)

(And yet, at the same time, I can't help but wish it would never end...)

(But then, I suppose those two conflicting emotions are the mark of any good book...)

...Oh my. Are those...footsteps?

It's me. Umu.

...I mean, it is I.

Eep! Lord Ivan the Terrible!

I have just learned of this underground library's existence and have come to pay it a quiet, unofficial visit.

Feel free to continue reading your book. I will find my own way around.

O-oh no, I couldn't.

As Chaldea's librarian, I have a duty to give new visitors a proper tour.

Is that so? Very well then, lead the way.

Of course. Please, follow me.

(...Peek)

？！

Fou...

Please try to focus on the matter at hand, Senpai!

And that, with the exception of the storeroom, is the library.

I see...

Hm?

Is there something not to your satisfaction?

Oh, I was just thinking how about how much this library's contents differ from my archive.

？！

No, it is not that.

Most of the books I collected were ancient philosophical texts, grimoires, and treatises on various subjects.

I had always meant to translate them into my mother tongue so that I could gain even greater wisdom, but it seems such books are few and far between here.

True, not many patrons check out philosophy books or treatises, so we usually keep them in the archive.

And as a rule, books in the archive are only meant to be read there and may not be checked out.

Also, unfortunately...I'm afraid we have very little in the way of grimoires or books on magecraft.

I'm so sorry. I know almost nothing about Western magecraft or sorcery, so...

All that aside, it seems to me that this library still has room for further expansion.

Hm?

Well, yes, this space was all constructed using magecraft, so there is still plenty of room left to expand...

Very good.

Master, I have made up my mind.

I am going to gather more books with which to further expand this library, and you are going to help me.

!!!

？！

Indeed.

This library holds great potential.

It deserves to be a singular collection with collections and rare books from every corner of the globe; one that is at least every bit the equal of my archive.

O-oh my! That would be absolutely wonderful, but I'm afraid that, well...

Yes. I'm sorry to have to tell you this, Ivan, as it really is a lovely idea...

...but we're just not allowed to bring back books or other important objects from Rayshifts.

That goes double for especially rare and notable books and grimoires.

True. However, I have an idea how to get around that.

Surely it cannot take much data to digitize a book.

Therefore, we should be able to bring back any books we find in digital form, then simply recreate them as physical copies.

？！

Hmm... Yes, I suppose it might be. However, humanity itself is currently on the verge of annihilation.

Thus, as lovers of the written word, it is our right nay, our duty, to gather as many books as we can.

...!

Hahaha! I like the way you think, Ivan the Terrible!

Hm? That voice...

I see, I see.

You and I may not share a direct connection...

But as an avid reader who once made the Library of Alexandria a household name around the world, I just couldn't stay away from an endeavor such as this.

I see...

Does this mean you too will help me to expand this library, Iskandar, descendant of the great Zeus?

You need even ask?

My chariot can take us anywhere we wish to go in a single leap.

Of course, preserving books as data instead of just taking them by force isn't nearly as exciting from a conqueror's perspective.

But, circumstances being what they are, I suppose I can't complain.

... ...

(Oh gosh, oh gosh, oh gosh. This is all becoming a far greater ordeal than I had expected!)

(Which isn't to say I wouldn't also love to grow my library further, because I absolutely would, but still...!)

(Oh gosh, oh gosh...)

Well then, shall we?

Indeed, we shall.

It looks like there's no turning back now, Murasaki Shikibu.

So it would seem...

By the way, Murasaki Shikibu, does this library have a proper name?

Huh!?

Y-yes. It's known as the underground library...

I see. Such modesty may be common among dignitaries in the Far East where you come from...

...but if we are to collect books from all across the world here, a name as pedestrian as "underground library" will never do.

I see, I see.

After all, this place is about to become a second Library of Alexandria!

In fact, now that I mention it...

I see now that this library's new name will have to include "Great Library of Alexandria"!

I-I suppose you're right!

Very well then, I shall try my hand at naming it.

"The Ivan the Terrible Great Library of Alexandria"... Hmm. I like the sound of that.

Agreed. But I'm afraid there's still a crucial name missing.

Huh? (I've got a terrible feeling about this.)

Heh. Not to worry. I have of course already thought of that.

It is only proper that the rightful owner's name also be included.

Therefore, this library shall henceforth be known as...

"The Ivan the Terrible Murasaki Shikibu the Beautiful Great Library of Alexandria"!

Done and done!!!

... ...

(Out cold)

M-Murasaki! Speak to us, Murasaki!

It is unfortunate that Murasaki Shikibu could not be here with us due to her suddenly and inexplicably feeling unwell...

Ah, don't worry! She'll be overjoyed to see our triumphant return with so many books and so much data that she'll be back to her old self in no time!

？！

This is Mash Kyrielight, handling the comms for this Rayshift.

We set your first destination as London in the hope that you would be able to find plenty of rare books here.

Hm?

Oh?

？！

Yes, there is. I can see it on my monitor here as well.

I'm afraid you'll just have to manage it as best you can, Master.

By the way, Ivan and Iskandar, I managed to uncover some data from nineteenth century London.

There's an old bookstore not too far from your current position that should have rare books in stock.

Then let's get plundering!

？！

P-plundering!? I-I really can't endorse that...

They are right, Great King. Plundering is solely a last resort.

In times of peace, it is only right that books be obtained with money rather than force.

... ...

Plundering it is.

... ...

I suppose we have no other choice then.

(He gave up on that awfully quickly...)

？！

Welcome.

Let's kill it.

？！

Strongly seconded!

It hasn't shown any signs of hostility so far! Please, let's just hear it out!

...Very well, Mash. If you insist.

Go on, Master. I grant you permission to begin negotiations.

Haha, sorry about that. Old plundering habits die hard for men like us!

Welcome. Anything I can help you find today?

？！

Right this way then. Just a moment.

Oho. Well now.

I am greatly surprised to see a complete copy of the original Gutenberg Bible in a shop such as this.

Well, well. A new translation of "The Iliad," huh.

Hmm... I've only read a few pages here and there so far, but this seems to be quite an interesting version.

Let's get this one too, Master.

？！

Yes?

？！

Hmm. I have no clue what you are talking about, but I understand the situation.

How does that work?

Though I must say, I cannot imagine these copies will have anything to equal the love that went into making the originals.

？！

So here's an idea. You and I fight each other in mortal combat.

If you win, I will allow you to copy the books' data.

Plundering it is.

That it is.

(Is it just me, or do they both seem much more animated now?)

I have been reading these books for over two hundred years, long after I became nothing but skin and bones, and eventually dust.

I have read grimoires and rare books of every conceivable shape, size, and color. I've even read books that move about on their own.

If you want to create an unauthorized digital facsimile my collection, then do your worst!

？！

I've always been on top of the latest trends. Now come, let's take this outside.

After all, I'd die if anything were to happen to my books.

Hrn!

Bwaaa!

The ghost who may just love books more than anyone else in human history has been defeated!

Quite. I am most impressed at the power your soul possesses entirely as a result of your bibliophilia.

Nonetheless, I assume our victory means you no longer have an issue with our plunderingthat is, our digitizing your books?

Yes, I no longer have any issue with that.

But I'm afraid that still leaves two other matters that need to be resolved.

Oh? And what might those be?

First off: payment.

？！

We would never need concern ourselves with payment if we had simply plundered the books to begin with...

But if this is your wish, Master, then so be it. I shall cover the charge myself.

Finally, there's one last important thing I must tell you.

Oh?

What is it?

？！

Yes, well, while I am obviously haunting this bookstore...

...I only do so because I was a very devoted customer. I don't actually own it.

Still, as I love books more than anything, I felt an obligation to do my best to protect them.

Which is why I'm going to use this money to open up my very own bookstore!

... ...

... ...

？！

Get back heeere!!!

Well, that turned out to be quite the fine mess.

？！

Quite. I never thought a devoted bibliophile would exploit their bibliophilia for such blatant fraud and deception.

And that half-hearted devotion makes it that much more difficult to deal with.

It has been a long time since I so fervently wished to sit someone atop a keg filled with gunpowder and set it alight.

Excuse me, coming through...

...Um, coming through?

Excuse me! I said, coming through!

Move over already!

Ah, I beg your pardon.

Ugh.

I swear, you guys need to be way more aware of how much space you take up. Especially in the hallway.

Hahaha, I haven't had a talking-to like that since I was a boy.

Quite.

It has been a long time indeed since anyone reprimanded me.

Once you become the tsar, most people do not dare to so much as raise their voice in your presence.

Especially little girls like her.

OppressI mean, excuse me, but would you mind making way?

Ah, right.

Hmm. I appreciate the attempt, but it's still a tight squeeze...

Hrn!

Oppressors, you should refrain from standing side by side.

You are both much too bulky for that.

Hahaha, I don't think you're in any position to talk.

......I see.

I had forgotten I am an elephant now. It is no wonder I am so big.

What, you're telling me you really didn't know?

Indeed, I did not.

I merely happened to look in a mirror for the first time in a long time...

...and thought "Oh, right. What am I now, anyway?"

Hahaha, I see you're just as audacious as your body is spacious!

I finished reproducing the books. The copies turned out very well.

Of course, once everything is back to normal, I'm afraid we'll have to destroy them...

Why bother? What the higher-ups don't know won't hurt them!

？！

At any rate, I'm sure Murasaki will be thrilled. Let's go bring them to her, Senpai!

Oh, yes, I still need to see a sculptor about ordering a nameplate that says:

"The Ivan the Terrible Murasaki Shikibu the Beautiful Great Library of Alexandria"!

...Yes, this will be an excellent library indeed.

Hm.

You two. A word.

!!!

... ...

L-let me try saying it once again to see if I can get used to it.

"The Ivan the Terrible Murasaki Shikibu the Beautiful Great Library of Alexandria"...

...I can't! I just can't bear it!

I have to refuse their kind but misguided offer, or I'll be so embarrassed I'll collapse into a pile of ether!

It won't be easy, but at least I know that both Lord Ivan and Lord Iskandar are willing to listen to reason.

I'm sure they'll let me remove my name from the library as long as I plead my case earnestly.

I just have to do my best to not be so bowled over by their intimidating auras that I'm unable to get a word in...

(Inhale)... (Exhale)...

Hi, Murasaki! We're back!

!

O-oh, yes. Hello, Lady Mash, Master, Lord Ivan, and Lord Iskandar.

Welcome back.

Take a look! Our book-finding expedition was a grand success!

Indeed.

A single Rayshift was all it took to find satisfactory spoils.

These are the copies we made from the data we brought back. Rare books, grimoires, limited editions, single print runs...

So! Where would you like us to put them!?

!

O-oh my goodness. What an extraordinary selection of precious books! This is amazing...

On another note, Murasaki Shikibu, Ivan and I wanted to apologize about getting carried away with the name.

Indeed.

Spartacus showed us the error of our ways in no uncertain terms.

He told us that it was the height of both tyranny and oppression...

...to adorn this library with our names when you are its rightful custodian.

Oh, yes, well...

Indeed. And he was right.

If this land was ours to rule, putting our names on an institution would be considered a great honor...

But this is not our land, and so different considerations hold greater weight here.

Indeed, Spartacus's argument was most convincing.

However, all that being said...

We were still hoping you wouldn't mind leaving the adjectives associated with our names in the library's name.

Though of course, those adjectives suit you just as well as they do us.

... ...

？！

Which is why we have a new idea for this library's name.

Indeed. One that still preserves the best aspects of our last one.

"The Great and Terrible Yet Beautiful Murasaki Shikibu Library"

What do you think?

Sure, that's fine... Ahh, so many precious books...

... ...

Wonderful! I'm delighted to hear it! That just leaves the nameplate.

Indeed.

Worry not, Murasaki Shikibu. I will order it straight away.

Oh yes, we still need to decide whether to order its construction from gold or silver.

Whichever we choose, we could also have it decorated with diamonds.

Yes! I like the way you think!

(Contented sigh)...

Copies or not, I never dreamed that I would ever get my hands on such rare and precious books.

Ahh. Thank you, everyone. Thank you all so...

Huh? Where is everyone?

... ...

...(Gasp)! O-oh no. Did I...?

I'm sorry, Murasaki, but

？！

Well, in spite of everything, it's still wonderful to have so many more rare books in the library.

I'll have to write proper letters to Lord Ivan and Lord Iskandar thanking them for their trouble.

That being said...

I found it!

This must be...

..."The Great and Terrible Yet Beautiful Murasaki Shikibu Library" I've heard so much about!

The lovely nameplate makes it so very clear!

All right! It's time to dive into a good book! Whichever should I read first?

That's the one part I just can't get used to!

Read this treatise, and I am certain you too will understand that there are many different schools of thought.

？！

I am also certain the other Lostbelts you must face will vary greatly in shape and circumstance.

I suspect I am only here now because I was defeated in mine.

While I retain my consciousness from both the Lostbelt and Proper Human History, the reason why I chose this form over my more normal likeness from Proper Human History...

...is not merely for its greater prowess in battle.

I represent both victory and defeat. My role here as a Heroic Spirit is to guide you in your next steps.

Remember this well, my Master.

I am simultaneously one defeated, and one meant to oversee your journey.

I am therefore placing all my trust in your conduct, your beliefs, your decisions...

Indeed, in your very way of life.

...Betrayal will not be forgiven.

Not a betrayal of humanity...

...but of myself, and those who watch over your journey with me.

That is the sort of betrayal I will never forgive.

？！

Heh. Hahahaha!

Did I scare you? My apologies. It is really quite simple.

All you need do is live your life as you see fit. That is what I will place my trust in.

To rule effectively, a king requires fear, the ability to reward his subjects, and exaltation from the same subjects.

But to fight a king, a person needs only one thing: faith.

I have never once lost faith in my decision to fight by your side.

Now, let us read the next book and allow our thoughts to wander where they may.

For the road ahead is still long indeed...