Distrust

The library was a haven of knowledge, its shelves stacked with ancient tomes and scrolls detailing the history, lore, and magic of this world. Kaito delved into the texts, his mind absorbing information like a sponge. He learned about the Kingdom of Eldoria, its current ruler King Theron, and his three sons, each vying for the throne. He discovered the existence of the Tower of Trials, a legendary structure said to test the strength and courage of aspiring heroes.

He also learned about the four Dukedoms that formed the kingdom: Aloria in the south, known for its fertile lands and skilled warriors; Northendell, a mountainous region famed for its resilient people and mastery of earth magic; Westmarch, a coastal region with a strong naval force and a thriving trade network; and Eastvale, a land of ancient forests and powerful mages. Beyond the kingdom's borders lay two other powerful nations: the militaristic Valorian Empire and the enigmatic Kingdom of the Mists, shrouded in secrecy and rumored to be home to powerful sorcerers.

And then there was the Democratic Union of Free Cities, a collection of independent city-states that prized neutrality and trade above all else.

Kaito's thirst for knowledge led him to a section on magic, where he learned about mana, the source of all magical power. He read about the concept of building an "inner star," a reservoir of mana within one's heart, with a maximum of six stars attainable.

White stars signified magical prowess, blue stars represented physical strength, and yellow stars indicated a balance of both. He discovered that each individual had a unique elemental affinity, their mana flowing through their arms and circulating throughout their body, granting them control over specific elements or magical abilities.

As he delved deeper into the complexities of mana and magic, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He looked up to see Elara standing beside him, a gentle smile on her face.

"Lost?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Kaito shook his head, a slight blush creeping onto his cheeks. "Just trying to understand this world a little better," he admitted.

Elara chuckled. "It can be a bit overwhelming," she agreed. "But I can help you. I've been studying history and magic since I was a child."

She sat beside him, and for the next hour, they explored the library together, Elara patiently explaining the intricacies of magic, the history of the kingdom, and the current political landscape.

Kaito felt a growing sense of connection with her, a shared thirst for knowledge and a mutual respect that transcended their different backgrounds.

As the sun began to set, they decided to leave the library. They emerged into the hallway, their footsteps echoing in the quiet castle.

"Kaito!" a cheerful voice called out.

They turned to see Mary approaching, Hope skipping happily beside her.

"Hope!" Kaito exclaimed, a wave of relief washing over him. He hadn't realized how worried he had been about her.

Hope rushed towards him, her arms outstretched. "Kaito!" she cried, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug.

Kaito hugged her back, his heart swelling with affection. He had grown attached to this little girl, this innocent victim of the curse. He would protect her, no matter the cost.

Mary curtsied, her cheeks flushed. "I'll leave you to it," she said, her voice soft. "Dinner will be served soon."

She turned and walked away, her footsteps fading down the hallway.

Kaito watched her go, a strange feeling nagging at him. He couldn't explain it, but something about Mary felt off. He caught a whiff of a strange, almost metallic scent, faint but distinct. It reminded him of the smell in Old Maggie's cottage, the scent of blood and something else, something sinister.

He couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. He didn't trust Mary.