Old Storage Room

Knock Knock.

"Hi, you wanted to see me?" Noel asked as she walked into the office.

"Ah, August, thanks for coming. Please, have a seat." The lady responded, raising her head from the files as she gestured at the seat opposite her.

"Is there any problem Ma'am?" Noel asked cautiously as she took her seat.

"Oh no, nothing of that sort." She said raising her head to look at Noel. ".....I have a special project for you." She continued after a short pause to which Noel nodded, mouthing an 'O'.

"We've received a lead on a rare artifact that we're interested in acquiring for the museum." The supervisor continued as she kept her hands folded on the tble.

"That sounds fascinating, what's the artifact?" Noel asked, her excitement and curiosity raised.

"It's a 19th-century Japanese tea set, crafted by the renowned artist, Watanabe Hinata. We believe it's currently in a private collection, but we need someone to research its history, provenance, and potential value." The supervisor said ass she adjusted her glasses on the bridge of her nose.

"That would a great opportunity!" Noel commented smiling to which the supervisor smiled back before asking.

"Would you like to do the honours?" Although had figured this was the reason she was called, she didn't want to seem presumptuous before even asked but this was a dream come true.

" I'd love to work on it." She answered, her smile growing brighter.

"Excellent! I knew I could count on you. You'll need to dig deep into the set's history, including its creation, ownership, and exhibition history. We also need you to establish contact with the current owner and negotiate a possible acquisition. Is that good with you?" The supervisor asked, a smile on her face and one brow raised, seeking for a response. With a nod, Noel answered

"Yes, it is. What's the timeline for this project?" She asked.

"We'd like to have the research completed within the next six weeks. If the acquisition is successful, we'll need to plan for its exhibition and conservation." The supervisor said as she looked around for something on her table.

"Okay, I'll get started right away. Are there any specific resources or contacts I should reach out to?" She asked, suddenly remembering that little detail.

"Yes, I've prepared a folder with some initial information and contacts. You can also reach out to our network of curators and collectors for guidance. And, of course, if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to come to me." The supervisor said with a smile as she handed the file over to Noel.

"Thank you for entrusting me with this project! I won't let you down." Noel said, feeling very excited and grateful for this opportunity.

"I have every confidence in you, August. You're one of our most talented researchers." The lady said with a motherly smile on her face.

"Thank you once again, I won't let you down." Noel said again, hardly able to suppress her happiness. The supervisor smiled, nodding before gesturing for her to get back to her work.

....

The day went by in a jiffy and it was already work closing time. Noel packed her belongings and went out of the building to meet Paris who was already waiting for her in the car. They had both been jubilant when Noel informed her about the assigned project and now, Noel was on her way to the library for research.

Alighting from the car, she waved Paris goodbye before turning to enter the building with the words 'City Library' boldly written on it. Smiling, she strolled in thinking of how her old friend has been faring. She rarely had time these days to visit and help around in the library. They surely had a lot of catching up to do.

Entering into the large hall, lined with rows of chairs and shelf's of books at every possible corner, Noel walked to the tall desk in front of the hall which belonged apparently to the librarian.

"Hi Marilyn! I see you haven't aged a bit." She called out as she approached the desk.

"Noel, dear! It's so good to see you. How have you been." Marilyn responded happily, while comong down from her table. Meeting, they shared a hug, like one between a mother and child.

Stepping away from the hug, Noel replied.

"I've been good. Busy with work and stuff, sorry I haven't had a chance to come by the library in a while." Noel said with an apologetic smile.

"It's no worry, I understand." Marilyn said with a big smile on her face. ".....I've missed you though. You used to be such a big help with arranging the books, I'm so glad you're here now." She continued with a chuckle and a doting smile.

...

"Thank you Marilyn." Noel said with a slight smile.

"So what brought you here today?" Marilyn asked cause she knew that given how busy Noel was, she'd to be there for a reason.

"I actually came to visit and to look for something. I'm searching for an old history book - do you have something about japan in the 19th century. Culture, artifact...anything related to it?" She asked her brows scrunched up.

"Hmm, I think there should be something of that sort around here. Let me check." Marilyn, walking back to her table to check the records. ".....Yes, we do have it, but it seems to have been stored in the old storage room. It's been there for decades." Marilyn concluded, shutting the book before keeping it back in place.

"An old storage room? I've never heard of it before." Noel said, her eyebrows furrowed.

Smiling, Marilyn commented.

"Well, most books there are usually those from years before or those that have been left on the shelf for too long."

"Wow, I wonder how I've never been there." Noel said, surprised.

"Well, now's your chance! It's a treasure trove of old books but be careful, though – the stairs can be steep, and the room is a bit dusty."

....

With an excited and expectant smile,

"It'll be fine, I can do dusty." Noel said, "...Lead the way!" She said with a little hand gesture.

"Okay, follow me." Marilyn said with a chuckle before leading the way.

Authors note:

Hello Readers!

Right now, I know the book may not be giving the fantasy vibe right now but I want to say that it still is a fantasy book. As the author, I just thought to input a bit of realism before jumping into the unreal stuffs but I promise the fantasy begins soon.

Also, I know some people do not like reading the preface but I'll advice to read it as it's still a part of the story.

Like my book? Do add to your library.

Thanks.