April 3rd, 2011
This chapter follows the flow of the novel, but not in the same timeline. It aligns after the prologue and of a different perspective which hold major details in the present. It will take part after every 3rd chapter as you venture further in the story.
...
It has been more than twenty-minutes since I have been wandering around the city, looking for a specific building to provide me my desired leisure and entertainment.
Unfortunately, I had finished most of my books that I needed a new one for me. And this specific library had the most of the books one would ever desire.
Henceforth, here I am now. In my search of this very building.
I was told of this library long ago, but I did not heed to it as I had numerous books to pleasure myself with.
My entire bookshelf was full, and each books was left read, now lying with dust in the time being.
When I could finally make out of the realistic view from my imagination of a description I was shared, a smirk settled on my lips—applauding for myself of a work well done.
Hence, I neared the entrance of the eight-story library, its beige and cream facade standing with quiet dignity. It was a family-run legacy, its glass doors shimmering under the streetlights, inviting scholars and dreamers alike.
As I stepped inside, my gaze was immediately drawn to a headboard mounted above the entrance. Crafted from rich mahogany, its polished surface gleamed under the soft glow of the overhead lights. Intricately carved letters adorned its center, their elegant strokes spelling out a single name—Ares. A grin tugged at my lips. Whether out of amusement or familiarity, I couldn't quite tell, but the sight of it stirred something within me.
Of course, now that perfectly gives an edge as to why the young maiden of the Ares family was fond of books. Their family has been running a business out of it!
No wonder their family had only nestled into the upper middle class. A library, however grand, brought steady but modest income—memberships, book sales, and the occasional donation. The Ares family's wealth lay in knowledge, not extravagance.
At that, a chuckle then escaped my lips, as I roamed my eyes further inside the ground floor.
The counter laid on the left corner, giving enough space for the five shelves and the lounge to occupy the space. There were two ladies in their uniform behind it, working to serve those who wished to read.
I then carried my feet to walk in the center. Where a staircase laid to lead the visitors in the upper floors. The best feature of the library which I noticed were the fact that each book category was already sorted, to know which floor and shelf were to approach.
In my case, I had to enter the sixth floor. Where I would be getting a book entitled "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas. A book which was not yet in my possession.
The library was already filled of people, either sitting on the lounge or looking for a book of their taste. This is where the library gets to have a peaceful ambience. It is when each individuals get themselves immersed into reading, that no one would dare make a sound.
Upon reaching the sixth floor, I was met with more shelves, and another set of a counter in the far end.
To save more time, I immediately neared the specific shelf to look for the book, amidst the silence of the library.
As I get into looking, the familiar spine I sought came into view, that I immediately took it out from the rest of the shelf.
I wanted to start reading it a soon as I did, that I opened the book in haste, despite the fact that I have not yet found myself in a comfortable position.
But as I open the book to finally start, a trace of silver was visioned in my peripheral, that I halted as soon as I did.
And just as I had suspected, it was the young maiden of the Ares, the silver haired girl, who now appeared taller from the last time we have met.
She ascended the floor way up to the seventh, that I then decided to follow her there.
So quietly and slowly, I went from behind her while remaining a distance—for her not to suspect me nor the others who were present.
If the staircase lead to the seventh floor, then I guess she was leading her way further up as she continued to lead her way to the eighth.
I halted from my tracks when we did reach so. Because unlike the previous floors, this had lesser bookshelves for the visitors. It also had more abstract paintings on the walls, that would get one attracted with each beautiful canvas.
However for another time, I was more interested in the silver haired maiden who came here, as I saw her enter a plain door from the corner which lead to a rooftop.
I heaved a sigh.
I wondered what the girl would be doing there, when she was not carrying a book when she entered. Not unless she already has a place for that, that she needn't do it.
I then turned away from the door, as I finally got an answer for myself. But as I readied myself to descend from the eighth floor, I voice spoke, one that of a man.
"Young Mr. Dimitrius, I am quite honored to see you here in my library." Mr. Alessio remarked, approaching me from our distance.
At his presence, I nodded at his words, both appreciative and wary of him. Though I found myself curious for his daughter, that did not mean I'd lower my guard at her father's presence.
The man, just like when we first met, held a warm and gentle aura surrounding him. He had the same silver hair as his daughter's, with a different eye color, for his was amber.
"The feeling is mutual, Mr. Ares. I needed my presence here as an individual who is fond of books. It is such a shame that I have finished the rest of my shelf back home, to which I am now here." I responded with respect, mainly to preserve a good reputation for my chaotic father.
The man before me smiled, one that is sincere and charming.
But that was not enough reason for me drop my guard down, as the single thread of doubt still lingered at the back of my mind.
He was still a stranger to me. And that is enough to keep him in my list of people to seed such doubt with.
Afterall, a man can be a wolf in a sheep's clothing.
...
The moment I stepped out of the structure, I let my feet wander around the lone streets of Aeiro. The sun is still set up high, and I could only leisure myself of a view's comfort.
After my conversation with Mr. Alessio, I immediately bid him a respectful farewell, with the book I sought already in my hands.
Truly, the library is a peaceful space. But I preferred solitude and isolation, rather than a deafening silence.
Thus, as my sight finally falls on the spot of judgement, I near it with languid steps—not caring with the way people cringed as I did so.
A smirk tugs at my lips.
This is why this is the perfect spot. People criticize me with the reason why I chose this particular space, especially as I lay myself down and sit on the very rough gravestone of none other than where my father is buried six feet under.
I then lean both my hands on my father's flat gravestone as I finally glance over to skim on the information written on it. As my russet eyes lay on the engraved words, I release a dark chuckle—purely out of disappointment for the pathetic ending my father had.
Leonidas Dimitrius
October 24, 1946-February 19, 1991
I heave a sigh. That is how little amount of my father's gravestone included. His death was tragic, indeed. But he need not an extravagant interment space.
Finally, I take the book in my hands, as silence envelopes the cemetery.
It was ironic, really. People claim to long for their deceased loved ones, but only a few visits their place.
I could only laugh at the thought. How easily they cringe at even thinking of visiting. None of them cared, that was the truth. As soon as the person is dead, they leave the memorable memories in their brains and only at that.
As soon as my hands open the book, my eyes wander on the inked words. But my sight specifically falls on the page numbers, catching on to where I left off, having already started this book once.
In the middle of my silent solitude, I get myself immediately immersed on the book, uncaring to the world around me.
I was already in between the later pages, almost close to the novel's ending.
That is until I feel a presence. Not eerie, but not friendly either.
And if that doesn't help, I feel a finger about to graze my shoulder, only that I immediately swat it away with a distasteful look on my face. Then, that is when I get a view of the person who had attempted to do so.
"My, my, why are you all alone here, boy?" He starts, his lips curling in a smile—seemingly genuine.
I mentally wince at his choice of words, finding it unfit in my description. So all I do is stare at him, my mind already processing as to why he is here.
He is a middle aged man, with a slender and lean build. But with an air of elegance, I could sense that he is someone of a professional career—only with a smudge of dirt.
"I am here to read, if that is not obvious." I answer him, already moving my attention to the man before me.
At this, the man smirks, as his dark-reddish eyes gleam in mischief. Man is already in his middle age but he is yet to be astonished with a boy.
He then sits beside me, as he glances at the book on my lap, making me almost want to hide it away—only that I realize that would be futile.
Then that was when I remember something.
Oh, damn.
That just reminded me of the exact scenario of me with that silver haired girl.
"Books are a great source of knowledge, don't you agree, boy?" the man speaks again, referring to me such in such a name. But this time, I don't wince. Because I could counter a vengeance for that referral.
"Could be, Doctor. But what happened to bringing men alive? You wished to do so, that you ended up here?" I remark, catching him off-guard by calling him by his profession.
But oh, there's more to it.
The moment his eyes crinckle yet again for another smile, I knew he knew I knew too much.
"Doctor, my boy? My, that's partially incorrect." He states, crossing his legs later after that.
"Oh is it? I thought you haven't acknowledged the fact that you're a criminal just yet, though? Did you finally decide to embody it?" I reply back, making him smile further this time.
Did that hit a nerve?
Yes, it did.
But I hardly care.
"How harsh, my boy." He claims, then clicks his tongue.
At this, another smirk tugs at my lips.
"Harsh? Hardly. Because the irony of being a Doctor and a murderer at the same time is your reality." I answer, his smile soon fading.
Well, that's only a truth I wish to rub his face with.
"There are factors as to why such thing happens, my boy." He crosses his arms, as his eyes directly locks with mine.
I then tilt my head. Probing him to continue.
"Life is never kind. And if one wishes to claim absolute power, then there are things he must accomplish and sacrifice before obtaining it. Otherwise, you won't be able to possess that one thing." He finishes, making me smile at the depth of the meaning of his words.
Hence, I ask. "And what is that?"
At my question, the man looks at me dead in the eye, before he mirors the smirk on my face.
"The world, my boy." and then, he leaves just like that.
Just like that.
But then that wasn't the only thing he left me with, as I frown the moment I open my book to start reading again.
There, a small piece of paper is placed in between the pages, with the man's name written on it.
Othon Menelaus
However, that is not the only thing I notice as I finally let out a chuckle as I read the passage on the very end of the book's page.
"The world is mine."
It was the exact quote from the book I was reading. And since Othon had placed it there, I could only assume that he wished to convey me the truth he believes.
The world was his.
But oh, I'm not so sure about that.
Second Encounter|
A Library's Silence, 9:00 am-9:52 am.