The book was heavy and cumbersome, so Elena quickly set it on the desk to avoid dropping it. Its once deep brown cover was faded, and the worn leather seemed ready to crumble. Hastily scrawled letters adorned the top.
Sacred Scripture? Elena carefully turned the pages, examining the book’s contents. Although unsure, she believed it recorded something about a god revered in Terra Demorte.
“Cura, do you know what Bazak is?” she asked.
Cura, who had been browsing the library’s shelves, turned. “Bazak? You mean the Earth God, Bazak?”
“The Earth God?” Elena queried.
“Yes. He’s worshiped by the White Fox Tribe.”
Elena tilted her head, puzzled. “Terra Demorte isn’t primarily an agricultural region. Why do they worship an Earth God?”
Cura took a book from the shelf and approached Elena. “Winter here is long, isn’t it? Compared to other regions, their growing season is shorter, and it’s a harsh environment for animals. I believe that’s why they worship the Earth God. The remaining White Fox Tribe in Terra Demorte still meticulously observes the Sabbath annually.”
“What’s the Sabbath?” Elena asked.
“It’s the Earth God Bazak’s day of rest,” Cura began. “It’s said to be the one day of the year when Bazak neither blesses nor curses. On that day, they abstain from all activity so that Bazak can rest.”
“Sabbath…” Elena murmured. The word lingered on her tongue, stirring something within her. Torches, people, the acrid smell… As a cloud of smoke seemed to rise in her mind, it vanished, replaced by a wave of dizziness.
Elena grasped the desk and sank into a chair.
“It’s almost the Sabbath anyway… Lady Elena!”
Startled, Cura tossed the book she held onto the desk and rushed to Elena’s side.
Gently holding her shoulders, Cura examined her expression. “What’s wrong all of a sudden? Are you feeling unwell?”
“No, it’s nothing. I just felt dizzy for a moment.” Elena closed her eyes and pressed her palm against her forehead.
“Shall we return to your room? I told you not to push yourself too hard, but you’ve been constantly on the move,” Cura said.
Elena leaned on Cura’s support as she helped her up, holding onto her arm and waist.
“I’m sorry,” Elena apologized.
“Oh, there’s nothing to apologize for,” Cura replied. “I’m just concerned about you overexerting yourself. Besides, if His Grace were to find out… well, you know how he is.”
Elena forced a smile. “Could you put this book back on the shelf for me?” she asked, pointing to the book she had been reading.
“Yes,” Cura replied, picking up the book.
As she walked toward the bookshelf, flipping through its pages, she suddenly stopped.
“Lady Elena,” Cura called.
Elena watched silently as Cura turned back toward her. Her bright, inquisitive eyes were fixed on Elena, as if something had piqued her curiosity.
“What is it?” Elena asked.
“You asked earlier about Bazak, didn’t you?” Cura replied.
“Yes,” Elena confirmed.
“How did you come to ask about Bazak?” Cura inquired.
“How?” Elena repeated, her gaze drawn to the book Cura held.
“Did you perhaps see it in this book?” Cura suggested.
“Yes,” Elena replied. “Why?”
“Really?” Cura exclaimed.
“Yeah,” Elena said. “Is something wrong?”
Elena was confused by Cura’s repeated questioning.
“No, it’s just… this is an ancient manuscript,” Cura explained. “And the writing here is in an ancient language.”
“An ancient language?” Elena asked.
“Yes, ancient. There are only a few people in the entire Baruchella Empire who can read this. But you said you read it?”
Elena was at a loss for words.
Indeed, the writing in the book wasn’t exactly letters—it was more like ambiguous drawings. She couldn’t recall where she had learned to read such unusual script. While flipping through the pages, she had been able to read it without any difficulty.
She hadn’t realized it was an ancient manuscript or that it was written in an ancient language, so she hadn’t found it strange that she could read it.
Elena was confused. It was frustrating not knowing what kind of life she had lived in the memories she had lost.
Until now, she had been so focused on caring for Hazel that she hadn’t had time to ponder how the days had passed. She had only dwelled on the fact that she had lost her memory, without reflecting on her past life.
For a few days after Hazel left, she had been fully occupied by Kennard, leaving her unable to do anything else. Even though all her plans to leave this place and regain her memories had been in vain, she had forgotten everything while with Kennard.
