The Wizarding World's Forbidden Book Administrator

Chapter 5 Forbidden Books and Scrolls

Aaron ultimately couldn't bring himself to chase after them.

He never imagined that Brianna would never return to the library.

If he had known this would happen, he would have tried to salvage the situation, at least pleading with Brianna to return "Omiros Riddle's Notebook" to the library.

Since then, Aaron carefully put away "Basic Wizardry" and "The Curse Manual from Beginner to Expert," placing them back on the bookshelf on the basement floor.

In a daze, a long time passed, and Aaron had long forgotten the time.

Aaron would often think of Brianna Lorraine, but after a while, he would completely forget Brianna, along with her appearance and name.

Just as he forgot his three previous wives, Brianna would become a vague symbol in his memory.

However, before he could completely forget about it, Aaron would still unconsciously keep an eye on information about the Lorraine Plains.

Compared to the period before, there has been less contact with Lorraine Plains after Brianna's second departure.

But I still heard some big news a few times.

The lords of the Lorraine Plains implemented reforms that increased the power of women within their territories.

This move angered the royal family and other nobles, who criticized it harshly.

Later, this conflict escalated into war, with a coalition led by the royal family launching a joint attack on the Plain of Lorraine.

Ultimately, the war ended with the withdrawal of the allied forces and the royal family bestowing the title of hereditary duke upon the lord of the Lorraine Plain.

However, Aaron hasn't heard any related information recently.

After Brianna left, Aaron had almost no memory of his daily life.

Although there are occasional visitors to the library, and Aaron would have normal conversations with them, unfortunately, none of them could leave an impression on him.

The only thing Aaron remembered was a visitor from ten years ago who said that the town was currently undergoing road repairs.

One day, Aaron was reading at the registration desk when someone suddenly burst into the library.

He was a fully armed knight, and judging from his armor, his patron must be incredibly wealthy.

The knight removed his helmet, held it to his waist with one hand, and then glanced at Aaron.

He walked toward Aaron, the metal pieces clanging together with a crisp sound.

"Are you the manager here?" he asked.

Aaron nodded: "Yes, I am."

"You must come with me," the knight said firmly.

"Could you please tell me why?"

"My mistress said she borrowed something here and wanted to return it to you personally, but unfortunately she is seriously ill and bedridden and unable to move, so she can only send you over."

Aaron closed the book without any hesitation:

Let's go!

As I stepped out of the library, a luxurious carriage was already waiting outside.

It was pulled by four horses, each with perfectly sculpted muscles, undoubtedly a rare and exceptional steed.

One maid arranged the sedan chair ladder for Aaron, while another maid lifted the purple silk curtain for him.

Aaron had barely settled into the thick cushions filled with goose feathers when the carriage began to move without any pause.

After leaving the nearby town, the road became wide and smooth, and the carriage sped along.

Once in the carriage, eight maids took turns caring for Aaron.

He eats four meals a day: fresh fruit and vegetables in the morning, bread or potatoes with roasted meat for lunch, pies and black tea in the afternoon, and fine soup, cheese, roasted meat, roasted vegetables, pies, and some steamed or boiled foods in the evening.

In addition, alcoholic beverages are available on demand.

Red wine, white wine, grain-brewed wine, sparkling wine, beer, distilled spirits—all kinds of alcoholic beverages are available.

Anyone who didn't know better would think Aaron was attending a party at some nobleman's mansion, never imagining that he was actually in a carriage on the highway.

In addition, the maids would ask Aaron every day if he needed any special services. They said that this was a special instruction from their master, and that Aaron must be satisfied.

For some reason, Aaron felt a chill run down his spine after hearing this, so he politely declined them all.

Five days later, the carriage arrived at its destination.

Aaron entered the castle and received the highest level of hospitality.

After the ceremony was completed, the old butler took Aaron's hand and led him to a room.

"You've finally arrived, sir. The Duchess insists on taking the energy potion, saying she doesn't want you to see her looking listless. You know, it works, but it's also harmful. The Duchess is just too strong-willed, carrying everything on her own, to the point that... You know, she's only fifty-five years old. It's truly a case of the heavens being jealous of talent. Sir, please hurry, this way..."

Aaron listened to the nagging without saying a word.

If she is already fifty-five years old, then twenty-seven or twenty-eight years have passed since that day.

The old butler opened a door for Aaron, who then closed it after Aaron entered.

Aaron glanced around the room. There was no one else in the room except for a white-haired lady sitting upright against the headboard.

The lady smiled and said, "I never imagined you would sacrifice your life for me."

Aaron shrugged and joked, "I'm not planning on dying for you."

"You know what I'm talking about, you left the library."

Aaron laughed: "You finally believe me, even if it's forty years too late."

Aaron saw a soft cushioned stool placed beside the bed and knew it was prepared for him.

So he walked to the bedside and sat down.

Aaron took a deep breath and smelled the fragrance of violets filling the room:

"Long time no see, Miss Lorraine."

"Only you would still call me 'Miss'," Brianna chuckled. "What should I call you, Seventy-Four? Or Seventy-Five?"

"Seventy-six, just changed last year."

"I still think it's easier to call you Seventy-Three."

Aaron smiled and said, "Please do as you wish."

"Seventy-three?"

"Miss, what are your orders?"

"Could you come a little closer?"

Aaron nodded and pulled the stool closer.

"Can you hold my hand?"

Aaron extended his hand and placed it on Brianna's palm.

He felt the loose, stiff, and rough skin on her hands, and a wave of sadness washed over him, but his expression remained unchanged; perhaps he had long since grown accustomed to it.

"You're still so young," Brianna said wistfully, stroking Aaron's hand, "while I'm already an old woman with one foot in the grave."

Aaron didn't know how to answer. Should he say, "Actually, I'm older? You're still young in my eyes?" Or should he say something else?

While still conflicted, Brianna continued, "However, perhaps it's my old age that attracts you more. You like older women, don't you?"

Aaron rolled his eyes at Brianna: "You used to say it was a misunderstanding, but now it's a complete frame-up!"

"Haha, yeah, they must have been quite young when you married your exes."

Brianna tilted her head back and laughed a few times, but her gaze never left Aaron, before her laughter gradually faded.

"I am indeed very jealous of them."

"envy?"

"After they heard your secret, they immediately pulled you back to the library, which shows that even if your words are absurd, they will immediately believe you without hesitation. But it took me forty years."

"But you still believed it," Aaron said with a smile.

"Thank you for your comfort, Seventy-Three," Brianna's smile held a hint of bitterness. "And, I'm sorry?"

Aaron asked, puzzled, "Why apologize?"

"Twenty-eight years ago, I said such hurtful things to you."

Aaron thought back for a moment and realized that Brianna was probably referring to the phrase "liar monster".

He shook his head: "It's okay, I was indeed a liar, I lied, I deceived you."

"But I shouldn't have called you a monster," Brianna said, her eyes filled with remorse.

"I don't care."

"But I do care!"

Brianna's voice trembled slightly, and she lowered her head.

"Seventy-three, you know what? I was terrified. I thought you were already an old man, but when I saw you, exactly as I remembered you, still so young, I immediately realized that all the secrets you told me before were true!"

Aaron felt that Brianna's palm was a little cold, perhaps due to her emotional state, so he quickly said:

"Calm down, Miss Lorraine, it's all over now!"

"make life difficult for!"

Brianna cried out weakly.

"That day, I was terrified... I was afraid you'd forgotten me because we hadn't seen each other for fourteen years! I was afraid that you, who would never grow old, possessed other terrifying powers! I was even more afraid that I, no longer young, would be rejected by you..."

"Seventy-three, do you know, I called you a monster not because I hated you, but out of fear. What a person fears is a monster to them. Seventy-three, can you forgive me?"

Aaron squeezed Brianna's hand: "Of course, I forgive you."

"Thank you, Seventy-Three... but... I'm not afraid anymore..."

Brianna looked at Aaron again, but her voice was much weaker and her face was pale.

"You're tired, Miss Lorraine."

Brianna shook her head: "I can manage. Seventy-three, I still have so much to tell you. Will you listen to me?"

Aaron was silent for a moment, then sighed and said, "I will, but don't force yourself."

"Hmm... Seventy-three, do you know, I'm a duchess now!"

"I heard it from that butler."

"Honestly, I wanted to tell you myself... But, Seventy-Three, you saw it, I really tried my best!"

"Mmm! That's great!"

Aaron praised her, just as he would praise Brianna when she was a child for every correct answer to her homework.

Hesitating, should he take the opportunity to pat her head?

"whee!"

Brianna laughed happily; in that moment, she felt as if she had returned to forty years ago.

"Don't let my current appearance fool you, I'm actually quite powerful. The nobles around here would probably wet their pants just from hearing my name, and no one would dare to interfere with my life anymore."

"Congratulations, Miss Lorraine, you have achieved your dream."

"But, Seventy-three, only I know in my heart that all of this is thanks to you. You gave me the power to change my destiny."

Aaron shook his head: "It's the result of your own hard work. What gave you strength was the books, not me."

"No, it's you!" Brianna retorted firmly. "If it weren't for you, I would have been defeated by fate long ago and met a tragic end. Seventy-three, I have always been grateful to you, really!"

"Thank you for being there for me when I needed you most."

Aaron felt unworthy of such gratitude.

Judging from Brianna's appearance, Aaron knew it was the result of the backlash from the curse.

It was Aaron who drew this terrifying power to Brianna's side.

"The power of curses can backfire if used improperly. I warned you to use it sparingly."

"Some things, once started, can't be stopped, seventy-three."

Brianna looked at Aaron with a kind smile, but her eyes held a hint of sadness.

"And right now, I also have a curse that I must inflict."

Aaron asked, "Can't we give up?"

"No," Brianna shook her head, "because the target of the curse is you."

"Are you going to curse me?" Aaron pointed to his nose, feeling a little flustered.

After leaving the library, Aaron is now just an ordinary person who is slightly handsome.

He had no means to deal with any extraordinary power.

"Yes, I curse you—your remaining life will be haunted and controlled by Brianna Lorraine."

Hearing this, Aaron smiled with relief:

"You've fallen into your old habits again, Miss Lorraine. Have you forgotten? I told you that a curse cannot steal a blessing. You cannot gain longevity by cursing me."

Brianna smiled mysteriously: "Really? But I have a feeling my curse will come true."

Immediately, Brianna's hands coalesced into a ball of black cursed power.

However, Brianna's aged body could no longer control this power with finesse, so her life force was being drained by the curse at a visible rate.

Aaron saw that Brianna was aging rapidly and hurriedly shouted:

"Briana, stop!"

But it was too late. She infused the curse into her body, and the curse transformed into a black shadow that burrowed into Aaron's body.

The curse is complete.

Aaron felt no discomfort and said with mixed feelings, "Brianana, why bother?"

Brianna is currently on the verge of death:

"Seventy-three, you're wrong about one thing. I haven't forgotten a single word you've said to me."

Aaron gripped Brianna's hand tightly: "Don't use curses again."

"Yes, I wouldn't even die," Brianna said with a happy smile. "However, Seventy-Three, besides the curse, I've also learned a blessing spell over the years."

"Oh? What kind of blessing is that?"

"As long as you recite that mantra, you will definitely have a beautiful dream after falling asleep that night. I have tried it countless times, and it is very effective."

Since the power wasn't learned from the "Notebook," Aaron should have been able to learn it too.

He immediately became interested and asked, "Really? Can you teach me?"

"don't want!"

"mean!"

"don't want!"

The two then looked at each other and smiled.

Well, Aaron wasn't really that keen on learning anyway.

"By the way, Seventy-Three, do you remember our promise?"

"Um."

"You said the books had to be returned before I died, and I think now is the time."

Brianna released her hand from Aaron's and pointed to the bedside table.

"There, you can inspect it."

Aaron walked to the bedside table, where a book and a scroll were placed, with several empty bottles lying or standing around it.

He remembered the old butler saying that Brianna had been drinking energy potions in preparation for this meeting.

Judging from this, she even drank a few more bottles before Aaron entered the room!

She just forcibly released the curse again...

Aaron was somewhat worried about Brianna's current health condition.

As he frowned and picked up the book, Brianna said, "Take that painting too, it's for you."

Aaron took the things and sat back down on the stool.

The book was indeed the one that had been lent out before; the handwriting of Aaron himself on the crocodile skin was enough to confirm it.

Then he unfolded the painting.

The painting depicts a beautiful young girl, about twelve or thirteen years old, dressed in a gorgeous dress.

Brianna explained, "That was the image I saw in the mirror the first time I stood in front of it in the library."

Aaron bluntly pointed out, "But you were covered in mud and your dress was tattered."

Brianna chuckled slyly, "Who told it to be a lying mirror!"

That makes sense! Aaron smiled and nodded.

"I had an identical dress made, but unfortunately it no longer fits me..."

At that moment, Aaron noticed that Brianna's eyelids were blinking heavily, and he realized that she was sleepy.

"You're tired, Miss Lorraine. You should rest."

"Ah... um, is that so..." Brianna's tone was somewhat dejected. "Thank you for coming. Seventy-three, I have no regrets in my life. You don't need to wait for me to wake up. You should go back to the library. I have prepared a carriage for you."

Aaron smiled and said, "It's nothing, just a day or two."

"No! Not even a second longer!"

Brianna spoke in an unquestionable tone, at that moment resembling a duchess issuing commands.

"I'm sorry, Seventy-Three... I had the best carriage built, the best horses selected, and the best food and drink prepared for you. I even chose maids to accommodate your young and physical needs, and I even renovated the road. But it still takes five days to get here. I really can't shorten the time any further. I'm truly sorry, so you should go back as soon as possible and not linger here!"

Aaron gasped after hearing this.

He remembered that the news of road construction had been circulating in the town for ten years.

It turns out that Brianna had been preparing for this meeting for at least ten years!

Aaron opened his mouth wide, speechless for a moment.

Only when Brianna urged him did Aaron firmly grasp that old, slightly cool hand in both of his own.

"Miss Lorraine, is there anything I can do for you?"

"Ah, there is one..."

"Please speak!"

"You introduced yourself to me by your name many times, and of course I knew you wanted me to call you that, but I always managed to fool you... Seventy-three, looking back now, I think I was so stupid."

Aaron forced a smile: "Maybe this is fine, isn't it?"

"Hmm...maybe, but right now I really want to call your name, Seventy-Three, may I?"

Aaron nodded vigorously, "Of course! I couldn't be happier!"

"Th-thank you..."

Perhaps Brianna was too tired; her eyes were squinted into slits.

"I remember your name is... I remember... it's called..."

Upon seeing this, Aaron immediately said, "Miss Brianna Lorraine, my name is..."

"Shh, shut up, I remember!"

Brianna shook her head vigorously, but in Aaron's eyes, it only swayed slightly.

She leaned against the headboard, trying her best to open her eyes, and looked at Aaron with a very gentle gaze.

As if she had remembered, Brianna smiled, then slightly parted her lips:

"..."

However, no sound was heard.

Brianna's eyes met Aaron's, and Aaron's eyes met Brianna's.

However, this was not eye contact.

Because only Aaron was looking at Brianna, and Brianna's eyes were already filled with bitterness.

Brianna Lorraine... is dead!