Rober strolled along Chester Street, a road paved with grey granite, lined with tall buildings displaying a harmonious blend of classical architecture. This was an area for the middle class and above of Edoras, home to elegant shops, sophisticated cafes, and expensive apartments. The atmosphere here was quieter and more formal than the hustle and bustle of the area near the central station.

He walked, glancing around, searching for the address of the book rental shop that he had noted down earlier. According to information obtained from Jacob, the journalist from The Edoras Chronicle, this shop was connected to Kalis Marry, the current headmistress of the Royal Academy, a figure of great influence in academic and political circles.

In this era, when books were still a luxury for the majority of the population, the business model of book rental was thriving. The increase in literacy, thanks to educational reform movements, and the development of the printing and publishing industry, had created a great demand for books. However, not everyone could afford to buy books, especially rare ones, or extensive collections. Therefore, book rental shops emerged, meeting the reading needs of a wide range of people, from ordinary workers to students, scholars, and even wealthy aristocrats.

Finally, Rober found the bookstore he was looking for. It sat modestly between a row of other shops, but still exuded a special charm, attracting the attention of passersby. The shop front was paneled with wood, painted a deep green, an elegant color that evoked tranquility and knowledge. The old oak door was intricately carved, with a frosted glass pane above, decorated with swirling floral patterns.

Right above the door, a polished brass sign hung neatly, standing out against the green wood. On the sign, the words "Kalis Marry" were engraved, meticulously, in a classic serif typeface, both formal and somewhat mysterious. On either side of the door, two large, lush fern plants, placed on marble pedestals, their soft fronds drooping down, created a harmonious, refreshing scene.

The large, clear glass window displayed leather-bound books arranged carefully and artistically on curved wooden shelves. Above the window, a striped green and white canvas awning was extended, shading the sunlight, creating a pleasant, cool space. From inside the shop, the warm, yellow glow of oil lamps shone, shimmering and inviting, beckoning book lovers to step inside and explore.

Rober stood before the shop, taking a deep breath, sensing the familiar scent of old paper, ink, and oak. He smiled, a feeling of eagerness and anticipation rising within him. He reached out and knocked lightly on the wooden door three times, according to proper etiquette. Then, he pushed the door open and stepped inside, not forgetting to say "Excuse me" in a moderate tone.

The interior of Kalis Marry's bookshop was completely different from the outside. It was like a private library, a quiet oasis, where time seemed to slow down, and where one could temporarily forget the worries and burdens of life, to immerse oneself in the world of words.

The floor was made of oak, polished to a sheen over time. The walls were paneled with wood, painted a light cream color, creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. The light came mainly from oil lamps hanging from the ceiling, and from brass table lamps placed on the reading tables.

Towering bookshelves, made of old oak, lined the walls, containing thousands of books of all genres, sizes, and colors. There were thick, leather-bound books, sewn with gold thread, with elaborate, intricate decorative patterns; there were simple, rustic books with canvas covers; there were books with yellowed, worn paper covers, but still exuding an antique beauty, full of charm.

In the center of the room, a few large, oak reading tables were scattered, surrounded by comfortable leather armchairs, inviting customers to sit down, relax, and enjoy the books. On each table was a brass table lamp, with a jade-green silk lampshade, emitting a soft light, just enough to read without straining the eyes.

The atmosphere in the shop was very quiet, with only the rustling of turning pages, the scratching of pencils on paper, and the whispered conversations of a few customers. The scent of old paper, ink, and oak blended together, creating a distinctive aroma, which book lovers often called "the scent of knowledge." The store also avoided using perfumes or scented candles that were too strong, only the faint scent of dampness from the weather could be noticed.

Rober noticed that this bookstore had a difference from ordinary bookstores. There were no advertising signs, posters introducing new books, or stacks of books on sale at discounted prices. Everything was arranged neatly, tidily, and somewhat... "mysterious."

As soon as Rober entered, a young girl, probably an employee of the shop, came out from behind the cashier's counter, bowing her head politely to him. The girl was petite, with chestnut-brown hair tied up in a neat bun, and large, round, dark eyes. She wore a long navy-blue dress, with a white apron embroidered with a quill and an inkwell.

"Good day, sir" the girl said, her voice gentle and soft. "What book are you looking for?"

Rober smiled and replied "Good day, miss. I'm here to browse. I've heard that this shop has many good and rare books."

The girl smiled and nodded. "Yes, that's right, sir. Our shop has many books, of all genres, from literature, history, philosophy, and science, to books on magic, mythology, and the mysteries of the world."

"That's wonderful" Rober said. "May I look at the books myself?"

"Yes, of course, sir" the girl replied. "Please feel free."

Rober nodded in thanks, and then began to walk along the bookshelves, slowly glancing over the spines, reading the titles, authors' names, and publication years. He noticed that there were many books here that he had never heard of, never seen before. But there were also a few books, whose titles surprised him, and felt somewhat familiar.

They were books like: "The History of Giant Civilization" "The True Case of Blood-Sucking Demons" "The Encyclopedia of Dragon Species"... These titles, in Rober's previous world, would certainly be classified as fantasy novels, or mythology, the occult. But here, they were displayed as genuine research books, scientific documents.

He continued to walk along the bookshelves, but didn't find any book that truly sparked his interest. He also didn't see any sign of Kalis Marry, the headmistress of the academy, whom he hoped to meet here.

Finally, Rober reached the end of the room, where there was a wooden staircase, seemingly leading to the upper floor. He approached, looking up. Right above the staircase, a small, wooden sign hung on the wall, with the words written in black ink: "Books for Discerning Readers."

Rober raised an eyebrow, a surge of intense curiosity rising within him. He wondered, what books were so "discerning" that they had to be kept separately on the second floor?

He was about to step onto the stairs, when suddenly, the shop assistant appeared, blocking his way.

"Excuse me, sir" the girl said, her voice somewhat hesitant. "The upstairs area is currently not open to visitors."

"Why not?" Rober asked.

"Well" the girl replied "that's the owner's rule. The books up there... are somewhat special. Only those who have read all the books on this floor, and passed a small test, are allowed to go up."

Rober was slightly surprised by this strange rule. He looked at the girl and asked "Could you tell me, what's so special about the books up there?"

The girl smiled and shook her head. "I'm sorry, sir, I can't reveal that. But I can assure you that, if you truly love books, and have sufficient knowledge, you won't be disappointed when you get to go up there."

Rober looked at the girl, then at the stairs. He felt a strong urge, a desire to explore the secrets hidden up there. He smiled and said to the girl:

"Well then, I'd like to take that test."

The girl was slightly surprised, but then she smiled and nodded. "Yes, sir. May I ask, sir, have you read all the books on this floor?"

Rober smiled, a confident smile. "Yes, miss. I have" he replied. He paused for a moment, as a habit, and added. "And thank you for asking."