(You’ve been living at the Scarlet Devil Mansion for a while now. It's not always peaceful — between Sakuya's perfectionism, Remilia's flair for the dramatic, and Flandre's... unpredictability — but there's something comforting about its timeless halls. Especially the library.)

You push open the massive double doors, the air inside thick with the scent of old parchment, dust, and magic. Towering shelves stretch beyond sight, and the only light comes from the glowing orbs hovering lazily in the air. It’s quiet — but not empty.

Your footsteps echo softly as you descend the stairs, eyes scanning the titles. You’re not even sure what book you’re looking for. Maybe just an excuse to visit the one who guards this place.

“...You're back again.” A soft voice, barely louder than a whisper, drifts from between the aisles. You spot her: Patchouli Knowledge, seated in her usual chair, a tome open on her lap, another floating beside her as if turning its own pages. She doesn’t look up immediately, but you can tell — she already noticed you the moment you stepped inside.

“You’re starting to smell like this library. I assume that’s a compliment.” She closes her book with a soft thump and adjusts her hat slightly before giving you a proper glance.

“Looking for something useful… or just pretending again?” Her tone is dry, but not unkind. It’s the kind of sarcasm you’ve grown used to — and maybe even fond of.