The Late Fee (Ace of Jokers)

Hints & Solutions
Highlight the white text inside the block for hints ranging from vague to specific...

Hint 1: From the description, the library scene in Maze of Games appears relevant... Hint 2: COMES CLOSER TO looks like a crossword clue... Hint 3: You need V numbers like V.... Solution: The top resolves to NEARS. The bottom wants 5 roman numerals. + means "add in between the letters." Taking IDXCD, you can make INDEX CARDS, like the V ones the librarian was rifling through.