Darian finished with his washing though a little lost in thought,marie words were still playing in his mind.
He could have better understanding of himself–no, darian past self but he couldn't just ignore it especially now,this identity now belongs to him.
He have to improve his reputation and he knows it is not a easy task but it can't be avoided–although he knew this disdain is for darian but it still make him uncomfortable.
"This has to be changed,no matter what."
Muttering such ,darian made silent resolution.
"But I need to gather more information.It is still not enough."
Darian let out a tired sigh , information he acquired from marie was good but not enough.
"Right,There has to be a library."
Darian got the whereabouts of library from the servants working outside in the hallway, though a little suprised by his sudden approach but promptly responded to him with utmost respect.
Darian finished with his breakfast provided by marie in his room before dressing up and made his way towards the library through the long corridor.
Darian entered the library but the sight greeted was beyond description.
The faint glow of golden candlelight flickered against the towering bookshelves as Darian stepped into the Grand royal Library. His boots clicked softly against the polished marble floor, his gaze sweeping across the endless rows of books.
"A library this massive… the previous Darian must've been well-educated, right?" he mused, though he doubted it. Given the rumors Marie had mentioned earlier, the former prince didn't seem like the scholarly type.
A few servants glanced his way before quickly bowing, their gazes avoiding his. Darian noted their nervous demeanor, but he ignored it for now—he had more important matters to attend to.
He approached the chief librarian, an elderly man with thin spectacles balancing on the tip of his nose. The man, upon noticing Darian, quickly stood up from his desk and bowed deeply.
"Your Highness, what an unexpected honor! How may I assist you?"
Darian cleared his throat, adopting a neutral expression. "I wish to study some historical records. Particularly about the royal family and the kingdom's past."
The librarian looked momentarily surprised but quickly recovered. "Of course, Your Highness. The historical archives are in the eastern wing. Shall I summon a scribe to assist you?"
"No need." Darian waved him off. "Just show me the way."
The old man bowed once more before leading Darian down a long corridor. The deeper they went, the dimmer the light became, the scent of aged parchment filling the air. The section he was led to was lined with ancient tomes, some covered in dust, others bound in ornate leather.
"These records contain detailed accounts of the royal lineage, wars, and major political events, Your Highness. Should you require anything specific, please ring the bell on the desk."
"Understood. Leave me."
The librarian bowed and quietly left. As soon as Darian was alone, he sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.
"Alright, time to piece things together."
Darian flipped through the thick tome titled "A History of Ashthorn and Its Monarchs." His fingers traced the gilded letters on the aged parchment as he read.
>"The Kingdom of Ashthorn was founded in the year 862 by King Roderic Valcroix, Named after the thorn-covered ash trees that once dominated the land, Ashthorn's legacy is one of blood and power."
Darian leaned back against the chair, eyes narrowing.
"So, this kingdom was built on war."
>The Valcroix Dynasty has ruled Ashthorn for over four centuries, their bloodline distinguished by an innate affinity for magic.It is said that the first kings were not just warriors, but wielders of powerful magic, feared by their enemies and revered by their own people."
Darian remain focused while fully engrossed in book.