Chapter 6: Library
As Ethan stepped into the grand Library, his thoughts drifted back to his recent encounter with the enigmatic Ninth Sun. He found himself unable to reconcile the reality before him with the image of young masters he had long encountered in novels.
These scions of influential families possessed wealth, power, and undeniable talent. Yet, rather than savoring the privileges their lineage afforded, they squandered their time and energy tormenting those they deemed beneath them, driven solely by a cruel sense of superiority.
’Can they not simply relish the privileges bestowed upon them at birth? Marry as many women as they desire, indulge in leisure, and squander their fortunes without malice’ Ethan mused with a weary sigh as he continued walking.
’At least, I doubt I’ll cross paths with him again anytime soon. It seemed he was just departing the Library’ he reflected quietly, drawing near to a table.
A man sat carelessly, legs casually draped atop the table. His hair was a striking contrast of black interspersed with silver strands, and his piercing green eyes hinted at a man likely in his forties. Without offering Ethan so much as a glance, he absently flipped through the magazine in his hand.
"Good morning, Great Elder," Ethan greeted respectfully.
The man slowly lifted his head from the pages, his indifferent green gaze meeting Ethan’s with a steady, appraising stare that lingered for a moment.
"It’s been a while, Asher. I wonder what brings you to the domain of this old man," the Great Elder, the librarian, remarked in a calm, measured voice.
"I am simply here to read, Great Elder," Ethan replied evenly, his expression unreadable, neither a smile nor a frown to betray his thoughts.