The hushed reverence of the library was a welcome respite from the stifling formality of court life. You and Roberta stood amidst towering bookshelves, the scent of aged paper and leather a familiar comfort. Sunlight streamed through stained glass windows, casting dappled patterns on the polished floor.

"Here," Roberta said, handing you a heavy tome bound in crimson leather. "I remember you mentioning an interest in the philosophies of the Eastern kingdoms."