Past and Present

While the as of yet unknown customer was busy searching for a book, any book, Diedrich had busied himself with restocking the fiction section, which was located up a very narrow flight of stairs. He previously had to constantly cart one stack of books and tomes after another up there, which was slowly tiring him out.

As he clomped down the stairs, he caught sight of a brown-haired figure ambling about the shelves. In an effort to appear courteous and kind, he asked, "Sir, is there anything I might help you with?" Despite his best efforts, the teen's question carried with it hints and instances of Germanic pronunciations.

@Aedan Drago

Diedrich stopped in place, pondering where most of the tomes of that particular subject were shelved. Then, pointing a finger into the air, as though he'd figured something out, he said, "I believe they're in the non-fiction, mainly. Are you interested in war of the human persuasion or non-human?" He walked past several shelves filled with books of factual natures, with the customer in tow.

At the teen's comment, the Grand Duke couldn't help but agree. He smiled, replying, "I have to agree with you, sir. There is nothing better than being able to hold a book in your own two hands."

@Aedan Drago

Diedrich patiently and calmly waited, all the while listening to the young man's remark on letting some things be lost to the annals of history. While he personally didn't feel the same, the duke kept his mouth shut and his opinions to himself. That, and he decided not to pry and question the man on the reasons for such a viewpoint. "Is there any sort of war you desire to read about? Punic? Religious? The Great War?" he asked, absentmindedly thumbing along the rows of books.

It was clear to Diedrich that this young man was very open with his thoughts and feelings. The young brunette was troubled and had obviously been through much. While the duke was wondering about the teen and his past, he kept such thoughts to himself. After all, it would be impolite to pry into something that was no doubt affecting him deeply. Diedrich smiled warmly, but the expression showed that he knew not what to say, nor did he want to.

Nodding, he replied, "Very good, mein Herr." He then bowed before continuing, "I shall be near the register. If you need anything else, do not hesitate to ask." At that, he turned to go and leave his customer to browse.

Diedrich nodded in understanding, his countenance beleaguered but ultimately masked by politeness. After all, this wasn't the first time he'd been questioned about his clothing, not to mention his accent and general manner of speaking. Giving the books a quick, hesitant glance, he replied, "Yes, sir. My vestments are quite antiquated and out of place in this era, but I am not an immortal, nor would I desire to be. Aside from possessing powers, as most here do, I am essentially a normal, non-gifted man. Although, I suppose you ultimately wish to know from whence I come. To be brief, I originate from Darmstadt, Germany during its time as an empire in Europe."

At that, he took several of the books and scanned them, finding it odd how one couldn't simply pay the amount it was worth; the scanning was entirely unnecessary in his eyes.

@Aedan Drago