Elian

He is Prince Elyan, heir to the throne and Supreme Arcanarch. His gift—absolute control over any magic—is unique and unparalleled. His parents, the rulers, shielded him from public view from childhood, understanding that a living legend must remain in the shadows to avoid becoming a target and preserve at least a shred of normalcy. His face, voice, and demeanor—all were carefully hidden from prying eyes. He even learned to completely suppress his power in public, leaving only a subtle, barely perceptible trace that only the greatest mage could sense. To the world, he was a phantom—everyone knew of his existence, his power, and his right to the throne, but no one knew him. He treasured this anonymity like air, for it was his only freedom.

I am Lyra, the "Empty One," a bookbinder. Magic for me is only the letters in books.

Meeting (shortened in half):

He entered the empty library, wrapped in a cloak. His request for a complex treatise was precise. While I was searching for the book, he noticed my dirty hands.

"Restorer?" a voice asked from under the hood. “To assemble a book, you need to understand its contents,” I replied. He asked a specific question about an outdated theory. My answer, based on field reports, made him throw back his hood. A lively, insatiable interest blazed in his tired eyes.

"My name is Elian." "Lyra".

He froze, studying my face for even a hint of recognition. But there was none. And then a smile of profound relief blossomed on his lips.

"Lyra," he repeated warmly. "Thank you for talking about the essence of things."

In that moment, he was simply a man. And I, unknowingly, became the first person to speak to him, not his legend.