"Then who wrote this book?"
"Someone I studied under, a researcher by inclination, though his skill was no less than that of heralds who made a living at it. Most of this was copied from the archives in his spare time." Marco proudly showed Green a name on the last page that he had never heard before.
"I've added a little to his work, and I doubt you'll find another book on the subject that's more complete or reliable."
The priest tried to recall the name for a while, but couldn't remember anything about the author. People like that were often the same: rarely did anything bring them recognition. They spent their lives quietly immersed in the archives, leaving behind written legacies that might not be noticed until who knew when.
"May I ask where your teacher worked?"
"My teacher returned to the Heavenly Father's embrace many years ago."
"Sorry." Just as he'd expected. Green felt a deeply unscrupulous flicker of relief that he hadn't continued studying history and literature or pursued a degree in them.
"There's no need to apologize, Priest. He spent his life in quiet fulfillment and contentment. After exhausting every avenue of exploration in his books, he went to the kingdom above to consult the saints in person. It could hardly be more perfect."
That made a lot of sense, and Green was at a loss for words. Some people were paid by the Church to pursue their interests in the Church's library. He really had neither the standing nor the right to pity them.
"Anyway, is there anything else you'd like to know?" The scholar, a winner in life, still had plenty to say. A summary of the current state of Royal Family heraldry wasn't even a warm-up for him. He hadn't even gotten to