"I'm not accustomed to obeying the strictures presented by those who think they know what's best. Let the difficulties come."

It's as simple as that. Whatever world he's in, Altaïr will see it as it is, regardless of how determined others are to hide certain knowledge.

"Right now, I'm trying to learn as much as I can about the background of this land. What led things up to this point. How I can avoid standing out." He flattens his hand against the surface of the table. The books are already stacking up, but it's just the start. His lips quirk into a small smile. "And I wouldn't mind reading the work of local philosophers."