OVA
Description
Hugh Anthony Disward, who is almost always called Huey, is the central protagonist of the story. He is a young man in his early twenties, identified by his blond hair and blue eyes, and typically dressed in a practical leather double-breasted long coat. His face carries a稳重, or composed, quality that hints at his good upbringing, yet still retains a touch of youthful immaturity. To the observant, his precise and efficient movements suggest he has received a form of rigorous training akin to that of a soldier.
Huey is the grandson of the late bibliophile Wesley Disward. Following his grandfather's passing, he inherits a large mansion and its vast collection of books, but the inheritance comes with a condition: he must also care for the strange library known as the Dantalian's Bookshelf. His background is one of some privilege, but also personal complexity. His mother, a fashion designer, passed away several years prior, and while his father is still alive, Huey admits he cannot fully respect him. During his childhood, he was often dressed in girls' clothing by his mother to model her designs, at which times he was nicknamed Antoinette. This mix of formality and hidden eccentricity defines a part of his character.
In demeanor, Huey is consistently portrayed as polite, calm, and grounded. Even when confronted with the supernatural or when reluctant to do so, he is capable of maintaining a composed and courteous exterior. He is also defined by a strong sense of responsibility. It was this quality, demonstrated by his determination to resolve a crisis caused by a book his grandfather had acquired, that earned him the recognition of Dalian and solidified his role as the Key Keeper. Despite his aristocratic roots, he does not shy away from manual labor, such as fixing his own car or tending to the garden, tasks that are considered unusual for his social standing.
A significant part of Huey's identity is his past as a pilot. He fought in the Great War, a period of his life that had a profound impact on his personality. While he was initially arrogant and rough, with a gaze described as being like a "dog abandoned by its master," his experiences in the air changed him. He was deeply affected by the death of a friend, Ilas Alcock, and was later forced to confront and shoot down Ilas after he was unnaturally resurrected as an enemy pilot. This traumatic event extinguished the wilder, more aggressive light in his eyes and led him to reject the medals and glory of war, preferring simply to identify himself as a former pilot rather than by any military title. He carries a military-issue revolver, a well-used lighter, and a vintage silver military car, all relics of his service.
Huey's primary motivation and role in the story stem from his position as the Key Keeper for the Dantalian's Bookshelf. Only he can unlock the seal on Dalian, who is the vessel for this phantom library, by using a mysterious key he has possessed since childhood. Together, they travel across a post-World War I England, tracking down and sealing away dangerous Phantom Books - tomes of forbidden knowledge that bring chaos and tragedy to those who misuse them. His responsibilities are not only those of a supernatural agent but also a caretaker; he drives their car, cooks, manages tasks for Dalian, and patiently tolerates her often rude and demanding whims.
His most significant relationship is, without a doubt, with Dalian. Their bond began in his childhood when he wandered into the mystical library and met a girl in white, promising to one day free her. Years later, as an adult, he meets the Black Biblioprincess, Dalian, and their contract is formed. He acts as her protector and partner, and his dedication to her is absolute. Other key relationships include his childhood friend, Kamilla Sauer Keynes, who frequently visits and involves herself in their affairs, and fellow Key Keeper Hal Kamhout, with whom Huey shares an occasional and wary alliance. He also maintains connections with old acquaintances from his military days, such as his former subordinate Armand Jeremiah.
Throughout the narrative, Huey does not undergo a dramatic personality change but rather demonstrates a deepening commitment to his promises and duties. Shaped by wartime trauma and the solitude of his family life, he finds a new purpose in protecting Dalian and ensuring that dangerous magical knowledge does not fall into the wrong hands. His primary ability is his role as the Key Keeper, allowing him to access the Dantalian's Bookshelf through Dalian to read the correct Phantom Book needed to resolve a current crisis. Beyond this supernatural function, he is highly capable in a practical sense. He is proficient with his revolver, though he often prefers non-lethal solutions, and his movements are strangely skilled and efficient, described as being akin to a special forces soldier. He is also a skilled pilot, a driver, and possesses keen observational skills.
Huey is the grandson of the late bibliophile Wesley Disward. Following his grandfather's passing, he inherits a large mansion and its vast collection of books, but the inheritance comes with a condition: he must also care for the strange library known as the Dantalian's Bookshelf. His background is one of some privilege, but also personal complexity. His mother, a fashion designer, passed away several years prior, and while his father is still alive, Huey admits he cannot fully respect him. During his childhood, he was often dressed in girls' clothing by his mother to model her designs, at which times he was nicknamed Antoinette. This mix of formality and hidden eccentricity defines a part of his character.
In demeanor, Huey is consistently portrayed as polite, calm, and grounded. Even when confronted with the supernatural or when reluctant to do so, he is capable of maintaining a composed and courteous exterior. He is also defined by a strong sense of responsibility. It was this quality, demonstrated by his determination to resolve a crisis caused by a book his grandfather had acquired, that earned him the recognition of Dalian and solidified his role as the Key Keeper. Despite his aristocratic roots, he does not shy away from manual labor, such as fixing his own car or tending to the garden, tasks that are considered unusual for his social standing.
A significant part of Huey's identity is his past as a pilot. He fought in the Great War, a period of his life that had a profound impact on his personality. While he was initially arrogant and rough, with a gaze described as being like a "dog abandoned by its master," his experiences in the air changed him. He was deeply affected by the death of a friend, Ilas Alcock, and was later forced to confront and shoot down Ilas after he was unnaturally resurrected as an enemy pilot. This traumatic event extinguished the wilder, more aggressive light in his eyes and led him to reject the medals and glory of war, preferring simply to identify himself as a former pilot rather than by any military title. He carries a military-issue revolver, a well-used lighter, and a vintage silver military car, all relics of his service.
Huey's primary motivation and role in the story stem from his position as the Key Keeper for the Dantalian's Bookshelf. Only he can unlock the seal on Dalian, who is the vessel for this phantom library, by using a mysterious key he has possessed since childhood. Together, they travel across a post-World War I England, tracking down and sealing away dangerous Phantom Books - tomes of forbidden knowledge that bring chaos and tragedy to those who misuse them. His responsibilities are not only those of a supernatural agent but also a caretaker; he drives their car, cooks, manages tasks for Dalian, and patiently tolerates her often rude and demanding whims.
His most significant relationship is, without a doubt, with Dalian. Their bond began in his childhood when he wandered into the mystical library and met a girl in white, promising to one day free her. Years later, as an adult, he meets the Black Biblioprincess, Dalian, and their contract is formed. He acts as her protector and partner, and his dedication to her is absolute. Other key relationships include his childhood friend, Kamilla Sauer Keynes, who frequently visits and involves herself in their affairs, and fellow Key Keeper Hal Kamhout, with whom Huey shares an occasional and wary alliance. He also maintains connections with old acquaintances from his military days, such as his former subordinate Armand Jeremiah.
Throughout the narrative, Huey does not undergo a dramatic personality change but rather demonstrates a deepening commitment to his promises and duties. Shaped by wartime trauma and the solitude of his family life, he finds a new purpose in protecting Dalian and ensuring that dangerous magical knowledge does not fall into the wrong hands. His primary ability is his role as the Key Keeper, allowing him to access the Dantalian's Bookshelf through Dalian to read the correct Phantom Book needed to resolve a current crisis. Beyond this supernatural function, he is highly capable in a practical sense. He is proficient with his revolver, though he often prefers non-lethal solutions, and his movements are strangely skilled and efficient, described as being akin to a special forces soldier. He is also a skilled pilot, a driver, and possesses keen observational skills.