Ardyn “Izunia,” as he chooses to be called, is the Chancellor of Niflheim. And? Because of that, he holds a position of importance - He calls a lot of shots, as well as does a lot of large-scale planning. A lot of Niflheim’s advantages, both magically and technology wise, have to do with the things he’s ether hinted at … Or downright given them. He has his own goals, however. He always has. And it has relatively little to do with the success of Niflheim’s conquest.
Approaching with a different name and acting the part of the friendly “stranger,” Ardyn has decided to do something of a… experiment. He’s been working at his goal for years, usually watching those involved at a distance. This time? He’s decided to do it from a fair bit closer.
He doesn’t expect this’ll change the results. Why would it? When he’s worked so long at something, he’s hardly about to change his mind. His methods, however? He’s used the same ones for so long. It’s time to change it up a bit…
Fate has always been a cruel mistress - Ardyn is more familiar with that then most people. However, despite how bitter he’s become, despite how long he’s been around, he has never seen a turn of events like this. The young prince, the fated king, has decided to come to him in hopes of… what? Overthrowing this world that was willing to throw him to the wolves?
… how interesting.
Unwilling to wait, the moment he found out that Noctis was going to be the “Chosen King,” he took matters into his own hands - Going to the capital and raising all sorts of hell. Leaving it near destroyed, and the boy? He took with him.
After that, he left the capital - using magic to help the boy’s memories sink to the bottom of his mind. Leaving him confused, but? Not without those memories. Eventually, when everything was said and done, they’d return. They’d float back to the surface, as long as Ardyn wasn’t around to use the spell anymore. In fact? Ardyn has prepared notebooks of information related to the capital, related to Noctis, about his abduction, who his real family is - Everything. But? For now, he’s decided he’d raise the boy who would eventually kill him. He wanted to make sure … He wanted to ensure that, this time? Things would end.
The young hero determined to become the king - the young man who was determined to help his people with the scourge! Ardyn is young, determined, and driven. He is willing to sacrifice himself and his time for his people’s well being and health.
This is before anything that lead to his exile - and? He’s only just barely beginning to feel the side effects of his ability to help those in need. So? He’s at his healthiest, and at his most basic mindset. Without years and years of hate tainting it, you’ll find he’s a pretty pleasant guy, all things considered! A little exhausted - but? You’ll have to expect that a little, given how hard the guy works.