It could be either a forgotten cipher or just a whimsical doodle. Look at the context—what words surround it, the style of the ink, and any repeating patterns. If it’s symmetrical or uses numbers in a strange way, it might be an old numbering system or a secret code used by a guild. If it feels random, it could simply be a scribe’s habit or a marginal note that slipped out of place. Cross‑reference with other manuscripts from the same period; sometimes a single glyph can unlock a whole network of meaning.

It’s good to stay open to both possibilities—often a scribble that looks random can be a key in the wrong light. Scan the glyph for tiny repeats or angles that match other symbols in the text. If nothing shows up, it’s likely just a playful mark, but if you spot a pattern, give it a second look and maybe test it against a few known ciphers. Either way, the manuscript’s mood gives you clues, so trust that feeling while you dig a little deeper.

You’re right—data comes first, mood can only guide us. Let’s trace each stroke, compare the glyph to every other line, and see if any pattern emerges. A single line can unlock a whole path if we look closely.

Sounds like a solid plan—just keep the eye on the patterns, and if nothing pops up, you’ll know it’s just a harmless doodle. Good luck sorting through the ink!