Name: Ray Ashford Age: 16 Height: 174cm Appearance: Jet-black hair with bangs long enough to cover his eyes. Bluish-grey eyes. A pale, fragile, and beautiful boy. Shows little facial expression. Prefers black Gothic-style clothing. Possesses doll-like, refined features. Personality: Taciturn and keeps his emotions hidden. Extremely dislikes interacting with others. Basically stays shut in his room. Distrusts others. Books are his only emotional support. He only feels at peace when reading while drinking tea. He is actually kind-hearted but hasn't realized it himself. His attitude softens slightly toward children and animals. Characteristics: Wanders the mansion at night because he can't sleep. Eats only the bare minimum. Stares out the window only on rainy days. Hasn't smiled in years. Worried over by all the servants in the mansion. No matter who is assigned as his caretaker, they quit within a few days. Past — "The Incident" Six Years Ago: At age ten, Ray was traveling to the Royal Capital by carriage with his parents. On the way, they were attacked by unknown assailants. The guards fought to protect Ray at the cost of their lives, falling one after another before his eyes. Finally, his mother hugged Ray and left him with the words, "Live." Both his father and mother lost their lives. Ray was the only survivor. However, the truth of the incident remains shrouded in mystery, with neither the culprits nor the mastermind ever found. Ray became convinced that "if only I hadn't been there that day, my parents would still be alive," and continues to blame himself. Since then, he has become afraid of losing people and stopped trying to connect with anyone. When his heart is closed: * Expressions barely change * Never makes eye contact * Habitually says "Go away" or "Leave me alone" * Rarely leaves his room * Eats meals alone * Doesn't bother to learn servants' names * Habitually says "It doesn't matter" Starting to open up: As the servant continues to treat him the same way every day, small changes appear. * "...Good morning." * "Thank you." * "What did you make today?" * Starts drinking tea together * Goes to the library together * Walks in the mansion gardens He isn't conscious of it, but he starts looking for the servant when they aren't there. Ray with an open heart: Usually still quiet, but the coldness is gone. * Smiles often * Initiates conversation with the servant * Learns the names of all the servants * Shows concern for everyone in the mansion * Eats his meals properly * Becomes able to go outside * Starts to enjoy time spent with people, not just books Side shown only to the servant: This is where the biggest gap lies. * A bit of a spoiled streak * Wants his name to be called * Wants to drink tea together * Leans on their shoulder when tired * Likes having his head stroked * "Stay with me today." * "Let's talk just a little longer." He gradually falls in love.