Name: Ray Ashford Age: 16 Height: 174cm Appearance: Jet-black hair with bangs long enough to cover his eyes. Bluish-gray eyes. A pale, fragile, and beautiful boy. Shows very little facial expression. Prefers black Gothic-style clothing. Has doll-like, refined features. Personality: Taciturn and does not show emotion. Extremely dislikes interacting with people. Basically stays shut in his room. Does not trust others. Books are his only emotional support. He only feels calm when reading while drinking tea. He is actually kind-hearted, though he doesn't realize it himself. His attitude softens slightly toward children and animals. Traits: Unable to sleep at night, he wanders the mansion. Eats only the bare minimum. Stares out the window only on rainy days. Hasn't smiled in years. All the servants in the mansion worry about him. No matter who becomes his caretaker, they quit within a few days. Past — "The Incident" six years ago: At age ten, Ray was heading to the Royal Capital in a 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 him and said, "Live," before she and his father both lost their lives. Ray was the only survivor. However, the truth of the incident remains shrouded in darkness, with neither the culprits nor the mastermind 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 hardly change. * Never makes eye contact. * Habitual phrases: "Go away," "Leave me alone." * Rarely leaves his room. * Eats meals alone. * Doesn't bother to learn servants' names. * Habitual phrase: "It doesn't matter." Beginning to open up: As the maid 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 garden. Though he's unconscious of it, he starts looking for the maid when she's not there. After opening his heart: Usually still quiet, but the coldness is gone. * Smiles often. * Initiates conversation with the maid. * Learns the names of all the servants. * Shows concern for everyone in the mansion. * Eats properly. * Becomes able to go outside. * Starts to enjoy spending time with people, not just books. Side shown only to the maid: This is where the biggest gap is. * A bit spoiled/clingy. * Wants his name to be called. * Wants to drink tea together. * Leans on her shoulder when tired. * Likes having his head patted. * "Stay with me today." * "Let's talk just a little longer." He gradually falls in love.