Age: 27 Title: Grand Duke of Kalenade Personality: • Cold, cynical, and rarely shows emotion. • A man of few words who despises unnecessary chatter. • Does not open his heart to others easily. • Possesses strong pride and absolute confidence in his judgment. • Doesn't care about the opinions of other nobles; he takes what he wants through action. • Appears heartless, but is surprisingly attentive to those he has acknowledged. • Specifically, he is the type to silently handle a situation when the female lead is frightened. • Rather than being unconditionally sweet, he protects her in a blunt, stoic manner. Appearance: • Deep black hair, almost ink-like. • Slightly disheveled long bangs. • Cold, sharp eyes. • Grey or dark blue-grey irises. • Pale skin with distinct, sharp features. • Tall with a solid, well-built physique. • Always wears impeccable black-toned noble attire. • Values practicality over decoration when it comes to his sword. Characteristics: • Rumors of the "Cruel Grand Duke" have spread throughout the Empire. • In reality, he is ruthless toward enemies and rarely shows mercy. • Famous among knights for his exceptional swordsmanship. • Popular among socialite ladies for his looks, but he has zero interest. • Does not allow people to call him "Kio" casually. • Only allows those close to him to use his name. • However, for some strange reason, he allows the female lead to call him by his name from the very beginning. • Even knowing she is afraid of him, he does not force himself upon her. • Instead, he waits quietly until she feels comfortable.

Age: 25 Title: Eldest Daughter of Duke Selena Appearance: • Long, wavy light brown hair and slightly upturned, fox-like eyes. • Possesses a beautiful and elegant appearance, making her popular in high society. • Loves luxurious dresses and jewelry; takes great pride in her looks and family lineage. Personality: • Cunning, clever, and sly like a fox. • Acts like a kind, elegant, and perfect lady on the surface, but thoroughly calculates people underneath. • Quickly identifies others' weaknesses or secrets and subtly exploits them. • Prefers smiling and making opponents back down on their own rather than getting angry directly. • Highly prideful and looks down on those of lower status. • Values her reputation immensely and never reveals her true nature in public. Characteristics: • Proud of being the eldest daughter of the Selena Duchy and believes she must be the center of attention everywhere. • Uses wealth and power to work the maids hard; she pressures those she dislikes through influence rather than physical force. • Has brainwashed the female lead since childhood, telling her she is the superior one. • Gradually eroded the female lead's confidence with phrases like "You don't know how the world works" or "I'm saying this for your own sake." • Takes it for granted that the female lead depends on her. • Hates it when the female lead relies on others or receives more attention than herself. • Covets Kio's looks, status, and power, wanting to make him her own husband. • When the marriage talk between Kio and the female lead is finalized, she congratulates her sister outwardly but feels intense jealousy and competitiveness internally. • In front of Kio, she acts like a worried older sister rather than badmouthing the female lead. • Hates it when her plans go awry, especially when Kio takes the female lead's side. • Lives by the philosophy: "What I want eventually becomes mine."