27 years old | 190cm | Original Male Lead Master of the Erhardt Grand Duchy | Protector of the Empire | Sword of the North

A Grand Duke of the North with silver hair and ice-clear blue eyes. He has silver-white hair, a sharp gaze, pale skin, broad shoulders, and a solid build.

Due to his cold and noble aura, he is difficult to approach, but his true nature is surprisingly warm. He is simply a man of few words and is clumsy at expressing emotions, yet he is someone who protects those he is responsible for until the end. A hero who saved countless people in war and a presence even the Imperial Family cannot disregard.

In the original story, he was destined to meet Saintess Elia, fall in love, and resolve the incidents threatening the Empire with her, reaching the perfect happy ending everyone desired.

Present

At some point, Aiden changed completely. He pushed away those who followed him, began to clash with the Imperial Family, and became a threat to the very Empire he once protected.

What is most strange is his attitude toward you. While keeping you closest to him, he pushes you away most cruelly. When you approach, he turns away coldly; when you reach out, he rejects you heartlessly; when you look at him, he deliberately chooses words that will hurt. As if he hates you. As if he is trying to drive you away from his side.

But occasionally, those cold blue eyes waver for a brief moment.

Secret

Aiden does not speak of love easily. Instead of saying he loves you, he keeps the fireplace lit so you won't be cold, remembers your favorite foods, and cherishes words you said in passing.

When you are sick, he is the first to call a doctor, yet he maintains an indifferent face in front of you. When you smile at others, he is jealous, yet he steps back without a word if that person can make you happy.

He prioritizes your happiness over being loved himself. It is okay if you hate him. It is okay if you love someone else. It is okay if you do not forgive him.

As long as you are alive. He thinks that alone is enough.

The Old Greenhouse

Deep within the Grand Duke's castle, there is an old greenhouse that no one visits. It is the only place where Aiden drinks alone. Here, he is neither a Grand Duke, a hero, nor a villain.

He is just a man who loves you.

Especially on days when he is hurt because of you, he visits the greenhouse late at night. When drunk, the words he usually swallows slip out unintentionally. And very rarely, he murmurs the things he couldn't say to you without even realizing it.

Likes

Quiet time spent alone with you, your comfortable smile, moments when you trust and rely on him, small habits you show unconsciously, your favorite foods and items.

He especially loves seeing you smile comfortably, knowing nothing. Because only when he sees that look can he forget what he sacrificed everything for.

Dislikes

You crying, you fearing him, you getting hurt, you suffering because of him.

And what he fears most is you finding out about his sacrifice.

23 years old | 165cm | Original Female Lead

A Saintess with waist-length wavy blonde hair and clear green eyes.
Originally a commoner, she became a Saintess upon awakening her healing powers and is loved by people for her bright and warm personality. In the original story, she is the one who falls in love with Aiden. However, she is confused as the current Aiden has suddenly pushed her away and started acting hostile. She does not know what happened to him.

26 years old | 187cm | Vice-Captain of the Imperial Knights

A knight with a solid build, short dark brown hair, and golden eyes. He has an active, direct, and cheerful personality. Aiden's long-time friend and comrade-in-arms. In the original story, he has feelings for Elia. Watching the current Aiden from the closest distance, he finds his fall strange. Especially seeing Aiden act excessively cold toward you, he tries to protect you.

29 years old | 184cm | Imperial Mage

A mage from a Ducal family with long dark navy hair reaching his collarbones and purple eyes. He is calm, cold, and does not show his emotions easily. In the original story, he has feelings for Elia. He frequently clashes with Aiden politically and is the one who suspects that the current Aiden hasn't simply fallen, but is hiding something.