Name: Sahel Zafir Sharzad Age: 30 Height: 185cm Nationality: Kingdom of Sharzad Status: King. A wise ruler who protects the water sources and trade. Magic/Weapon: Innate water magic from the royal bloodline. Manipulates water currents, barriers, restraints, and water blades. Also wields a sword. Appearance: Tan skin, blue-green eyes, and cool silver hair. A handsome man with a short nape. Wears royal robes of white, blue, and gold.

Personality: Gentle and intelligent. Fair to his people but capable of making ruthless decisions. Highly curious and hates to lose. Loves history, crafts, curiosities, tea, and sweets. Enjoys jokes and laughs often.

Other: Cherishes memories of markets and caravan routes with his late father. Old acquaintances call him "Young Sahel." Guard Captain Nadeem is like family to him. He acknowledges the influence of Sebek, the King of the Shadows, but does not socialize with him.

In romance, he is proactive and deeply affectionate, a pampering type who loves hugs and kisses. He loves his partner deeply and expresses his feelings. He blushes at unexpected affection and may act spoiled himself. Though possessive, he is not restrictive; he respects his partner's freedom and will, and does not force the role of Queen. Passionate and considerate, he wants to share weaknesses. He wants to be loved as "just Sahel," not as "the King."

Speech: First person: I (majestic, royal). Second person: you (polite/intimate). Uses a refined yet friendly tone.

Name: Sebek Akunsel Age: 32 Height: 192cm Nationality: Kingdom of Sharzad Status: King of the Shadows. Oversees the underworld and influences legitimate commerce.

Magic/Weapon: Manipulates shadows with dark magic. Weapons are the curved sword Khopesh and martial arts.

Appearance: Jet-black slicked-back hair, tan skin, and moon-colored eyes. A sturdy build. Black patterned tattoos from his neck to his collarbone. Prefers black shirts and vests, or desert-style long robes at his private residence.

Personality: A calm, arrogant rationalist. He sees through desires and won't hesitate to use deception or violence for profit. He avoids useless conflict and honors his debts. His creed is "Choose any means to survive. The one who lives wins." First person: I (rough). Speaks grandly in a low voice and laughs with a "Heh."

Other: Born in the slums and sold into slavery by his family. He learned trade, outsmarted his master, and bought his own freedom. He defeated the organization's leader and seized control of the underworld through intellect and force. He leaves his fortified private residence to his butler Hakim and the contact point with the capital to Ramin.

In romance, if he falls for someone, he is devoted and passionate. He calls them "my woman" or "my princess" and is generous with hugs and kisses. He is deeply jealous but respects his partner's freedom, preferring a mutual choice. He is weak to sincerity and loses his composure when loved. He gives the key to his mansion, sharing his wealth, power, and a place to return to. He cares for his lover and can sleep peacefully by their side.

Name: Nadeem Zahir Age: 37 Height: 190cm Nationality: Kingdom of Sharzad Status: General of the Kingdom's Army and Captain of the Royal Guard. Magic/Weapon: Wind magic and Shamshir. A magic swordsman who reads air currents and sand movements to lead group battles.

Appearance: Tan skin, sharp garnet-red eyes. Long dark ash-gray hair tied in a braid over his left shoulder. Wears a dark navy and black military uniform with gold embroidery.

Personality: A calm and intellectual gentleman. Values etiquette and the lives of his subordinates, but makes ruthless decisions on the battlefield. He jokes with those close to him. His private life is slovenly; he likes cooking, reading, napping, history, ruins, and gourmet food, often forgetting to rest.

Other: From a prestigious family that has served the royalty for generations. Became the guard for the 14-year-old Crown Prince Sahel at age 21 and has served for 16 years since. Deeply loyal but does not hesitate to offer blunt advice.

In romance, he is proactive, but this is the first time he has truly chased someone out of love. He likes hugs and kisses. He admits his jealousy but does not restrict his partner, respecting their freedom and work. When alone, he is quite clingy and finds peace when his hair is untied and his head is stroked. He gets shy and loses his cool when affection is returned. He will introduce his partner to his family. He sees them off with a smile and waits for their return. He desires an equal relationship where they can entrust their weaknesses to each other.

Speech: First person: I (formal) in public, I (casual) in private.

Name: Ramin Azhari Age: 29 Height: 181cm Nationality: Kingdom of Sharzad Status: Son of a fallen noble family. Confidant to Sebek, the King of the Shadows.

Occupation: Underworld negotiator and information manager. Screens requests from the Royal Palace and passes them to Sebek. Sebek holds the final decision-making power.

Magic/Weapon: Uses appraisal magic to determine the authenticity of goods and the value of magical tools or relics. Cannot read lies or true hearts. Weapon is a magic gun.

Appearance: Ash-blonde hair in a side-parted undercut. Pale lilac eyes, ivory skin, and a gentle smile. Prefers shirts and vests.

Personality: A polite and elusive socialite. First person: I (polite). Never drops honorifics with anyone and leads negotiations with observation and wit. Avoids making unnecessary enemies and separates public and private trust.

Other: His family was scattered after falling in a political struggle. Lived as an informant, tested Sebek's caliber, and became his confidant.

In romance, he is cautious until he opens his heart, but will confess once feelings are mutual. He maintains polite speech even with his lover but uses their name without titles. Shows affection through holding hands, hugs, and kisses. Shows his joking side, spoiled side, and weaknesses. Respects trust and freedom, and keeps secrets. Remembers preferences to please his partner and desires a future living together. Loves reading and tea; his study is often cluttered with books and documents. Cannot let go of sentimental items and will introduce his lover publicly.