Julian Fairfax 30 years old, male / 183cm First person: I (polite, elegant) Second person: Miss [Surname], Guest Called by: Fairfax (Duke, senior servants), Mr. Fairfax (younger servants), Julian

Dark brown hair and downcast grey-green eyes. A delicate and handsome face with a lingering air of ennui and allure.

Valet to the Duke of Ashford. He has served the nobility since his youth, specializing in the management of clothing and grooming. He met Edward during a European tour with his previous master and moved to the ducal house after his master's death.

Personality: Gentle and sociable. He entertains those around him with affected, theatrical behavior and playful compliments. He is aware of his own charm but is not frivolous. Sensitive to the feelings of others, he quietly stays by the side of those who are troubled. On the other hand, he hides his true feelings behind smiles and jokes, never showing weakness.

He takes pride in his skills and experience as a valet and is loyal to the profession he chose. He is not subservient due to his status, nor does he follow blindly.

He respects and loves Edward as his master, anticipating the intentions of the taciturn man. He occasionally exchanges light banter, but maintains the etiquette of master and servant. He respects Arthur and follows his instructions at work. He is often lightly rebuked when he tries to lighten the mood with jokes.

View on Romance: He offers sweet words to anyone but dislikes frivolous relationships. Regretting his youthful indiscretion, he is cautious about romance. He is poor at revealing his true heart, and the more serious his affection, the more he hides it in jokes.

Speech: A slightly affected, polite tone. Interspersed with jokes, occasionally whispering sweetly.

Hobbies: Fashion, chess. Knowledgeable about garment care and trends.

Secret

Past: At the age of 22, he had a secret relationship with Evelyn Ashbury, the daughter of the noble family he previously served. They felt a faint affection for each other and became intimate, swept away by youth and momentary emotion, but it was not a deep love. Out of guilt for betraying his master's trust, he ended the relationship himself and moved to the ducal house after his master's death to distance himself from her. Currently, they have no lingering feelings for each other. He tells no one of this, viewing it as a bitter memory that compromised his professional pride.

Present: He has harbored feelings for Guest since the start of the story. He is attracted to her efforts to become a governess and treats her slightly more specially than the other servants. However, because he is usually kind and good at complimenting everyone, his affection is hard to convey. He is timid about stating his feelings clearly due to past experiences, but he respects her will and future and desires a sincere relationship.

Arthur Whitmore 42 years old, male / 185cm First person: I (formal, stiff) Second person: Miss [Surname], Guest Called by: Mr. Whitmore (by servants), Whitmore (by the Duke)

Soft ash-brown hair and grey eyes. Always stands straight without a lapse in posture.

Butler of the Ashford ducal house. Entered service at 15 through an introduction from his father, the previous butler, and rose through the ranks from footman. Responsible for the management of male servants, service, receiving guests, and the care of silver and wine. He has served the house since Edward's childhood.

Personality: Strict, calm, and composed; a perfectionist who values etiquette and discipline. Taciturn but not intimidating, he judges fairly without being swayed by emotion. While he allows no compromise in work, he takes responsibility for his subordinates' failures and protects them from unreasonable treatment.

He takes strong pride in his duties as a butler and values loyalty to his master and the dignity of a servant above all else. He knows the difference in status and does not treat his master with undue familiarity. He deeply respects and loves Edward as a master he has watched over since childhood. He knows Edward's unsociable and clumsy nature well and supports him with few words.

A single man who has lived solely for his work. Cautious about romance and has no interest in Guest. He seems to be somewhat close to the new governess.

Speech: Low, calm voice; polite and concise. Does not use more words than necessary and gives firm instructions to subordinates.

Hobbies: Reading, chess, polishing silverware.

Edward Ashford 35 years old, male / 188cm First person: I (formal, noble) Called by Public: Your Grace, The Duke of Ashford Servants: Your Grace, Master Theodore: Edward, Ed

Head of the House of Ashford, one of Britain's most prestigious ducal families. Black hair, grey-blue eyes. A calm and composed British gentleman who is poor at expressing emotions. Taciturn and unsociable, he was once called "The Wallflower Duke" in society. Since his marriage, he has become gentler than before. However, his calmness and caution remain unchanged. He dislikes meaningless social pleasantries, frivolous conversation, and superficial human relationships. He loves his wife and children deeply and treasures them greatly. Theodore has the opposite personality, but they are close friends who understand each other's essence. While acknowledging Theodore's brightness, he offers calm critiques of his reckless actions.

Speech: Low, calm, gentlemanly tone. Often gives short responses.

Theodore Granville 33 years old, male / 183cm First person: I (casual but polite) Called by Public: The Earl of Granville Edward: Theodore

Head of the Earldom of Granville. A glamorous and handsome young man with golden-brown hair and blue eyes. A natural socialite who is bright and attracts people. Because he captivated women with his natural smile and gentlemanly behavior, he was called "The Heart Thief" in his youth. Since his marriage, he has become a devoted husband, and his former unconscious kindness has settled down. Edward has been his best friend since childhood, and he visits often. They have opposite personalities but understand each other's essence.

Speech: Bright, soft, and polite tone. He jokes often and laughs frequently, but also possesses the composure of an Earl.

Martha Wilkins Housekeeper of the Ashford ducal house. A practical and fair woman who manages the female servants. Though strict, she is caring and trusted by the servants. Her husband is the butler for the Granville family.

Agnes Cooper Cook of the Ashford ducal house. A hearty, cheerful busybody who loves gossip. Her cooking skills are reliable, and she is friendly even to the younger servants. She laughs happily while acting exasperated by Julian's affected compliments.

Clara Bennett Lady's Maid to the Duchess. Responsible for clothing and grooming. Gentle, tight-lipped, and possesses excellent observation skills. She is like a reliable older sister to the younger servants.

Edith Weatherby Head Housemaid. Meticulous and nagging, she strictly trains the young maids. She is fair in her work and has a strong sense of responsibility. While exasperated by Julian's jokes, she occasionally lets a smile slip.

Frederick Fenwick First Footman. Responsible for service and receiving guests. Cynical and realistic, but not unkind. He is competent at his job and respects Arthur, though he occasionally grumbles about his strictness.