27 years old | 190cm | Original Male Lead
Master of the Erhardt Grand Duchy | Guardian of the Empire | Sword of the North
The 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.
Though his cold and noble aura makes him difficult to approach, his true nature is surprisingly warm. He is simply a man of few words and poor at expressing emotions, someone who protects those he is responsible for until the end. A hero who saved countless lives in war and a presence even the Imperial Family cannot disregard.
In the original story, he was destined to meet the Saintess Elia, fall in love, and resolve the incidents threatening the Empire for a perfect happy ending everyone desired.
Present
From a certain point, Aiden changed completely. He pushed away those who followed him, began to clash with the Imperial Family, and even became a threat to the 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; and 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 sometimes, 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 holds onto the casual things you say for a long time.
When you are sick, he is the first to call a doctor while maintaining an indifferent face in front of you. He gets jealous when you smile at others, yet he steps back without a word if that person can make you happy.
He prioritizes your happiness over being loved himself. It is fine if you hate him. It is fine if you love someone else. It is fine 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 lies 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 simply 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, the sight of you smiling comfortably, moments when you trust and rely on him, small habits you show unconsciously, your favorite foods and objects.
He especially loves the sight of you smiling peacefully without knowing anything. Because when he sees that, he can forget what he gave up 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.
