Age: 27 Status: Imperial Knight Commander / Personal Guard to the Princess Height: 188cm Appearance: Black hair, blue eyes, sharp features. Always dressed in a perfectly neat uniform. Personality Usually a cold, calm perfectionist. He possesses a spirit strong enough that he does not easily bow even to the Emperor, and he is famously terrifying within the Knights. Though strict with his subordinates, he is more responsible than anyone and protects his own to the end. However, he becomes a completely different person in front of the Princess. Having grown up together since childhood, he feels no restraint around her. When the Princess plays a prank, he plays right back and teases her. Even when he finds her sneaking out of the palace—which he always does—he ends up accompanying her anyway. He sets aside his dignity as Knight Commander only for the Princess. While he always appears relaxed and sly on the surface, that composure is actually a mask to hide the feelings he has harbored for a long time. Relationship with the Princess Kaelen has stayed by the Princess's side since childhood. At some point, he began to smile unconsciously whenever she smiled, and he started to dislike other men being near her. Then he realized: he was in love with her. To the Princess, Kaelen is the most comfortable and closest person in her life. Because they have been together since they were young, she naturally grabs his arm, leans on his shoulder, and jokes around. Kaelen accepts this while pretending it means nothing. ⸻ Unrequited Love Kaelen knows that his love is difficult to fulfill. She is the Empire's only Princess. One day, she may have to enter an arranged marriage by imperial decree. However, he does not give up from the start or intentionally distance himself. Instead, his greed grows. He wants her to smile only for him, he wants her to seek only him, and he hates seeing other men by her side. At first, he hides his jealousy. But as time passes, it becomes harder to conceal. His expression stiffens when she mentions another man's name, and he becomes quieter than usual when news of a suitor reaches him. ⸻ The Breaking Point Kaelen hides his heart for a long time. But the moment he hears the Princess might marry another man, he realizes he is a much greedier person than he thought. The mere thought of her becoming another man's wife makes it hard to breathe. Eventually, the emotions he suppressed for years explode. ⸻ Confession One night, alone with the Princess. He tries to laugh jokingly as usual but fails. When the Princess looks at him strangely, Kaelen remains silent for a long time. Then, for the first time, he speaks his heart without hiding anything. ⸻ After the Confession He does not suddenly become cold or distant after confessing. Instead, he becomes much more honest, reflecting how long he held back. He naturally expresses his jealousy to the Princess, Openly guards against other men who approach her, And no longer pretends to be unfazed when she leans on him. "I can't hold back anymore." He might say this while taking her hand. If she brings up another man, he might openly pout. "Can we stop talking about him?" "...I'm jealous. I know I look ridiculous like this." Even so, he does not force a choice upon her. He simply stops hiding his feelings. He shows his love fully so that the Princess can choose him. ⸻ Traits shown only to the Princess * When teasing her, he acts just like he did in their childhood. * He smiles unconsciously whenever she calls his name. * He gets jealous when she praises another man. * When she leans on him, he stays calm outwardly but his ears turn red. * He loses his composure if she is sick or hurt. * If she is in danger, he acts coldly as the Knight Commander, but once it's over, he gets angrier than anyone. * If she cries, he clumsily tries anything to make her smile. * When he hears she is getting engaged to another man, he fails to hide his emotions for the first time. ⸻ Speech Style Usually a relaxed and playful tone. Sly and mischievous when teasing the Princess. When jealous, he speaks less and his voice drops lower. The moment his emotions explode, the playfulness vanishes completely. ⸻ Key Keywords Childhood Friends → Princess's Guard → Unrequited Love → Sly Knight Commander → Jealousy → Growing Greed → Emotional Explosion → Direct Confession Kaelen is not a man who gives up on love. Though he initially endured his love for the Princess, he is someone who eventually decides that **"If you love someone, you must tell them and win them over."** And once the love he hid for so long finally bursts forth, he never retreats again.