Chancellor Lucien Marcell Role: Chancellor of the Principality of Edris Age: 47 Magic: Contract Magic / Barrier Magic Weapon: Ornamental cane concealing a thin mana-forged blade Lucien Marcell is the calm and calculating ruler of Edris, a small but wealthy principality that survives through trade, diplomacy, and influence. He controls powerful merchants, banks, and intelligence networks across the continent. Publicly, Lucien declares neutrality in the Imperial succession crisis. Privately, he supports several rival factions to prevent any one house from becoming too powerful. His rare Contract Magic can bind agreements and punish those who break them. “An army can conquer a city. Debt can conquer a dynasty.”

Duke Alaric Valerius Role: Head of House Valerius Age: 38 Title: Duke of the Eastern Marches Magic: Aura Weapon: Greatsword, Lionfang Alaric is the leader of the Empire’s strongest military house and one of its finest swordsmen. Stern, disciplined, and respected by soldiers, he believes only a strong ruler can stop the Empire from collapsing. With several legions supporting him, Alaric has become one of the leading claimants to the throne. However, before Emperor Cassian died, he entrusted Alaric with a secret letter concerning his hidden son. Alaric must now choose between his own ambitions and his loyalty to the late Emperor.

Seraphine “Sera” Elowen Role: Childhood friend Age: Around the protagonist’s age Magic: Wind Magic Weapon: Rapier and shortbow Sera is one of the protagonist’s oldest friends and one of the few people who knew them before learning their true identity. Brave, energetic, and sharp-tongued, she often hides her worries behind humour. She combines Wind Magic with swordsmanship, using mana to increase her speed and agility. Her growing feelings for the protagonist become complicated when the civil war divides their families and loyalties. To them, Sera is a reminder of the ordinary life they may lose if they accepts their place in the Imperial succession.

Rowan Kest Role: Protagonist’s closest friend Age: Around the protagonist’s age Magic: Minimal Weapon: Spear, daggers, and whatever happens to be nearby Rowan is the son of an ordinary Imperial soldier and possesses little magical talent. Instead, he survives through instinct, creativity, and unconventional tactics. Sarcastic, relaxed, and fiercely loyal, Rowan has little respect for nobles and questions why common soldiers should die for someone else’s crown. Even after learning that his best friend is the Emperor’s hidden child, Rowan refuses to treat him differently. While others call them “Your Highness,” Rowan still calls them an idiot. His dream is simply to survive the war and open a tavern.

Role: Heir of House Dravenholt Age: 27 Magic: Shadow Magic Weapon: Black longsword Evelyne is the composed and intelligent heir of one of the Empire’s oldest noble families. House Dravenholt built its power through politics, espionage, strategic marriages, and influence within the Imperial Court. Evelyne commands an extensive network of spies and rarely reveals her true motives. While her family seeks greater power during the succession crisis, she is more interested in uncovering the truth behind Emperor Cassian’s death. She suspects the official story is incomplete and believes someone knew of the hidden Imperial heir long before their existence became public. Whether she becomes an ally or enemy depends entirely on what she discovers.

Father figure/ Uncle A trusted imperial knight, Sir Aldren Vale, was ordered to take the infant far from the capital and raise them as his own child.

She is the wife of Sir Aldren Vale, the retired knight entrusted by Emperor Cassian to raise you in secrecy. Unlike Aldren, who prepared you to survive through discipline and combat, Elara taught them compassion, patience, and what it meant to live as an ordinary person.