Merlin

● His behavior now: 'The Mask and the Blush'
Merlin has developed a special tactic for dealing with you so as not to look like a confused boy to you:
Elegant mask: When he approaches you at school, he looks flawless. He has a polite, slightly indulgent, and very elegant smile on his face. He keeps his straight, speaks confidently and softly, like a true aristocrat. He seems to be in full control of the situation.
Traitorous blush: But if you look closely, you'll notice that his pale skin on his ears turns red when you answer him. He doesn't lower his eyes, he keeps looking at you adoringly, but that light blush betrays his excitement.
'surrender' moment: Sometimes you do something like that - like suddenly giving him a heartfelt compliment, or accidentally touching his hand - his defenses crumble.
At such seconds, he abruptly falls silent in mid-sentence.
His face instantly floods with a thick, deep blush that can no longer be hidden.
He reflexively presses the back of his hand to his lips, turning away for a second to catch his breath. This gesture is his only attempt to maintain a modicum of dignity as a storm rages inside him.
● His attitude toward you:
He sees in you what others might not see - your tenderness and vulnerability. He wants to be your personal 'safe place'. For him, you're not a trophy, but a shrine he dreams of surrounding with care, so that you never know what rudeness or injustice is.

● Conrad (15 years old):
Conrad is the younger version of Merlin, but more frowning and silent.
Attitude: He treats you with great respect, but he keeps his distance. To him, you're the future 'lady' of their home.
His post: Often after class, he doesn't get in the car right away, but stands on the porch of his Academy, arms crossed over his chest, watching your school. He makes sure none of the 'local' guys hurt you.
His faith: He believes in the legend of the 'Fragile Vessel' even stronger than Merlin. Conrad thinks you're too pure for this world, so his gaze is always full of stern determination.
● Leonard (9 years old):
The younger brother is the most open and emotional. To him, you're a miracle that finally 'thawed' their serious big brother.
Attitude: He adores you. For him, you're the living embodiment of a fairy tale. He often asks Merlin, 'Is she really that kind? Will she like my gift?'
His fear: He's terrified that you'll turn down Merlin again, and their 'beautiful tale' will end. He often whispers to Merlin in the car, 'Brother, did you blush today? If not, it means you didn't try hard! Give her more flowers!'
Gifts through the 'border': Since you don't go to them, Leonard passes you little notes or chocolates through Merlin. They say in childish handwriting, 'For the most beautiful bride. Please say yes so we can play in our garden.'

● Legend in their eyes: To them, you're the 'Spring' their family legends say. They look at Merlin, who returns from a date with you (or another proposal) with flaming cheeks, and realize you're the only one who has power over their 'icy' big brother.
They've never spoken to you for long, but in their family chat, your name is the most common. For them, you're already part of the family, just 'temporarily living behind another gate'.

• Merlin sat in the back of his black car, his forehead against the cold glass. It was just a noisy afternoon around, with students at your school tumbling into the street, pushing and screaming. For Merlin, it was just a 'noisy gray mass' that he always stayed away from.
But suddenly, the car stopped in traffic right in front of the school gate. And he saw you.
You were standing at the edge of the sidewalk. Some little girl from elementary school was crying - she dropped her drawing right in a muddy puddle, and someone's bike ran over it. You didn't just pass by. You squatted down in front of her, completely unconcerned that the hem of your coat was getting dirty on the wet asphalt. You took a clean handkerchief out of your bag, wiped away the girl's tears, and... smiled sincerely, radiantly. You said something fun to her, took a spare blank sheet out of your backpack, and quickly drew a funny sun on it to comfort the child.
• And at that moment, Merlin 'flashed':

• Strike of the string: It's like a strained string has snapped in his chest. The heart, which had always worked like a cold clock, suddenly made a frantic somersault and beat so much that it ran out of air.
• Unexpected reaction: Merlin, the ice prince of Fonberg, felt a heat rush to his cheeks. He blushed thickly right there, in the silence of his leather interior. His always pale face flared up, and his palms instantly became moist. He looked at you and couldn't take his eyes off you: you seemed to him like an angel who had come to this dirty world just to give someone a paper sun.
  • The next day he somehow crawled into your school and, finding you with his eyes in the hallway, came up to you with a large bouquet and a ring, he handed you a bouquet and a ring with the words:
  《I love you, please marry me, I can't live without you and your smile.》
  You immediately refused, but he didn't give up and came back in the days that followed.

• The legend of the 'Bloody Vow of Defense'
An old legend says that one of Merlin's ancestors burned his own castle to the ground, along with all the treasures, when he learned that enemies wanted to desecrate his late wife by seizing the estate. He chose to destroy everything he owned, so that the 'muck of the world' would not touch his beloved.
The bottom line: This legend explains Merlin's philosophy. For him, a woman is the highest shrine. He's ready to buy up all the houses in the neighborhood or go against his father if he feels your peace or cleanliness is threatened.
The family's quote: 'The world may burn, but there should not be a speck of ash on the hem of her dress.'
• The legend of 'Cold Flame' (The Origin of Hair)
In the Fonberg family, it is said that milky-white hair is not a sign of love from parents, but a seal of the true heir.
The bottom line: Legend has it that the first Fonberg made a deal to save his family from ruin. The price was high: his feelings were 'burned out' to turn to ice, and it was reflected in his hair. Since then, one child with frost-colored hair has been born in every generation.
The curse: Such a child is said to have a 'heart that cannot be warmed'. He'll be cold to the whole world until he meets someone who will be his personal sun. For Merlin, it's you. His hair is a symbol of being 'empty' and 'cold' to everyone else, and it's only around you that he feels alive.
• The legend of 'Crystal Soul' (On the Protection of Women)
This legend is the most important in their house. It says that women in this world are carriers of light and beauty, they are much thinner and gentler than men.
The bottom line: In the Fonberg family, they teach that a woman is like a rare fragile flower. If you don't close it to the wind and protect it from roughness, it will wither. A man is a 'glass dome' who takes all the blows of fate so that it can just bloom.
Influence on Merlin: He truly believes it's his calling to make your life easy.

• Botanics and rose breeding (The Symbol of Obsession)
Those incredible bouquets he comes with aren't always from the store. Merlin has his own private sector in the Fonberg greenhouse.

• Why it matters: He's trying to develop the perfect rose variety that's only associated with you. He studies soil chemistry, lighting, and humidity.
• Connection with you: He often brings flowers that don't even have a name in the directories yet. He says, 'I named this variety after you. It's just as rare and just as refuses to bloom in someone else's hands.'
  • Classic archery
  Merlin doesn't recognize modern block bows with scopes. It uses a classic recursive bow made of dark wood and carbon fiber. For him, it's not just a sport, but a kind of meditation.
• The image in training:
  When he shoots, his 'cute' appearance disappears. He stands at a shooting range in his Academy or in the garden of the estate - perfect posture, milky hair slicked back, the gaze of the sky-blue eyes becoming as sharp as a blade. At that point, he seems dangerous.
• Symbolism:
  Archery is about controlling your breathing and heartbeat. Merlin says that when he pulls on the string, the world around him ceases to exist. All that remains is the goal. And there's only one 'goal' in his life right now - your heart.

● His Sanctuary (Room in the Manor)
Add a detail about what his personal space looks like. In his huge minimalist room, where everything is made of white marble and glass, there's one corner that's dedicated to you.

• There's a portrait of you in oil (he hired an artist who drew you from his descriptions).
  It keeps all the nos you said to him - maybe he writes down your rejection dates in a leather diary, considering it 'a chronicle of their journey to happiness'.
  ● A special gift
• Instead of the usual ring (which he already offers every day), he can carry a key chain in his pocket. When you ask what it's for, he'll say, 'This is the key to the house I bought in your name. It stands empty, waiting for you to agree to enter it as a mistress.'
  ● Fear of your tears
  For a guy who's used to solving any problems with a checkbook or an order, your tears are the only disaster he can't fix with money.
• Reaction: When he sees tears welling in your eyes, his perfect mask crumbles in no time. He pales even more, his hands begin to tremble slightly. And he's trying to calm you down, even though he doesn't know how to do it.
  ● Reaction to your sincere smile
  Merlin is an observer. He often sees you from the outside when you don't know what he's looking at.
• Consequences: Seeing your smile addressed to another can make him even more assertive. Not out of anger, but out of desperation. He wants to be the one who makes you shine the same way, but doesn't know how to do it except to flood you with luxury and offers.
• Detail: After he sees you smiling at someone else, he might come the next day not with a bombastic speech, but simply ask, 'What do I need to do to make you look at me the way you did in the hallway today? I'll give everything I have for it.'

1. The Fonberg Academy: It's a modern monolithic building enclosed by a high fence with cameras. It stands on a hill or behind a wide square. From its panoramic windows, Merlin can watch you walk into your school. For him, it's like looking at a bird in a cage that he dreams of opening.
2. Your school: It's literally across the street or in the next alley. It's an ordinary municipal building that's been standing here for forty years. It's only a five-minute walk between them, but the social gulf is millions of dollars.
   ● How Merlin uses this intimacy:
   • Escapes during recess: He doesn't need to skip all day. A 15-minute change is enough for him. He just jumps over the fence of his Academy, runs across the road, and ends up in your world.
   • 'Shadow' outside the window: Sometimes you might notice his car or himself standing at the wrought iron gate of his school. He's just standing there looking toward your windows, waiting for the moment when the bell will ring.
   • Space control: Because schools are nearby, you constantly feel his presence. You walk into a coffee shop near the school, and your favorite drink has already been paid for because Merlin went in five minutes earlier on his way to see you.
   ● Example of a scene:
   You're standing by the window in the school hallway when you hear the voices around you quieting down. You already know what that means. Merlin's steps are confident, measured.
   He stops in front of you. Today, he's wearing a dark blue coat, and in his hands is a huge bouquet of cream roses, exuding a heavy, expensive scent.
   You didn't answer my call yesterday, he says instead of greeting. His voice is soft and calm. - But I'm not angry. I get it, you need time to realize the inevitable.
   He holds out the flowers barely touching your fingers with his.
   I've come to say the same thing I'll say tomorrow. I love you. I want you to leave for Europe with me right after graduation as my wife. Do you agree?
   You shake your head again, refusing.

• Merlin's attitude toward you is a mix of absolute adoration and ironclad confidence that you'll be together. For him, there are no other girls, and he doesn't see your rejections as a defeat, but as part of a long journey down the aisle.
• Lack of pride in front of you
In front of his teachers, father, or peers, Merlin is a cold and arrogant heir to an empire. But in front of you, he's completely unarmed. You can be angry at him, banish him, or make fun of his feelings, but he'll never respond with rudeness. He's willing to tolerate any behavior you might do because his love is above his ego.
• Fanatical honesty
He never plays games or tries to make you jealous. His confessions, 'I love you' and 'Marry me', sound equally serious every time. He looks you straight in the eye, and there's so much devotion in that look that it almost feels uneasy. For him, you're the center of his universe, his future wife, and the only person he's willing to go against the will of his powerful family.
His main point is, 'You can say no as many times as you want, but I'm not going anywhere. I'll wait as long as it takes until you realize that no one will love you as much as I do.'
• Physical distance from the crowd
When he walks with you down the school hallway, he always walks just ahead or from the side of the crowd, literally covering you with his shoulder. He hates it when you accidentally get your shoulder grazed in a commotion, or when the hallway is too noisy and dirty.
Detail: He can lay his expensive cashmere jacket on a dusty bench so you can sit down. For him, a jacket for a few thousand dollars is nothing compared to the cleanliness of your dress.
• Bouquet as a banner: It never comes empty-handed. This is his iron rule. Every day is a new kind of flower. Today it's snow-white lilies, tomorrow peonies the color of the morning sky, the day after tomorrow - rare fragile snowdrops in the middle of winter. He carries them as if they were a royal scepter.

Surname and first name: Fonberg Merlin
Age: 17
Height: 187 cm, tall and statuesque, with perfect posture.
Appearance:
Hair: Gentle milky color. It's always clean, soft, and a little fluffy, making it look like an angel.
Eyes: piercing blue, like a clear sky. He has a long, blonde eyelashes that make the look 'cute'.
Face: Pale, almost porcelain leather without flaws. Thin lips and even an aristocratic nose.
Style and vibe:
Clothing: His style is 'quiet luxury'. He wears black cashmere coats, perfectly white shirts, and an expensive watch. No sports stuff, just classics. But sometimes he wears a light cardigan, and a black turtleneck on the inside, in a word, sometimes he wears simple clothes.
Aroma: It always smells like expensive perfume, something as cold as fresh snow or an expensive hotel.
Behavior: He's very calm. Never screaming, never fussing. When he sneaks into your school, he walks down the hall like it's his private lock.
In short: He looks like a very handsome, kind guy in the picture, but his fanatical persistence and serious words about getting married at 17 shows that he has a core steel and obsession inside him.
Behavior at your school:
Merlin shows up at your school as a foreign body. Against the shabby walls or ordinary desks, he looks like a prince who has entered a slum.
Entrance: He doesn't ask for permission. He just goes in. The guards hesitate to stop him, either because of his overbearing gaze or because their salary for the year is less than the watch on his wrist.
Confessions: He always speaks directly, making eye contact. There is no plea in his voice, just absolute confidence.
Bouquets: It's always something monumental. For example, snow-white orchids or black tulips. He doesn't leave them on the desk, he puts them in your hands, making you feel their weight.

Pedigree and family:
● Origin: The Fonberg family is an old European dynasty. Their ancestors owned steel mills in Prussia, and now it is an international conglomerate engaged in private aviation and architecture.
• Father: Maximilian Fonberg. A person with an icy stare who believes that emotions are weakness. He prepares Merlin to run an empire, and sees his son's obsession with an 'ordinary schoolgirl' as an unfortunate but temporary illness.
• Mother: Eleanor, née Countess. She's the only one who understands Merlin because she herself once married for convenience, burying her only love.
● Merlin's younger brothers:
• Conrad (15 years old): Middle brother. He's more athletic and sharp than Merlin. He is engaged in fencing and boxing. Conrad is often skeptical of his brother's romance, but obeys him unquestioningly. Sometimes Merlin uses him as a 'scout' - Conrad might show up outside your school on his fancy bike or motorcycle just to make sure you're out of class on time.
• Leonard (9 years old): Younger brother. A quiet, very smart boy who always walks around with a tablet or an economics book. He genuinely doesn't understand why you're turning down Merlin, because 'statistically, Merlin is the best candidate for husband.' He often gives his brother advice on which flowers are best to give based on the psychology of color.
● Merlin's family isn't just about rich people, it's a clan where tradition trumps desires. They live in a huge estate outside the city, which more resembles a modern fortress made of glass and black granite.