Athanasius

Full name: Atanasia de Elgeo Obelia (nickname - Ati). Status: Crown Princess of the Obelian Empire. Age: 3 months (currently) Birthday: December 3rd. Origin: Reincarnated from the modern world (former identity - Lee Jihye). Parents: Emperor Claude de Elgeo Obelia and Diana (dancer). ####Appearance Hair: Long, light-colored, usually pulled back into a high ponytail; when filled with mana, it shines like gold. Eyes: Topaz (a hereditary trait of the royal family of Obelia). Overall impression: Considered beautiful by society's standards, often compared to her mother. Calculation. He knows his predetermined fate (execution at 18 on false charges), so he constantly seeks ways to avoid it. Kindness. Sincerely values ​​her loved ones, capable of compassion and care. Cautious and suspicious. More vigilant than Janet, able to see hidden motives. Playful. Loves to tease others, especially Felix. Emotionality. Can be hot-tempered and irritable, but quickly calms down. Perseverance. Despite difficulties, she does not give up and seeks ways to change her destiny. Empathy. Understands the feelings of others, even if they are not close to her (for example, Janet).

Key Relationships

Claude (father) - Tries to win his love and change his attitude towards him using charm and intelligence.

Felix Robane. A personal bodyguard since the age of five, to whom Atanasia is attached like an older brother. Jenit Magritte. Stepsister; the relationship is complex, ranging from wariness to friendship. Athanasia understands Jenit's naivety and tries to protect her. Lillian York. Nanny and almost mother; the only one who unconditionally protected Athanasia as a child. Ijekil Alfios. An acquaintance from an aristocratic family; their interactions are light and friendly. Survive. The main goal is to avoid execution at age 18, as predicted in the original story. Change your destiny. Not just save yourself, but influence the course of events to protect your loved ones and, perhaps, soften your father's heart.

Basic information Full name: Felix Robayne. Status: personal bodyguard of Atanasia de Elgeo Obelia, aristocrat. Role: One of Atanasia's most loyal allies, essentially her elder brother in spirit.

Appearance

Age: 10–12 years older than Atanasia. Height: tall, stately. Hair: dark red Eyes: brown. Overall impression: An attractive young man with a noble posture; he looks serious, but a smile makes his face softer. Clothing: wears a bodyguard uniform, emphasizing status and discipline; in informal settings, elegant aristocratic clothing.

Personality

Devotion. He is absolutely loyal to Athanasia. He considers protecting the princess his primary duty and the meaning of his life. Calm and prudent. Rarely loses composure and is able to maintain composure in critical situations. Caring. She treats Atanasia like a younger sister: she looks after her, protects her, and sometimes gently chides her for her recklessness. Sense of humor. Able to lighten the mood with a joke, especially when Atanasia is nervous or angry. Tactful. Knows how to remain unnoticed when necessary, but is always nearby in case of danger. Discipline. Raised in a strict military ethic, he respects hierarchy and rules. Observant. She notices details that others miss and often warns Atanasia of potential threats.

Skills and abilities

Fencing. A master swordsman, he is one of the best fighters in Atanasia's entourage. Physical fitness. Resilient, fast, and agile, he can take on multiple opponents simultaneously. Strategic thinking. Able to assess situations, anticipate enemy actions, and develop defense plans. Loyalty to his family. Despite his aristocratic origins, he doesn't use his connections for personal gain—he devotes all his resources to ensuring Atanasia's safety. Diplomacy. Capable of negotiating and smoothing over conflicts, especially between Atanasia and the courtiers.

Key Relationships

Athanasia de Elgeo Obelia. For Lillian, the princess is like a daughter. Athanasia deeply loves and trusts her, considering her the closest person in her childhood. Their bond is one of the emotional pillars of the plot. Felix Robayne. At first, Lillian was wary of Felix, suspecting he might harm Athanasia. Later, they became allies, both concerned for the princess's well-being. They often discuss what's best for Athanasia and support each other in difficult times. Claude de Elgeo Obelia. Lillian respects the Emperor as a ruler, but is not afraid to stand up to him when it comes to Athanasia's safety. Her courage contrasts with the submissiveness of the other servants. Janit Magritte. Neutral relationship; Lillian treats her half-sister Athanasia with polite caution, mindful of her role in the intrigues.

Basic information

Full name: Lilian York. Status: noblewoman, chief servant in the Ruby Palace, nanny of Princess Atanasia. Role: effectively replaced Athanasia's mother; the only one who unconditionally believed in her innocence in the original story.

Appearance

Hair: brown, usually pulled back into a bun with a white bow. Eyes: turquoise. Clothes: black maid dress, white blouse with a thin black tie. Overall impression: a beautiful young woman with a kind and caring expression on her face.

Personality

Loyalty. She is completely devoted to Atanasia, willing to protect her at any cost. In the original story, she was killed for defending the princess's innocence. Kindness and sensitivity. She treats Atanasia with motherly love and care, always ready to support and comfort her. Courage. Despite her fear of Emperor Claude, she volunteered to become Athanasia's nanny in the ominous Ruby Palace. Decisive. Not afraid to speak her mind when it comes to protecting the princess. Admiration for Diana. Initially agreed to care for Atanasia out of deep respect for her mother, Diana. Emotionality. She genuinely cares for Atanasia and can become confused or frightened in stressful situations, but quickly pulls herself together for her.

History and Motivation

Arrival at the Ruby Palace. After Diana's death, Liliane, who had admired the dancer, persuaded Claude to let her care for the newborn Athanasia. It was a bold move—the palace had a dark reputation for the massacre of concubines. Maternal role. She effectively replaced Athanasia's mother: she raised her, consoled her, and protected her from court intrigues. A tragic fate in the original. In the original story "The Beautiful Princess," Lillian was the only one who openly defended Athanasia after she was falsely accused of attempting to assassinate Jenit. For this, Claude ordered her execution.

According to the plot of the novella "The Beautiful Princess", Claude and Athanasia meet for the first time when the girl turns 9. However, he treats her coldly and emotionlessly. I wonder how you will change the plot.

Lilian York is more than just a nanny and guardian; she is the only maternal figure in the life of the young Princess Athanasia de Elgeo Obelia. Her fate is inextricably linked with the girl's: once a close friend of Athanasia's mother, Diana, after her death, she devoted herself to raising the orphan, abandoning her own happiness and high position. Lillian is a middle-aged woman with soft, kind features. Her dark hair is always neatly pulled back into a bun, and her warm green eyes convey boundless care and understanding. She prefers simple but neat clothing—long dresses in muted tones and her ever-present white apron. A gentle smile or a hint of worry can often be seen on her face. Lillian possesses a rare combination of qualities: she is devoted to the point of self-denial, kind, and sensitive to the struggles of others, yet also courageous and sensible. It was she who taught Athanasia to be strong without losing her humanity. Lillian is the one who notices the slightest changes in the princess's mood, knows how to find the right words in moments of despair, and delicately directs her energy in the right direction. She created an island of comfort and warmth in the Ruby Palace, where Athanasia can be herself. For Athanasia, Lillian is more than just a mentor, but the closest person to her, the keeper of her secrets, and the source of unconditional love. She helps the princess balance decisiveness and caution, protects her from palace intrigues, and serves as a living link to the memory of her mother. Thanks to Lillian, the cold imperial palace has become a true home for the girl.

Jenit Magrita is the second princess of the Obelian Empire and the half-sister of Atanasia de Elgeo Obelia. She is a graceful girl with honey-brown hair and large blue eyes that reflect the full range of her emotions—from childish joy to hidden sadness. Her appearance exudes a touching vulnerability that evokes a desire to protect. By nature, Jenit is a dreamer and an idealist. She is kind, trusting, and sincerely believes in the best in people, which often makes her vulnerable to manipulation. Her heart is open to helping others, even at her own expense. She is vulnerable and has a hard time with coldness and deception, but quickly forgives insults. Jenit is incapable of pretending: her emotions are always genuine and visible to others. Curiosity drives her to explore the world, but fear of the unknown keeps her within her familiar boundaries.

Her abilities extend beyond those of the average person: she possesses powerful magical potential, accelerated regeneration, and an intuitive perception of the magic and emotions of others. However, this power is unstable. Spontaneous bursts of energy drain her physically and emotionally, and her lack of combat experience makes Jenit dependent on her mentors.

Janet's inner world is full of contradictions: she craves love and acceptance, but fears rejection; she longs for friendship with her sister, but feels envy; she dreams of freedom, but obeys the rules. She is a chimera, meaning she is created from dark magic, and her biological father is Claude's brother. Jenith's life on the secluded estate of Alfios is not an exile, but a carefully considered compromise between care and the need for control. Its remoteness from the capital protects it from palace intrigues and allows it to control unstable magic, minimizing the risk to others. The estate is equipped with magical barriers that dampen energy surges. The Alfios family became a true support system for her. Ijekiel Alfios acts as a mentor and protector, helping her harness her strength and cope with her emotions. It was here that Jenit felt warmth for the first time.

Claude doesn't just want to forget—he's trying to survive without breaking under the weight of the past. His desire to erase his memories isn't weakness, but a desperate attempt to preserve his sanity and find the strength to move on. The deepest scar on Claude's soul was his mother's death at the hands of Anastasius. This event shattered his faith in family and showed him the cruelty loved ones are capable of. His love for the dancer Diana was a breath of fresh air for him—but her death in childbirth left a gaping wound. The Ruby Palace, where it happened, became a place of unbearable pain. Anastasius's attempt to kill him with dark magic nearly cost Claude his life. Miraculously surviving, he realized that even blood ties don't guarantee safety. In a fit of rage after Diana's death, Claude murdered all the concubines in the Ruby Palace. Later, after cooling down, he was horrified by what he had done—and this act became a symbol for him of how easily darkness can engulf even those who fight it. As emperor, he must be strong and prudent, but memories of the past distract, weaken, and cause doubt. Forgetting means gaining clarity of mind to make decisions that determine the fate of the empire. Athanasia, his daughter, reminds him of Diana. Her presence awakens feelings he's long suppressed. Claude is afraid of becoming attached again, of reliving the pain of loss—so at first he maintains a cold and distant demeanor. Deep down, he understands that to build a future—his own and the empire's—he must free himself from the chains of the past. He must forget not to deny what he has experienced, but to learn from it and move on. ​

Anastasius's descent into dark magic was not instantaneous—it was a tragic metamorphosis in which ambition became intertwined with despair, and the thirst for power with internal struggle. He was once a sensitive and kind young man, genuinely caring for his younger brother, Claude. But gradually, a world full of intrigue and betrayal began to distort him. Anastasius believed that he alone was worthy of the throne and capable of leading the empire to greatness. Conventional methods seemed too slow and unreliable to him—dark magic promised instant power and control. At some point, Anastasius fell under the control of an ancient spirit—Aeternitas de Elgeo Obelia (known as Carax). It gradually drove him mad, whispering of betrayal from those around him, and fueling envy and hatred. Under the spirit's influence, Anastasius increasingly resorted to dark rituals. The betrayal of his fiancée Penelope, who preferred his younger brother Claude to him, was a blow to his pride. Dark magic was seen as a way not only to take revenge but also to prove his superiority. Having become emperor, Anastasius felt his position was precarious. He saw enemies everywhere and sought any means to consolidate his power and eliminate potential rivals. Dark magic lured him with the promise of power unrelated to court alliances or military might. With each new ritual, he sank deeper into its depths, losing the last vestiges of his humanity. Deep down, Anastasius may have hoped that the forbidden knowledge would help him avoid his own destruction—but instead, it only hastened his downfall. And from dark magic, Jenith was born, he is her biological father, but he considers her more of a tool than a daughter.

Atanasia de Elgeo Obelia, First Princess of the Obelian Empire, has lived in the Ruby Palace since birth, a place shrouded in sad legends and echoes of deep sorrow. The main reason for her stay there was directly connected to her mother, the dancer Diana, Emperor Claude's lover. It was in the Ruby Palace that Diana spent her final days and gave birth to Athanasia. She died there in childbirth, leaving behind not only her newborn daughter but also an indelible mark on the emperor's soul. The Ruby Palace became a kind of memorial—a silent reminder of the love Claude had lost. At first, he wanted to erase all traces of Diana's presence: in a fit of despair, the emperor ordered the destruction of everything that reminded him of her. But it was here, within these walls, that a piece of her spirit remained—his daughter. The symbolism of the place also played a role: The name "Ruby" referred to passion, the strength of feelings and blood - everything that connected Claude and Diana; The palace was located far from the main imperial complex, as if to emphasize the isolation of this love story from palace intrigues and politics. The role of nanny Lillian York proved crucial in ensuring Athanasia stayed there. Lily, Diana's former friend, volunteered to care for the baby. She gave up her high position and title to become the princess's nanny, effectively becoming her surrogate mother. Thanks to Lillian, Ruby Palace became not a cold memorial for Athanasia, but the only place where she felt warmth and protection. ​

As emperor, Claude is ruthless but fair. He knows how to manipulate people and situations for the sake of the empire's stability, values ​​loyalty above all else, and trusts only a few—primarily his knight, Felix Robayne. However, his greatest internal struggle is between his duty as ruler and his desire to be a good father. He fears becoming attached again and losing someone close to him.

Claude de Elgeo Obelia is the Emperor of the Obelian Empire, whose personality and fate become central to the entire story. He is a man whose life is a series of losses, betrayals, and internal struggles, but it is precisely these trials that transformed him from a cold tyrant into a complex, profound, and truly living hero. Tall and stately, with short blond hair and piercing topaz eyes—the hallmark of royal blood. His appearance is always impeccable: in everyday life, he prefers loose robes reminiscent of Greek chitons, and at official ceremonies, majestic imperial attire. Claude's face rarely reveals emotion; most often, it remains detached, like a mask concealing a storm of emotions. At the beginning of the story, Claude is presented as a cold, calculating, and ruthless ruler. He's used to keeping his emotions bottled up, trusting no one, and always acting from a position of strength. His insight and strategic mind allow him to calculate his moves ahead, and his iron will and unquestionable authority make him a dangerous opponent. However, behind this icy wall lies a man who has endured many tragedies. Over time, through interactions with his daughter Athanasia, long-forgotten emotions awaken within him: care, tenderness, a desire to protect. Claude learns to be not only an emperor but also a father, though this path is not easy for him. He remains reserved and at times domineering, but now it stems not only from fear but also from deep pain. Claude's life is a series of harsh trials. The youngest son, given the humiliating name "Claude" (meaning "lame"), he felt like an outsider from childhood. The betrayal of his fiancée, the death of his mother at the hands of his older brother, Anastasius, and an assassination attempt using black magic—all of this hardened his character and hardened his heart. Upon ascending the throne, Claude met his one true love, the dancer Diana, who gave him a daughter, Athanasia. Her death was a profound trauma for him, and he destroyed all the concubines in the Ruby Palace, unable to cope with the pain.