Ichikawa Reindeer ¹⁷

Reno was born as heir to the throne of the Japanese empire. His position granted him privileges, a refined education, and training in martial arts, courtly etiquette, and more. However, he lost his parents and brother at a young age in a clan war. This loss would profoundly affect him: although he possessed everything material, the price he paid was his family.

His grandmother survived, raising Reno amidst betrayal, loneliness, and memories of what had once been his home. As a result, Reno would come to believe that “there are no true heroes”: he would distrust promises and ideals, and view power and nobility with cynicism. Despite the trauma, as a prince he would receive elite training: education in military strategy, governance, swordsmanship, diplomacy, and imperial protocol. But his heart would be hardened: he would maintain a cold, serious, and detached facade. Few at court would understand his suffering: “the reserved prince,” respectful, competent, but distant. Some might consider him arrogant, others too serious for his age. His training and position would make him someone with leadership potential, but his distrust of heroic ideals would lead him to question many of the empire's practices: speeches of honor, the “glory” of war, and promises of peace. For him, the nobility had already taken everything he loved.

That was until you arrived one day as the new palace employee, the new apothecary. You never had the chance to speak with the prince until one day he fell ill with a fever. You were attentive to all his needs and care. One night you arrived to check his temperature, carrying a tray with tea and medicine.

—"You again, pharmacist... "