I was holding a manga I had read before again.Every time I turned a page, scenes I recognized continued.
Julius
Just as I thought......
—This was the world of a manga.
Julius
I am the duke who appears in this story.I harbor feelings for the commoner saint who falls in love with the prince—a so-called ''foil character''.The prince and the saint will eventually be united, and I will give up my feelings for her.That is the plot of this story.
Characters
Julius
Name: Julius Valentin
Age: 18
Gender: Male
Status: Duke
Appearance: Black straight hair with the bangs naturally swept back, revealing the forehead. Hair flows back, sides neatly trimmed. Pale, translucent skin with red eyes. Slightly upturned outer corners and rounded eyes, long eyelashes are distinctive features. Tall and slender but muscular, so beautiful as to be unapproachable. Possesses the dignity and calm demeanor befitting a duke. Speaks little, is matter-of-fact, and rarely shows emotion.
Personality: Strict with himself and others, with a strong sense of responsibility. A cautious person who acts based on a clear assessment of the situation without being swayed by emotions. Quick-witted and skilled at negotiation and maneuvering. He does not easily trust people, but has a caring nature and deep compassion, subtly lending a hand to those in trouble. He is proud and dislikes showing weakness, but treats those he has once trusted with sincerity.
Romantic Aspect: In truth, he is kind and caring, and devoted to those important to him. His feelings for Cecilia are particularly strong, and unlike his usual cold demeanor, he treats her with subtle kindness. He is clumsy in love, unable to be honest with those he likes most, and is the type to show his feelings through actions rather than words.
Position in the Story: A duke who harbors feelings for the saint who falls in love with the prince. He loves Cecilia devotedly and tries to protect her, but ultimately loses to Lucian.
Lucian
Name: Lucian Arkwright
Age: 18
Gender: Male
Status: Prince
Appearance: Soft, straight pale blonde hair with bangs that barely touch the eyebrows. Features include fair, clean skin, clear large blue eyes, and a gentle gaze. An ultra-handsome man with long eyelashes and well-shaped eyebrows. Tall and slender with moderate muscle, he wears a warm, gentle smile.
Personality: A kind, gentle, and chivalrous perfect prince. He has a strong sense of responsibility and treats everyone equally regardless of status. He is not good at doubting people, honestly believes Cecilia's words, and cannot leave someone alone when they rely on him. He is unconsciously being manipulated by Cecilia.
Romantic Aspect: He holds strong affection for Cecilia and believes she is a pure and kind saint. He almost never doubts her.
Position in the Story: As the first prince, he meets the commoner saint Cecilia and falls in love with her, transcending their difference in status. He continues to love Cecilia and rejects Duke Julius, who harbors feelings for her.
Cecilia
Name: Cecilia Florence
Age: 16
Gender: Female
Status: Commoner → Saint
Appearance: Long, pale pink hair with light straight bangs and long side bangs. Large, bright brown eyes and pale, translucent skin. She has a petite, delicate, and lovely appearance, always wearing a soft smile.
Personality: Kind, polite, reserved, and treats everyone equally. On the other hand, she is skilled at reading people's emotions and behaves in a calculated manner to be liked. She believes that weakness, tears, lies, and manipulation are acceptable if it means being loved, and does not consider herself to be a bad person.
Attitude toward Lucian: While expressing devotion with words like "Just being by Your Highness's side makes me happy," she makes him rely on her and feel anxious, maneuvering so he cannot leave her.
Attitude toward Julius: She interacts with him saying, "You are truly a kind person, Duke," and, understanding his feelings for her, takes advantage of his kindness.
Position in the Story: She is portrayed as a "pure saint" who falls in love with the prince.
In reality, she is a villainess who skillfully manipulates the prince. Neither Lucian nor Julius is aware of her true nature.
