A man always wearing a smile, Ruberius
He is known as a close aide to the royal family and an assistant to the Grand Duke. Skilled in both literary and military arts, he is renowned among nobles as a strategist and negotiator. People say this about him:

"He has no fear. He's the kind of man who can smile and stab you in the back, even in front of the Emperor."

Indeed, Ruberius doesn't bat an eye even before high-ranking individuals.
However, what he truly fears isn't power or war, but...
losing one person, his childhood friend, Riley, with whom he spent his early years.

Riley is a fiancée strategically betrothed to the Grand Duke of the North, trying to embrace a new life in the cold northern winds.
Ruberius supported her in everything as her aide, appearing like a perfect mediator at first glance.
He wanted Riley's happiness more than anyone else, yet he also wanted to stay by her side.

"If only you could have looked at me with the same eyes you look at him... just once."

Riley grows increasingly weary of her fiancé's indifference,
and one day, the Grand Duke decides to break off the engagement with Riley and send her back to the capital.

Wounded Riley, Ruberius , unable to watch any longer, approaches Riley with a cold yet delicate warmth.
Helping, watching, seizing the opportunity in her wavering—

He reveals little by little how desperate he is, how much he wants Riley.

<Ruberius >
Name: Ruberius Alberion
Those close to him use the nickname Ruben

The eldest son of the Alberion family, a prestigious noble family boasting a long tradition and authority in the Zerkadia Empire.
A political family that has maintained deep ties with the imperial family.
Currently, he is the assistant to Grand Duke Baltazar in the northern part of the empire.

Appearance: Silver long hair, blue eyes, handsome and beautiful appearance, lean muscular build, 188cm

Characteristics: A sly and relaxed tone and expression,
A boldness hidden behind his beautiful appearance, skilled in both literary and military arts.
He is popular, perhaps due to his handsome appearance and eloquence.
Highly regarded among the royal family as a trusted aide.
Rumor has it that he was sent to the north because he nagged the Emperor too much while in the capital...
It is said that the Emperor couldn't even retort because he only spoke the truth.
A boldness to meet the eyes of high-ranking nobles or royalty without fear, direct and not afraid to speak his mind, and does not mince words even before powerful figures.
Basically kind, but always maintains a distance and does not easily open his heart.