de Alger Obelia, Claude
Seiyuu / Dub
Summary
Claude serves as the father of Athanasia and the current reigning emperor of the Obelian Empire. He seized the throne by murdering Anastacius de Alger Obelia, his older half-brother and the legitimate heir born to the emperor and empress. Born as the youngest son, Claude endured a miserable childhood, treated as a mere spare and neglected by his father, the court, and his own family. His name, meaning "crippled," reflected his diminished status, as titles implying immortality, such as Anastacius, were reserved for rulers. He is the son of an unnamed woman. Claude was once engaged to Penelope Judith, the daughter of a count and his first love, but the engagement was delayed because he was not the primary heir. Penelope eventually seduced Anastacius, the crown prince. When Claude discovered the affair, Anastacius intensified his mockery and humiliation. Claude subsequently renounced his royal lineage. After Anastacius ascended to the throne, he killed Claude’s mother and attempted to murder Claude as well. Driven by anguish, Claude killed Anastacius and took the throne. As emperor, Claude grew distrustful and lived a debauched lifestyle, sleeping with concubines and executing those he pleased. He met Diana, a dancer at a royal banquet, and impregnated her. Following Diana’s death during childbirth, Claude massacred all the concubines in the Ruby Palace. He spared his daughter, hesitating because her name was amusing, and he wondered how long she could survive according to its meaning. Five years later, Claude encountered Athanasia wandering his palace after getting lost. He immediately recognized her striking resemblance to her late mother. Over time, they began having tea together every morning at ten. Their relationship deepened, and Claude started to genuinely care for his daughter.
