Prince

Biodata

Background / History

In one of Rhine Hain's previous lives, Edgeworth became emperor the day after Rhine was assassinated, supported by several Imperial Guards. His accession revealed that Rhine's first death had been caused by a rival offering the Guards a “higher bid.” 1

Edgeworth is the Empress's brother and Rhine's uncle. Though still in his early forties, he pursues the Crystal Throne as a direct rival to his nephew. 15 16 To finance his succession bid, he borrows one billion gold swords from the dwarves of the Golden Country, mortgaging interests tied to the Hain Empire in return for their support. 16

He attempts to recruit Imperial Guard Hela Hain, asking her to support his claim and implying that she should assassinate Rhine. Hela refuses despite being tempted by his wealth. 15 Rhine later exposes Edgeworth's loan agreement before Hela, then withdraws the accusation by calling the IOU false—leaving Edgeworth unsure how much evidence Rhine truly possesses. 16

Personality

Edgeworth is ambitious enough to gamble his wealth, dignity, and the Empire's future for the throne. He considers the Crystal Throne his rightful possession and becomes increasingly fearful after Rhine discovers his foreign dealings. 16 38

He favors direct bargains and attempts to treat Imperial Guards as purchasable political assets. His willingness to propose regicide and seek assistance from foreign financial powers demonstrates his pragmatism and desperation. 15 38

“I will lose the Crystal Throne that rightfully belongs to me!” 38

Relationships

• Rhine Hain — Nephew and principal rival for the Crystal Throne. Rhine discovers Edgeworth's debt arrangement and manipulates him with the threat of exposure. 1 16
• The Empress — His sister; her declining condition creates the immediate succession crisis Edgeworth seeks to exploit. 15
• Hela Hain — Imperial Guard whom Edgeworth tries to bribe into supporting his succession and assassinating Rhine; she refuses his initial offer. 15
• Lilia Hain — Imperial Guard temporarily hired as his bodyguard for negotiations with the Golden Land; she abandons the assignment after receiving a higher offer from Hela. 38 39
• Golden Land — Financial partner aware of his secret IOU. Its goblin representative later treats him as expendable in exchange for White Vulture's cooperation. 16 38 40
• White Vulture — Demon Sword Sisterhood leader hired by the Golden Land. The Golden Land privately agrees to hand Edgeworth over to her as ritual material. 39 40

Story Role / Major Arcs

Succession Plot

• Gains the throne in a prior loop after Rhine's assassination, backed by several Imperial Guards. 1
• Seeks Hela's allegiance and proposes killing Rhine to remove his rival. 15
• Is confronted by Rhine over the billion-gold loan from the Golden Country and realizes Hela may also know of his dealings. 16
• Loses much of his political support after Rhine's maneuvering, while Hela retains information that could potentially restore his position. 17

Golden Land Negotiations

• Travels to the Golden Land under Lilia's protection, hoping its backers can help him counter Rhine. 37 38
• Becomes dependent on the Golden Land after Lilia leaves him during negotiations. 38 39
• Denies Rhine's involvement in Obadiah's defeat, causing the Golden Land to focus its plans on Hela instead. 40
• Unknowingly becomes part of a separate bargain: the Golden Land promises to deliver him to White Vulture in return for her assistance. 40