Doug

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Doug Rom Alfred (道格)
Alias(es)	Viscount Doug; Mr. Rom 33 36
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Rom Family
Occupation/Role	Viscount and nobleman; controller of the Rom Family's resources and inheritance 36 44
Status	Alive
First Appearance	Chapter 33

Background / History

Doug spent his younger years occupied with the Rom Family's business and neglected the upbringing of his children. He later judged his descendants unfit to inherit the family name and crest; his eldest son Matt repeatedly failed the trials Doug arranged for him, while Doug considered his other sons similarly incapable. 43

After coughing blood and nearly dying, Doug became increasingly determined to secure the Elixir of Immortality. He views it as a means to preserve both his own life and the Rom Family's continued power until a more suitable heir can emerge. 36 43

Before approaching Adam, Doug directly petitioned Alva for the elixir. Alva rejected him and made clear that Doug's failures in educating his descendants were not Alva's responsibility. 33

Appearance

Doug is an elderly but imposing nobleman who relies on a cane.

• Tall and broad in build. 33
• Carries a cane and is usually attended by his coachman, Walker. 33 42
• Can manifest a black circular noble crest covered in symbols on the back of his hand. 33

Personality

Doug is pragmatic, calculating, and intensely focused on the Rom Family's survival. He prefers investments that may yield political or personal advantage, spending favors to obtain Church intelligence before sending gifts and a carriage to cultivate Adam's goodwill. 36 40

His hospitality toward Adam is sincere only insofar as Adam may lead him to the Elixir of Immortality. Doug offers resources, manpower, and authority, but demands regular, tangible progress in return. 43 44

Doug's desperation overrides paternal loyalty. Although he tells Matt that he remains his son, he orders Walker to give him a “dignified end” after Matt's actions threaten Doug's plans. 47

Resources & Influence

• Rom Family resources — Doug can offer a spellcaster funding, manpower, authority, and access to family support. 44
• Church intelligence network — He calls in favors to obtain information on Adam's registration as a spellcaster, then destroys the evidence to avoid exposing the arrangement. 36
• Servants and enforcers — Walker acts as his trusted coachman and enforcer, while David provides Adam with a list of people ordered to follow him. 42 46 47
• Noble crest — Doug possesses a manifested crest, though its specific ability has not been revealed. 33

Relationships

• Adam Boku — A prospective ally whom Doug supports with gifts, transportation, manpower, and authority in exchange for help obtaining the Elixir of Immortality. Both remain wary of the other's ambitions. 40 43 44
• Alva Ratu — The creator Doug believes can provide the Elixir of Immortality. Alva refuses Doug's request and dismisses him from Thousand Paintings House. 33
• Matt Rom — Doug's eldest son. Doug considers him unfit to inherit, and ultimately has him removed after Matt's attempt against Adam jeopardizes the family situation. 43 47
• Walker — Doug's trusted coachman, guard, and enforcer. Walker accompanies Doug during meetings with Alva and Adam, and carries out Doug's order against Matt. 33 42 47
• McLaren End — A Rom Family coachman assigned to Adam's carriage. Doug's household later abandons him from its list of protected personnel after his involvement with Matt. 40 46

Story Role / Major Arcs

Pursuit of the Elixir of Immortality

Doug visits Alva under the pretext of collecting a painting, then openly requests the Elixir of Immortality. Alva refuses, prompting Doug to investigate Adam after Walker notices him outside the estate. 33

Doug learns through illicit Church intelligence that Adam has begun studying spellcasting. Believing Adam may offer a path to Alva's secrets, he sends gifts and a carriage to establish contact. 36 40

Alliance with Adam

Doug welcomes Adam to Rom Manor, where Adam observes the conflict between Doug and Matt. Doug eventually discloses his desire for the elixir and asks Adam for assistance. 42 43

Adam agrees to pursue the matter while demanding manpower, authority, resources, and protection for his activities. Doug accepts these conditions but requires visible progress toward an elixir that will not alter his bloodline. 44

Elimination of Matt

Matt's fear that Adam will replace him as heir drives him to investigate the Central Clock Tower and arrange an attack on Adam. Doug responds by abandoning Matt, ordering his incapacitation and planning to announce that he has fallen into an “unending sleep.” 41 47

Notable Quotes

“I need the Elixir of Immortality. The Rom Family needs the Elixir of Immortality.” 44

“If only you were a member of the Rom Family.” 44

Trivia

• Doug Rom Alfred's name was created by combining and revising the names of two minor characters both called “Doug.” 33