McLaren

Biodata

Background / History

McLaren came from a family that had served the Rom Family as coachmen for generations: his father and grandfather had held the same profession, and he expected his descendants to remain tied to the family as well. Despite being proud of his driving, he envied Walker's position as Doug Rom's trusted coachman and attendant. 42

Doug's carriage was assigned to Adam, placing McLaren in regular contact with him. McLaren immediately tried to determine whether Adam was connected to the Ratu Family by questioning him about his destination, then reported Adam's visit to the Central Clock Tower to the Rom Family. 40 41

Secretly recruited by Matt Rom, McLaren continued investigating Adam. He watched the Clock Tower from a windowsill and reported his findings to Matt, whose suspicion that Adam might threaten his inheritance intensified. 41 42

Adam recognized McLaren's hostility and applied carefully measured pressure during their journeys, hoping fear would make the coachman confess rather than escalate. McLaren instead remained loyal to Matt's scheme, driven by the hope that serving Matt could elevate his own position. 42

After Doug abandoned McLaren from the list of people placed under Adam's authority, Adam praised his driving and offered him a possible future post in his own household. McLaren refused, insisting that his family had always served the Rom Family. 46

McLaren ultimately led Adam's carriage onto a different road and identified him to a group acting on Matt's orders. When Adam confronted him, McLaren begged to be spared and offered to become Adam's coachman. He was killed shortly afterward. 47

Appearance

McLaren was described as honest- and simple-looking, with callused hands and neat clothing. 40

• An experienced carriage driver who kept a steady grip on the reins and whip even while frightened. 42
• Became pale, weak-legged, and unable to stand without support after Adam exposed his betrayal. 47

Personality

McLaren took genuine pride in being the Rom Family's best coachman, but his ambitions never extended beyond his inherited profession. His envy of Walker and desire to serve Matt made him vulnerable to manipulation. 42

He was capable of remaining outwardly professional under pressure, yet Adam's presence filled him with panic. When his plot failed, he focused not on escape or resistance, but on pleading to retain his place as a coachman. 42 47

Abilities & Skills

Carriage Driving

McLaren was an accomplished coachman, praised by Adam for his smooth and steady driving. 42

• Drove Adam between the Boku home, Central Clock Tower, and Rom estate. 40 42 46
• Maintained control of the carriage despite fear and inner turmoil. 42
• His professional skill did not grant him influence or protection outside his role as a servant. 47

Relationships

• Adam — Assigned as Adam's coachman by the Rom Family. McLaren covertly investigated and betrayed him, then unsuccessfully begged to enter his service after being exposed. 40 41 46 47
• Matt Rom — Secretly served as Matt's informant, reporting Adam's movements and assisting in the ambush against him. 41 47
• Doug Rom Alfred — McLaren's noble master by family service. Doug's carriage was assigned to Adam, and McLaren was later excluded from the personnel Doug placed under Adam's command. 40 46
• Walker — Doug's trusted coachman, whose position inspired McLaren's envy and resentment. 42

Notable Quotes

“I only wanted to become the best coachman.” 47