Judas

Biodata

Background / History

Judas was originally a second-class male servant at Desinia Castle, responsible for arduous work such as cleaning and farming. Although he was not qualified to attend the count directly, he rescued the young Cyrus from the sea without hesitation. Butler Johnson later framed him for allegedly failing to save Xia quickly enough, resulting in Judas’s imprisonment. 1

Despite two days in prison, Judas remained composed and dignified. Xia recognized his careful habits, literacy, refined manners, and exceptional ability to anticipate the needs of those around him. Judas revealed that his great-great-grandfather had once been a baron; his family had since fallen, leaving him without relatives. Xia cleared his name by bringing him into personal service, then promoted him to Desinia’s steward after judging his character and competence. Judas pledged lifelong loyalty. 1

As Xia began rebuilding Visas, Judas became his closest practical aide. He accompanied Xia during his first inspection of the impoverished town, investigated Gibran Kino’s circumstances, supervised laboratory arrangements, and warned Xia that solar salt production would attract royal attention because of salt’s political value. 2 3

During the Par Mountain ambush, Judas protected Xia while escaping the carriage and attempted to shield him from an attacker, receiving a wound to his left arm. After Xia disappeared down the mountainside, Judas led the search despite being outnumbered and emotionally distraught. Their reunion deepened his devotion: Judas asked Xia never to sacrifice himself for him again, while Xia asked him to remain his butler. 6 7

Judas remained integral to Desinia’s expansion and reforms. He helped oversee recruitment, military facilities, welfare planning, artisan selection, settlement of former slaves, priest training, and the new examination system for public officials. He also formally announced the ranks of the Thorn Artisans’ Guild and distributed its rewards. 9 11 13 22 28 41 42

During Bass Riches’s coup in Kaies, Judas assisted Xia and Walker in assessing the danger, went ahead to contact allied troops, helped prepare the escape route at the city gate, and later carried the exhausted Xia during the group’s flight from the royal city. He also used plant medicine to treat Marco Case’s arrow wound. 34 37 38

After the creation of the Desinia Territory, Judas continued supporting Xia’s centralized administration. By the Gaina campaign, he was also receiving and relaying intelligence on nobles who opposed King Leit Green’s agreement with Desinia. 40 49 50

Judas later accompanied Cyrus during the covert Helgoda operation to recover Duke Bill’s treasure and sea-route map. Disguised as Cyrus’s older brother and the proprietor of an ordinary merchant association, he gathered information aboard the Dream, investigated Samuel Fern, and assisted the party’s search for Mount Kohe. 55 56 57 58

As Desinia’s influence expanded, Judas remained one of Cyrus’s principal agents in acquiring talent and information. At the Saint Airo Empire’s Alchemists and Physicians Exchange, he kept records of promising researchers and received Cyrus’s instructions to recruit targets such as Chipman Norton, Yinke Ken, and Feilifu Kier ahead of rival factions. 112 113 114

Judas continued managing the castle and reporting on Cyrus’s major projects, including the newspaper, epidemic preparations, agricultural safeguards during the cold wave, and the Thorn Foundation. He also helped Kailixido obtain an arts grant after Cyrus established the foundation. 93 158 189

Appearance

Judas is a well-kept man whose bearing reflects his former baronial family background. Even after imprisonment, he kept his hair neatly combed and his clothing as orderly as circumstances allowed. 1

• Pale complexion, cracked lips, and light stubble following his imprisonment. 1
• Hair combed back neatly. 1
• Maintains proper etiquette and an immaculate, composed presentation even under pressure. 1
• Often carries Xia or attends closely at his side due to Xia’s young age and small stature. 2 11
• Later wears a tailored black tailcoat-style steward’s uniform with a white shirt, silver buttons and chain, white gloves, and a Thorn Rose brooch. 64 74
• His mature, steady appearance and calm demeanor remain unchanged even amid crowded public events or sudden developments. 74

Personality

Judas is calm, meticulous, conscientious, and highly disciplined. He observes Xia’s routines, prepares for the day’s needs in advance, and remembers details without needing repeated instruction. His conduct with servants and outsiders is consistently proper. 1

His loyalty is intensely personal rather than merely professional. Judas repeatedly places Xia’s safety above his own, becomes visibly distressed when Xia is endangered, and worries over Xia’s health with a near-parental protectiveness. 6 7 19

Although gentle in daily care, Judas is also practical and discreet. He recognizes political risks surrounding valuable resources, keeps sensitive discoveries confidential when ordered, and carries out administrative responsibilities without drawing attention to himself. 3 16 41

Judas has a notably attentive memory for Xia’s casual wishes. After Xia expressed regret that Desinia’s roses withered before winter, Judas began seeking ways to cultivate everblooming roses and personally brought flowers to Xia while reporting on official matters. 93

He can be strict when entrusted with official duties, conducting rigorous examinations of the priests preparing Desinia’s administrative materials. Nevertheless, he remains considerate of their condition and immediately sought Xia’s direction when one priest fainted from anxiety. 42

Judas is protective of Xia’s personal welfare as well as his political safety. Though concerned by Cyrus’s relationship with Pope Segalot, he accepted Cyrus’s decision after receiving reassurance that Cyrus was acting of his own will, reaffirming that his lord’s will was his own. 179

Abilities & Skills

Stewardship and Administration

Judas manages household, governmental, and institutional tasks on Xia’s behalf.

• Memorizes Xia’s habits and schedules, arranging his daily needs in advance. 1
• Organizes castle affairs, laboratory work, accommodations, recruitment support, and construction-related administration. 2 9 11
• Conducts official public duties, including announcing the Thorn Artisans’ Guild ranks and distributing badges and rewards. 22
• Collects personnel records, distributes forms, and administers examinations for the priests being trained as teachers and officials. 41 42
• Reports on agricultural concerns and arranges for Cyrus to personally address problems requiring his judgment. 158
• Helps implement Cyrus’s charitable policies by explaining the Thorn Foundation and ensuring applicants such as Kailixido can receive support. 189

Literacy and Noble Etiquette

Judas can read and organize books, an uncommon skill for a servant. His literacy and polished etiquette stem from his family’s former noble background. 1

• Sorted Xia’s dropped books correctly, revealing his ability to read. 1
• Provides informed answers on local commerce, geography, noble authority, and religious customs. 2 3 4
• Acts as a formal representative of Desinia in public administrative settings. 22 28
• Maintains a polished public bearing and wears the Thorn Rose crest while representing Desinia’s authority. 64 74

Protection and Care

Judas’s service includes direct physical protection and attentive caregiving.

• Rescued Xia from the sea before entering Xia’s personal service. 1
• Carried Xia during visits, inspections, and difficult mountain travel. 2 14
• Shielded Xia during the Par Mountain ambush and remained committed to finding him after being injured. 6 7
• Treated Marco Case’s injuries with plant-based medicine during the escape from Kaies. 38
• Cared for Cyrus during his seasickness on the voyage to Helgoda, personally feeding him lemon water and monitoring his condition. 55
• Continues to manage Cyrus’s comfort, clothing, medicine, flowers, and daily surroundings. 89 93 163

Political Awareness and Discretion

Judas understands the risks attached to Desinia’s growth and helps safeguard Xia’s interests.

• Warned that the royal family would seek influence over the profitable salt industry. 3
• Immediately understood Xia’s suspicion that Duke Bass Riches was connected to Count Bevis Elliot and the Par Mountain assassination attempt. 7
• Identified the black deposits in the tiger-cub cave as a likely mineral vein and kept the discovery secret on Xia’s orders. 16
• Relayed intelligence concerning Gaina’s dissatisfied ministers and their possible collaboration with Bruno Green. 50
• Anticipated Cyrus’s victory over Bass Riches and appears to have arranged for the Saint Church’s construction request to reach Desinia at an advantageous time. 46
• Carries out covert assignments and adopts convincing cover identities, including posing as Cyrus’s older brother during the Helgoda mission. 55 56

Talent Assessment and Recruitment

Judas assists Cyrus in identifying, recording, and securing people valuable to Desinia’s development.

• Recorded artisans’ contributions during the selection process for the Thorn Artisans’ Guild. 21 22
• Gathered background information on Samuel Fern and assessed the significance of his knowledge of Duke Bill’s legacy. 56 57
• Recorded favored alchemists and physicians at the Alchemists and Physicians Exchange for later recruitment. 112 113
• Received direct instructions to prioritize the recruitment of Feilifu Kier because of his mercury thermometer research. 114

Relationships

• Cyrus Desinia — His lord and the center of his loyalty. Xia cleared Judas’s false conviction, promoted him to steward, and later asked him to remain his butler; Judas in turn pledged his life to Xia’s service. Judas continues to care for Xia’s safety, health, wishes, and personal happiness, ultimately supporting his relationship with Segalot. 1 7 93 179
• Fernandi Edward — Judas initially supervised Fernandi after Xia purchased him as a slave, challenged his disrespect toward Xia, and explained that Xia delayed the journey home to allow him time to heal. 5
• Gibran Kino — Works alongside Judas in Xia’s administration. Judas investigated Gibran’s situation when Xia first noticed him in Visas, and they later jointly assist Xia with financial and territorial matters. 2 13 21
• Marco Case — Treated Marco’s wound with plant medicine during the escape from Kaies. 38
• Grove Qiao and the priests — Receives their records, oversees their evaluation, and tests them during their preparation for Desinia’s official examination system. 41 42
• Segalot Wordsworth Augsger — Judas is initially embarrassed and wary when the pope calls Cyrus “Little Rose,” and later remains concerned about the risks of Cyrus’s relationship with him. He nevertheless accepts Cyrus’s choice and pledges continued obedience and support. 48 179
• Snowball and Coalball — Having helped care for them since they were cubs, Judas is one of the few people the tigers trust closely besides Cyrus. 21 120
• Kailixido — Explained the Thorn Foundation to the struggling painter and helped him secure an arts grant that allowed him to continue painting. 189

Trivia

• Judas’s great-great-grandfather was a baron, making Judas unusually educated and well-mannered for a servant. 1
• He initially objected to Xia drinking lemonade because lemon-infused water was unfamiliar on the Western Continent, but ultimately complied. 2
• Judas proposed planting a large rose garden around Xia’s future lakeside castle as a symbol of Desinia and Xia’s growth. 21
• Xia suspected that Judas had anticipated his victory over Bass Riches and arranged for the Holy Church’s construction demand to reach Desinia at the appropriate time. 46
• Judas has remained unmarried despite reaching the customary age for marriage, even when Cyrus and others encouraged him to consider it. 74
• He took Xia’s wish for roses that bloom through winter seriously and began researching everblooming roses. 93
• Judas’s conscientiousness is such that he agreed to prepare Egg Yolk, a board, and a rope for Cyrus’s next winter inspection despite not understanding that Cyrus had been joking about using them as a sled. 158