Judith

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Judith Jansen (尤狄特)
Alias(es)	Steward Judith; Butler Judith 1 7
Gender	Male 1
Affiliation	House Desinia; later the Desinia Territory 1 40
Occupation/Role	Xia Zuoyi Desinia’s steward, butler, attendant, adviser, and administrator 1 7 22
Status	Active; continues serving Xia Zuoyi and reporting on Gaina’s political situation 50
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Background / History

Judith 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 Xia Zuoyi from the sea without hesitation. Butler Johnson later framed him for allegedly failing to save Xia quickly enough, resulting in Judith’s imprisonment. 1

Despite two days in prison, Judith remained composed and dignified. Xia recognized his careful habits, literacy, refined manners, and exceptional ability to anticipate the needs of those around him. Judith 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. Judith pledged lifelong loyalty. 1

As Xia began rebuilding Visas, Judith 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, Judith 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, Judith led the search despite being outnumbered and emotionally distraught. Their reunion deepened his devotion: Judith asked Xia never to sacrifice himself for him again, while Xia asked him to remain his butler. 6 7

Judith 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, Judith 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, Judith 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 50

Appearance

Judith 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

Personality

Judith 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. Judith 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, Judith 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

Abilities & Skills

Stewardship and Administration

Judith 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

Literacy and Noble Etiquette

Judith 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

Protection and Care

Judith’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

Political Awareness and Discretion

Judith 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

Relationships

• Xia Zuoyi Desinia — His lord and the center of his loyalty. Xia cleared Judith’s false conviction, promoted him to steward, and later asked him to remain his butler; Judith in turn pledged his life to Xia’s service. 1 7
• Fernandi Edward — Judith 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 Judith in Xia’s administration. Judith 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

Trivia

• Judith’s great-great-grandfather was a baron, making Judith 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
• Judith 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 Judith had anticipated his victory over Bass Riches and arranged for the Holy Church’s construction demand to reach Desinia at the appropriate time. 46