Sampo

Biodata

Background

Stelle remembers meeting Sampo on the Outlying Snow Plains shortly after she first boarded the Express. She considers him a fellow lover of trouble, as he believes in Elation and is known for stealing and swindling. 3

When Stelle returns to Belobog, she finds Sampo half-buried in a snowdrift with his hands and feet tied. Though his concealment had kept him unseen until he called for help, he is too frozen to free himself; Stelle uses her Flame Lance to clear the snow, unties him, and takes him to the Goethe Grand Hotel. 3

Aha says that Sampo is not an Emanator of Elation, though the Aeon also speaks uncertainly about the matter. Aha then assigns Stelle the task of winning Sampo over in exchange for a script that may protect the Express Crew. 3

Appearance

Sampo is a green-eyed man with dark blue hair. During Stelle's rescue, his hair is crusted with ice and his face is described as deathly pale from exposure to the snow. 3 6

• Dark blue hair. 3
• Green eyes. 6
• Often presents himself as weak, pitiful, or harmless when it suits his purposes. 3 4

Personality

Sampo is a practiced liar and opportunist. He plays up his injuries after Stelle rescues him, accepting her care while secretly remaining fully alert once she leaves the room. 4 He habitually uses exaggerated flattery and calls Stelle “family,” even when she finds his behavior irritating. 3

Behind his lighthearted, teasing manner, Sampo is calculating and possessive. When Gepard brings an unconscious Stelle back to the hotel, Sampo immediately demands that he hand her over; later, he engineers an urgent duty issue to force Gepard to leave. 6 7

His attachment to Stelle is sincere despite his theatrics. He is content merely to lie near her while she sleeps, refuses to take advantage of her while she is unconscious, and ultimately admits that he liked her before her confession—not merely in response to it. 8 9

Abilities & Skills

Concealment

Sampo can remain hidden effectively enough that Stelle fails to notice him in the open snowfield until he deliberately calls out to her.

• His concealment is described as first-rate. 3
• He was able to remain unseen while half-buried in the Outlying Snow Plains. 3
• His inability to escape his bindings while frozen suggests that concealment does not prevent him from being caught or restrained. 3

Deception and Manipulation

Sampo relies on misdirection, false vulnerability, and carefully arranged circumstances.

• Pretends to remain ill after reaching the Goethe Grand Hotel, despite recovering enough to be alert and active. 4
• Uses a fabricated or arranged duty emergency to make Gepard leave Stelle’s room. 7
• Frames Stelle’s attempt to buy him Mulled Wine as proof that she belongs with him during his confrontation with Gepard. 6

Relationships

• Stelle — An old friend from Belobog and the target of Aha’s “win over Sampo” mission. Sampo becomes openly jealous of Gepard, confesses that he likes her, and resolves to wait for her return after she leaves Belobog. 3 6 9
• Gepard — Romantic rival for Stelle’s attention. Their conflict escalates when Gepard refuses to leave the unconscious Stelle with Belobog’s “most notorious” crook, while Sampo arranges for Gepard to be called away. 6 7
• Sparkle — A fellow acquaintance from Penacony. Sparkle notices Sampo staring at Stelle, offers to help him pursue her, and later impersonates him to approach Stelle herself. 6
• Aha — The Aeon of Elation finds Sampo entertaining and muses about making him an Emanator someday, while confirming that Stelle is the only Emanator Aha has acknowledged. 3

Story Role

• Rescue in the snow — Stelle finds Sampo tied up and freezing in the Outlying Snow Plains, rescues him, and brings him to the Goethe Grand Hotel. 3
• Aha’s objective — Sampo becomes Stelle’s first assigned conquest target in her effort to obtain a script for the Express Crew’s future. 3
• Feigning illness — He accepts Stelle’s care and request for Mulled Wine while privately dropping his weak act once she leaves. 4
• Conflict with Gepard — Sampo confronts Gepard over the unconscious Stelle, then succeeds in forcing the Silvermane Guard away through a scheme. 6 7
• Confession — After Stelle activates Elation Mode and confesses, Sampo admits that his feelings predate her declaration. He accepts her slaps as rewards rather than punishments. 8 9
• Separation — Stelle leaves Belobog before Gepard can discover what happened. Sampo remains behind, intending to wait for her—or board the Express to find her himself. 9

Notable Quotes

“I like you, Stelle.” 9