Caroline

Biodata

Background / History

Caroline comes from Amethyst City. Her husband, Henry, and their son, Oliver, both died serving the empire during its overseas landings. She keeps framed photographs of them, including one showing her younger self beside Henry in military uniform 34 46.

The building she owns at No. 7 Denton Street was passed down from Henry’s grandfather. Although she is not short of money, she runs its downstairs flower shop to occupy her time; she acknowledges that it receives little business 31.

Viscount Pompey ordered that her street—and especially her flower shop—be looked after. An Iron Fist Gang member identifies her as the widow of one of the viscount’s comrades, explaining why the gang initially avoids abducting Froy directly from the building 34.

Welcoming Chen Lun and Froy

Caroline welcomes Chen Lun, who introduces himself as Jack, and Froy as prospective tenants. Believing they are siblings seeking relatives in Amber City to help treat Froy’s blindness, she deliberately reduces their rent and offers to defer payment. She also invites them to her second-floor home for breakfast and dinner 31.

During their first breakfast, Caroline tells them about Henry and Oliver. Froy asks to learn her cooking, apparently to divert her attention from her grief. Caroline enthusiastically agrees, beginning an ongoing arrangement in which Froy learns recipes and prepares meals with her 34 45 46.

Later Events

After Kent disappears, Caroline regrets that he left without saying goodbye and blames the Outer District’s gang members for likely driving him away. She does not know that Chen Lun has killed him. Her questions about Chen Lun’s employment and supposed relatives make him uncomfortable enough to decline a later dinner invitation 46.

At Taut’s bookshop, Caroline exchanges playful compliments with the owner and reminds Chen Lun not to miss his meals. When Taut later expresses interest in her cooking, Chen Lun brings her to the shop with leftover cookies. While Taut is distracted by her arrival, Chen Lun leaves with his mystical book 46 47 48.

Caroline subsequently delivers a letter left for Chen Lun by a stranger. When Connie’s father dies, she comforts Connie in her arms and closes the flower shop for the day to stay with her 48 50.

Appearance

• Gray hair and a wrinkled, kindly face, with traces of her former beauty 31 34.
• Youthful appearance preserved in a photograph taken with her husband, Henry 34.

Personality

Caroline is affectionate and generous toward her tenants. She offers reduced rents rather than charging the full market rate, but values cleanliness, respectable work, freedom from bad habits, and—above all—a kind heart when selecting residents 31.

She is sentimental without abandoning her everyday warmth. After discussing her family’s deaths, she returns to serving tea and explains that remembering them matters even if time causes others to forget. Her concern for others also makes her persistent about meals, employment, and personal difficulties 34 46.

She enjoys lighthearted conversation with Taut, laughing at his compliments and teasing him with an eye roll. She also appreciates Chen Lun and Froy’s good looks, privately thinking that seeing them will brighten her days 31 46.

Abilities & Skills

Cooking

• Prepares a fish-and-egg rice dish using butter-fried, egg-coated rice, cod, shrimp, and chopped celery; Chen Lun finishes it despite not being particularly fond of fish 33 34.
• Teaches Froy practical preparation techniques, including cooking cod in milk before cutting it without breaking it apart 34.
• Shares specialty dishes with Froy and prepares baked cookies for afternoon tea 45 46 47.

Floristry

• Runs the downstairs flower shop 31.
• Decorates her own rooms with neatly trimmed, multicolored flowers, giving them a fresh fragrance and an elegant atmosphere with a touch of girlish charm 33.

Residence & Business

Relationships

• Henry — Late husband; his family passed down the building Caroline owns 31 34.
• Oliver — Late son, remembered alongside Henry in her photographs and prayers 34.
• Chen Lun / Jack — Tenant whom she regards as a polite, upright young man. He appreciates her hospitality and resolves to protect her flower shop from troublemakers 31 33.
• Froy — Tenant and cooking pupil. Caroline sympathizes with her blindness and affectionately calls her “little Froy” 31 34.
• Connie — Tenant whom Caroline has helped extensively; Connie hesitates to ask for further assistance after losing her job. Caroline supports her through her father’s death 35 50.
• Taut — Bookshop owner with whom she exchanges playful compliments; he hopes to share a meal with her 46 47.
• Kent — Tenant she initially describes as cold but decent. She attributes his disappearance to gang pressure rather than suspecting Chen Lun 31 32 46.
• Viscount Pompey — Her late husband’s comrade, according to an Iron Fist Gang member; his protection discourages gang activity around her shop 34.

Notable Quotes

“Flowers bloom like fire, and like loneliness.
Time may make people forget, but as long as I still remember them, that’s enough...” 34

“There’s a proverb in my hometown, Amethyst City: ‘A man who loves to read is like the sun—even two hands cannot hide his radiance.’” 46