The elder prince of Delain is handsome and inherently good. He inherits his mother's sense of justice and compassion, making him deeply loved by the kingdom's subjects. Raised with a strong moral compass, he approaches his royal duties with seriousness and care. His natural authority gives him the unmistakable presence of a true king.

A mysterious and ancient magician who serves as the chief advisor to the King of Delain. He is a dark, hooded figure who harbors a malevolent ambition for the kingdom. Operating from his basement laboratory full of potions, he manipulates the royal family from the shadows. His presence in Delain spans generations.

The younger prince of Delain grows up in his older brother's shadow. Lacking his mother's influence, he struggles with feelings of inadequacy and bitter jealousy toward Peter. He frequently seeks his father's approval but is often left feeling rejected, making him highly vulnerable to dark influences within the castle.

Roland the Good is the reigning King of Delain, an older man who leans heavily on his magician for guidance. Though not particularly courageous in matters of state, he possesses a genuine love for his family and the simpler pleasures of life, such as hunting. His overreliance on advisors leaves his kingdom vulnerable.

The young Queen of Delain brings a rare warmth and goodness to the castle. Coming from a family of lesser nobility, she uses her position to advocate for the common people, successfully lowering taxes and ending cruel traditions. Her profound moral influence shapes her eldest son's upbringing before her untimely death.

A young, loyal servant who is training to take over his father's position as a royal butler. He believes deeply in the honor of servitude and holds his responsibilities to the royal family in high regard, demonstrating an obedient nature.

A farmer's son from a formerly noble family that has fallen on hard times due to legendary bad luck. Despite his family's misfortune, he grows up to be a strong, honest, and steadfast friend, demonstrating a fierce loyalty to those he cares about.

The Judge-General is the second most powerful man in Delain, strictly devoted to the kingdom's laws. He relies heavily on logic and order to make his rulings, serving as a stern but fundamentally fair administrator of justice within the realm.

An infamous former member of the Delain monarchy, known historically as the Black Duke. He lived centuries before King Roland's reign and leaves behind a dark legacy tied to the castle's history.

A resilient young woman from the northern reaches of the kingdom whose father raises Anduan huskies. She is highly capable in harsh environments and works closely with her dogs.

A loyal and intelligent Anduan husky. She is a dedicated sled dog with a remarkable sense of smell, heavily attuned to the commands and emotional states of her human companions.

The primary butler to the royal family and a strict adherent to the traditions of castle service. He instills a profound sense of duty and obedience in his son.

The devoted personal butler to the Judge-General. He is an older, cautious man who acts as a protective gatekeeper for his household.

The Chief Warder of the Needle, the castle's towering prison. He is a harsh and opportunistic man who oversees the prisoners housed at the very top of the tower.

A castle midwife who assists with royal births. She is a desperate mother herself, willing to make dark compromises to ensure the health and survival of her own son.

The King's head groom, responsible for the royal stables. He is a practical man who relies on generations of traditional animal husbandry, though he is capable of recognizing true compassion when he sees it.

A northern farmer who raises specialized sled dogs. He is quietly sympathetic to those who oppose the current regime and provides aid to travelers passing through the harsh terrain.

A struggling farmer trying to protect his family from the legendary bad luck that plagues their bloodline. He is deeply protective of his wife and son, often prioritizing their immediate physical safety over all else.

A hard-working farmer's wife who worries intensely about her family's safety and the dangerous political climate surrounding them.

A goshawk in the castle guard. He is responsible for maintaining order and carrying out royal decrees, often reacting to the immediate demands of his superiors in confusing situations.

One of the Great Lawyers of Delain. He oversees important judicial proceedings when the primary legal authorities are unavailable to do so.