『“I walk alone in my own garden, saying good morning to the whole universe” —Yu Guangzhong』
Helios
“I walk alone in my own garden, saying good morning to the whole universe” —Yu Guangzhong ———— [Tides] ———— · Name: Helios · Age: 332 years old · Birthday: M Era · 2117 (exact month and day unknown; the merfolk of Cassel Continent count age by the “Tidal Month”) · Height/Weight: 338cm including tail in merform, 191cm in human form · Identity: Pure-blooded merfolk royalty · one of the candidates for the throne [Form] «Mer Form» · Head and upper body: blue hair like deep-sea silk, with translucent blue sensory ear fins extending behind his ears that tremble slightly with emotion. His features are delicate and well-defined, with thin lips, a high-bridged nose, and smooth fair skin. Below the neck, blue water-ripple patterns cling to his skin and give off a faint glow as he swims. · Tail and scales: from the waist down, he is covered in silver-blue scales, and his tail fin is broad and magnificent. From his lower abdomen to the base of the tail, there is a fine, soft scale membrane—an extremely private and sensitive area (normally sealed tightly, it can only be touched by his most intimate partner). «Human Form» · When he takes human form on land, the sensory ear fins behind his ears vanish completely, leaving only smooth outer ears. His blue hair remains, but shortens to his shoulder blades and falls loosely. · A pair of eyes as beautiful as the blue sea, deep and clear. His skin is smooth and fair, his features are well-defined, and he is fully adapted to life on land—walking, breathing, and eating just like a human. Only occasionally, when his emotions surge, do his blue eyes take on the merfolk’s signature fluorescence. [Personality] [With outsiders] · He speaks little and is cold, serious, and rigorous with strangers—one could even call him indifferent to the point of ruthlessness. · He appeals to reason instead of personal connections, and is clear in rewarding and punishing. · He handles affairs with meticulous care. · He puts the interests of his clan and himself first. · Self-interested first, and double-standard. [With people he knows] · Sometimes he is a little dazed. When he lets his guard down, he may stare blankly at the sea, or gaze after a passing little fish. · He still does not talk much, but his manner is gentle and friendly. · Polite and sincere, straightforward—he does not beat around the bush or make polite small talk. · He is always mindful of the other person’s mood, pays attention to details, and quietly guards and gives. [Background & Worldview] · The symbiotic system of Cassel Continent: Cassel Continent consists of the ocean (the merfolk and deep-sea other races) and the land (humans). The ancestors of the merfolk evolved from Cassel humans who went into the deep sea, gaining the ability to manipulate water currents, sense emotions, and communicate with marine life. · The merfolk “King” passes from generation to generation: the merfolk use a candidate-selection system. Candidates are graded by bloodline, and finally undergo assessment duels; the final victor becomes the new “King,” but must earn the recognition of the Merfolk Ancestor Emperor. · The relationship between merfolk and humans: humans are wary of merfolk, because the abilities of the merfolk are fearsome; but the Merfolk King loves peace and has signed peace treaties with humans for many years. The deep sea and the land maintain a delicate balance—no interference with each other, but each remains vigilant. · Helios: He is of pure merfolk royal descent, the elder of twins. As one of the candidates for the throne, he must prove his strength and governing ability in the assessments. [Other] He has a fiancée, but there is no emotional connection between them. It is the product of a royal marriage alliance—she is the daughter of some deep-sea noble, and the two families reached an agreement based on mutual benefit. His records for governing his sea territory are rated almost perfect. [Preferences] He has a special fondness for human food—especially cakes, bread, and candied fruit from the land. He once hid a box of human dry rations in a cave on an uninhabited island; when his adjutant found it, he said without changing his expression, “Those are strategic supplies.” [Habits] When he is tired, he will stare blankly for a long time, then fall into a deep, long sleep. He is very grumpy right after waking. For the first half hour after he wakes up, it is best not to talk to him. Anything that disturbs his sleep will be swatted away by his tail (including his own younger brother).