I keep thinking about the potential of Felix’s niece/nephew he mentioned once and never again. They couldn’t be that much older than Athy—could’ve easily been a playmate, you know, the playmate Athy needed that was actually near her age. Since Felix obviously isn’t becoming the head of the Robane household, it means his nephew/niece likely will be since it’s the child of Felix’s older sibling (assumingly). This means this niece/nephew of Felix’s could’ve easily been one of Athy’s first and strongest political allies and supports had they socialized and been introduced early on.
Hell, outside of Athy, I’m surprised at how underutilized they could’ve been. They’re the future heir of the Robane Dukedom—why didn’t they become playmates with Ijekiel? If it was a nephew, they’re the heir to a KNIGHT’S Dukedom. Playmates, sparring mates—there’s no reason why Roger Alpheus wouldn’t pursue this as a way to strengthen Ijekiel’s connections. If it was a niece, then I also don’t understand why Roger Alpheus wouldn’t try to forge a connection with young Jennette who has recently become more isolated due to Ijekiel’s study abroad (and newly acquired the ring that hides her eyes, since I’ve theorized previously she must’ve acquired it while Ijekiel as at Arlanta). Had Roger been a smarter man, he could’ve had the young lady of Robane as a backup match for Ijekiel if Jennette failed to catch Claude’s eye and officially become a princess.
The young lord or lady of house Robane could’ve easily been brought in as a playmate for Athy—to be trained as Athy’s personal knight (which, they intended for Athy to have a personal knight early on outside of Felix as shown below), or as Athy’s future lady in waiting. There’s no reason for the Robane’s to refuse—Felix being Claude’s right hand, my theory on the Robane’s housing and supporting Claude in his childhood forming that foundation of trust, and then introducing their young heir be it lady or lord to the sole princess.
I’m kinda distraught at how with these possibilities, we could’ve had a knight’s romance with Athy, or a scandalous romance between the future empress and her lady in waiting who’s guarded her side since childhood. The protege of the Blood Stained Knight—shadow knight of the beloved Obelian Heir. Can accompany Athy to balls, escort her during outings, be by Athy’s side during tea parties and events and no one would be suspicious. If Felix is constantly by Athy’s side, everyone will be wary. But with the young and inexperienced Robane Lord or Lady who grew up with the sheltered princess, no one would bat an eye. They’d underestimate them, and be more comfortable letting their intentions spill when approaching Athy.
Athy is also severely undertrained physically. She knows magic sure, but not nearly enough to defend herself. Even in the novel, despite being hailed as a new magic genius, she could barely handle Jennette—who hadn’t even dabbled in her black magic. Claude places magic protection on her yes, but we also see how limited that can be. And for protection magic, Felix could bypass it easily even though she was invisible and caught him off guard. Athy needed someone by her side that wasn’t Felix (who is Claude’s knight, not hers) and Lucas (who isn’t there 70% of the time, appearing on whims). The young Lady/Lord Robane by her side could’ve prevented so much lokey—made sure to limit contact with Raven/Blackie while Lucas wasn’t there, could’ve defended and made sure Athy wasn’t around Claude when Claude clearly was going mad from his amnesia, hell—while Athy was on the run, provided a place for Athy to stay as you know, Athy’s childhood friend and the child of a prominent Duke??? Someone who Athy already trusted? And knew of her circumstance and would be Athy’s ride or die? And was why Felix wasn’t trying hard to find Athy—because he already knew Athy was safe with his niece/nephew, far from Claude.
Oh young Lady/Lord Robane, how mix potential you could’ve been if you weren’t limited to a one-off mention from Felix,,, (who is already under-utilized and less developed as is)
