The Crimson Maid News

Irina has been employed as a maid for the Rosenthals for less than two years. As such, she hasn't had a chance to meet Marius before he left for the seminary. She only heard stories about him from the rest of the family and, considering they were unhappy with his decision, they weren't the most favorable tales. If Marius was anything like his brother, she had no reason to be excited by his arrival.


Yet Irina has always felt alone during her time with the Rosenthals. The fact their estate was rather secluded didn't help, nor did her feeling she was a mere maid, too low-status to be noticed by anyone. She spent her days doing her chores and daydreaming. Irina is an avid reader, which explains her witty banter and how she ponders things few people seem to think about.


Lady Rosenthal has a soft spot for Irina, but Leon can't stand her, while Remus is indifferent to her existence. Aside from the occasional visitor, Irina barely knows anyone else. She dreams of one day leaving this place, but is unable to do so. She is a mixed bag of hopes and dreams combined with moments of despair and self-contempt. Surely there is someone for her to make her dreams come true!

You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone with anything bad to say about Dr. Filumen. He has been caring for Leon Rosenthal since soon after his symptoms began. Although he has failed to cure him, the family agrees that his endeavors slowed down the illness and even allowed him brief moments of clarity - for which Catrina is particularly grateful.


During his house calls, Dr. Filumen has befriended Remus, who considers him the only one willing to understand him, unlike his unsupportive family. The doctor believes Catrina isn't too pleased by this friendship, for reasons unknown to him. A fact rather surprising, considering his utmost respect for Lady Rosenthal and his willingness to take the long drive from his neighboring town all the way to the mansion whenever Leon's condition deems it necessary.

As he'll tell you himself, given the opportunity, Dr. Filumen served during the war as a doctor, a fact which helped him easily gain Leon's trust, due to their shared experiences and opinions - both have served, yet neither approve of war.

Poor Remus! Always in last place, even when running alone. Despite having stayed with his parents when Marius, his brother, abandoned the family, he never felt gratitude for his commitment. Even as he assumed the unwanted role of being in charge of the family factory, he was only met with criticism and contempt. Nothing he does ever seems to be good enough for anyone.


Even though he was often overshadowed by his older brother. Remus looked up to him growing up. As such, he resents Marius for abandoning him. The responsibilities that were always intended for the older son unexpectedly fell on his shoulders, overwhelming him.


The only silver lining for Remus is his close friendship with Dr. Filumen, his father's trusted physician. Despite the age difference, the two are like two peas in a pod, as the doctor jests. Remus cherises his friend and heeds his advice in all matters, as he feels he is the only one interested in his well-being.

Though he acts dettached and bitter towards his family, in his heart he yearns for their approval. With the certainty he will never gain it though, most of all, Remus wants to be left in peace.

Coming from a military family herself, Catrina married up in the world. Despite her not being of noble lineage, she married Leon Rosenthal due to the friendship between their fathers. Though an arranged marriage, it proved a fortunate one, as the bond and respect between Catrina and Leon is a cause for envy in their circle. They raised a beautiful family together and have the respect of their peers.

Over the years, Catrina gained a reputation of sternness - fair, but implacable. To those unfamiliar with her family's origins, she was the epitome of a noble lady. Unbeknownst to everyone but her husband, her demeanor was motivated rather by insecurity and the fear of being seen as a social climber.


Her family and its reputation are everything to Catrina. Some would badmouth her for caring more of the latter than the former. But Catrina knows that reputation is everything in this cutthroat world and that, in losing it, her family's well-being would be at risk as well. Besides, she is obsessively proud of her husband and his accomplishments and would do anything to keep his reputation intact.


Being married to Leon was Catrina's biggest stroke of luck and her most important accomplishment is being sincerely and deeply loved by him. She returns his feelings and respect twice over and would do anything for her husband, putting him first even before herself or their two sons. After Leon became ill, Catrina's sole purpose became caring for him and protecting his legacy - which often put her at odds with a struggling-to-cope Remus and made her resent Marius, the admittedly more capable son, for abandoning the family.