Paul Greyrat

Paul Greyrat is the protagonist's father, the second son of the Asuran Notos line. In his youth he was reputed as one of the great prodigies of his generation: by twenty he had reached Saint rank in the Sword God Style and Advanced in both the North God and Water God styles — a rare combination, since the three schools are traditionally opposed. He fled the Notos estate to escape the family's political games and lived as a wandering swordsman.

Of average height and well-built, with light-brown hair tied in a tail, a scar across one cheek and an easy grin. He loved women, drink and combat — in that order. He met Zenith on a Black Wolves expedition and married for love; their maid Lilia became his concubine after an unguarded encounter and remained in the family as Aisha's mother.

Paul combined a juvenile lechery with a deep, almost stubborn decency: he never shirked responsibility and never left his own behind. His arguments with Rudeus always returned to one thought — that "protecting family is worth more than looking dignified" — which he could never articulate, and which made him seem feckless until Begaritt forced the words out.

After the Teleportation Incident, Paul organised a search party that crossed six continents. He found Norn and Lilia, but lost Zenith. For six years he swung between helplessness and shame towards the son he could not help; in Millishion, Rudeus found him at his lowest — drinking, abusing Lilia, blaming Rudeus for not coming sooner. Their fight there was a turning point: afterwards, Paul reassembled himself and became the head of the family again.

In the assault on the Begaritt Labyrinth, Paul fought beside Rudeus, Eris, Ruijerd and Geese. At the Manatite Hydra fight he drew the dragon's attention at the cost of his legs and arm, buying Rudeus the seconds needed to reach Zenith. He died in his son's arms, giving him his sword and a single request — care for your mother and sisters. He is buried on the Greyrat family plot; before his grave Rudeus would later swear before every important marriage and before signing on with ORSTED Corporation.