We’ve met the heroes of The Alchemist of Middlesbrooke —
Available here, FYI:
— so now, let’s meet His Serenity the Duke of Middlesbrooke, his wife, and his valet.
I have it on good authority they’re Good People.
Duke Charles IX of Middlesbrooke
“Middlesbrooke is very rich, very old and very proud of that fact, and especially proud of the fact that the Duchy is the successor to Emperor Theobald’s mighty empire, which ruled over most of Realmgard centuries ago. The people of Middlesbrooke are quick to point out that the city’s reigning Dukes can trace their lineage all the way back to Theobald himself, which is why all of the Dukes add ‘Theobald’ to their names — Lucia can only assume they’re up to Duke Theobald the Eight-Millionth, or so.”
Full Title: verbose and overawing
Doesn’t: actually know what “Serenity” means
Secretly: a big softie
The thirty-first ruling Duke of Middlesbrooke and a direct descent of the famous Emperor Theobald, Duke Charles of Middlesbrooke is properly known as His Serenity, Theobald Charles IX Radbot Odo Wilhelm Theobalding von Middlesbrooke, Most Serene Duke of Middlesbrooke, followed by numerous other impressive-sounding titles of largely ceremonial and historical importance.
Despite the numerous other locations listed as dominions of the Duke of Middlesbrooke, present-day Middlesbrooke now claims little territory beyond the city of Middlesbrooke itself and its immediate environs. Duke Charles, however, does personally own several properties across Realmgard.
Duke Charles is well-known as a magnanimous and charitable ruler, funding many humanitarian projects within the Duchy and encouraging the other wealthy nobles of Middlesbrooke to do the same. Most notably, Duke Charles adopted two young orphans Roland and Alda as his wards.
This has been considered especially unusual (and by many, improper) as the Duke already had children of his own at the time. However, Duke Charles’ gentle nature and unflappable good humour saw that his wife and children welcomed his new wards into the household and came to view them as members of the family.
Visiting dignitaries to Middlesbrooke often note the Duke’s unassuming and easy-going nature despite his lofty lineage and his close friends note that he is approachable and even jovial in private. Though Duke Charles gets little time in private to pursue his hobbies, he is an enthusiastic — if unskilled — birdwatcher and amateur art historian. In fact, Duke Charles is one of the foremost donors of both the Art Galley of Middlesbrooke and the Fine Arts department of the University of Middlesbrooke and his recent critique of The Constancy of Styracosaurus has been well-received in Realmgard’s academic circles.
And not just because he is the reigning Duke of Middlesbrooke…
Duchess Sofia of Middlesbrooke
“Your accent. You are Natalian, yes?”
“Y-yeah. I’m just a little surprised. I didn’t realise a lot of people in Middlesbrooke spoke Natalian.”
“Not so much in Middlesbrooke, it’s true. But I’m from Natalis myself, after all. I’m sorry if I startled you, but it’s just been so long since I’ve had the chance to talk to someone in Natalian.”
Lucia chuckles nervously. She’s never been this interesting to someone this important before.
“Where are you from, dear?”
“It’s a small village called Galgano, You’ve probably never heard of it.”
“There is a sacred well there, isn’t there?”
“Barba di Quinto! I’ve never met anyone outside of the town who knew that!”
“I read whatever I can about Natalis. Especially when I feel homesick. Perhaps one day, I’ll pay a visit to this sacred well and perhaps you might show me around town.”
Ageing: gracefully
Favourite Natalian historical figure: Saint Artemio
Misses Natalis, but: likes the food in Middlesbrooke
Descended from one of the most prominent noble lines in Natalis — the ruling family of the Duchy of Mercurio — Sofia Ambrosia Mercuriano first met her eventual husband, the future Duke Charles IX of Middlesbrooke, when he was a young man studying art and history in Natalis. Although the two fell for one another, the sudden death of Charles’ father necessitated his return to Middlesbrooke.
Charles proposed marriage before departing and Sofia accepted. However, the two went several years without seeing each other in person, corresponding by letter as their mutual obligations prevented them marrying. Their wedding ceremony was the first time the two had seen each other since Charles’ proposal.
Despite this, Duke Charles and Duchess Sofia are famously known for their happy marriage and family life. In addition to their own children Alois (destined to eventually become Duke Alois V) of Middlesbrooke and Agnes, the two have taken the orphans Roland and Alda as their wards.
Known to be both a woman of poise and grace as well as great beauty — visiting diplomats will frequently make note that the Duchess is ageing quite gracefully — Duchess Sofia often hosts prominent visitors to the Duchy, delighting in learning about the history and culture of lands outside the Duchy.
Duchess Sofia is also an avid reader of history, particularly that of her homeland of Natalis. With few other Natalians present in the Duchy, this is her primary way to retain a connection to Natalis while living in Middlesbrooke.
Martinus Agricola
“Hey, Agricola?”
“Yes, Sir?”
“What things are stubborn?”
“Stubborn, Sir?”
“Yeah, I’ve been trying to think of, you know, a metaphor. But I can’t think of any other stubborn things that something stubborn would be like.”
“Quite the quandary, Sir. Well, Sir, a lesser man might note that one’s wife may be quite stubborn. Particularly where the wallpaper in the sitting room is concerned. However, whereas one wishes to avoid any undue marital discord, one may disavow even entertaining such a claim in the first place, and instead note that stone is often called stubborn. Or the mountains of Hrimfax. Makelandic iron. Any number of animals may be noted for their stubbornness — camels, elephants, the Pelayan stubbornfish, for example. Is that suitably helpful, Sir?”
“Hey, thanks, Agricola. You’re good people.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
“And I like the wallpaper in your sitting room.”
Immaculately dressed: all day, every day
Invented his own method of: folding napkins with 87% more efficiency
The eye patch: is just there to make him look cool
A lifelong vassal of Duke Charles of Middlesbrooke, hailing from a family that has served the ruling Dukes of Middlesbrooke for generations, Martinus Agricola is the current valet of Duke Charles and is in charge of managing the Duke’s household staff. Agricola is a trusted friend and confidant of the Duke and is viewed with esteem and affection by the Duke’s family and wards.
While a loyal vassal and trusted friend of Duke Charles, Agricola is also a happily-married family man and father of four. In recent years, Agricola has learned to improve his work-life balance, devoting more time to his family. The Duke himself played no small part in this, assuring Agricola that he is, in fact, capable of taking care of himself.
Agricola is, above all, devoted to three things: the Duke, his own family, and looking as utterly professional and well-groomed as possible, ensuring that his suits are always spotless and perfectly pressed, topping off his ensemble with a patch worn over his right eye.
Though Agricola has never been seen without his eye patch, there is no agreement over the circumstances of the loss of his eye. In fact, his eye is fine. He just wears the eye patch to look cool, and a self-imposed challenge in performing his duties for the Duke.
Interestingly, due to the particularities of Elven grammar, Agricola’s family name is one of the few Elven names to use the same form when referring to both male and female members of the family.
I’ll be posting more characters from The Alchemist of Middlesbrooke more the next few days. And, once again, the book itself goes live on the 12th and is on presale until then.
And this week’s chapter is here:
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