≅ emperor peony ix ≅

Emperor Peony the Ninth is a very laid back character and this trait shows up in absolutely everything he does. Although he is the ruler of the Malkuth Empire, he tries his best to not shove himself forth and take all the glory in his name. Instead, he rules with a very high view of his people and looks to them with a fond gaze. Being a laid back gent, however, doesn't take away from his love of fun and adventure. In fact, on several occasions are we introduced to his silly antics and passion for the small things in life. He enjoys the company of those that he trusts and admires and very much loves it when those such people come to bid him a visit.

Although we are introduced a lot to Peony's silly comments and comical banter, he does hold a very strong sense of pride for where he comes from. This, in turn, makes him a very just and true leader who has the ability to think of the best for the people rather then the individual. Although sometimes it may not be permitted, he tries to be fair to all and show everyone that they are to be treated respectively. Never has Peony been one to hold himself up above others. In fact, he does his absolutely best to take a step back from the limelight and allow credit to fall on others shoulders. He is very casual and doesn't have a problem with lacking the noble aura or tone one of royalty is meant to. He prefers to be relaxed and casual is where he is most comfortable.

In the past, Peony was still very much the same if not a bit more care free. He grew up with his best friend Jade, the small Saphir and Jade's sister Nephry. Growing up knowing full well that he was to succeed the throne of Malkuth, Peony was often kept inside his manor to study and prepare and thus wasn't allowed to go out and enjoy the casual company of his peers. However, this doesn't mean that this was how it truly was. Peony snuck out plenty of times to go and visit with his friends, to bask in their company and to escape the chocking atmosphere of his study. He was but a child, after all. He needed to run, he needed to laugh, he needed to enjoy life a bit. Thus, whenever he snuck out, he would find his friends and play with them or join in on their lessons with their teacher Nebilim. It was here that Peony likely learned his and build on his compassion for others. By having to work to keep that company, he learned the value of people at a young age and that stuck with him as he grew to finally accept the throne of Malkuth and rule it with a gentle but firm hand.

Personally, I absolutely adore Peony and I wish he could have much more screen time then he did. Whenever it was my chance to go back to the Malkuth Empire, I always stopped into the castle no matter if I was meant to or not. I just enjoyed being able to speak with him. His hilarious interaction with the main party was a breath of fresh air when often times I'd be coming back from a tragic event. Not only did he provide some good natured spirit into my game play but he was also the source of many of my favorite scenes through out the game. If one went about the side quests and such, you got to see a lot more of his playful and silly side and that was what I admired so much about his character. He never took himself too seriously. I'm a terrible sucker for thorough characters and so I completely adored his three dimensional character and that he had a wonderful, human balance of both good and bad traits. I am certain that game play would have been a bit more dull without this silly leader and I think he was an excellent addition into Auldrant.