Claudia Forst

**Claudia Forst** is a scientist who was previously the chief of biological research for Argentum.

After the deaths of Julius and Isabella Alstrife in 1254, both Nero and Saun were left with no parents. Whilst the family still technically held power, there was little that the two brothers could do at the time (with Saun being 12 years of age, and Nero being 4 years old at the time) and so the Argent government took this as an opportunity to strengthen their own control over the nation.

One day, whilst on a tour of one of Argentum's science facilities, the two brothers wondered off from the group and ended up getting lost within the building. They soon came across Claudia Forst (32/33 years old at the time) who was running some experiments in her lab.\*

She happily welcomed the two into her lab and introduced them to various aspects of science. Since meeting her, the two had often come to learn and play in the lab and their bond strengthened greatly - Claudia had essentially adopted a sort of parental role for the two, often looking after and spending time with them outside of her work hours.

After the fall, Claudia dedicated much of her time studying the comet and in particular, the effects of it, the splinters, shards, and so on. She also had a great part in developing the Anti-Splinter Suit (used by Saun later on).

Despite her lack of fame, Lucian often regards Claudia to be on the same level as Edward Drake in terms of intellect. Claudia is also an alumni of TIS.

\*Notes: At the time, Claudia didn't even recognise that they were the two orphans of the Alstrife family. She did not keep up with anything related to the royal family (or really anything that was outside of her work). Basically a workaholic, but over time she really enjoyed the company of the two boys and appreciated their curiosity in wanting to learn more. This helped her to relax and brought out a side of her that people don't really see. Most people just see her as the workaholic that she is, even Lucian had commented on how dedicated she is to her work - sometimes describing it as unhealthy. Lucian was incredibly surprised to see how well she had gotten along with Saun and Nero and finds it even more remarkable that they had essentially brought out a side of her that he didn't even know she had - "Even if she doesn't recognise it herself, her love and care for those two is vastly superior to anything our *government* has done." ... "All those stories, those lies that they say about how *they* (the government) ensure that the boys are living *the perfect life*... it makes me feel sick." ... "Thankfully, they have her." ... "I don't think I've ever seen her *try as much* when it comes to *anything* outside of her own work."

Other ideas/notes to explore in the future (writing them here since I'm on the wiki page anyways):

* She has a sort of anxiety (or something like that) which makes it hard for her to fully describe her feelings in situations. The boys are aware of this and always try their best to make sure she's okay at all times.
* Although she was previously not very assertive or "strict", she learned to adopt this behaviour when it mattered most to ensure she wasn't completely lenient when it came to Nero and Saun's studies, etc.
* She took singing classes because young Nero wanted her to sing a song before sleeping once.
* She sometimes spent her mornings creating lil' lunchboxes for the two boys because the royal family chef made shit food. On some days, if she was passing by their home, she would wake up extra early just to visit them and give them their food (that is, instead of going to work early like she used to, she did this instead).
* Spent a lot of time ensuring that the boys would study. With her help, they were both able to achieve high grades in a variety of subjects. Unlike their other tutors, as well as the general work/education ethic prevalent within Argentum, Claudia ensured that she remained patient and calm when it came to them.
* This shit gonna sound cringe af but she's like the last person you'd expect to take up the parental role for Nero and Saun. She's like a "shining light" type person lmao. Like even if she doesn't realise fully what she's saying herself, the things that she says to Nero and Saun are what keeps the good side of them going strong. Reminds them of all the good things in the world (even if indirect).
* Strong love for the environment and life, gets along incredibly well with Cynthia. She very much enjoys Cynthia's little sporg performances.
* Very good friends with Lucian, she even inspired Lucian to approach the sciences. Young Claudia