Orden

**Orden** 「オルデン, *Oruden*?」 is a nobleman presiding over the Vorig Fortified City and the current head of the Orden family, one of the Three Great Knightly Houses of the Northern Lands.

## Personality

Orden has a stern and unexpressive demeanor that often makes him come across as tactless and forceful to others, a trait that Frieren recognizes to be inherited from his grandfather. This trait has often caused him to throw sarcastic remarks against others or start petty arguments. Despite this, he still shows a reassuring and loving side to his sons, Wirt and Mut.

## Appearance

Orden is a middle-aged man of comparable height to Sein. He sports neatly groomed brownish-red hair, with long bangs draping over the right side of his face where an eyepatch conceals his damaged eye. His eye color is red.

His attire consists of a black and blue military uniform suited for a nobleman. He wears a black shirt adorned with dull gold and silver linings, featuring a central red jewel connected to the shoulder by three aiguillettes on the right side. This is complemented by green fabric with intricate gold details under a dark blue coat, embellished with thick dull gold linings in the middle and gray accents on the shoulders, cuffs, and waist. This outfit is paired with dark blue pants and tall black boots.

## Synopsis

Orden is the current head of the Orden family, recognized as one of the Northern Countries' Three Great Knights. He presides over Vorig, a fortified city that serves as a crucial defense line against demons. His family is said to have a lineage tracing back to a warrior village in the Klee Region.

### History

At some point, Orden sustained an injury to his right eye during a battle against demons, preventing him from continuing to fight on the front lines. Right before the next large-scale demon invasion, Orden engaged in a trivial argument with his oldest son, Wirt. This resulted in Wirt proclaiming that he did not want to see Orden's face again.

The subsequent large-scale demon invasion occurred a month before Frieren’s Party arrived in the region, and the city successfully repelled the demonic forces. Unfortunately, Orden was unable to reconcile with his son before his fateful death in a battle against a demon general. This event was witnessed only by Orden, Gabel, and some confidants. In his final moments, Wirt shared his last wish: to conceal the news of his death and maintain morale until the city's forces were replenished. Abiding by this will, Orden began preparing doppelgangers for an upper-class evening party that will be happening in four months.

### Journey with Sein

Twenty-nine years after Hero Himmel’s demise, Orden and his servant, Gabel, chance upon Stark and the rest of Frieren’s party on the outskirts of Vorig from his carriage. The two promptly approach Stark, examining his body, with Orden expressing admiration for Stark’s body and appearance. As a result, Orden extends an invitation to the party to visit his estate.

Inside his estate, Orden initiates an interview with Stark, only to be interrupted by Frieren, who identifies Orden and remarks on his assertiveness reminiscent of his grandfather's traits. Frieren attempts to speak on Stark’s behalf, but Orden dismisses her, sarcastically suggesting to Stark whether he requires his mom's permission to continue the conversation. Orden discloses a request for Stark, offering a reward. This prompts Frieren to leave before being reminded by Fern of the party’s meager funds. Frieren decides to at least hear Orden out.

Orden presents the party with a portrait of his eldest son, Wirt, whose resemblance to Stark is striking. Orden then discloses his specific request for Stark – to impersonate his late son at an upcoming party scheduled three months later. The purpose behind this plan is to sustain the city's morale until its manpower is rebuilt. As an incentive, Orden offers 10 Strahl gold coins and a grimoire to Frieren. Orden shares that he has informed his people about Wirt's ongoing recovery from a battle and emphasizes that Stark's distinctive head scar will serve as a suitable symbol of honor. Despite Stark's reluctance, he is compelled to accept the request by Fern. Following this, Orden instructs Gabel to commence Stark's training in noble etiquette.

In the midst of Stark's training, Stark questions Orden about his cold demeanor, considering Wirt only recently passed less than two months ago. Orden clarifies that he is simply adhering to Wirt's wishes and admits that a previous look-alike he prepared fell short compared to Stark's appearance. While Orden acknowledges that he does not enjoy the situation, he asserts that this is all for the sake of his son.

Subsequently, Orden escorts Stark to an open court, taking the opportunity to introduce Stark to his youngest son, Mut. During this introduction, Orden remarks on Mut's slow progress in swordsmanship, triggering memories of Stark's own past struggles. As Orden initiates the teaching of the Orden Family's swordsmanship technique, Stark begins to tremble in unease. Orden, sensing Stark's discomfort, offers reassurance, emphasizing that this is not Stark's village.

Curious about Orden's opinion of Mut, Stark inquires, prompting Orden to acknowledge Mut's lack of natural talent compared to his late brother. However, Orden highlights that he is hard working, expressing confidence that he will eventually surpass Orden in becoming a formidable knight. Stark is reassured in this assessment and encourages Orden to convey his thoughts to Mut. Orden reveals that he frequently does so, contributing to Mut's current struggle for improvement.

Orden orders Fern to undergo the same etiquette training as Stark, asserting that a young man like Stark should not attend the party alone. Orden, staring at Frieren, asks if Stark’s mom is going to escort him instead, prompting Fern to begin training.

On the night of the party, Orden, accompanied by Gabel, reflects with regret on whether Wirt would have survived had Orden not sustained his eye injury and remained in the front lines.

After the event, Stark approaches them, and Orden instructs Gabel to give Frieren her reward. Orden then tries to extend an invitation for Stark to join his family, but Stark firmly maintains that he cannot replace Wirt. Orden concedes, acknowledging that he cannot fill the void left by Stark's father either, but points out that Stark currently lacks a place to call home. Orden reveals his remorse for not reconciling with Wirt after a trivial argument before his demise, recognizing Stark's arrival as a kind of miracle. In response, Stark smiles and says that for a similar reason, he needs to return to his foster father with tales of his journey.

## Trivia

* Orden is German for "medal," but also "order," "fraternity," and "congregation".