Tino Maes

*This page might contain spoilers. Proceed at your own discretion.*

## Description

Valentino (or Tino) is the valet of Lynt, the Prince of Akedia. He is tenderhearted and will go to any lengths for his master. He often takes care of Lynt whether it be feeding him bread or covering him with a blanket for naps. Tino also constantly praises Lynt in front of others. He is often very critical of himself, believing that his abilities as a valet are still not good enough. He is very kind, but he also feels confliced and lost inside.

Book 1 of Tino's Consort Path was added May 22nd, 2022/May 23rd, 2022 (depending on the time zone). He was the eighth consort and fourth valet to be added to the app. Book 2 of Tino's Consort Path was released on July 25th, 2023 in the Japanese version of the app. It is unknown when Book 2 of Tino's Consort Path will be released in the English version.

## History

Tino comes from the House of Maes which has served the House of Akedia for many generations. Due to the House of Maes' relationship with the royal family, all members of the House of Maes very strictly follow the rules of Akedian society. Family members are expected to act as role models for all the citizens. Children that are born into the House of Maes are trained to be valets from the moment they start walking. All children of similar age are also required to attend a valet academy run by the House of Maes. They also aim to recieve a distinction called the Primi Ordinis. Only the most elite of butlers from the House of Maes receives the title of Primi Ordinis which allows them to serve the ruler of Akedia.

When a valet is selected by the new ruler, they become the de facto head of the House of Maes and earn the title of Primi Ordinis. So, Tino's father Styn is currently the head of House Maes since he is King Liam's valet. Since Tino is Styn's son, Tino's family and the royal family of Akedia had high expectations that he would one day become Lynt's valet. Tino was raised since birth to one day succeed his father. Everyone else also thought that it was only natural that Styn's son would be the next successor to the House of Maes. All these expectations from his family and the royal family just felt like burdens to him. Tino felt afraid of all these expectations and he didn't possess the mettle to aim to be the next king's valet. He despised conflict and didn't like being compared to the other children in the House of Maes.

One of the other children of House Maes, that was similar in age to Tino, was his cousin Daan. Since they were close in age, Daan and Tino often took lectures and trained together in the valet academy. Amongst all of Tino's cousins, Daan was particularly exceptional. Tino was never able to best Daan at anything no matter how hard he tried. So, Tino felt inferior to Daan and he never felt worthy enough to correct Daan whenever Daan slighted him. Based on Daan's skills alone, he would've definitely been able to become the valet of the next king. However, Tino had the privilege of being Styn's child, so the position of being the next king's valet was always available for him whenever he wanted it. But, Tino wasn't motivated to become Lynt's valet as everyone's expectations for him were too heavy. Tino also thought that Daan was the more appropriate choice as the next king's valet, so Tino didn't even try to compete with Daan for the position in the beginning. He believed that Daan would eventually become Lynt's valet since Daan was better than him at everything. However, Tino now believes that this was the wrong choice. There was a never a decisive moment where they seriously competed over who would become the head of the House of Maes and gain the title of Primi Ordinis, so both of these things remained in Tino's hands. Daan couldn't accept that since Tino had these things without even trying. He started acting like he was superior to Tino and often hit Tino out of frustration. Daan also only did that when no one else was around. Tino became so traumatized by being hit that he still cowers in fear even from Daan threatening to hit him.

In the end, a young Lynt ended up choosing Tino as his valet instead of Daan. Tino still felt that he was lacking in many ways, but he was grateful that Lynt chose him as his valet. He felt like Lynt had saved him during a time when he was suffering from trying to meet everyone's expectations. Tino was so grateful towards Lynt that he decided that he would always value Lynt's will first and foremost. He has been devotedly serving Lynt ever since then.

As an adult, Tino was still being compared to his exceptional cousin Daan. There were many in the House of Maes who felt like Daan would be the better choice as Lynt's official valet. Tino was referred to as the "crumbling brick" of the House of Maes since he couldn't meet everyone's expectations compared to Daan who was perfect at everything. Daan also continued to act condescendingly towards Tino when no one else was around them. Tino felt like he was lacking compared to Dan, especially when everyone was praising Daan when he came to The Royal Academy of Concordia. He also felt conflicted inside as he continued to be Lynt's valet. Tino is glad that he is Lynt's valet and loves to take care of Lynt. But, he has a constant guilty conscience when he remembers how he didn't want to be Lynt's valet when he was younger. His belief that his skills are lacking and his guilty conscience are the reasons why Tino believes that he is unworthy of being the valet of such a kind and amazing master like Lynt.

In Secrets from the Master, Tino had yet to receive the distinction of Primi Ordinis and didn't feel confident that he was good enough to receive such a distinction. However, he gains the title of Primi Ordinis at the end of his Consort's Route after being deemed as Lynt's official valet.

## Personality

Tino's personality can be described as clumsy and caring.

## Perspectives & Epilogues

* Ch.3 - A Genuine Smile: Tino's assistance allows you to breathe easy at last, but the sight of your genuine smile has him feeling certain things.
* Ch.6 - Exceptional: Tino watches you and Sherry having fun whilst out shopping. He has his own reasons for wanting to look out for you.
* Ch.11 - Searching for Substance: In the middle of post-party tidying, Tino notices you're missing. He sprints from the hall, beside himself with worry.
* Ch.13 - Unrequitable Love: Though he's aware of his feelings for you, he despairs of ever relaying them. Why? He has his own reasons.
* Ch.16 - Devastation: Tino visits your room in the hopes of finding encouragement. Your presence in his life has become more significant and precious by the day.
* Ch.19 - Love: There's no putting a lid on these feelings any longer. It isn't worth the possibility of losing you from his life, and now there's no going back.
* Ch.21 - Grandmother's Cocoa: Tino's lost Lynt and now his self composure. You decide the best way to help is to make him a cup of hot chocolate.
* Ch.23 - Optimism: Tino's in shock after hearing that they're proceeding with the Rite of Devotion, but you give him the courage to act.
* Ch.28 - Secret Convictions: You've opened Tino's eyes to some very important truths. His mind hearkens back to his childhood with Lynt.
* Magic Ending - Beloved One: The more Tino kisses you, the more insatiable he becomes. The fire in his veins isn't going out any time soon.
* Mischief Ending - As Desire Commands: The headmaster has warned you to behave, but you can't help teasing Tino. Smoldering green eyes bore into yours. He wants you.

## Trivia

* His indulgence is vegetables.
* His favorite pastime is taking care of Lynt (in any capacity).
* He thinks his master's best feature is his incomparable kindness.
* His favorite place is the Bakery.
* His favorite food is leeks.
* His favorite item is a handkerchief that his father gave him.
* In Double Trouble, it is shown that Tino is strong enough to carry Lynt.
* Tino started baking as a way to feed Lynt, but it has now become one of his favorite pastimes.
	+ He also enjoys comparing the bread-making techniques and bread recipes of various shops.
	+ Tino also likes comparing the tastes of various breads.
* In A Chance at Eternity, Tino states that when he is married, he wants to bake bread for his wife every day.
* Tino's favorite wine is Ceraviridi Wine.
* Secret 1: He learned how to make cocoa from his grandmother. (Tino: Book 1 Chapter 9)
* Secret 2: He has a habit of ??? when saying goodbye. (Tino: Book 1)
* Secret 3: He serves as a valet because he was saved by Lynt's kindness. (Tino: Book 1 Chapter 28)
* Secret 5: When they were young, Tino mistook Dia for a girl. (Dia: Book 1 Chapter 10)
* Secret 6: Tino is good at making bread from Voleriberries. (Rio: Book 2 Chapter 3)
* Secret 7: Tino's good at making jam to go with bread. (Grayson: Book 2 Chapter 16)