Balcus Fou Bartfort

Balcus Fou Bartfort (バルカス・フォウ・バルトファルト) is the father of Leon and head of the Bartfort Household.

Appearance
He was all muscle with a bearded jawline. His clothing consisted of a simple shirt, brown trousers, and boots.

Personality
In a way, Balcus is capable but lazy, like his two sons, who constantly pass responsibilities to others and run away from any subject they deem too troublesome. He also dislikes dealing with high-status people, which, unfortunately, happens increasingly due to Leon's exploits. For example, after defeating the pirates, he deliberately remained on board Eihorn and had Leon talk with Deidre instead.

While he usually acts like a pushover in front of higher-status people, Balcus becomes a different person when he is serious; He adopts a soldier-like, no-nonsense persona and speaks bluntly with a commanding tone. Unlike his soft-hearted second son, Balcus has no qualms about killing if the situation demands it.

By the noble's standard, Balcus is unusually a warm, caring father toward his children; Generally, the head of a noble household is expected to prioritize the family's interests over individual members. However, Balcus willingly goes to great lengths to ensure his children's well-being. Furthermore, he will react hostilely to any malicious action toward his family.


 * When Zola attempted to force Leon into a fishy Arranged Marriage, which would undoubtedly result in his death, Balcus was willing to shoulder more debts in supporting Leon's plan despite its high risk.
 * After learning that Miauler, Jenna's servant, colluded with Leon's political enemies to frame him, Balcus ruthlessly decapitated the traitor in public.
 * During the war with the Principality, Balcus accepted Leon's request and fought alongside his sons, despite a chance to escape.

Background
Balcus was born as a member of the Bartfort Household, which owned a fair amount of land despite not being nobility. In his father's generation, the Bartfort family received the title of Baron, which they couldn't refuse. Balcus had to pick a suitable spouse for his newly appointed status, so Balcus was forced to marry Zola. The term of his marriage with Zola was undoubtedly harsh. The Bartfort family had to send a large sum of money to Zola regularly. As a consequence, Balcus and his family constantly faced financial issues.

In one particular year, their territory suffered a natural disaster, and they needed a lot of workers and funds for reconstruction. Moreover, the harvest that year was worse than usual. Balcus tried to reduce the money he had to send, but Zola refused and threatened to bring the case to the palace. Balcus knew that the official in the royal court would side with Zola and punish him with extra fines or strip him of his territory. Hence, he had little choice but to give in to Zola's demand. The Bartford family had to sell everything they could to get the money.

Volume 1
Balcus punishes Leon for wandering off before welcoming Zola.

Years later, when Zola tries to marry Leon off, Balcus helps his son work for a compromise: the two of them gave Zola all the money she should have gotten from the marriage. Later that day, Balcus agrees to give his son an airship to become an adventurer.

Balcus was present when Leon returns with Luxion. Later, Balcus explained to Leon that he would be put in the advanced class, much to his son's chagrin.

After the duel, when Leon informed them that Angelica will be staying with them, he was surprised that a duke's daughter is coming to their home and gets very busy to welcome her. He was present when a government officer from the Royal Palace informs them of Leon's promotion.

Balcus, along with his family, went to the Royal Palace, where Leon was promoted to the baron, sixth noble rank.

Volume 2
The day after the rematch between The Prince's Entourage and Leon, Balcus, wearing a knight's ceremonial uniform, went to meet with Leon in his room in the dorms before the award ceremony, being confused by the number of the wealthy girls in his room. Angelica then informed Leon (again) that he was the only one getting a genuine medal, as the one who had contributed the most in the fight against the Principality and he was getting a promotion also.

Balcus was present during the award ceremony for the students who had fought against the Principality and Leon's promotion from the baron, sixth noble rank to viscount, lower fourth noble rank.

During the winter break when Leon, Nicks and Jenna returned home, they were surprised by the newly built house, about which Balcus, a bit embarrassed yet prideful, was delighted, as their territory had got developed quite a bit due to Leon's help and was thankful to him.

After a few days, Zola came to visit Balcus with a priest who seemed to be on close terms with Zola, in their newly built residence. They summoned Leon and told him to return the temple's treasure which he had got after subduing the sky pirates. Leon was forced to return the necklace to the temple which he had got from the sky pirates.

Volume 3
Balcus had come to pick up his children as well as help in the evacuation of the citizens. He tried bringing in the children as many as possible before they sailed off. Balcus rejoiced that Leon was safe. He immediately asked his son why he was in jail. Leon explained the situation to Balcus and asked his father to help him in the war against the Principality. The warship he had gifted to Balcus had high specs, and the training of the crew was almost complete. Among the people Leon could ask for help, Balcus was the one with the greatest strength.

While he was considering Leon's request, Nicks and Jenna, along with Miauler, entered the bridge. Nicks reported to Balcus that Zola and her friends demanded to enter the ship. Balcus walked out of the bridge to meet them, and at the same time, he grabbed Miauler's head and dragged him along. Despite protest from Jenna, Balcus, who was utterly furious with Miauler's betrayal, silenced his daughter and sent her to her room.

After exiting the airship, Balcus threw Miauler to the ground and beheaded him with his sword. He then asked Rutart, hiding behind his mother, to fight in the war with him. Zola, who finally recovered from the shock, furiously rebuked Balcus's demands. Balcus again asked Zola to hand over Rutart. As she lost her temper, Zola inadvertently revealed that Rutart was not the son of Balcus. Having his suspicion of Rutart confirmed, Balcus unceremoniously cut all ties with Zola. He then drove her away from the airship. After finishing his business with Zola, Balcus told his son that he would return right after getting everyone to safety.

Balcus returned after princess Hertrude and the Magic Flute had been taken away by Vandel. He was surprised as he did not know that Leon, his son, had become the supreme commander in the army. Then Nicks asked Leon how are they going to win against the Principality and the Sea and the Sky Guardian. Leon replied that he has prepared a trump card for it. Then Balcus asks if sending Angelica and Olivia to the battlefield is a good idea at all, as Leon loves both of them. Leon replies that they are necessary for them to win this war and Balcus told Leon that he should protect them no matter what or else Leon would regret. At that moment Marie barges into their conversation asking why was she here. Leon then introduces Marie to his father, Balcus and his brother as the saint and told them that he was planning to use the shield deployed by her to charge into the Principality's fleet. Balcus hearing this exclaimed that he was ashamed of being Leon's father. Leon refuted and told that his principle is that he would use anything, even his parents if he can.

Then Jilk, Chris, Greg and Brad with their armors landed on the deck, telling that they would be the ones to protect Marie. Just then an unknown pilot with armor landed on the deck asking them to let him join them. Leon and Marie were able to recognize Julius but the rest of the four weren't able too. Balcus and Nicks were dumbfounded as they could not keep up with the development anymore. The unknown pilot disembarked from the armor and introduced him as the "Masked Knight". Leon then dragged the Masked Knight with him to talk and decided to send him with the other four and Marie to Weiss.

The next day, Balcus participated in the war and when the Land Guardian was summoned by Hertrude by he was giving out orders to send the armors and was planning to go also with them. Nicks protested against Balcus but Balcus ordered Nicks to stay and if something happens to him, Nicks should protect their house and family in his stead. Balcus put his hand on Nicks head, tussling it and telling that his children must get along well and if Leon survives to make him work to protect their territory as Leon is capable but is an idiot after all. Nicks said that it was impossible for him to look after Leon and it would be better if Balcus is the one to remain. Balcus replied that Nicks won't be dying before him and walked out of the bridge.

After the Land Guardian vanished and Leon defeated Vandel, Balcus ship landed to pick up Leon, Olivia, Angelica, Marie and her friends.

On the day of the award ceremony for the victory against the Principality, Balcus and Leon with Luce and Nicks attended the ceremony. Because of Balcus's participation, it had been decided that he would advance to rank upper six.

When during the award ceremony His Majesty announced Leon's promotion from viscount, lower fourth noble rank to earl, lower third noble rank Balcus was surprised. Luce was asking Balcus how should she talk to Leon now that he is a earl now. Balcus remarked that Leon wouldn't mind it when Luce told that Leon is a god-like existence to them now. So Balcus agreed to use polite language with Leon. When Leon heard this he yelled at both of them as he is a earl in name only as he has already lost his territory and lost items and parents using polite language with their children is disgusting so Leon rejected it. Nicks then remarked if Balcus returns the workshop to Leon, his income would increase. But Leon rejected that idea as even though the income from it would be considerable but it won't be enough. Balcus then said that Leon could become a palace noble, as they receive yearly wages so he wouldn't have to worry about not having any territory. Leon immediately rejected that idea as with his rank now he would have to work as a cabinet minister which is impossible for him. Balcus then replied the kingdom will be over if Leon ever becomes a cabinet minister.

When spring came, Leon went to see how was the preparation of Einhorn going on. He was then suddenly called by Balcus to his office. Balcus told that he was going to participate in the engagement so he should beforehand for it. When Leon asked if it was Jenna, Balcus replied that it is not for her as she doesn't know about housework and the situation in the kingdom has changed now putting the males in a favorable position than the females. So Leon guessed that it was for his older brother as he was the future heir of the Bartfort Household. Balcus told Leon to participate in it before he goes Alzer Republic to study.

The next morning Leon, wearing extravagant clothes and was asking Nicks shouldn't he be wearing this type of dress as he was the main star of the event. Nicks replied that Leon was a count while he is still the heir of a baron so such a difference was obvious. While this was happening Balcus was standing nervously in front of the door. Leon asked if they weren't going to greet the girl's relatives to which Nicks replied that they would meet after the engagement is over. Then Balcus looking at the clock that it was time for them to go. When Leon went with them to the temple where the ceremony was happening, he asked Balcus what was happening as he could see the people participating in the engagement ceremony are people from the duke house and deeper inside Angelica and Olivia are waiting, both wearing a pure white dress. Leon immediately understood that Balcus had tricked them as this was an engagement ceremony for Leon, and Vince being here made Leon escaping from the ceremony impossible. Gilbert came over when Balcus and Leon were arguing with each other, telling he shouldn't keep the ladies or was he dissatisfied with Angelica. Leon replied that he was not at all disatisfied. Balcus then told Leon there are many marriage interviews for Leon were coming to him, the oldest being at fifty while the youngest is not a double digit at all. Gilbert then said getting engaged would free Leon from this matters and gave him a letter addressed to Leon by His Majesty, which Leon immediately crushed in his hand. Balcus then pushed Leon to go already and telling that those two are really too good for him. Balcus tells him to get married already as he was getting annoyed just by watching Leon.

Volume 5
During the summer vacation, when Leon passed by the Bartfort House, Balcus was shooking him back and forth asking him what he had been doing in another country and telling himself that it was the right the decision of Leon getting engaged before he went abroad to study. And he asked Leon why he was cheating which Leon replied that it was a misunderstanding. It was then Jenna and Finley who had returned because it was vacation and asking Leon where was the souvenir for her. Ignoring her comment, Leon asked if she had been able to find a marriage partner for herself, which after hearing Jenna runs away from there. Balcus told Leon not to provoke her anymore, as Balcus is going to educate her properly before marrying her to a house dependent on theirs. He then asked Leon why was he being summoned at the palace to which Leon nonchalantly replied that he was just beating up a son of a big shot there. Hearing this Balcus was feeling guilty towards the palace and wanted to say that he is sorry that his son is always bothering them.

Nicks was studying under Balcus to become a feudal lord and he asked if it was alright with the current situation of Leon. From what Balcus heard Leon was picking a fight against a noble family in the Republic and he was also suspected of cheating. Balcus agrees with Nicks that he can't cheat but Balcus commented that Leon is oddly popular with some type of women. Nicks then asked Balcus what was he going to do if a noble lady is approaching him there and Leon being a man so his possibility of cheating was not zero. Just then Luce arrived and suggested to prepare someone to chaperone him over there and Yumeria volunteered herself. She was the mother of Kyle who was taking care of Marie so the three of them agreed to send Yumeria with Leon back to Republic.

Volume 8
*Information will be added soon later.*

Alternative Routes
*Information will be added soon later.*
 * The Fourth

Family

 * Luce's Side of the Family

Luce is the love of Balcus's life. Unfortunately, she only held the position of mistress initially because she was born into the Knight's family and thus could not marry the noble. Nevertheless, Luce was Balcus's wife in all but name, while the legal wife, Zola, was more akin to his overlord. After the war with the Principality, Luce eventually became Balcus's official wife.
 * Luce Fou Bartfort (Wife)

Although their marriage is undeniably happy, there can be tension sometimes. For instance, Luce refused to speak with Balcus for a while after she received reports from Yumeria and suspected that Balcus had affairs with other women. On a side note, Balcus likes Luce's round buttocks and even says aloud with his family.

*More information will be added soon later.*

Balcus often gets annoyed by Leon's habit of constantly ending up in dangerous situations. However, Balcus still deeply cares for his son, killing Miauler when he learned that the servant had helped frame Leon for a crime that had almost gotten him executed. He cried proudly when Leon was knighted and promoted.
 * Leon Fou Bartfort (Son)

After Rutart was disinherited, Balcus placed Nicks as his heir. In the war against the Principality, he couldn't allow Nicks to die and denied him to deploy out in an armor. Balcus says Nicks is a wuss when it come to woman like Leon.
 * Nicks Fou Bartfort (Son)

*More information will be added soon later.*

Balcus normally tolerates his daughter's unruly behaviour. He watched in horror when Jenna used the family's money to purchase her personal slave. However, he and Luce found out that Jenna had planted a bomb on Arroganz during in the duel, and they forced her out doing fieldwork during her summer break.
 * Jenna Fou Bartfort (Daughter)

*Information will be added soon later.*
 * Finley Fou Bartfort (Daughter)

*Information will be added soon later.*
 * Colin Fou Bartfort (Son)


 * Zola's Side of the Family

Balcus does not hold any romantic feelings for Zola. He only married her out of nobility society's obligation. But he felt grateful for her generosity to marry a rural nobleman. He abandons her when she accidentally confessed that Rutart wasn't his son. Once the Kingdom's system was changed, Balcus was all too happy to divorce her.
 * Zola

Rutart was originally thought to be Balcus's son, but it's later revealed that Rutart is the result of one of Zola's affairs. Balcus suspected Rutart isn't his true son. Balcus was actually relieved to learn this and has Nicks replace him as his true heir.
 * Rutart

*Information will be added soon later.*
 * Merce

Others
After discovering that Miauler almost got Leon executed, Balcus was furious and he didn't hesitate to kill him.
 * Miauler

Trivia

 * Balcus prefers women with round butts.