Major

Lore & Background

Following four long years of conflict known as The Great War, Gilbert Bougainvillea was left for dead after a bloody skirmish at the war's conclusion. Violet, hospitalized and maimed in the same event, remembered only his final words: "I love you." To ensure Violet could live a life like a normal girl rather than remaining a tool of war, Gilbert instructed Claudia Hodgins to announce that he had died. He recovered from his severe injuries and retreated to a rural location, effectively disappearing from Violet's world. This deception created the central mystery of Violet's existence: she spent years working as an Auto Memory Doll at CH Postal Company, hoping that writing letters for others would help her understand the meaning behind those last words.

In Their Own Story

The narrative reveals that Gilbert's fate was not death, but survival and separation. After the war ended, he recovered from his injuries while Violet struggled with her own wounds and confusion about his final message. The turning point in their story occurred years later when Gilbert returned to meet Violet. He had been living in a rural place during this time of separation. His decision to fake his death was born out of a desire for her freedom, as he wanted her to move beyond her identity as a weapon. When they finally reunited, the revelation that he was alive resolved the long-standing belief held by Violet and others like Dietfried Bougainvillea, who had blamed Violet for Gilbert's supposed failure to protect him.

Reader's Guide

Gilbert Bougainvillea serves as the emotional anchor of the series, defined by his dual nature as a ruthless warrior and a deeply caring guardian. As a Major in the Leidenschaftlich Army, he came from an aristocratic family yet chose to lead soldiers with a focus on their humanity. His most critical action was ordering Claudia Hodgins to declare him dead so Violet could start fresh without the burden of her military past. He entrusted this secret to his friend, who later helped Violet take her first steps in civilian life. The only memento Violet possesses is an emerald brooch that reminds her of Gilbert's eyes. His character arc resolves when he reveals he survived the war and lived in a rural area before their reunion, correcting the misconception that he was lost forever to the conflict.

Did You Know?

• Gilbert Bougainvillea instructed Claudia Hodgins to announce his death so Violet could live a normal life instead of remaining a tool for war.
• The only memento Violet has of Gilbert is an emerald brooch that reminds her of his eyes.
• Contrary to the initial belief in the story, Gilbert survived his injuries and lived in a rural place before reuniting with Violet several years later.
• Gilbert came from an aristocratic family but served as a Major in the Leidenschaftlich Army during The Great War.
• His final words to Violet were "I love you," which she did not understand at the time, driving her career as an Auto Memory Doll.