Duran

Duran is a battle-hardened man, easily identified by his eye patch, having lost his left eye in combat.

After the Alnus Hill battle, he also loses his left arm and left leg, which are replaced by a prosthetic hand and leg.

Originally, he had dark hair in the manga and dark brown in the anime, but trauma from his defeat causes it to turn white.

Duran is courageous and tenacious, earning the nickname “the Lion.”

He is pragmatic, resourceful, and aware of the realities of war and politics, showing a willingness to play down his status for strategic reasons.

He bears deep grudges against those who betray him or his country, especially the Empire.

Duran is the King of the Elbe Principality, a sovereign ruling figure in his nation.

He is an experienced military leader and participated in the United Kingdoms’ Allied Army against the JSDF.

Duran’s role in the failed attack at Alnus is pivotal, as it leads to his near-death and eventual estrangement from his throne.

He is an accomplished soldier, known for his bravery and leadership on the battlefield.

After his grievous injuries, he adapts by learning to use a prosthetic arm and leg.

Duran’s greatest strength lies in his tactical acumen and diplomatic skill, ultimately brokering alliances even in exile.

He is respected and followed by his subordinates, many of whom he orders to retreat so they might live.

Duran regards Piña Co Lada with mutual respect and provides her with honest intelligence about the Empire.

He interacts with Akira Yanagida of the JSDF, negotiating safe passage and extractive rights for his principality in exchange for cooperation.

He holds animosity toward Emperor Molt Sol Augustus for sacrificing the coalition forces as a ploy to weaken other kingdoms’ militaries.

Upon his defeat at Alnus, the shock was so great that his hair turned completely white.

He hid in a monastery after his injuries, feigning death so that imperial authorities—and even his own people—would not pursue him further.

He often sneaks out of the medical ward in Alnus to observe JSDF operations until he officially reveals his identity.

“I was once a king, but now, I am just a foot soldier from the fields.”

“Only those who survive to return home can call themselves true warriors.”

Battle at Alnus Hill

Duran leads the Elbe Principality forces as part of the Allied Army to attack the JSDF at Alnus Hill.

The coalition is utterly defeated, and Duran is gravely wounded—losing his left arm, leg, and eye.

Cast into confusion and agony, he orders his surviving men to escape home, while he himself is presumed dead or missing.

Recovery and Concealment

Preferring anonymity, Duran is discovered barely alive by the JSDF’s 4th Recon Unit, who evacuate him to the Alnus infirmary.

He keeps his identity secret, claiming only to be a common soldier and a former farmer, while observing and learning about the JSDF.

Alliance and Political Negotiation

Later, after truly understanding the scope of the Empire’s treachery, Duran confides in Akira Yanagida, revealing his royal status.

He helps inspire Yōji Itami by sharing insight into Tuka Luna Marceau’s trauma and motivates both.

Duran negotiates for passage and resource extraction rights for his country in return for cooperating with the JSDF on their dragon-slaying mission.

Meanwhile, his principality believes him to have officially died in combat, as his attendants have either been dismissed or sworn to secrecy.

Return to Power and Final Battle

When Zorzal stages his coup in the Empire, Duran bides his time.

After the legitimate Imperial government and Japan reach a peace accord, he re-emerges as an ally of the rightful regime.

Despite his prosthetic limbs, Duran returns to the front lines and fights alongside Shunya Kengun of the JSDF, reclaiming his position and helping shape the post-war world.

Duran’s struggle represents the pain and resilience of all those displaced by war.

His character arc—spanning defeat, humility, recovery, negotiation, and redemption—serves as an embodiment of kingly responsibility and adaptability against impossible odds.