The Executioner and The Detective

Richard Glenn with his grey trench coat standing beside Ken Hanazawa, Original Characters

Richard Glenn and Ken Hanazawa’s dynamic is a tapestry of contrasts and growth, rooted in their unique personalities, evolving relationship, and shared moments.

Richard Glenn 

Richard Glenn, an executioner with a stoic and imposing demeanor, is a man of meticulous control and composure. He exudes authority, which extends to his household, where his servants tread carefully around him, often perceiving him as a figure to be both respected and feared. Despite his cold exterior, Richard is deeply protective of those he cares about, particularly Ken. Though his work keeps him emotionally guarded, his subtle actions—like gently reassuring him in moments of vulnerability—hint at a softer, more caring side. Richard dislikes the loudness of rain but gradually grows to appreciate it as it becomes associated with comforting moments of closeness with Ken.

Ken Hanazawa  

Ken, a detective with a strong sense of justice, is driven by the loss of his mother, which has left him with lingering trauma and a heightened fear of losing people he cares about. Despite his tough exterior, Ken is warm, empathetic, and deeply attuned to others’ emotions. He often acts as a bridge between Richard’s intimidating persona and the household’s servants, encouraging them to embrace their talents or reassuring them that Richard’s anger isn’t as harsh as they fear.

Their Relationship  

The relationship between Richard and Ken is layered with tension, humor, and tenderness. Initially fraught with misunderstandings—such as an arranged marriage proposal involving Ken and Clara Rayne, or Richard’s dramatic public slap to control a rebellion act by Ken—their bond evolves into one of mutual respect and care. Ken’s fearlessness in confronting Richard’s coldness and Richard’s quiet efforts to protect Ken create a balance that neither fully acknowledges aloud but shows through their actions. Moments of vulnerability—Ken’s anxiety when Richard doesn’t return home, Richard silently watching Ken in a moment of stillness, or Ken encouraging Richard’s servants—serve as quiet revelations of how much they’ve come to mean to each other.

Key Themes in Their Story  

- Vulnerability and Reassurance: Both characters have moments of weakness that the other helps soothe, whether it’s Ken’s fear stemming from trauma or Richard’s occasional guilt.

- Growth Through Interaction: Richard softens in Ken’s presence, and Ken grows more trusting of Richard as he sees his protective side.

- Shared Traumas: Both carry emotional scars—Ken from his mother’s death, Richard from his line of work—but they find comfort in each other.

- Transformation Through Love: Richard’s dislike of rain shifts into a newfound appreciation as it brings quiet moments with Ken, a metaphor for how their relationship transforms him. Their journey is one of finding balance between their differences, learning to trust, and gradually embracing the love that grows between them. Each scene showcases how their bond evolves, turning two contrasting individuals into partners who complement and support each other in unexpected ways