#but the concept in general is just. eurgh. no decent character deserves that title

[ace-and-the-rpg-horrors]

... there are people who think Noel is a "yandere" for Claire? Noel?? Noel Levine???

he is in this mess because he cannot bring himself to hurt a single hair on anyone's head despite the fact that he knows they are going to murder the one he loves the most. he refuses to hurt anyone, even though it could be argued that at some points, he would be well within his right to.

yes, he is obsessed with saving Claire. yes, he has looped time thousands and thousands of times just with that aim. but... even though he is very likely romantically interested in her, he hasn't ever tried to pursue her. he isn't after her love, affection or attention. what he is desperate for, slowly killing himself for, is a way for her to escape with her life.

Noel just doesn't want to see Claire... you know, dead. and he has made it very clear that as long as she is alive, it doesn't matter to him whether it's with or without him.

does "yes, i'm not your prince, but your magician... make that dream come true with someone else one day." mean nothing?

Noel is one of the most respectful and selfless characters in the game, if not the most. he is the absolute furthest thing from that horrific trope. his love and pure devotion to Claire is very sweet and also very tragic.