Cain Roscente

 is a supporting character in the series The Villainess Turns the Hourglass. He is the heir of the House Roscente and the elder brother of Aria Roscente and Mielle Roscente.

About
Cain is presented as having a very close relationship with his sister Mielle Roscente, sharing most of her attitudes and her unfavorable view of Carin Roscente and Aria Roscente in particular. In the original line of events, he, as the head of the House Roscente, was the one who beheaded Aria, leading Aria to resent him in the revised timeline. However, Cain himself becomes quite dazzled by Aria’s beauty over time, much like how his father was by Carin’s beauty.

Initially breaking with Mielle and becoming rather supportive of Aria, his role in the story changes soon after hearing about his stepsister’s relationship with Asterope Franz, feeling jealous of him and being frustrated about not being able to express his feelings of love. He forms a reluctant alliance with Mielle, who promises to prevent her engagement to the Crown Prince. Although he is not involved in and quite shocked by Mielle’s horrific schemes, he continues to cover for her, letting her escape from the mansion among other things.

Having been burdened with taking care of the Count’s business due to his father’s disabled state, he is quite busy, struggling as an inexperienced but important member of the crumbling Aristocratic Fraction and failing due to his lack of business connections and experience. Not being able to see Aria often due to having to return late, his resentment of Aria Roscente grows stronger and stronger, until he one day outright attacks Aria after hearing of their kiss. The same day, he is arrested for his involvement in the conspiracy against the Imperial family, though not executed on Aria’s request. He is made a servant at the Imperial Castle, being grateful to Aria for letting him and his sister live and appearing to be a much more stable person overall, seemingly accepting the relationship between Asher and her after a long time. However, this state does not last, as he goes on to die shortly after drinking Mielle’s poisoned tea.

Etymology

 * The name Cain means "something produced; spear; possessed; acquired" in Hebrew.
 * Cain is a Biblical figure in the Book of Genesis within Abrahamic religions. He is the firstborn son of Adam and Eve (the first couple within the Bible) and the elder brother of Abel.