Virginia au Augustus

Lore & Background

In the recreated medieval region of Valles Marineris, each House fought to conquer others under the watchful eyes of Proctors. Virginia led House Minerva with a mix of beauty and cunning, becoming a pivotal figure in Darrow's rise. When House Mars fractured into factions led by Titus, who raped enslaved peers, Darrow manipulated Virginia into defeating his faction, positioning himself as the new leader. As the Institute war escalated, rumors circulated that House Pluto was led by 'the Jackal,' Adrius au Augustus. Darrow outwitted both Minerva and Diana, yet when he had the chance to let his housemates kill her, he chose to let Mustang escape. This act of mercy defined their dynamic. Later, a video from the Jackal revealed Darrow's murder of Cassius's brother, Julian, causing Cassius to duel and leave Darrow for dead while usurping House Mars. It was Mustang who rescued Darrow, hiding him in a forest cave where they developed romantic feelings. As Darrow recovered, Fitchner revealed Nero Augustus was bribing Proctors to ensure the Jackal won. Virginia's loyalty shifted from her family to this new alliance as she helped Darrow amass an army by freeing slaves using House Minerva's standard.

In Their Own Story

The war in Valles Marineris reached its climax when Darrow, now known as 'Reaper', trapped the Jackal, who amputated his own hand to escape. The Proctors counterattacked and kidnapped Mustang in retaliation for Darrow slaying Proctor Apollo. Enraged, Darrow used anti-gravity boots to storm the base 'Olympus,' freeing her and capturing the Proctors. In a final confrontation, Darrow learned from Fitchner that Mustang was actually the Jackal's twin sister. Fearing betrayal, he watched as she dutifully delivered her brother instead of hiding him. With House Mars having conquered all others, Darrow won the Institute title. Nero Augustus then proposed a deal: if Darrow hid the rigging and became his Lancer, he could rise to power in the fleet-commanding Academy. Despite hating Nero for killing his wife Eo, Darrow agreed, publicly joining House Augustus alongside Mustang.

Reader's Guide

Virginia au Augustus serves as both an antagonist and ally to Darrow during the Institute arc. She is characterized by her intelligence and strategic manipulation, often acting as a foil to the bloodthirsty Titus or the cruel Jackal. Her primary strength lies in her ability to navigate the complex social hierarchy of the Golds while maintaining her own house's dominance. Unlike peers who rely on brute force, she uses cunning alliances, such as when Darrow manipulated her into defeating Titus. Key moments include her decision to let Darrow escape rather than kill him, which sparked a romantic bond, and her rescue of Darrow after Cassius left him for dead. Her role evolves from a rival House leader to a crucial partner in Darrow's rebellion against the Institute's rigging. She demonstrates loyalty not to her birth family's tyranny but to the cause of justice, even when it means betraying her twin brother, Adrius, by delivering him to Darrow.

Did You Know?

• Virginia is the twin sister of Adrius au Augustus, known as 'the Jackal'.
• She was initially called 'Mustang' by Darrow because he did not know her given name.
• During the Institute war games, she chose to let Darrow escape rather than allow his death at the hands of her housemates.
• She rescued Darrow from a forest cave after Cassius stabbed him and left him for dead.
• Despite being the Jackal's twin sister, she dutifully delivered him to Darrow rather than protecting him.