A sweet, well-mannered princess who just happens to be the bride of a terrifying monster... that's the impression Machteld gives off interacting with others. She "translates" the grunts and roars of her bestial companion into words, claiming that Heer Halewijn is the true Servant while she's merely a familiar provided to attend him. However exactly the opposite is true. Machteld is actually the dominant power between the two, and nowhere near as innocent as she appears.
A perfect princess who carried out all her duties with a sweet smile, she was in truth an empty shell who felt little emotion or desires apart from her role. Meeting Heer Halewijn was the first thing that awakened genuine passion within her, and even though it was from one who tried to kill her she clung to those newfound emotions desperately. Because of that, Machteld is utterly infatuated with peril and risk. She loves being the subject of hatred and killing intent, and goes out of her way to provoke such responses by subtly needling others.
While still keeping up the facade of an impeccably polite princess, Machteld excels at sadistically dragging up others' negative emotions to provoke them into violence. If she doesn't get her desired reaction at first Machteld is fully willing to utilize more extreme methods, such as taking their loved ones hostage or betraying allies. It's her dream to be hated badly enough that someone wants to kill her, because for her that's the same as being in love.
However, that's not to say she actually wants to die. The only thing Machteld likes as much as goading others is turning the tables and killing them herself when they try. She insists that no one other than Heer Halewijn is worthy to kill her, but wishes to enjoy a life of being pursued by her numerous "suitors". To put it simply, she is the kind of person who wants to "be loved", but doesn't actually love others, apart from Heer Halewijn.
Heer Halewijn's personality is much less clear as he's unable to communicate in anything but guttural grunts and bellows. However his demeanor shows him to be deeply loyal to Machteld, stalwartly offering his body to protect her. In life Heer Halewijn treated women not as humans but tools that only existed to pleasure himself. He considered that no woman could resist his enchanting voice to be proof of this, but grew increasingly bored and apathetic towards his "conquests" for lack of challenge. When Machteld finally bested him, Heer Halewijn recognized her as the first "true human" and fell hopelessly in love with her in his dying moments. Accepting the chance to manifest alongside her as a Servant he devotes himself completely to his "mistress", willing to endure any hardship or abuse for her sake.
He retains his sadistic lusts but willingly keeps them at bay unless Machteld gives him permission to unleash them in battle. At a word from the innocent maiden the normally placid giant erupts in a hurricane of violence, treating all opponents as "sacrifices" to carve his atrocities and misdeeds upon their flesh. He prioritizes going after female targets but this can be held back if Machteld orders him otherwise.
Heer Halewijn truly loves Machteld and would never hurt her again. This actually bores Machteld since she sees violence as an expression of love, but she still keeps him around anyways out of fondness. A twisted codependence between a dominant masochist and submissive sadist is one way to view their relationship, but despite it all they genuinely care for each other. Machteld showers Heer Halewijn in affection suitable for any married couple, stroking his armored helm or allowing him to rest his head in her lap. Heer Halewijn in turn does his best to woo her with acts such as picking flowers to give to her (ripping up an entire flowering tree as a bouquet with his inhuman strength), which come off as somewhat awkward given his demonic appearance.
Both sides of Berserker's wish on the Holy Grail is merely to incarnate in the present era so they can continue growing their love.
Attitude to their Master
Machteld refuses to acknowledge anyone other than Heer Halewijn as her lord, however she recognizes the status of a Master to be grudgingly necessary for continued manifestation alongside her love. As such she'll do her best to maintain a cordial relationship, keeping up the part of a polite noble lady around them.
If they realize her true nature but continue trying to understand and sympathize with her, Machteld will grow increasingly confused and flustered, as for her love is synonymous with wanting to kill so for someone to express concern not based on that or a superficial admiration for her role is alien to her. She'll at first go out of her way trying to tease them to provoke an angry reaction but over time might end up flipping to fall for them in genuine, although they'd always be secondary to Heer Halewijn in her eyes.
Heer Halewijn is neutral to any Master, although he'd show jealousy if Machteld spends too much time with them necessitating some spoiling afterwards.
Likes: being
, Heer Halewijn/killing maidens, Machteld
Dislikes: courtly duties, pacifists/escaped prey, failing to please Machteld
Talents: role-reversal/serial-murdering
Natural Enemy:
Marie Antoinette,
Sanson,
Kayneth