Maestro Delphine Eraclea is the primary antagonist of the anime series Last Exile. She is the supreme leader of the skyborne nation of the Guild which rules over the world of Prester. Lofty, arrogant and extremely vain, Delphine sees herself as a divine and benevolent ruler. In truth, she is a callous and sadistic individual who takes pleasure in watching land-dwellers suffer for the sake of the Guild's prosperity and decadence.
Japanese Voice: Michiko Neya
English Voice: Karen Strassman
History[]
Prior to the series' events, Delphine had witnessed Alex Row, Hamilcar Valca and Georges Head attempt to cross the Grand Stream. Their vanships had collided with her own vessel, and as the pilots plummeted to heir deaths, she stood upon the deck and smiled. Since then, Alex had vowed to kill Delphine.
During the series, Delphine and the Guild act as referees of sorts over the war between the nations of Anatoray and Disith, ensuring that both sides adhere to the Guild's rules of engagement. At times, Delphine has favoured one particular side during battles, interfering with the nation's struggles for seemingly no reason other than her own entertainment. Because the Guild control all of the more advanced technology of Prester, such as the Claudia Units used by each nation's warships, the land-dwellers have been unable to oppose them.
Throughout the series, both Delphine and the crew of the Silvana are attempting to find the keys to Exile, an ancient colony ship. Delphine wants to gain control of Exile in order to secure her stranglehold over the world and destroy all opposition to her rule. In the latter half of the series, she boards the Silvana, capturing Alex, Claus Valca, her wayward brother Dio and Alvis Hamilton, the key to Exile. Alex is imprisoned while Dio is forced to undergo the Guild's Rite of the Covenant, in which he is brainwashed and wins future leadership of the Guild through gladiatorial combat. Claus and Al are kept as Delphine's "guests" so that Delphine can use Al to unlock Exile. Fortunately, Lucciola helps Claus and Al escape the Guild Fortress, but by then Delphine no longer needs Al. All she needs is to destroy the allied Anatoray-Disith fleet that have risen up to free Prester from the Guild's rule.
Death[]
In the final episode "Resign", Delphine watches with delight as her forces decimate the Alliance fleet. She taunts a crucified Alex who is wrapped in rose vines and immobilised by neurotoxin. However, Alex frees an arm through sheer force of will and in a fit of rage grabs Delphine's neck. Alex finally takes his revenge and strangles the life out of Delphine moments before her ship is destroyed by the Silvana.