António, known in the original Japanese version as Anthony Brown, is a pivotal character who represents the first great love of the protagonist. He is a young boy with a gentle and kind demeanor, characterized by his bright blond hair and distinctive green eyes, which are a notable family trait. His background is marked by loss, as he was orphaned by his mother, Rosemary Brown, at a very young age. Following her death, he was raised within the vast and influential Ardlay family clan, to which his mother belonged, making him the nephew of the powerful clan leader, William Albert Ardlay. His father, Vincent Brown, was a naval captain who was frequently absent from his life due to his duties at sea.

António's personality is defined by a profound sense of sweetness, melancholy, and a deep appreciation for beauty. He channels the memory of his late mother, who also loved flowers, into cultivating a magnificent rose garden. This act of remembrance defines his character; he is portrayed as thoughtful, romantic, and deeply connected to nature. His motivation stems from a desire to protect and cherish those he loves, offering Candy a sense of safety and idealistic romance. He famously creates a new breed of rose and names it Dolce Candy as a tribute to her, solidifying his role as her "prince from the hill".

In the story, António is the first person to capture Candy’s heart after she arrives at the estate of the Ardlay family in Lakewood. He is initially the figure she associates with the mysterious "Prince of the Hill" who comforted her during her childhood at the orphanage. His role is tragically brief but incredibly impactful. During an idyllic horse ride with Candy, his horse's leg becomes trapped in a fox trap, causing the animal to rear violently. António falls from his horse and suffers a fatal broken neck, dying instantly in front of a horrified Candy. His sudden and shocking death serves as a major emotional turning point in the narrative, leaving Candy to grapple with grief and loss at a young age.

Regarding his key relationships, António shares a close bond with his relatives, including the inventive Alistair Cornwell and his cousins. He also shares a special connection with his great-uncle, William Albert Ardlay. Although António never meets his own mother, his actions are constantly guided by her memory and the wisdom she imparted about life and death. His most significant relationship is with Candy, whom he treats with unwavering tenderness and admiration. Their time together is brief but forms the emotional foundation for much of the series.

In terms of character development, António’s arc is cut short by his premature death. He does not experience a long transformation but exists as an ideal of pure, innocent love. His development is frozen in time as a beautiful memory, and his absence continues to influence Candy’s emotional journey long after he is gone. His notable abilities are not physical or combative; rather, he possesses a refined skill for horticulture, particularly in the cultivation of roses, a talent he uses to express his deepest affections.