Nilval Nephew is a female military officer of the Iron Tribe who serves as a high-ranking commander during humanity's conflict with the Silver and Bronze Tribes. At forty-five years old, she begins the story as the acting commander of the Azu-Azot fleet, a position she assumed after the previous three commanders and a deputy commander were killed in battle, leaving her as the highest-ranking officer available. She attended officer's school alongside Captain Mobeedo, with whom she maintains a longstanding professional acquaintance. Her background as a career officer is marked by a reputation for having extraordinarily bad luck, yet she is simultaneously regarded as highly dependable and capable under pressure. She presents a rough and outwardly brusque demeanor, but this exterior masks a commander who is deeply respected by her crew, who trust her judgment and leadership. Nilval is later transferred to serve on Meleagros' flagship, the Althaea, where she becomes openly critical of the tactical methods employed by Meleagros and Atalantees. Her willingness to voice her disapproval leads to her being relieved of command temporarily. However, she successfully builds enough support among the fleet's officers and crew to have Meleagros and Atalantees removed from their positions, after which she assumes overall command of the fleet. Throughout her service, she demonstrates unwavering faith in the abilities of Princess Dhianela, whose policies she supports ardently. Nilval is motivated by a strong sense of duty to humanity and a conviction that effective, principled leadership is necessary for the Iron Tribe's survival. Following the end of the war with the Silver Tribe, she is appointed the Grand Deuchess of Earth, governing from a space station positioned at the entrance to the star system. She herself describes this title with characteristic bluntness, calling it little more than a fancy word for toll collector. Her development traces a path from a beleaguered acting commander of a depleted fleet to the highest political authority on Earth, accomplished through her tactical competence, her ability to rally others to her cause, and her steadfast loyalty to Dhianela's vision. Notable abilities include her strategic acumen, her talent for earning the trust and respect of those under her command despite a harsh exterior, and her capacity to navigate military and political challenges alike.