OVA
Description
Aika S. Granzchesta is the sole heir to the Himeya Company, Neo-Venezia's second-ranked and historic water-guide business, owned by her parents. Born on Aqua (formerly Mars) on February 2nd, she possesses amber eyes and stands 160 cm tall. Her long dark blue hair was originally worn in two thin braids down to mid-thigh. After a barbecue accident burned much of her hair during training, she adopted a pixie cut with clipped front strands. As an adult, she styles it in a small bun with two front strands reaching her upper chest. Her uniform consistently features Himeya's white and red colors, spherical red earrings, and a small rounded hat bearing the company logo. Seasonal variations include a cropped blouse with a strapped ankle-length dress for summer, and a cape-style top with long sleeves over grey tights for winter.
Aika speaks bluntly and openly, frequently cutting off idealistic comments with her catchphrase, "Embarrassing remarks are not allowed!" She idolizes Aria Company's Alicia Florendine, visiting often to spend time with her, yet secretly holds deep respect for her strict mentor, Akira E. Ferrari. Despite differing personalities, she forms strong bonds with fellow undines Akari Mizunashi and Alice Carroll. Competitive about her undine skills, she feels burdened by her family legacy, believing Himeya employees defer to her unearned status. She once expressed a desire to join Aria Company if not for her family obligations and harbors romantic feelings for Al.
Resentful from childhood towards the pressures of being Himeya's heir, she initially admired Alicia and pursued undine training to emulate her. She struggled with the perception that her accomplishments were credited to her lineage, not merit. Recognizing this, Akira became her mentor, instilling the philosophy that success stems from hard work, not innate talent – reflecting Akira's own experience. This guidance helped Aika reconcile her identity with her heritage, though she remained determined to forge her own path.
Her development culminated during her Prima exam, depicted in *Aria the Benedizione*. Seeking to prove her capability independent of her family name, she requested a uniquely challenging test from Akira: retrieving a rose from Akira's gondola before dawn. The grueling exam tested endurance and ingenuity, demanding Aika utilize shortcuts and persistence. Her success demonstrated her growth from a resentful trainee to a resilient undine, earning her the alias "Crimson Rose" and reducing both to tears of relief and pride. This experience solidified her commitment to blending Himeya's traditions with her own innovative methods.
In later years, shown in *Aria the Avvenire* and *Benedizione*, she mentors Azusa at Himeya. She retired the company's last original gondola, explaining its historical parts had been entirely replaced, rendering it symbolic rather than functional. She introduced new traditions, such as seasonal items at Himeya's Rose Garden Café, reflecting her balance of heritage and progress. Her friendships with Akari and Alice endure, and she supports the next generation of undines, including Ai, alongside her peers.
Aika speaks bluntly and openly, frequently cutting off idealistic comments with her catchphrase, "Embarrassing remarks are not allowed!" She idolizes Aria Company's Alicia Florendine, visiting often to spend time with her, yet secretly holds deep respect for her strict mentor, Akira E. Ferrari. Despite differing personalities, she forms strong bonds with fellow undines Akari Mizunashi and Alice Carroll. Competitive about her undine skills, she feels burdened by her family legacy, believing Himeya employees defer to her unearned status. She once expressed a desire to join Aria Company if not for her family obligations and harbors romantic feelings for Al.
Resentful from childhood towards the pressures of being Himeya's heir, she initially admired Alicia and pursued undine training to emulate her. She struggled with the perception that her accomplishments were credited to her lineage, not merit. Recognizing this, Akira became her mentor, instilling the philosophy that success stems from hard work, not innate talent – reflecting Akira's own experience. This guidance helped Aika reconcile her identity with her heritage, though she remained determined to forge her own path.
Her development culminated during her Prima exam, depicted in *Aria the Benedizione*. Seeking to prove her capability independent of her family name, she requested a uniquely challenging test from Akira: retrieving a rose from Akira's gondola before dawn. The grueling exam tested endurance and ingenuity, demanding Aika utilize shortcuts and persistence. Her success demonstrated her growth from a resentful trainee to a resilient undine, earning her the alias "Crimson Rose" and reducing both to tears of relief and pride. This experience solidified her commitment to blending Himeya's traditions with her own innovative methods.
In later years, shown in *Aria the Avvenire* and *Benedizione*, she mentors Azusa at Himeya. She retired the company's last original gondola, explaining its historical parts had been entirely replaced, rendering it symbolic rather than functional. She introduced new traditions, such as seasonal items at Himeya's Rose Garden Café, reflecting her balance of heritage and progress. Her friendships with Akari and Alice endure, and she supports the next generation of undines, including Ai, alongside her peers.