Bardloche Earthwold is a character from the light novel and anime series The Genius Prince's Guide to Raising a Nation Out of Debt. He is introduced as the second prince of the Empire, holding a position of significant authority and influence, particularly within the military branches of the realm. Physically, Bardloche is depicted as a distinguished adult male with notable features including blue eyes and blue hair cut to ear length. He typically sports a goatee and a facial scar, and his attire usually consists of a military uniform complemented by boots and gloves, emphasizing his martial status.

Bardloche is characterized by a pragmatic and results-oriented personality. He is well-versed in military strategy and governance, and he firmly adheres to a philosophy of meritocracy. This means he evaluates and promotes talent based on ability and achievement rather than social standing, origin, or race. This perspective makes him a relatively progressive figure within the imperial hierarchy, as he is willing to look beyond traditional class boundaries to find capable individuals. However, this efficiency-driven approach has a notable downside. His style of governance is often described as harsh, especially when it comes to his treatment of provincial territories, where his strict policies may be perceived as severe or unforgiving.

Within the story, Bardloche plays a crucial role as a contender in the imperial succession struggle. He represents one of the major factions vying for the throne, with his power base firmly rooted in the support of the military. He is described as a hulking and formidable presence, which aligns with his military backing. His motivations are driven by a desire to consolidate power and, like his siblings, secure the imperial crown. However, his unique appreciation for talent leads him to take a particular interest in Wein Salema Arbalest, the prince of the small bordering kingdom of Natra. Bardloche highly values Wein's proven skills, especially after Wein's successful conquest of Marden and his ability to repel the forces of Cabarine. Following a discussion with Wein, Bardloche becomes increasingly desirous of recruiting the young prince to serve as his subordinate, seeing him as a valuable asset to his own faction.

Key relationships are primarily defined by this political and military landscape. As an imperial prince, he is a rival to his siblings, including the eldest brother Demetrio, the youngest brother Manfred, and the ambitious princess Lowellmina. His relationship with Wein is central to his relevance in the plot; he views Wein not as an enemy but as a potential and highly coveted tool for his own ambitions. This dynamic places him in a complex position of being both an intimidating superior and a prospective employer seeking to lure talent away from a neighboring state. The character of Glen Markham, an imperial officer and former academy classmate of Wein, is noted to belong to Bardloche's camp, indicating the kind of capable military personnel that Bardloche surrounds himself with.

In terms of development, Bardloche emerges as more than a stereotypical rival prince. His meritocratic beliefs create an interesting contrast with other nobles who rely solely on bloodline. His increasing desire to possess Wein's talents drives his actions, transforming him from a distant authority figure into an active pursuer of the protagonist. Notable abilities include his keen strategic mind in military affairs and his skill in identifying and nurturing talent, which allows him to build a strong and capable faction. His personal combat ability is implied by his military uniform and physical description, suggesting he is a capable warrior as well. Ultimately, Bardloche serves as a formidable political and military obstacle whose respect for ability makes him a persistent and nuanced threat to Wein's desperate attempts to keep his nation small and debt-ridden.