A prominent aspect of JRPGs is the bonding opportunities between party members. Trails of Cold Steel IV is no exception to this. The protagonist, Rean Schwarzer, can build his bonds by giving gifts to party members and spending bonding points to spend one-on-one time with them.
Much like other JRPGs, Rean has the option of romancing certain characters, with Trails of Cold Steel IVhaving the most amount of romance options of any Cold Steel game. Between these options, which include his students and some of his classmates, it begs the question: which romance option is best for Rean?
11 Elise Schwarzer
If there's any character who knows Rean Schwarzer, it's Elise Schwarzer, his adoptive sister. The Schwarzer siblings are undeniably close, with Rean having a protective streak over his sister and Elise instinctively caring after her brother.
While the game hints at romantic chemistry between the two, it seems somewhat forced and rides the line between appropriate and uncomfortable given their sibling relationship. And while the argument can be made that they're not blood related, it's best to leave this romance option at the bottom of the list.
10 Alfin Reise Arnor
Rean and Princess Alfin have plenty of history. Rean rescued the princess in the past, and she met with playful teasing from his friends. While the two have had some cute interactions, the root of this possible relationship is built on complicated grounds.
Alfin is the princess of the Erebonian royal family. Rean marrying into said family would have major influence on his future and position in the nobility. An eventual union between the two would be remarkably complex given political standings, resulting in this romance being less than ideal for Rean.
9 Altina Orion
Altina's relationship with Rean has always been one built on protection, with both of them vying to have the other's back. While some fans read into this a romantic implication, in truth it feels more like a platonic allyship between two people who care about another.
What's more, much of Altina's development over the series has involved her gaining a sense of self and expressing her feelings better. Limiting Altina's development to affection towards Rean somewhat eliminates the agency she worked towards with her emotions. It would be better to leave her with her newfound independence.
8 Juna Crawford
When Juna and Rean first met, their relationship was strained. However, this eventually went on to become a very realistic student-teacher relationship. They began relying on one another and acknowledging each other's strengths.
Beyond their student-teacher dynamic, Juna's aggressiveness towards Rean throughout Trails of Cold Steel III makes this romantic relationship a bit confusing. Although fans can't ignore their past, this makes more sense as a hero-fan dynamic vs. romantic dynamic. Plus, Juna saw plenty of development in Rean's absence as a pseudo-leader. Reducing her to a romance option completely undoes the growth she underwent.
7 Musse Egret
Players will pick up right away that Musse has an eye for Rean – and she's never one to be subtle. Rean has often dodged Musse's advances, thinking them to be more of a game than genuine. In spite of this, Musse does seem to care a fair deal about him.
There's a perspective on this relationship that could see a satisfying ending, given Musse's constant pining. The problem with this romance option, ultimately, is their power imbalance as student and teacher. While Musse ranks highest of Rean's students, she still is not in a position to be in a serious relationship with him.
6 Sara Valestein
Sara and Rean have always shared a close bond as teacher and student. While perhaps not the best teacher on paper, Sara's unwavering support of her students is where her emotions come out. It becomes apparent how much she cares for Rean.
Like with Rean and his students, however, the dynamic they already share overshadows the potential romance. And while Rean did receive a kiss from Sara in the third game, the situation read as one-sided and unexpected on Rean's part. (Not to mention, there was alcohol involved).
5 Laura S. Arseid
Of his Class VII allies, Laura falls lowest simply due to the evident sibling-like relationship the two share. What's more, Rean and Laura have much in common: their swordsmanship and appreciation for the blade, dedication to helping their allies, and natural leadership.
Although some might interpret these commonalities as romantic, their similarities work more towards a friendship built on mutual respect. While it's unquestionable that the two deeply care for each other, this only further pushes the sibling narrative further, making a romance feel off.
4 Fie Claussell
Fie is a fellow Class VII member who has always had a playful relationship with Rean. Though quieter than the rest, Rean is one of those responsible for helping Fie come out of her shell.
Unlike Alisa, Emma, and Laura, Fie was not a confirmed romance option for the third game, but gained this status in the fourth. This alone could suggest less chemistry comparatively, but their dynamic in the fourth game shows a strengthened and improved romantic bond. Compared to the others, however, her narrative love story with Rean is overshadowed by the gradual romance plots the others have.
3 Towa Herschel
It was implied in the first game that Towa had a crush on Rean. Her unwavering support for him throughout the Cold Steel series only further validated these implications. Although Towa herself is not a Class VII member, she has been by Rean's side for a large portion of the series and through many of his hardships.
The two share wholesome interactions, and Rean acts somewhat more playful with her than others. What's satisfying about this romance is that Rean respects and appreciates Towa. He sees her as a major support outside of his Class VII friends. This lays the groundworks for a real romance between them, should the player want a choice outside of the obvious Class VII girls.
2 Emma Millstein
If there's any person who showed they care about Rean, it's Emma. Though she has always been first to aid her friends, Emma's role in Trails of Cold Steel IV demonstrates just how far she's willing to go for the people she loves. This establishes and justifies even more the past flirtatious interactions she had with Rean.
Much of what Emma strived to achieve pertained specifically towards helping Rean. She went so far as to attempt ridding him of his curse with powerful, forbidden magic. These efforts, while unsuccessful, demonstrated Emma's care and dedication towards helping Rean, making this romance feel genuine.
1 Alisa Reinford
Many fans consider Alisa to be the most canonically linked to Rean, and this is only further solidified in Trails of Cold Steel IV. Between the relentless flirting, teasing from friends, blatant confessions, and very cute history, the two have always had strong chemistry.
The way their relationship develops in the fourth game confirms Alisa as Rean's best romance option. Their story feels very real: Alisa needing to end their romance to work on herself, and Rean agreeing to her needs in order to support her growth. And unlike many of the other bonds, Rean is the one who pursues Alisa, not the other way around. This all builds towards their eventual reunion, concluding in a love story that feels real and satisfying.