List of Saiunkoku Monogatari characters
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- This article is about characters in the novel, anime and manga Saiunkoku Monogatari.
Names are in Western order, with the surname after the given name.
Contents |
[edit] The Kou (Crimson) Clan
[edit] Shuurei Kou
(紅 秀麗 Kō Shūrei, Seiyū - Houko Kuwashima) - Shuurei Kou is the daughter and only child of Shouka Kou of the Kou clan, one of the two most powerful clans in Saiunkoku. She is sixteen years old when the story begins. As a descendant of the direct line, she has the title hime, which means 'princess' or 'lady'. Despite the high social status of her family, Shuurei grew up in relatively impoverished circumstances. Her father's job brought little income, and much of the wealth of their family home was given to the needy during the devastating fight for the imperial succession eight years ago. There are no servants at the Kou residence, so Shuurei has grown adept at household chores such as needlework, cooking and cleaning, traits unusual in a lady of high social standing. She has also held a number of odd jobs to earn money, acting as a professional erhu player, working as an accountant at Kochou's brothel in the Red Light District, and serving as a teacher at the local temple.
[edit] Seiran Shi
(茈 静蘭 Shi Seiran, Seiyū - Hikaru Midorikawa) - Seiran Shi is a low-ranking army officer and the sole remaining retainer in the Kou household. Seiran was taken in thirteen years ago by Shouka Kou, and he has made a vow to spend his life repaying that kindness. He helps the Kou family by protecting them at their home, performing repairs on the family estate, and taking small guard jobs to earn money. He is a very skilled fighter and swordsman and is usually found following Shuurei to guard her, even when she doesn't know it.
Seiran is very secretive and keeps to himself most of the time, usually putting others before himself. This makes Shuurei worry about him because he doesn't talk about himself much, while she talks to him about everything. The two are sometimes mistaken for a couple due to the amount of time they spend together, but there has been no evidence of romantic feelings on either side. His attitude towards her points more to him seeing Shuurei as his little sister.
[edit] Shouka Kou
(紅 邵可 Kō Shōka, Seiyū - Shuuichi Ikeda) - The oldest of the Kou Family and Shuurei's father. He also took in Seiran into his home thirteen years ago. After turning down the position of being the head of the Kou family, he was kicked out of the main household. He then moved to the capital where his younger brother, Reishin, got him a job in the Palace. He works in the Palace as the head of the Royal Archives even though the pay is cheap. Ryuuki often visited Shouka in the Royal library when he was young because Shouka seemed to be one of the few people who treated him with kindness. His job is only that of a librarian, but he is highly respected by everyone.
At first, he just seems like a caring, gentle librarian who can't even make a proper tasting cup of tea, but it is later revealed that he is the legendary killer, The Black Wolf. He leads the group called the Wolves of the Wind. This was a group full of expert assassins that served the previous Emperor. He has the deadliest fighting skills, as seen when he slashed down nearly ten thugs in an instant to protect Seiran. His identity as the Black Wolf is still a secret to everyone except for Taishi Shou, Shusui, and Reishin. Shouka said that he actually disbanded the Wolves of the Wind.
It was later revealed that he met his wife after being assigned a mission to assassinate her. Since he fell in love with her, he of course couldn't go through with it. The previous Emperor also gave him a mission to secretly protect the exiled Seien from assassination attempts.
[edit] Kouyuu Ri
(李 絳攸 Ri Kōyū, Seiyū - (Nobuyuki Hiyama) - Kouyuu Ri holds the rank of Vice-Secretary of the Civil Affairs department, serving beneath Reishin Kou. Kouyuu was an orphan living in the streets before he was adopted by Reishin thirteen years ago; he survived by selling tickets to a street lottery of his own design in which the prizes included branches of plum blossoms and bags of salt. Kouyuu became the youngest person ever to pass the official examinations at the age of 16, taking the top ranked "Jougen" spot. As the series begins, Kouyuu has been assigned directly to the Emperor, a position that infuriates him because the wandering Emperor never carries out his duties and can rarely even be found. After Ryuuki agrees to be tutored by Kouyuu, however, and begins taking an active role in government, Ryuuki offers Kouyuu an iris flower as sign of trust. Kouyuu openly accepts the flower as a token of his loyalty and his belief that Ryuuki is a worthy Emperor. Kouyuu often works closely with the Emperor and revises the work that Ryuuki does, such as written proposals.
Despite his reputation as a genius, Kouyuu is notorious for having no sense of direction. He gets lost in the palace within 30 steps and it sometimes takes him two hours to get to a destination that only takes 15 minutes for another person. (Though, he does seem to find his way when there's trouble.) He has a close relationship with Shuuei Ran, though he loudly denies being the latter's friend. He's easily annoyed and gets nervous speaking in public. He frequently states that women are nothing but trouble and refused all offers of marriage after he passed the official exam, despite receiving many proposals from families eager to tie themselves to an up-and-coming star. He frequently tutors Shuurei, however, and appears to regard her as a friend.
It's been revealed that Kouyuu's reason for taking the Exams and climbing to the top was to stand by Reishin's side and pay him back for everything that he did. He also wanted to be acknowledged by Reishin, but was frustrated by the older man's cool and callous exterior. He thought that Reishin adopted him on a whim and wondered whether any of his efforts made a difference. He has since realized, however, that Reishin thinks of him as his own child and that the plum blossom, after which Kouyuu Ri is named, is Reishin's favourite.
The Kou family (specifically Shouka Kou's younger brother in episode 19) has the intention of marrying Kouyuu to Shuurei to lead the Kou clan in the future.
[edit] Reishin Kou
(紅 黎深 Kō Reishin', Seiyū - Mitsuaki Madono) - In charge of the Civil/Public Administration Department and has been head of the Kou family for nearly fifteen years. Shouka's younger brother, Shuurei's uncle, and Kouyuu's boss as well as adoptive father. He said his reason for adopting Kouyuu was because his older brother adopted a child so he wanted to adopt a random child to share his brother's experience. Although, Shouka revealed to Kouyuu that Reishin thinks of him as his own child. He's good friends with Kijin since he's allowed to be around him when he's not wearing a mask. He's also the one making all those different masks for Kijin. Kijin describes him as being crafty, coolheaded, and coldhearted, but Reishin is usually seen very cheerful, easy-going, and sometimes childish. He sometimes plays tricks on other officials.
He decided not to publicly reveal that he is the head of the Kou Clan, so only a few know of his status. He even hides the fact that he's Shuurei's uncle from her because he believes that she blames him for kicking her father out and becoming the head of the family. In fact, he's been trying to protect his older brother ever since he found out that Shouka adopted the exiled prince, Seien. He respectfully calls Shouka his elder brother and actually likes the fact that Shouka corrects his mistakes and that his elder bother scolds him for being too strict in front of others. He truly acts like a little brother to Shouka and is always so happy when seeing him. Reishin is also very protective of Shuurei and watches her from the shadows, often getting angry at Ryuuki for saying that he'll one day marry her. While hiding behind a door, he once threw a wooden fan at Ryuuki for almost saying that he's going to marry her. Though, Ryuuki didn't notice it was him since Shouka walked in and said it flew out of his hand. He also secretly becomes Shuurei's sponsor so she can take the exam.
He and Kijin are always seen as very serious people in public, but they both always have a sort of comedic attitude when they're alone together or when it's just them and Shouka.
He was accused of manipulating the results of the Official Exams and was temporarily confined. Being the head of the Kou Clan, his arrest outraged the Kou Clan causing nearly half the country to cease functioning. The charges were later dropped after the arrest of the real criminal, who was involved in illegal activities and was also the one who started the rumors about Reishin.
[edit] Kurou Kou
(紅 玖琅 Kō Kurou', Seiyū - Ryotaro Okiayu) - The youngest brother after Shouka and Reishin, he acts as the proxy head of the Kou family. Because of his long rule, many outside of the clan believes him to the be true leader rather than Reishin. A man of traditions and family loyalty, Kurou wields the enormous power of the Kou to protest the arrest of Reishin, single-handedly causing nearly half the country to cease functioning when he orders clan members to not go into work. It is he who worked to get their father, the former family head, to pass over Shouka in favor of Reishin as the next clan leader, as he views Shouka as useless. In terms of personality, he and Reishin are more similar than he and Shouka.
Though he may view his eldest brother with disfavor, that does not prevent him from taking action on those who would act unfavorably against Shouka. When Kurou found out that the servants of Shouka's residence stole all the valuables while Shouka remained in shock over his wife's passing, the proxy head ordered that each servant, to the last of them, be found and shown the tortures of Hell. Not only did that happen, but their severed ears and eyes were sent to their families to warn them against any such future behavior towards a member of the Kou family.
Unbeknownest to Shuurei, Kurou comes to the capital in order to give her more protection than that could be offered by Shouka when she begins on the path of an imperial officer. To that end, he provides her the protection of the Kou clan via the travel pass made for her journey to the Sa Province to take up co-governorship. Though the mark on the travel pass was of the Kou (Yellow) clan's, as it was Kou Kijin who issued the pass, the special "seven-colored" ink used could only be made by the Kou (Crimson) clan, marking her as a person of importance to them.
He intends to have Shuurei and Kouyuu wed, with the two of them to lead the clan in the future.
[edit] Shoukun Hyou (Kou)
The mother of Shuurei and wife of Shouka, Shoukun suddenly passes away one summer about eight years ago while Shuurei is ill, but with her death, Shuurei recovers and has had a healthy constitution since. Shoukun is the Rose Princess of the Hyou family. She survives an assassination attempt by the Black Wolf as he falls in love with her, and after some time and difficulty, she returns his feelings and marries him, with the result of which is Shuurei.
[edit] The Shi (Purple) Clan
[edit] Ryuuki Shi
(紫 劉輝 Shi Ryūki, Seiyū - Tomokazu Seki) - Ryuuki Shi is the reigning emperor of Saiunkoku. He is nineteen years old when the story begins. The youngest of six brothers, he was an unlikely candidate to ascend to the throne. Of his five elder brothers, four killed each other over the succession and one was exiled for treason. As a child, Ryuuki was badly mistreated by his mother and his brothers, except for his brother Seien, who seemed to be the only one who truly cared for him. His other brothers and mother used to beat Ryuuki and lock him in a closet for hours at a time, telling him his birth order was bad and that he stole affection from his siblings. These experiences led to a lingering fear of the dark and sleeping alone. Ryuuki often took refuge in the garden or the imperial archives, where he first encountered Shouka Kou. Shouka tutored the young prince and encouraged War General Taifu Sou to teach him swordsmanship.
Due to his father's dying wish, Ryuuki ultimately rose to the throne. However, he avoided any involvement in politics or government, wandering the palace for hours so no one would be able to find him. He even spread rumours that he preferred the company of men to fuel speculation he could not produce an heir. Ryuuki secretly hoped that Seien, his beloved older brother, would eventually return and take his place as Emperor. Ryuuki's avoidance of responsibility came to an end when he met Shuurei, who told him of her dreams of making a better life for the nation's people. Ryuuki decided to take on his responsibilities and become a respectable Emperor.
When Ryuuki first met Shuurei, he was charmed by her earnest and nurturing personality, going so far as to compare her to a nagging mother while devouring half a dozen of her red bean-paste buns. Ryuuki's romantic pursuit of her has been complicated by his lack of experience courting women and Shuurei's initial belief that he is homosexual and therefore more interested in Seiran. Even after discovering Seiran's true identity, Ryuuki harbors some jealousy over the fact that Seiran spends more time with Shuurei and she confides in him more. Ryuuki's devotion to Shuurei has also revealed a capacity for subterfuge and cunning, providing an explanation for his survival during the fight over the succession. When Ryuuki agreed to participate in politics, he initially pretended ignorance of government in order to study together with Shuurei. He used his fear of darkness as an excuse to sleep in her room at the palace. He also concealed from Shuurei the attempts to poison her in order to determine the true identity of the conspirator, going so far as to take poison that was intended for her. After Shuurei left the palace, Ryuuki sent her many absurd gifts such as boiled eggs, blocks of ice, and even a voodoo doll made from straw. To get Shuurei back to the palace and enable her to pursue her dreams, he passed a law allowing women to take the official exams. Before sending Shuurei to Brown Province as governor, Ryuuki privately told her that he would not take anyone else as his wife other than Shuurei.
[edit] The Ran (Indigo) Clan
[edit] Shuuei Ran
(藍 楸瑛 Ran Shūei, Seiyū - Toshiyuki Morikawa) - The General of the Shaorin army. Part of the Ran family, one of the two greatest clans. The fourth oldest of five brothers. A very skilled swordsman and is usually calm, but likes to tease others. He was supposed to be guarding the Emperor with Kouyuu, but since Ryuuki was nowhere to be found, he and Kouyuu were left in the library for a month being bored.
He claims to be Kouyuu's best friend, though Kouyuu keeps denying it. Shuuei is usually the one that gets Kouyuu all riled up by mentioning things like his lack of direction and his woman-hating ideals. Unlike Kouyuu, Shuuei is a womanizer. He often mentions how nice it is to spend time with women and was seen surrounded by a horde of women after winning the fighting tournament. He's also a regular at the Red Light District and usually spends time with the number one woman in the number one brothel.
Along with Kouyuu, Shuuei also receives a flower and swears his loyalty to the current Emperor, establishing Ryuuki's reign since he is now backed up by the top two upcoming officials of the palace. He knows Seiran's true identity. Later, he reveals to Kouyuu that nine years ago, his elder brothers ordered him to track down Prince Seien's whereabouts, but he didn't succeed.
Shuuei often flirts and sleeps around with the palace ladies. He does this in the hope of attracting the attention of Shusui. It was love at first sight when Shusui helped him once in the past. Although, Shusui does not remember the meeting between them.
[edit] Ryuuren Ran
(藍 龍蓮 Ran Ryūren, Seiyū - Hidenobu Kiuchi) - The youngest of the five brothers of the Ran family. He is eighteen years old. It is said that, out of his four older brothers he was the most worthy of the name Ryuuren Ran because he is a genius. He calls his older brothers foolish and doesn't call them by their name, rather: Shuuei = "foolish elder brother the fourth". Recently, he's called Shuurei, Soul Friend #1, and Eigetsu, Soul Friend #2 (He refers to Yougetsu as Soul Friend #2.5).
He does things on his own time and is quite impulsive: when he was going to buy ingredients for chicken stew with Shuurei, he ended up buying soy beans, then he traded that for boiled eggs, then traded the eggs for spring onions, then the spring onions for wood blocks, then flowers, then fish, then straw, and then he gave away the straw to a little girl and just ended up with one stalk of straw. Later in the series, he goes ghost hunting after hearing about a late-night ghost. He also pulls out his flute and plays it without warning, often off key. Since he can't be easily told what to do and is very unpredictable, he's necessary in the Ran family. Although, because of this behavior many find him weird and annoying, so they usually distance themselves from him. Shuurei was the only one who put up with him, so he said that she's now his soul friend.
He travels to different places playing cards, but is only allowed to wander around if he takes the official exams and finishes in the top three. He wanders off again and is finally seen again taking the final exams with Shuurei and Eigetsu. He declares that Eigetsu is also his soul friend since he's Shuurei's friend. He passes the Official Exams with the second highest score, taking the "Bougen" spot. Though, while the others were all concentrating on studying in the dorms, Ryuuren didn't study once and preferred to sleep, eat, and play his flute. The preparatory dorm he was staying in ended up being called the Cursed 13th Building because his flute playing drove other examinees insane and seven officials resigned after having incomprehensible conversations with him. After passing the exams, he decided to skip out on the Shinshi Ceremony, which inducts the examinees into becoming officials. He claimed that the wind called to him to start a new voyage. He most likely left to wander around again since he already fulfilled his promise in ending up in the top three in the official exams.
When Ryuuren once again showed up in the palace, Ryuuki gave him an important task, which he claims will help Shuurei and Eigetsu a great deal. This task turned out to be the delivery of the governor's seal to Sa Province. After helping out Eigetsu and Shuurei, Shuurei decided that she didn't want him to get involved any further because the situation might become even more dangerous. As he walks away from the capital, he tells himself that he knows it'll become more dangerous and that's why he wanted to stay. He mentioned that the only 2 people in the world that could take advantage of him would be his soul friend No. 1 and 2. Namely, Shuurei and Eigetsu.
The name [Ryūren] is not a name by birth. It's enthroned by the clan, and only once in every few years will there appear a clan member who is worthy of this name. In other words, the person who inherits this name will eventually become the head of the clan. Ryuuren was given the name at the age of four, and possesses the tag "Twin Dragons of the Lotus Spring"[双龍蓮泉].
He claims to have no interest in becoming an official nor the head of the Ran clan.
[edit] The Kou (Yellow) Clan
[edit] Kijin Kou
(黄 奇人, Kō Kijin, Seiyū - Kazuhiro Nakata) - In charge of the Department of Treasury and Taxation (Finances). Wears a mask all the time and always has his hair loose. He has many different kinds of masks, most or all of which are given to him by Reishin. Though he changes them all the time, he's never seen without one. His masks also have a button which opens the part that covers his mouth and nose, allowing him to drink or eat in public. Many find him mysterious, eccentric, and strange. He's a bit strict and is quite a slave-driver, but also has a nice side since he's seen comforting Shuurei during the thunderstorm. He already knew that Shuurei was a girl when she started working for him but, he found her helpful so he stayed quiet about it and he knew that she was Reishin's niece.
Very few people know his actual name, Houju. He often gets into meaningless, friendly arguments with Reishin. He and Reishin have a very friendly relationship.
People assumed that he wears a mask because he's ugly. In fact however, he wears a mask because he's so beautiful that everyone falls in love with him, even men. Another benefit of the mask is that it muffles the true sound of his voice, which is as silky and beautiful as his hair, and just as likely to captivate one should they hear it. When he took the imperial examinations, candidates and officials in the same examination hall were so besotted with him that they did not do their duty. All the candidates, aside from Houju, Reishin and Yuushun, failed to pass, while 30 officials were sacked. This incident caused his exam year to be referred to as "The Nightmare Exam". He started wearing a mask when the woman he loved rejected his marriage proposal by saying, "I can't stand beside someone with a face like yours." In the end, the woman married Reishin. He started wearing masks on their wedding night and continues to do so with permission from the administration so that a repeat of "The Nightmare Exam" does not occur while he is in office.
[edit] The Sa (Brown) Clan
[edit] Enjun Sa (Sa-Taiho)
(茶 鴛洵 Sa Enjun', Seiyū - Naoki Bandou) - One of the three Grand Officials of the Palace, Taiho is Sa Enjun's title. He had offered Ryuuki to take his granddaughter as wife, but was refused. Always wanted to be the top, but his longtime friend, Shou Taishi, was always above him. He grew an inferiority complex towards Taishi because he could never beat him, even being found out by the other in his plot to kill Ryuuki and make Seien his puppet emperor. In the confrontation between Enjun and Seien, Enjun causes Seien to pass out unconscious, but not before Seien verbally and physically refuses to become emperor. Enjun is fatally wounded in the back by a small dagger thrown by Seien, and is comforted in his last moments by his friend, and rival, Shou Taishi.
His plot to kill Ryuuki is actually part of his plan to allow the emperor to control his power-hungry family back in the province of Sa. As Enjun's family will be a threat to the emperor in their bid for control, he set himself up so that the family will lose their pillar of support and power in the government. Only then will the emperor be able to get rid of his family. It is later revealed that he is the Sage of Sa.
Enjun's wife is named Eiki and his granddaughter is Shunki. His son and daughter-in-law were murdered by his grand-nephew, Sakujun, nine years ago in retaliation for trying to curb Sakujun in. It is unknown if Enjun knew the identity of the real culrpit. Eight years ago, he takes Kourin, the girl who collapses in front of his residence at the capital, into his household and becomes her benefactor at the palace.
[edit] Chuushou Sa
(茶 仲障 Sa Chūshō, Seiyū - Masami Iwasaki) The younger brother of Sa Enjun who desires to surpass his brother's accomplishments. Has plans to become the next Head of the Sa Clan and is very ambitious about it. He currently has Eiki, Enjun's widow, imprisoned at an undisclosed location as she had been taking care of the Sa Clan in the absence, and then death of, her husband. When he heard that the newly appointed co-governors, Kou Shuurei and To Eigetsu, were arriving to take up their posts, he works with the Satsujinzoku to kidnap them so that he could keep them from it while also thinking to arrange Shuurei's marriage to his second grandson, Sakujun, to help in his consolidation of power. Disregarding the cost and chaos involved, he orders that the seals of the previous governor be found for his use and views his grandsons as pawns in his aim for power.
[edit] Soujun Sa
(茶 草洵 Sa Sōjun, Seiyū - Junichi Suwabe) Eldest grandson of Sa Chuushou. He has two brothers, Sakujun and Kokujun. Soujun is also familiar with Seiran and Ensei, and wishes to become the most powerful of the Sa Clan. As such, he takes part in kidnapping the two newly appointed Sa Province governors, To Eigetsu and Kourin, who he believes to be Shuurei. Believing that the Satsujinzoku is under the control of his grandfather, he tries to persuade Meishou, leader of the group, to work with him instead in an attempt to gain more power. Soujun is later killed by Sakujun, though he believes, to the last, that it is Kokujun who arranges it.
[edit] Sakujun Sa
(茶 朔洵, Sa Sakujun, Seiyū - Takehito Koyasu) - The middle brother. He finds the world very boring and seeks to amuse himself, morals of no consequence. Upon being told by his grandfather that he is to marry the Kou princess, Sakujun arranges to meet Shuurei in person, under the disguised name of Lin Senya, and finds himself intrigued by her.
It is later revealed that Sakujun supports the Satsujinzoku, having been with them since a teenager to relieve his boredom. Fourteen years ago, he finds Seiran collapsed in the snow and takes him into the band, already knowing of Seiran's past. Nine years ago, in retaliation for all the obstacles his great-granduncle, Sa Enjun, places in his way in hopes of reining him in, Sakujun kills his uncle and aunt-in-law, the son and daughter-in-law of Enjun, as they were were within his reach as Enjun was not.
Desiring Shuurei and yet understanding the power of the Kou Clan, Sakujun arranges the murder of his elder brother, Soujun, so that he may become head of the Sa family instead. This is in order to have the power of the clan to wield against the Kou should they protest his taking Shuurei to wife.
[edit] Kokujun Sa
(Seiyū - Kousuke Toriumi) The youngest of the three brothers. He is kind, but is considered the weakest because of it. He reminds Lady Eiki and Sakujun of Enjun. Kokujun is fond of Shunki. It is because of this fondness that he releases Seiran and Ensei from confinement, hoping that they would rescue Shunki. Ensei lectures him harshly instead, and from that talk, Kokujun acts to help take To Eigetsu and Kourin safely to Kinka, concealing the fact that he knows Kourin is not the real Shuurei. Later in the series when the ring of the Sa clan was brought back, he took on the burden of the new head of the Sa clan.
[edit] Eiki Hyou (Sa)
(縹 英姫 Hyō Eiki, Seiyū - Mami Horikoshi) The wife of Sa Enjun, Eiki is of the Hyou family. Though not of noble lineage, their history is about as long and the bloodline is reputed to have other powers, of which Eiki has the ability to use precognition. It is also revealed that she sealed her granddaughter's ability to speak in the girl's childhood. Though the females of the Hyou family do not normally marry outside of their family, Eiki pursued Enjun until he agreed to marry her. During their long marriage, they were physically apart more often than not, as she took care of the Sa Clan while living in Sa Province and Enjun carried out his duties as one of the Three Grand Advisors to the emperor at the capital. She was imprisoned by Chuushou Sa, her brother-in-law, at an undisclosed location in his bid for power. Kokujun reminds her very much of Enjun. She bears a deep grudge towards Shou Yousei(Shou-taishi), because she knew he would be the cause of her husband's death.
[edit] Shunki Sa
(茶 春姫 Sa Shunki, Seiyū - Rumi Shishido) The granddaughter of Enjun (Sa-taiho), her father and mother were murdered nine years ago by her cousin, Sakujun Sa, though that fact is unknown to her. Her ability to speak was sealed by her grandmother, Eiki, when she was a child. Therefore, she communicates primarily through writing. Because she is of the main Sa line of descent through Enjun, she is a threat to Chuushou and other branch family members during their power struggle. To protect her, she has been hidden away and watched over by Shourin and Youshun,under orders from Rou Ensei.
Later, she used her strange power to rescue Kokujun together with Shuurei. When Kokujun accepts the burden of the Sa clan, she vowed to be always by his side.
[edit] Imperial city of Kiyou inhabitants and officials
[edit] Shusui
(Seiyū - Akemi Okamura) - She is Shuurei's main servant at the palace. She was revealed to be a part of the Wolves of the Wind as an assassin. Taiho Sa had believed that she was an assassin loyal to him, but was actually working as a double agent under the orders of Taishi Shou.
She is deeply fond of Shouka, but he doesn't seem to feel the same way. She was terribly bad at embroidery, but is somewhat improving (She made a handkerchief that she intended to have a sunflower-like floral pattern, but Shouka mistook it for a lion).
[edit] Kourin
(Seiyū - Eri Sendai) - Introduced as Shuurei's other servant at the palace. She was adopted by Taiho Sa after he saw her collapsed in front of his house due to the war eight years ago. She looks up to him a lot and was even willing to poison Shuurei and then sacrifice her life for him by drinking poison. After his death, she was sent to Taiho Sa's wife so she could live there. She travelled back to the capital with Ensei later in order to deliver information about the situation in Sa Province.
Whilst travelling back to Sa Province with Shuurei, Eigetsu, Ensei and Seiran, she was mistook to be Shuurei and thus kidnapped and imprisoned by Sa Soujun along with Eigetsu. During her imprisonment, she succeeded in rewriting the poem which made the poet Mei Senshi famous on demand, thus convincing Meishou and Sa Soujun that she is indeed Shuurei. Kourin and Eigetsu later escaped to Kinka with the help of Sa Soujun's younger brother, Sa Kokujun.
Reunited with Ensei, Seiran and Shuurei in Kinka, Kourin shows some signs of having romantic feelings for Eigetsu; her manner towards him is a mixture of concern, annoyance, and often, exasperation.
[edit] Yousei Shou (Shou-Taishi)
(Seiyū - Kouji Ishii) - One of the three Grand Officials of the Palace. Taishi is his title and not his name. It was his plan to bring Shuurei to the palace as the temporary wife of the Emperor. He also had a master plan to expose the true mastermind of the plot to kill the Emperor. He says that he doesn't serve the country and is only loyal to a worthy Emperor. By introducing Shuurei to the palace, the Emperor was finally worthy to rule and Taiho Sa's plot to kill the Emperor was exposed. He had been able to control the Black Wolf and the Wolves of the Wind, but after risking Shouka's daughter and Seiran's life, Shouka decided not to follow his orders any longer and vowed to kill him.
He served the previous emperor. He saw Taiho Sa as a close friend of his for many years and was saddened by his passing, but thought that it had to be done. He and Taifu are also great friends.
He seems to be more than human since he was seen as a young man with a white aura surrounding him when he went to comfort his friend, Enjun, during his last moments. Later, it is shown that he is able to summon Enjun Sa's spirit. It is later revealed that he is one of the eights sages, the Sage of Shi, that served the first Emperor.
He once made a pact with someone that he will only serve the emperor he deemed fitting and will do everything he can to help him survive and nothing more. That's why during the imperial succession battle eight years ago, he did not do anything to ensure that the country is in great condition. He did only the bare minimal to ensure the country will survive while he searched for the king worthy of him. When he realised that Ryuuki was finally turning into the kind of king he was searching for, he made sure that no one threatens Ryuuki's place on the throne.
Shou-taishi's name has been revealed to be Yousei by Hyou(Sa) Eiki in episode 36.
[edit] Sou-Taifu
(Seiyū - Mitsuru Ogata) - One of the three Grand Officials of the Palace and a War Hero. Taifu is his title, not his name. He is a fighting master and had served the previous emperor. Great friends with Taishi. He often knows the plans that Taishi comes up with and is aware of the actual existence of the Sages.
[edit] Kochou
(Seiyū - Kaori Yamagata) Kochou is the mistress of Kougarou, a pleasure house in the red-light district. Shuurei had been working for her for many years as an accountant, and she feels fond of the younger girl. Not only is she one of the most sought after courtesans, but it is revealed that she is also the underground boss in charge of the red-light district. She bestows Shuurei with a makeup set, with the lesson to use it for strength and support.
[edit] Sa Province inhabitants and officials
[edit] Ensei Rou
(浪 燕青 Rō Ensei, Seiyū - Kentarou Itou) - First seen as a traveller who was taken in by Shuurei when she saw him passed out, due to a summer heat wave, near the entrance of her house. She invited him into her house to eat. When Seiran returned home, Ensei recognized him and called him "The Little Whirlwind". He seems to be an old acquaintance of Seiran, but Seiran doesn't seem to like his presence even though they seem to have a friendly relationship. They were most likely old acquaintances during Seiran's time in Brown Province. Seiran assigned him to be Shuurei's temporary bodyguard while he's off fighting bandits. Also assigned to be the temporary administrator for the Department of Treasury and Taxation by Kijin. Seiren finds out he's been defending against thieves from Brown Province every night.
Ensei used to be the Governor of Brown Province. Before he took office, high officials from Brown Province were assassinated or bribed so no-one wanted to become an official there anymore. Grand Guardian Enjun Sa announced that whoever could turn the tables on an assassin would be made provincial Governor. At the age of 17, Ensei was appointed as temporary governor and was able to defeat all the assassins that sneaked up on him and he was even great at governing. Though, once Enjun died, no-one wanted to accept Ensei as a high official since he didn't even take the imperial examination. He then left to see the new Emperor and asked him to appoint a legitimate governor. The reason the thieves were after him was because there was a bounty placed on his head. He returned to Brown Province and then came back to escort Kourin to the Capital. He once again returns to Brown Province, but this time as Eigetsu and Shuurei's official assistant.
He has a cross-shaped scar under his left eye.
The character of Rou Ensei seems to be based on Yan Qing, a character in the classic Chinese tale, Water Margin. His use of a staff, hand-to-hand combat and the kanji for his name(燕青) is proof; though it does not seem that he has any tattoos.
[edit] Meishou
(瞑祥 Meishō) Meishou is the leader of the Satsujinzoku, the Killing-Blade Outlaws, which is supported by Sakujun Sa. He takes advantage of the unstability of the Sa Province and gains control of certain major cities, working with Chuushou Sa and the Sa Clan. Though he works with them, Meishou conceals Sakujun's involvement, allowing Soujun to believe that the Satsujinzoku answers to Chuushou. Meishou has a past with both Seiran and Ensei, but he did not know that both of them were involved in wiping out the Satsujinzoku over a decade ago. In the end, he loses his life to Seiran in combat.
[edit] Shourin
(Seiyū - Noriaki Sugiyama) Shourin is the leader of a group in Sa Province called the Condors. Together with his younger brother, Youshun, he is entrusted by Ensei to look after Shunki. It seems his father incurred a great debt of gratitude with Shouka Kou in their past. Though only thirteen, Shourin is quite skilled as a tracker and has displayed acrobatic skills and good endurance. At Shunki's request, he takes her into Kinka in order to help Kokujun.
[edit] Youshun
Together with his older brother, Shourin, he is entrusted by Ensei to look after Shunki. It seems his father incurred a great debt of gratitude to Shouka Kou in their past.
[edit] Shou Sai
(柴 彰 Sai Shō, Seiyū - Susumu Chiba) Shou is the head of the merchant guild in Kinka, second largest city in Sa Province. He decides to help the new governors of Sa, Shuurei and Eigetsu, in exchange for peace within the province. He is the younger twin of In Sai. Though his father is the head of the military of Kinka, he and his sister opt for the merchant life instead. He repeatedly promotes the idea of using eight-tenths of his power to help, saving two-tenths for emergencies.
[edit] Shin Sai
(柴 進 Sai Shin, Seiyū - Jin Nishimura) The military commander of the city of Kinka in Sa Province, Shin is mistaken by Shuurei for the head of the merchant guild when they first meet. He is the father of the twins, Shou and In Sai.
[edit] In Sai
Shou's sister. She is married to Tei Yuushun.
[edit] Yuushun Tei
One of Shuurei's and Eigetsu's assitant officials. He is a very good friend of Kijin and Reishin, who both took the official exams with him when they were young. He married Sai Shou's sister, Sai In; they are referred to as newlyweds in episode 38.
[edit] Misc
[edit] Eigetsu To (Yougetsu)
(杜 影月, To Eigetsu, Seiyū - Daisuke Namikawa) - A shy and very intelligent thirteen year old boy from Seika Village in the Koku Province. He came to the Capital to take the Imperial Exams after passing the Provincial Exams at the age of twelve. His money was given to him by all the people in his village, to wish him well. He later lives with the Kou family since he sends most of what he earns to his village.
Eigetsu possesses dissociative identity disorder. He turns into a completely different person after consuming alcohol. Yougetsu is the name of his other persona. In this state, he becomes more confident and somewhat arrogant, but more mature when it comes to certain things. Yougetsu also has cat-like eyes, a deeper voice, and prefers to have his hair loose. He has superior fighting abilities, agility, and great strength. He was able to stop the blade of a sword with two fingers, then breaking it, and even throwing the guy holding the sword into a wall. Also, after winning a drinking contest at the Red Light District, he ended up beating up three guys from a notorious gang and stole their money afterwards. Before passing out, he insisted that Shuuei, who found him after the fight, bring him to the number one brothel in the Capital. This resulted in Eigetsu waking up at the brothel not knowing how he got there nor the exact details of what happened while he was intoxicated.
Yougetsu still retains Eigetsu's intelligence making him very calculating and strategic. He also spends most of his money on special, expensive sake without telling Eigetsu, leading him to believe he was robbed. Even though Yougetsu calls Eigetsu a dim-witted fool, he always looks out for him. He even made sure that Eigetsu's Exam token was safe since he thought that Eigetsu would lose it during all the commotion. He gave the token to a businessman and asked him to deliver it, along with the sake he ordered, to the number one brothel the following night.
Eigetsu tells people that he's weak against alcohol and that he prefers not to even smell it. He's definitely aware of the existence of Yougetsu since they are able to communicate once Eigetsu consumes enough alcohol (Eigetsu, who got thrown into a barrel of alcohol, asked Yougetsu to save Shuurei when they got involved in a fight). The Bosses of Downtown even started arguing about who could claim Eigetsu into their clan after seeing his monstrous abilities. Though, Eigetsu already decided on taking the Exams and becoming an official.
Eigetsu passes the Official Exams with the top scores, being the youngest person in history to pass at the top of the year, taking the "Jougen" spot. At a banquet, he got asked by many high officials to marry into their family and was forced to drink Sake causing him to have to run out so he wouldn't cause a ruckus as Yougetsu inside a noble's house. Even being the Jougen, after becoming a Shinshi, many officials gave him trouble, like asking him to shine their shoes and "accidentally" kicking him, since he turned down all the marriage proposals.
Eigetsu, along with Shuuei, was assigned to be one of the governors of Brown Province. He made history after becoming the youngest governor the country has ever had and by being part of the first co-governors system. His first job as an official proved to be a difficult one. After entering Brown Province, he was separated from Shuurei and the others and was left with Kourin, who was pretending to be Shuurei. Shortly after being separated, they were captured by the Satsujinzoku. Fortunately, once they entered the capital they were saved by Seiran, Ensei, and Ryuuren (and Yougetsu) and were finally able to reunite with Shuurei.
