shi seiran

He began his career as a low-ranking army officer and is now the sole remaining retainer in the Hong household. Seiran was adopted by Shoka Hong thirteen years ago, and he has vowed to dedicate his life to repaying that kindness by protecting the Hongs, performing repairs, and taking on small guard jobs to earn money. He is an exceptionally skilled fighter and swordsman. Despite his amiable nature, he can be ruthless towards anyone who endangers those he loves, adhering to the belief that "the end justifies the means." He frequently prioritizes others' well-being over his own, preferring to support them from behind the scenes. He has known Shurei since she was a child, making him very protective of her. He often follows her to ensure her safety, even when she is unaware of his presence. The two are frequently mistaken for a couple due to the time they spend together, but neither shows romantic interest in the other. Later, it is revealed that Seiran is actually Seien, the previously exiled second elder brother of Ryuki. Seien was the only one who treated Ryuki kindly. Known as the "flower" of the royal princes because of his handsome looks, kind heart, and physical and intellectual superiority over his brothers, his siblings grew jealous. After his mother, who despised his existence, and his grandfather conspired to make him Emperor, both he and his mother were exiled. While he managed to fend off assassins sent by other royal families, his mother was killed in the process. Later, he joined the Satsujinzoku, a band of murderous thieves in Sa Province (Brown Province), where he earned the nickname "The Little Whirlwind." Ensei Ro also joined the group, and together they eventually destroyed the band. After leaving Sa, the Hong Family found and took him in. Shokun gave him the name "Seiran," meaning "Silent Orchid," and the surname "Shi" (pronounced like the Emperor's family name but with different characters). He decided to fully embrace his new identity as "Seiran" and keeps his past hidden from everyone, though some characters in the series discover his true identity. Although he claims to be 21 years old, he is actually 26 at the start of the series.