Shi, Seiran

茈静蘭

He began as a low-ranking army officer and is the only retainer left in the Hong household. Thirteen years ago, Shoka Hong took Seiran in, and he vowed to spend his life repaying that kindness. He helps the Hongs by protecting them, performing repairs, and taking on small guard jobs to earn money. He is a highly skilled fighter and swordsman. Despite his amiable nature, he can be quite ruthless toward those who endanger his loved ones, adhering to the idealism that "the end justifies the means." He often prioritizes others' well-being over his own, preferring to support them by watching and helping from the shadows. He has known Shurei since she was a child, making him very protective of her; he usually follows her to guard her, even when she is unaware. The two are often mistaken for a couple because of the time they spend together, but neither shows romantic feelings for the other.
Seiran is later revealed to be Seien, the previously exiled second elder brother of Ryuki, who was the only one to ever treat Ryuki nicely. He was known as the "flower" of the royal princes due to his handsome looks, kind heart, and physical and intellectual superiority over his brothers. Because of this, his brothers grew jealous. After his mother, who hated his existence, and his grandfather conspired to make him Emperor, he and his mother were exiled. Other royal families sent assassins to kill him. Although he eliminated them, his mother was killed in the process. Sometime later, he was brought into the Satsujinzoku, a murderous band of thieves in Sa Province (Brown Province), where he was nicknamed "The Little Whirlwind." Ensei Ro also joined the group, and the two destroyed the band themselves. After leaving Sa, the Hong Family found him and took him in. Shokun gave him the name "Seiran," meaning "Silent Orchid," and he received the surname "Shi" (pronounced the same as the Emperor's family name, but with different kanji). He decided to wholly devote himself to being "Seiran" and does not let anyone get near his past, although some characters throughout the series discover his true identity. Though he claims to be 21 years old, he is 26 at the start of the series.