Summary
Seiran began his career as a low-ranking army officer and stands as the sole remaining retainer of the Hong household. Thirteen years ago, he was taken in by Shoka Hong, a kindness he has vowed to repay for the rest of his life. To support the Hongs, he protects them, handles repairs, and takes on minor guard jobs to earn money. Although he maintains an amiable demeanor, he is a highly skilled fighter and swordsman who can be ruthless to anyone who threatens his loved ones, adhering to the idealism that "the end justifies the means." He consistently prioritizes the well-being of others, preferring to watch and assist from the shadows. Having known Shurei since she was a child, he is extremely protective of her, often following her without her knowledge to ensure her safety. Their frequent proximity leads others to mistake them for a couple, despite neither harboring romantic feelings for the other. Later revelations disclose that Seiran is actually Seien, the exiled second elder brother of Ryuki, who was the only royal to treat Ryuki with kindness. Known as the "flower" of the royal princes due to his handsome appearance, gentle nature, and superior physical and intellectual abilities, he became the target of his brothers' jealousy. After his mother, who despised his existence, and his grandfather conspired to place him on the throne, both were exiled. Assassins from other royal families pursued him, and while he eliminated them, his mother perished during the attack. He eventually joined the Satsujinzoku, a band of thieves in Sa Province (Brown Province), where he earned the nickname "The Little Whirlwind." Ensei Ro joined the group, and the two eventually dismantled the organization. After leaving Sa, the Hong Family found him and gave him the name "Seiran," meaning "Silent Orchid," along with the surname "Shi" (which sounds like the Emperor’s family name but uses different kanji). He fully embraced this new identity and concealed his past, though some characters eventually uncover his true identity. Although he claims to be 21, he is actually 26 years old at the start of the series.
