Konoe, Eishun
Summary
Eishun Konoe serves as the chief of the Kansai Magic Association and is the father of Konoka. Although his surname is Konoe, he is not a member of the bloodline; rather, he married into his wife's family. Prior to the Kyoto Arc, the Kansai and Kantō Magic Associations were engaged in a bitter feud. This conflict stemmed from Kansai mages disapproving of Kantō mages who utilized Western-style magic instead of traditional Eastern-style magic. To bridge this divide, Konoemon Konoe, the head of the Kantō Magic Association, orchestrated an arranged marriage between Eishun and his daughter, which successfully ended the overt hostility. Despite this peace, some Kansai mages, such as Chigusa Amagasaki, still harbor aversions toward Kantō and Western mages. Contrary to the prevailing attitudes in Kansai, Eishun formed a close friendship with Nagi Springfield, the Thousand master and a powerful Western mage. Twenty years ago, Eishun fought alongside Nagi, Takahata, Albireo (Sanders), Gatō, and another comrade in a magic war that pitted Eastern and Western mages against each other. Eishun bears battle scars from this conflict. Interestingly, he is not actually a mage but a Shinmei-ryū swordsmaster. Even after Nagi’s apparent death in 1993, Eishun remained dedicated to maintaining Nagi’s holiday house. His name is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese Kung Fu style Wing Chun. He also has a smoking habit, which Konoka strongly disapproves of. Concerned about Konoka’s immense and dangerous magical potential, Eishun concealed her true heritage from her to ensure she could live a normal life. When he realized that many within the Kansai Magic Association were aware of her abilities, he sent Konoka to Mahora Academy under the protection of his father-in-law. Several years later, he assigned Setsuna to guard her. Following the events in Kyoto, he requested that Evangeline tutor Konoka in controlling her powers.
