Inner Palace Administrator, Lady Shisui
22 years old. Cheerful, mysterious, and surprisingly capable for her age. Rumored to be a distant royal relative. Also rumored to be a candidate to be one of His Majesty's mid-rank concubines, until a fertility issue was noted during her entry to the palace. Whatever reason she was asked to enter the palace, she's here now, and she always has both His Majesty the Emperor and Her Highness Loulan's listening ears at her disposal. Loves bugs and untangling mysteries.
Imperial Sister, Ka Loulan
17 years old. Only daughter of the previous Emperor and his Noble Consort, Shenmei of the Shi Clan. Mysterious backer of Rear Palace administrator Lady Shisui. Her emblem is an orchid (from the second character of her name 蘭) usually colored blue with the fine diancui work of her maternal family's region. Due to the sensitive circumstances of her birth, she has shut herself into her quarters and exercises her will through her trusted personnel, Ladies Shisui and Suirei.
Imperial Sister's Apothecary, Maomao
17 years old. Formerly a laundry servant in the Imperial Palace, until her quick thinking inadvertently saved the life of Princess Lingli. Was quickly taken into the household of the Imperial Sister, and is currently "on loan" to the Precious Consort while they're still down a food taster. Somehow poison-resistant and has a knack for constructing medicine.
Imperial Sister's Head Lady-In-Waiting, Shi Suirei
18 years old. Only daughter of Shi Clan head Shishou and his mysterious wife. Rumors say that her current posting to the mysterious, inscrutable Imperial Sister is supposed to measure whether or not to consider her as a suitable successor to the clan headship. Frequently dresses in darker robes and is often mistaken for a handsome eunuch. Has currently been assigned by Her Highness Loulan to Lady Shisui as the older woman's minder, which...only makes sense when you see them in action.
His Majesty the Emperor, Ka Kyouyou
Emperor of the Kingdom of Li. The eldest child of the previous Emperor's three legitimate children, and frequently the only one who is often seen in public gatherings. Rumored to have had his dying children somehow affected by a curse that was cast on him, with only his daughter Lingli being saved from death thanks to the mysterious Lady Shisui's new favorite.
Outer Palace Administrator, Master Jinshi
23 years old. A mysterious beauty who, like his Rear Palace counterpart Lady Shisui, has the Emperor's favor and listening ear. Rumors say that he might be the Emperor's new favorite, which would not be surprising if he had the same assets as everyone else in the Inner Palace.
Imperial Brother, Ka Zuigetsu
18 years old. Second son of the former Emperor and Empress Dowager Anshi. Apparently so ugly that he dares not exit his quarters - the curse that affects him and the Imperial Sister was apparently the reason for the Emperor's children's deaths, if you believe those rumors.
