protect her, Ageha sacrifices his body to Shirasu. Capital Kyōto The White King, who is actually female. She was married off to the leader of Awaji Island in an arranged marriage, but she ended up falling in love with him. When the Emperor ordered the attack on Awajishima, she got trapped under the burning building, losing the function of both of her legs. She was 'appeased' with the title of 'White King', but although she is the eldest child, her name is listed after the Black King's in the order of ranking. Kakihito attacked Awaji Island, killing Ginko’s husband, as leader of the Oka, a group of young men from Kyoto who serve as the vanguard of the army. He saved Ginko from the burning debris, getting severely burned in the process. He then gave up serving on the front lines of the army, retiring to be the 'shadow of the White King'. Four Nobles of Blue King In the English version, they are called "The Four Virtues." They appear to work for Asagi, the true Blue King, but it is revealed later they belong to the White King. Each has a plant as part of their name (Kiku = chrysanthemum, Ume = plum, Ran = lily, -take = bamboo). The junior member of the White King's secret unit, the Four Nobles, which is tasked with guarding Asagi. Despite the feminine appearance of all the Four Nobles members, Kikune is the only female among them. She has a cheerful, open personality and is an aspiring inventor. Kikune is employed by the Black King's wife under the name Kasane and befriends Sarasa, even though they are enemies. She is also skilled at making mechanical contraptions. The senior member of the Four Nobles. He is calm, collected, and very duty-bound but seems somewhat absent-minded. Unlike the other members of the group, his loyalties lie with Asagi over the White King. He has skill with medicine. Ranmaru Umewaka Four Elders of the Capital Hagiwara of the South Momonoi of the North Hozomi: son of Momonoi. Lives at Suo and is famous for his paintings. Renko: lover of Hozomi. A reporter, friend of Taro. Tachibana of the West Sakurada of the East Yarogumi The guardians of the capital. Their leader is Hachiya. Hachiya Shikoku Castle The wife of the Black King, beloved by the people. Black King Eldest son of the emperor Ukon. The