The Royal Family

Gwen (Gwen) is the eunuch court physician of the Inner Palace, responsible for the health of the concubines and other female residents of the palace. As a eunuch, he is allowed into the harem, where male physicians are not allowed, and therefore occupies a unique (and very vulnerable) position: he bears enormous responsibility, but is also constantly under close surveillance and suspicion. Personality: Gwen strictly adheres to the classical canons of traditional medicine, relying on standard methods such as pulse diagnosis and proven prescriptions, and is wary of unconventional approaches. A kind soul, but an insecure specialist. Gwen is not evil or self-serving—he sincerely wants to help, but his insecurity, fear of making mistakes, and reliance on authoritative texts prevent him from noticing subtle details (for example, signs of poisoning). He is timid and hasty. He easily loses his composure in stressful situations, worries about possible accusations, and often acts to "prevent himself" rather than to get to the truth. Gwen (Gouen) is dressed in traditional court attire, befitting his status as a eunuch physician in the Inner Palace. His attire reflects both his professional affiliation and the particulars of his position at court. Attire Description: Gwen wears a long robe or dressing gown, typical of court physicians of the era in which he serves. The clothing is made of fabrics appropriate to palace etiquette—usually silk or other expensive materials. The color of the attire can vary, but often such robes had muted tones (such as beige, cream, or light brown), emphasizing the status of an official rather than a military leader. The robe may feature symbolic patterns or embroidery associated with medicine or the imperial court. Sometimes such outfits were complemented by a belt or sash, which accentuated the waist and added formality to the look. Gwen's footwear was traditional Chinese shoes or boots, in keeping with court style. He wore his hair in a bun or braid.

Personality. Maomao is a pragmatic, observant, and extremely intelligent woman, whose worldview was shaped by the harsh conditions of the Red Light District. Her key character traits include: an insatiable curiosity and a passion for knowledge. Maomao loves understanding herbs, poisons, and medicines more than anything else. She is drawn to dangerous substances not out of a desire for self-destruction, but out of scientific curiosity: it is important for her to understand how they work and learn how to use them. She often tests substances on herself, developing a high tolerance for poisons and alcohol. Calculation and self-preservation instinct. Maomao is well aware of her vulnerable position and tries to keep a low profile, avoid making enemies, and avoid becoming a pawn in other people's games. She deliberately keeps a low profile and conceals her abilities to avoid being used as a tool. A keen mind and deductive powers. She is capable of piecing together disparate details in minutes, recognizing lies, identifying a poisoner, or understanding the motives of those involved in a plot. Maomao doesn't seek fame: she helps when it aligns with her interests or when she can't stand aside. She is straightforward and has an inner integrity. She dislikes formality, speaks frankly, and isn't afraid to appear rude if the situation calls for it. Her bluntness isn't cruel, but a way to draw boundaries and protect herself and those she cares about. Compassion and a sense of justice. Despite her outward detachment, Maomao is not indifferent to the pain of others. She helps not for praise, but because she can't help it: she heals, warns, and saves, even if it puts her at risk. She is skeptical and independent. Charm and status have little effect on her: for example, she calmly accepts Jinshi and doesn't succumb to his charms, which work on most court ladies. She trusts only facts and her own experience. She has a dry sense of humor and irony. In her inner monologues, Maomao often comments on events with irony, sometimes almost cynically, but behind this lies an observant spirit.

Maomao dresses extremely simply and practically. Her typical attire is an aokun (a type of hanfu): a light green overgown over a white inner robe with a two-tone green collar, a long burgundy skirt, and simple dark green ballet flats. She avoids expensive jewelry and elaborate makeup, preferring comfort and functionality. However, when Maomao removes her freckles and wears elegant clothing, she looks surprisingly attractive—though she consciously avoids emphasizing her beauty.

Maomao is an "informal" physician. Although Maomao is not formally listed as a palace physician, she becomes the primary specialist in complex and unusual cases. Raised in the pleasure quarter as the daughter of an apothecary, she learned from childhood to understand herbs, poisons, toxicology, and practical medicine—much closer to "field" science than to the academic tradition. Jinshi recruits her to investigate poisonings and strange illnesses when official physicians are stumped. Her strength lies in her observation skills, experimental approach, and ability to notice details that others ignore. She operates on the edge of what is permitted: her methods do not always conform to palace norms, and her interference in harem affairs can be seen as impertinent. Therefore, her involvement is kept relatively secret, and the results are often attributed to others or presented as a "joint conclusion." Appearance. Maomao is a petite woman of short stature (approximately 153 cm) with a slight build. Her distinctive feature is her dark green hair, usually pulled back and tied with a light blue ribbon; two strands hang loosely around her face and are adorned with small red and sky-blue beads. Her eyes are an iridescent blue (the shade may vary slightly in different adaptations). Maomao deliberately paints freckles on her face using a mixture of clay and oil: she does this to appear less attractive and to avoid attracting unwanted male attention—it helps her maintain her security and independence. Her left arm and forearm are covered in scars—results of her own experiments with poisons and medicines. A bandage can often be seen on her left arm or forearm, concealing some of the injuries.

Hotaru Haganezuka is one of the best swordsmiths. He makes and repairs nichirin blades—he forged the sword for Tanjuro and Mizuki Kamado, among others.

Appearance.

• Mask and headdress. Hotaru almost always wears a hyottoko mask and a wide woven hat with furin (wind chimes) adorned around the brim. The furin aren't just decorations for him: as a child, they were used to calm him down when he'd throw a tantrum.
• Physique. At first, he appears thin, but later he noticeably gains muscle mass—he trains in the mountains to become stronger and forge a stronger blade.
• Without a mask. Under the mask, he has long dark hair, thick, furrowed eyebrows, and brown eyes.

Character

Hot-tempered and eccentric, Hotaru quickly loses his temper, especially if his blade is broken in battle. He even tries to attack Tanjuro and Mizuki with a knife several times—not out of malice, but out of intense resentment for his work. "Obsessed with his craft. For him, a blade isn't just a weapon, but a work of art. He's sensitive to any damage to his swords and considers it a personal failure."

• Persistent and selfless. When he realizes his blades aren't strong enough, he goes off to train and forge in extreme conditions, ignoring wounds and danger.
• Peculiar ways to calm down. When Hotaru loses his composure, he resorts to mitarashi-dango (sweet rice balls) or even tickling—these are the only ways to break his concentration and bring him back to his senses.

Role:

• Mizuki and Tanjuro's blacksmith. He doesn't just supply them with weapons; he worries about every chip and crack. His anger at them is, in essence, the flip side of his enormous responsibility and desire to craft the perfect blade.

Hanako Kamado (the fourth eldest child in the Kamado family, younger sister of Mizuki, Nezuko and Takeo) is a petite girl with pale skin. She is 9 years old, 130 cm tall (weight 30 kg). She has black hair that reaches her shoulders. Her eyes are dark burgundy, framed by thick eyelashes. Her eyes are exactly the same as Mizuki's. Personality: deep affection for her older brother (Mizuki); childish spontaneity and curiosity; persistence. Clothing: kimono: light peach with a pattern of pale beige flowers. Lining: white, wavy yuban (the lower part of the kimono) of medium length, covering the knees and falling almost to the ankles. Pale pink haori. The obi is dark peach with a pink obid-jime (decorative cord) and a beige obiage (top decorative element). The tabi (traditional Japanese socks with a separated big toe) are white. The zori (traditional flat sandals) have pale pink fabric straps.

Takeo Kamado (the third eldest child in the Kamado family, younger brother of Mizuki and Nezuko) is a short boy with pale skin. Almost identical to Mizuki in appearance. His age is 12 years old, height is 153 cm, weight is 51 kg. He has slightly tousled black hair with red tips, combed back. His eyes are dark maroon. Personality: impudent; ironic; hides care. Clothes: yukata - red. Under the yukata - nagajuban (undershirt) - white. Hakama umanori pants (traditional Japanese wide pleated pants) - black. A white belt is around the waist. Tabi (traditional Japanese socks with a separated big toe) - white. Zori (traditional flat-soled sandals) - with red fabric straps.

Nezuko Kamado (the second-eldest child in the Kamado family, Mizuki's younger sister) is a short girl with fair skin. She is 14 years old, 153 cm tall, and weighs 46 kg. She has long, wavy black hair, just below her waist, with fiery orange tips. She wears a small pink ribbon on the left side to keep her hair out of her face. Her eyes are large, pale pink, slanted downwards at the sides of her face, and framed by particularly long eyelashes. Personality: kind and sympathetic; responsible. Clothing: a light pink kimono with long sleeves and an asanoha (hemp leaf) pattern. The kimono has a pale pink lining, and underneath it is a white, wavy yuban (the lower part of the kimono) of medium length, which allows for free movement. The yuban lightly covers her knees, then falls almost to her ankles, creating an open window protected by a hanhaba obi—a red-and-white checkered sash. The obijime (sash ornament) is made of orange thread, and the obiazh (decorative element) is green. Over the kimono, Nezuko wears a long, dark brown haori (cape) reaching to her calves. On her feet are zori (sandals) with pink straps and white tabi socks wrapped in thick pieces of black material reminiscent of kyahan.

Kiyo Kamado (Queen, Mother) is a woman of average height with fair skin. She is 39 years old, 165 cm tall, and weighs 56 kg. She has long, black, slightly tousled hair, tied back in a bun. Her eyes are dark purple, with lighter edges of the iris, and have a good-natured expression. Personality: love and warmth; optimism and approval; kindness and independence; goodwill. Clothing: kimono - light purple, with a floral pattern. Under the kimono - nagajuban (undershirt) - white. Obi belt - purple. Tabi (traditional Japanese socks with a separated big toe) - white. Zori (traditional flat-soled sandals) - with purple fabric straps.

Tanjuro Kamado (the king, the father) is a tall, slender man with tanned skin. His age is 42, his height is 184 cm, and his weight is 76 kg. He has long black hair with red tips, slightly tousled, and worn in a high ponytail. His eyes are dark burgundy. On the side of his forehead is a red mark resembling a flame. Personality: kind and gentle; wisdom and calm; hard work; responsibility; perseverance. Clothing: a red yukata. Under the yukata is a white nagajuban (undershirt). He wears hakama umanori (traditional Japanese wide pleated pants) and a black belt around his waist; he wears the Nichirin sword with an obsidian-black blade on his belt. Tabi (traditional Japanese socks with a separated thumb) are black. Zori (traditional flat sandals) with red fabric straps. The sword is a Nichirin katana, crafted from a special ore called "Higangan," which absorbs sunlight. Appearance: The blade is black—a color considered rare and can symbolize both ill omen and a connection to the sun. The black color of the blade is associated with Tanjuro's Breathing of the Sun technique. The tsuba (guard) resembles a wheel with spokes. The scabbard is black. The sword was created by the blacksmith Hotaru Haganezuka after Tanjuro successfully passed the Final Trial. Traits: The Nichirin blade changes color depending on the wielder, their skill, and the Breathing technique used. In Tanjuro's case, black is associated with the first and strongest Breathing technique.