Appearance in Anime

Hyou Ruka was originally a kind-hearted and forgiving young girl, enduring immense suffering at the hands of her father without complaint. Despite the hardships, she remained loyal and self-sacrificing, willing to give up her own life for him. However, the corruption within the Hyou Clan and the suffering endured by her siblings pushed her to rebellion, marking the beginning of her transformation into a ruthless and sardonic leader.

Over time, she became calculating and pragmatic, prioritizing the survival and power of the Hyou Clan above all else. Though she adopted a cold and authoritative demeanor, her heart still sought to help the weak in her own way.

In the final moments of her life, her true forgiving nature resurfaced due to the influence of Uu Uu, Hyou Shusui, and Kou Shuurei, allowing her to find peace and redemption before her passing.

Hyou Ruka projects the apparition of a young woman with white skin and long pale purple hair. She is often seen dressed in formal Priestess attire, embodying the mystical and authoritative presence befitting her role in the Hyou Clan.

In the novel version, however, her hair is depicted as jet black instead of pale purple, which may symbolize her mysterious and enigmatic nature within the clan.

Hyou Ruka was the true power behind the Hyou Clan, despite her brother holding the title of clan head. While her brother lazily ignored his duties, she commanded absolute authority within the family, with her orders followed without question. Ruka possessed enormous magical power, which was unusual even among the Hyou, making her one of the most formidable figures in the clan’s history.

She despised her father for his cruelty and corruption, believing that he had led the Hyou Clan astray. To reclaim the clan’s dignity and honor, she overthrew him and purged those who were loyal to him, earning her the infamous nickname “Empress of Blood.” However, despite her ruthless reputation, she was not inherently cruel—as seen in her decision to shelter Kou Shuurei when her life was in danger. She also protected her sister-in-law, Ou Hien, whom she cherished deeply for marrying her brother.

Unlike her brother, Ruka’s body was not ageless. Instead, she extended her lifespan by transferring her consciousness into host bodies, using their life force to sustain herself while allowing her original body to age normally. She was also able to project a spirit image of her younger self, allowing her to communicate with others even as her real body aged.

Ruka’s son, Hyou Ren, was the true mastermind behind Jyasenkyō, the group responsible for the crisis in Sa Province during Shuurei and Eigetsu’s tenure as co-governors. Despite her initial appearance as an antagonist, Ruka worked tirelessly for the sake of her clan and country, but over time, exhaustion took its toll on her.

Seeing the decline of her clan, Ruka sought a worthy successor. She placed her hopes on Hyou Eiki, believing that she had the potential to lead the Hyou Clan into a new era. However, Eiki abandoned the clan for an outsider, deeply disappointing Ruka. As more members left for personal ambitions, Ruka was left isolated, with only Uu Uu, her long-time servant, remaining by her side.

Eventually, a former assassin doll from the Hyou clan returned to face Ruka. This assassin, once born powerless, had since gained the abilities of the Hyou Clan and became a priestess—she was Hyou Shusui. Though Shusui had once betrayed her, Ruka recognized that she had finally found someone who would stay by her side. Accepting this, she abdicated her title as High Priestess and named Shusui as her successor.

Shortly after passing on her responsibilities, Ruka was assassinated by a kyonshi (undead) version of Sa Sakujun, under Ryou Anju’s orders.

Though not always in the public eye, Ruka’s actions and decisions leave lasting effects on Saiunkoku’s political landscape. Her alliances, manipulations, and strategies help shape the direction of both the Hyou Clan and the empire itself.

Her presence is felt in the careful balancing of power between noble families, court officials, and hidden factions, ensuring that no single force gains absolute control—except perhaps the one she deems most beneficial.

Ruka’s influence extends beyond the Hyou Clan, as she has connections with key political and noble figures. Her ability to remain steps ahead of her rivals makes her a feared but respected presence in Saiunkoku’s upper circles.

While many might underestimate her due to her preference for operating in the shadows, those who truly understand the workings of the empire know that she is not someone to be ignored.

Even after stepping down from leadership, the question remains: Did she truly let go of power, or is she still guiding events from the shadows? Given her intellect and strategic nature, it is unlikely that Ruka would ever completely relinquish her influence, making her a perpetual force in Saiunkoku’s hidden power struggles.

Hyou Riou Sr.
Ruka harbored an unhealthy obsession with her brother, Hyou Riou Sr., mirroring his fixation on the Bara-hime (Red Immortal). She yearned for his attention and was willing to go to extreme lengths to obtain it. Her desperation was so great that she even considered possessing Kou Shuurei, the daughter of the Bara-hime, in a final attempt to make Riou acknowledge her. However, despite her manipulative nature, Riou Sr. remained fixated on the Bara-hime, ignoring Ruka entirely, which deepened her resentment and longing.