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Mitsuhide Louen

Mitsuhide Rouen (ミツヒデ・ルーエン, Mitsuhide Rūen) is one of the main characters in Akagami no Shirayuki-hime. He serves as a loyal aide and bodyguard to Zen Wistaria, the second prince of Clarines, and is also the partner of Kiki Seiran, with whom he shares a close and trusted working relationship.

Mitsuhide was introduced to Zen at the age of 17, having been personally assigned to him by Crown Prince Izana, Zen’s older brother. Prior to his assignment at the palace, Mitsuhide was a skilled swordsman and a member of the Sereg Knight Circle, an elite group of fighters known for their discipline and ability.

Personality

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Appearance in Anime

Mitsuhide Rouen is known for his outgoing, honest, and deeply loyal nature. He is especially protective of Zen Wistaria, often acting like a concerned older brother or even a parental figure, worrying over Zen’s well-being and personal decisions. His dedication to Zen is unwavering, and he often places Zen’s safety and success above all else.

Though generally composed and dependable, Mitsuhide is also easily flustered, particularly when teased by those close to him, such as Zen, Kiki, or Obi. Despite his calm and gentlemanly appearance, he tends to lose his composure when caught off guard by teasing, especially from the more mischievous members of their circle like Obi and Hisame. Nevertheless, he typically maintains a calm and polite attitude, which has earned him a reputation as a reliable and level-headed figure within the group.

Mitsuhide also has a natural charm and a way with words, making him popular among women. However, this flirtatious nature is entirely unintentional, as he is often oblivious to the effect he has on others, particularly when it comes to romantic matters or his own feelings.

He serves as a brother-like figure to many of those around him, offering emotional support, guidance, and a steady presence. His caring attitude and unwavering support for his companions highlight his importance within the group not just as a protector, but as a trusted and compassionate friend.

Photo Section with Captions

Appearance

Mitsuhide Rouen is a tall and well-built young man with a lean, muscular physique that has been noted as attractive by both Shirayuki and Obi. He has short, ash brown or greying black hair depicted as sea blue in the anime and hazel eyes, which appear light brown or amber in animated form.

Mitsuhide’s body bears several noticeable scars, primarily on his right side, with one on his shoulder appearing to be a burn scar. These marks hint at a past filled with intense training or combat, though the origins of the scars are never fully explained.

He typically dresses in a formal tunic and gambeson, layered over his undergarments and always accompanied by his sword, a sign of his readiness and discipline as a knight. However, when not expecting confrontation or while traveling, he occasionally forgoes the gambeson. In contrast to Zen, who is sometimes seen in short sleeves, Mitsuhide is never shown wearing short-sleeved clothing outside of sleepwear, maintaining a more reserved and disciplined image.

His casual attire includes a buttoned-up shirt, trousers, and high boots, still retaining a neat and composed appearance. On rare occasions, such as when his armor and sword are confiscated, he’s shown vulnerable once receiving cuts to his side and arm in areas normally protected by his gambeson.

During formal events, like the coronation of the new king, Mitsuhide wears the official dress uniform of the Knights of the Royal Knight Circle, reflecting both his high standing and devotion to his role.

His handsome appearance, combined with his tall stature and noble bearing, has made him popular among young women, though he remains largely unaware of the attention he receives.

History

Before becoming Zen Wistaria’s aide, Mitsuhide Rouen was a talented but unremarkable knight-in-training at Sereg, not hailing from a noble or influential family. Despite his lack of aristocratic background, his natural talent in swordsmanship and horsemanship, combined with a strong sense of discipline and dedication, allowed him to stand out among his peers. He began training from a young age and quickly rose through the ranks of the knight circle.

At the age of 17, Mitsuhide was personally introduced to Zen by Crown Prince Izana, who appointed him to serve as Zen’s companion and protector. At the time, Zen was only 13, and the meeting marked the beginning of a deep and lasting bond between the two. Mitsuhide has since dedicated himself fully to Zen’s service, becoming not only his bodyguard, but also a trusted confidant and friend.

Details about Mitsuhide’s family or life outside of his duties remain scarce. However, it is known that his hometown is within a three-day journey of the Seiran Estate, as he is shown leaving the Seiran Harvest Festival to visit home and returning within a short timeframe to reunite with Kiki Seiran. This brief glimpse into his personal life hints at a grounded upbringing outside the palace, though his loyalty to Zen and his role in Clarines remain at the core of his character and purpose.

Relationships

Kiki Seiran
As Zen’s aides, Mitsuhide and Kiki share a strong professional bond and a deep personal connection. They are rarely seen apart and function as an exceptional combat duo, with their movements so well-coordinated that it would be difficult to determine a winner in a duel between them. Their synergy is built on years of mutual trust, making them one of the most effective pairs in Zen’s service.

Mitsuhide was shocked and upset to learn that Kiki’s role as Zen’s aide came with a time limit and that both Kiki and Zen had hidden this fact from him for over five years. This led to a brief conflict between them, which was ultimately resolved through a friendly duel. Afterward, Mitsuhide requested that Kiki remain in Zen’s service long enough to see his goals fulfilled before returning to her duties as the Seiran heir. He later accompanied Kiki to the Seiran estate, where she asked her father for permission to extend her service.

Although their bond is strong, Mitsuhide has never seriously considered dating or marrying Kiki or anyone else due to his unwavering loyalty to Zen. He wishes to live his life by Zen’s side and fears that romantic commitment might interfere with that goal. However, when Kiki confessed her feelings, Mitsuhide became visibly unsettled and confused, suggesting he may have repressed feelings for her. Still, his later comments clarify that, while he deeply respects Kiki and treasures their friendship, his feelings for her remain platonic.

Zen Wistaria
Mitsuhide is Zen’s closest aide and confidant, hand-selected by Prince Izana to serve as Zen’s personal attendant. Their relationship began on uncertain terms, with Zen keeping his distance, but over time, they formed a strong brotherly bond. Mitsuhide is one of the few people Zen listens to, especially during moments of stubbornness or emotional distress.

They have a comfortable, teasing dynamic, often poking fun at each other’s weaknesses Mitsuhide teases Zen about Shirayuki, while Zen mocks Mitsuhide’s obliviousness to emotional and romantic cues. Despite their lighthearted exchanges, their relationship is built on mutual respect, trust, and fierce loyalty. Mitsuhide’s devotion to Zen is so profound that he has chosen not to pursue marriage or romantic relationships in order to dedicate his life fully to protecting and supporting Zen.

Shirayuki
Mitsuhide views Shirayuki with great affection and protectiveness, much like an older brother. He cares deeply for her and has assured her that not only Zen, but he and Kiki as well, are always there to support her. Before her departure to Lilias, rather than giving her a formal farewell, Mitsuhide gave her a warm hug and reminded her to take care of herself, showcasing his caring and sincere nature.

Obi
Initially, Mitsuhide was distrustful of Obi, especially due to Obi’s early aggression and the fact that he once nearly harmed Shirayuki. However, as Obi became more integrated into the group and proved his loyalty, Mitsuhide’s attitude shifted. While the two often bicker, especially because of Obi’s teasing, they have developed a solid friendship over time. Mitsuhide has come to trust Obi deeply, to the point of feeling confident entrusting Zen or Shirayuki to Obi’s protection.

Trivia

    • Mitsuhide has a fondness for sweet foods, a trait that occasionally surprises others given his serious personality.
      • During the Lilias incident, Prince Izana temporarily borrowed Mitsuhide’s last name, likely as a strategic or protective measure, though the exact reasoning was not disclosed.
        • It took three months for Mitsuhide to transition from addressing Zen Wistaria formally as “Zen-sama” to simply calling him “Zen,” marking a shift from a purely professional relationship to a more personal and trusted bond.
          • In Season 2, Episode 11 (Chapter 28), Mitsuhide accidentally inhaled a hypnotic potion, which intensified his already strong loyalty to Zen so much so that he reverted to calling him “Zen-sama” and became even more protective than usual. His memory of the incident disappeared after Shirayuki cured him, leaving him unaware of his altered behavior.
            • His name is a reference to Akechi Mitsuhide, a historical samurai and retainer of Oda Nobunaga, notable for his role in the Sengoku period and infamous for betraying Nobunaga.
              • Mitsuhide has never considered marriage or romantic relationships, a decision driven by his unwavering loyalty to Zen and the fact that he has never developed romantic interest in anyone, including Kiki.
                • Among the main cast, Mitsuhide is the only character—aside from the enigmatic Obi—whose family background remains unknown, unnamed, and unseen, adding a layer of mystery to his otherwise loyal and straightforward persona.