The sixteen-year-old princess of Kiata, Shiori is the youngest of seven children and the only daughter of the emperor. She possesses forbidden magical abilities, which she keeps completely secret from her family. Rebellious and carefree, she resents her royal responsibilities and her arranged betrothal to a northern lord. She relies on her quick wit and determination when faced with sudden isolation and hardship.

The emperor's consort and stepmother to his seven children. Known as "The Nameless Queen," she is a beautiful but distant figure in the imperial palace. She harbors a deep secret regarding her own magical abilities and maintains a strict, often critical demeanor toward Shiori.

The son of a northern lord and Shiori's betrothed. He is a skilled, observant sentinel dedicated to his duties and loyal to his family. Despite the humiliation of Shiori sabotaging their betrothal ceremony, he possesses a gentle, forgiving nature. He appreciates the arts and writes letters filled with stories.

The Prince of the Easterly Seas and a young dragon who can take human form. He is confident, somewhat aloof regarding human affairs, but takes a keen interest in Shiori's raw magic. He acts as her instructor, teaching her how to harness her abilities while warning her of the dangers of sorcery.

Shiori's newly appointed maid at the imperial castle in Gindara. She assists Shiori with her daily routines but makes the princess suspicious with her intense focus on dressing her. She behaves mysteriously and strictly follows orders regarding the royal children.

A young woman living at Castle Bushian, taken in by the family after her parents were killed by assassins. She is fiercely protective of the Bushians and immediately distrusts Shiori. She makes her disdain clear, frequently accusing the silent girl of demon worship and attempting to sabotage her presence in the household.

One of Shiori's six older brothers and a prince of Kiata. He takes a pragmatic approach to his royal duties but maintains a soft spot for his rebellious younger sister. He frequently tries to cover for her mistakes and encourages her to make peace with their stepmother.

An enchanted paper crane brought to life by Shiori's magic. She serves as Shiori's loyal companion, scout, and telepathic confidante, providing crucial emotional support and practical assistance when Shiori is isolated.

Takkan's energetic ten-year-old sister. She is prone to bouts of mysterious illness but maintains a bright, mischievous spirit. She eagerly befriends Shiori despite the suspicions of others in the castle.

Takkan's mother and the formidable matriarch of Castle Bushian. She is practical and cautious, allowing Shiori to work in the kitchens but keeping a close eye on her presence in the household.

The ruler of Kiata and father to Shiori and her six brothers. He enforces the realm's strict ban on magic and expects his children to fulfill their royal duties without complaint.

One of Shiori's six older brothers and a prince of Kiata. He takes his duties seriously and expects his youngest sister to respect the traditions of the empire.

One of Shiori's six older brothers. He is recognized as the fastest flyer among the siblings when transformed, proving vital during escapes.

One of Shiori's six older brothers and a prince of Kiata. He struggles with his sister's erratic behavior and frequently blames her magical abilities for their family's misfortunes.

One of Shiori's six older brothers. He is a loyal member of the close-knit royal sibling group, following the lead of his older brothers while navigating the strict rules of the palace.

One of Shiori's six older brothers. He expects Shiori to behave like a proper princess and maintains a disciplined approach to his royal education.

The harsh, uncompromising owner of the Sparrow Inn in the village of Tianyi. She forces Shiori to work as an unpaid cook and housekeeper but occasionally shields her from the inn's unruly patrons.

A northern lord and the head of Castle Bushian. He commands respect in his territory and suffers significant public humiliation when the imperial princess abandons his son at their betrothal.

A warlord serving under Emperor Hanriyu. He appears friendly and supportive of the royal family, though his political maneuvers place him in proximity to dangerous forces.

A mysterious A'landan enchanter bound to the leader of northern A'landi. He operates in the shadows, using his magic to further political conflicts and manipulate those seeking his power.

A sentinel and Takkan's cousin. He holds a deep grudge against the royal family for the shame brought upon his cousin and is highly suspicious of strangers, frequently accusing Shiori of being a demon.

The powerful Dragon King and Ruler of the Four Seas and Heavenly Waters. He fiercely guards his territory and is deeply protective of the legendary starstroke plants that grow on his volcano.

The head chef at Castle Bushian. He initially treats the disguised Shiori with fear and skepticism but eventually recognizes her culinary skills and teaches her in the kitchen.

A sentinel serving at Castle Bushian whose sudden death sparks an internal investigation and heightens paranoia among the castle's residents.

A sentinel at Castle Bushian who occasionally interacts with Shiori, maintaining the strict security protocols of the fortress during the harsh winter.