Ezume Kichirô

> ***"Yeah, it is. Trust me, were it up to me I would be drinking tea with my son back home, spending my days reminiscing events past, playing cards and divining the providence of the next hunt 'till I kicked the bucket. It isn't only up to me, though."*** - Kichirô confirming Jim Jambo's affirmation to Edgar.
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## **History**

#### **Background**

The noble of a minor decaying family, Kichirô lived in the Crystal Palace for pretty much all of his life. He occupied himself with his duties as a courtier, studying history and art. He eventually gained a predilection for mysticism and the art of divination, which became his favorite hobbies.

Like most young noblemen, he grew increasingly curious of life outside the palace, frequently indulging in secret escapades with his fellows. This eventually allowed him to learn of the harsh reality of those who lived in the real world; of those who struggled just to be able to feed their children once every few days. At first, he and the other young nobles were enraged and indignant, then they were frustrated with their powerlessness. The intricate hierarchy of Sunvalley and its workings aren't something that can be changed with nativity and foolish determination. Where Kichirô differed from them was that he he kept trying to do something, small as it was, to right the wrongs he perceived. His most successful attempt came from actively seeking funding from higher society to create a bursary and other charity organizations, which received encouraging support from the Church.

Charity proved to be popular enough with the nobles and wealthy merchants, as associating themselves with these foundations vastly improved their reputation and cleared their consciousness, all while actually helping people. This period of fund-seeking, as he attended the various dinners, parties, ceremonies and outings, was very influential on Kichirô. The experience tempered his moral compass, and caused him to an develop unfortunate love for gambling. More importantly, it was during this period where he met the lady he would eventually come to call his wife, a bright and compassionate young noblewoman who added her determination to his own, keeping him afloat trough his harshest days. His little sun, Atsuko.

Atsuko would keep his spirit and kindness alive as he grew disappointed and frustrated with the ways of nobles, even when he despised himself for indulging in them. She curbed his darker thoughts when he became embroiled in court politics at the age of 26, maintaining his honor and soul untarnished. On the other hand, Kichirô fueled her drive. He saved her compassion much like she had saved his, as she fought her way trough the cutthroat court of the Crystal Palace, and cleared her vision when her idealism proved to blind her.

The birth of their son, Haruyoshito, became their most stable anchor. He grew up rowdy and warm - even if a bit hotheaded - dreaming to revive the long-lost glory of his linage. Much of Kichirô’s youthfulness hid itself as he dealt with the aftermath of his son’s antics, much like his parents had done for him on his adventurous days.

As he became older and wiser, the higher castes of noble society started paying heed to his advice and welcoming him into their inner circles. His influence was sizable and, unfortunately, counter to the interests of many other clans. After Atsuko had passed away and his only son had joined in the military in order to further his dream, many of these clans schemed to end his life, turning his influence against him by forging a link between him and a conspiracy that sought to overthrow the current heir of the Crystal Palace in favor of their own pawn, which proved to be enough to completely remove him from court. So as to not tarnish his family's name, thereby destroying his son’s prospects, he claimed to be leader of the conspiracy, that he had long thrown away his family’s name after receiving a revelation from Muse herself, making him a “righteous rebel” and minimizing the damage to his reputation. His friends in the church took his side in the dispute, claiming the revelation had indeed occurred. The backing of nobles who still had him in good graces added on to popular pressure and his punishment was eventually reduced to exile, with his son pardoned from any prosecution.

Now, he wanders trough the world, taking in what he had missed on during his cloistered life, hoping to find meaning and the means to return with his head held high, so he may be buried with his wife once he dies.