Lani Aristes is a supporting character in the anime The World Is Still Beautiful, serving as a political antagonist to the young king Livius Orvinus Ifrikia. He holds the position of head of the Ministry of Priesthood and is one of the traditional retainers of the Sun Kingdom’s throne. His authority is considered equal to that of the king, particularly because he possesses the power to approve or veto any marriage the king desires. Lani and his ministry despise Livius due to the king’s parentage: Livius is the son of the former king and a concubine who belonged to an ethnic minority, which the traditionalists view as a desecration of the throne. This deep-seated prejudice fuels Lani’s motivations. To prevent Livius from securing a wife and producing an heir, it is hinted that Lani has orchestrated the deaths of several princesses during the sacred Rite of Illumination. As a high-ranking Sun Priest, he carries out his duties with a rigid, conservative adherence to tradition. Outside of his political and religious responsibilities, Lani is occasionally seen engaging in embroidery as a personal pastime. He plays a key role as an obstacle to Livius and the protagonist Nike, representing the old guard that resists change and seeks to undermine the king’s rule. His personality is defined by his cold, calculating nature and his willingness to use lethal means to uphold his vision of purity for the royal lineage. Lani does not undergo significant personal development within the anime, remaining a steadfast adversary throughout the story. His notable abilities lie not in physical combat or magic, but in his institutional power, his influence over court ceremonies, and his ruthless political maneuvering.