TV-Series
Description
Ka Kobun is a supporting character in the narrative, known primarily for his role as the dedicated personal assistant and close confidant to Princess Kougyoku Ren of the Kou Empire. His full name is Ka Kobun, though the ordering is sometimes presented as Kobun Ka. He is a member of Kougyoku's household, a group of retainers who serve a specific member of the imperial family.

Kobun has a tall stature and a slim build. He has black, wavy hair that is typically tied back, and sharp yellow eyes. Distinctive markings, which appear as lines or tattoos, adorn his face. His attire is traditional and reflects a degree of wealth and status, often consisting of layered robes and a tall, distinctive hat. He is almost never seen without his household vessel, which takes the form of a green folding fan.

In terms of personality, Ka Kobun is outwardly a cold, calm, and collected individual, presenting a very professional and unflappable demeanor when carrying out his duties as an assistant. However, this mask slips on occasion, and he appears to be more cheerful and relaxed when he is not actively working. Despite his composed exterior, he has a significant personal ambition and has admitted to attempting to manipulate both his princess and his subordinates to achieve his desired outcomes, though he seems to lack a natural talent for scheming. His ambitions and plans can be so obvious to onlookers that he is unaware of how transparent his intentions truly are.

Kobun's background is markedly humble compared to his current position. He was born in a poor village located in the northern province of the sprawling Kou Empire. Seeking to improve his station, he studied hard and passed the rigorous National Exam with high marks, which led to his initial appointment as a government official. His life changed course when, at the age of seventeen, he was assigned to become the assistant to the young and isolated Princess Kougyoku Ren. At the time, she was a gloomy and forgotten child due to her low-ranking mother, but Kobun saw potential in the arrangement for his own advancement. He encouraged her to embrace her status and become a true princess, actions that helped her gain confidence and ultimately forged a deep, decades-long bond between them. He was by her side when she conquered the Dungeon of Vinea, an event that would grant both of them powerful household vessels.

His primary motivation is closely tied to his personal ambition, which is to rise in status and power from his poor origins. He views his service to Kougyoku as a path to this goal, and he has openly imagined scenarios, such as marrying her off to a powerful figure like Sinbad, that would allow him to gain influence over a potential heir. Despite these selfish undercurrents, his actions consistently demonstrate a deep-seated care and loyalty towards Kougyoku. He is protective of her, acting as a mentor in fencing, and has shown a genuine desire to keep her safe in battle. His weakness is said to be her strong willfulness, which often overrides his own plans.

Throughout the story, Kobun’s role is almost exclusively defined by his proximity to Princess Kougyoku. He accompanies her to the various international conferences and conflicts the Kou Empire involves itself in, including the events in Balbadd and the summit in Sindria. During the Sindria arc, his ambition came to the forefront when he orchestrated a misunderstanding to accuse Sinbad of deflowering Kougyoku, hoping to force a political marriage. The plot was quickly exposed by magic, revealing his manipulative nature to the embarrassment of the Kou contingent.

Ka Kobun’s abilities are derived from being a member of Princess Kougyoku’s household, meaning he channels the power of her djinn, Vinea. His specific household vessel is the green fan he always carries. While the primary use of this fan is not for direct offense, it possesses a notable supportive ability: it can use the water attribute of Vinea for healing magic. This makes his primary combat function that of a healer, capable of mending wounds and restoring allies during and after battles.