Sarasa Saionji, secretly Rina Akabane, is a second-year student at Sakura Academy in district three, renowned as the undefeated "Empress" for her historic entrance exam scores and unmatched competitive victories. Her striking appearance features hip-length red hair swept into a side ponytail with a light blue scrunchie, a single ahoge strand framing her forehead, and sharp red eyes, often accentuated by her uniform and stockings. Outwardly gracious yet fiery-tempered, Rina reacts fiercely to disrespect, exemplified when Hiroto Shinohara’s accidental humiliation sparks a duel between them. Though she projects unshakable confidence, moments of physical embarrassment or emotional challenge expose her hidden vulnerability. Rina’s identity is a carefully guarded deception: she impersonates the kidnapped heir of the Saionji family, forced into the role after the real Sarasa vanished a year prior. Only Hiroto and Shirayuki Himeji uncover her truth, as Rina strives to uphold Sarasa’s legacy to prevent chaos at the academy. Her rivalry with Hiroto shifts after their duel—a mishap involving soaked clothing costs Rina her red star, granting Hiroto lie-detection powers tied to its previous owners’ secrets. Bound by mutual need to protect their lies, they form a reluctant alliance. Trust gradually emerges when Rina confesses her identity, balancing tension with fragile camaraderie. Kugasaki Seiran, an obsessive challenger, fuels further strife through relentless duels, all of which Rina dominates. Her loyalty to the missing Sarasa drives her performance, though their past remains shrouded. The duality of her names mirrors her double life: "Sarasa Saionji" evokes vibrant motifs of gardens and temples, while "Rina Akabane" intertwines "village," "apple tree," "red," and "feather."