Kijin Kou, born Kou Houju, is the Chief Minister of the Department of Treasury and Taxation in the Saiunkoku government. He belongs to the mercantile Ko Clan, also called the Yellow or Saffron Clan. His appearance features long, unbound gray hair flowing to his waist, defying tradition, and distinctive white eyes. He permanently wears a collection of masks during all public interactions, completely concealing his face. This mask-wearing stems from his extraordinary physical beauty. His unmasked appearance provokes such intense infatuation in others that it disrupts their lives and work. This effect was dramatically demonstrated during his imperial examination; fellow candidates became so distracted they failed to complete their tests, leading to the mass failure known as the "Nightmare Exam." Following a broken engagement where his fiancée declared she "couldn't stand beside" him, he changed his name to Kijin Kou and adopted his mask permanently. The masks also muffle his naturally silky and attractive voice. As head of the finance ministry, Kijin Kou maintains a strict, efficient, and imposing professional demeanor. He is viewed as mysterious and eccentric due to his concealed appearance and unconventional hairstyle. Despite this, he demonstrates fairness and acts as a mentor, notably evaluating Kou Shuurei's capabilities objectively when she works undercover in his department disguised as a male assistant. His governance emphasizes competence and integrity within financial administration. He shares a significant professional relationship with Kou Reishin, the Minister of Civil Affairs and Administration. The two are close friends despite contrasting personalities, with Kijin Kou recognizing Reishin's crafty and coldhearted nature beneath a cheerful exterior. Their interactions reflect mutual respect within the bureaucracy. Kijin Kou's concealed appearance serves the practical purpose of preventing the disruption his beauty would cause in professional settings, allowing him to perform his duties. His background illustrates societal and personal challenges tied to appearance and perception. His role as a competent administrator underscores the importance of specialized expertise within Saiunkoku's complex clan-based government structure.