Ran Shuuei (Shuei Lan), fourth son of the prestigious Indigo Ran clan, underwent rigorous childhood swordsmanship training with the Shiba clan retainers, forging exceptional combat skills. Sent to Kiyou to assist Prince Seien, he faced humiliation when dismissed as weak after failing against assassins, prompting his return to Ran province for intense training alongside his childhood friend Jin Shiba. He achieved the second-highest Imperial Exam rank (Bōugen), later matched by his younger brother. Initially serving as a civil official under Emperor Ryuuki, disillusionment with the emperor's disinterest led him to the military. Rising through the Left Habayashi Army to General of the Left Urin Army, he became Ryuuki's personal guard alongside Li Kouyuu. He considered Kouyuu a close friend despite Kouyuu's frequent denials, often teasing him about his aversion to women and poor direction. Ryuuki gifted Shuuei a purple iris symbolizing trust, which he engraved on his sword. Torn between loyalty to the emperor and his clan, he returned the iris sword and retired to Ran province. Banished by the clan, he returned to Ryuuki's service but was demoted from general due to Noble Faction scheming. Serving as Seiran's subordinate, he overheard Ki Kouki criticizing Ryuuki's advisors and realized their failure to protect Kou Shuurei, whom they had pushed into becoming consort. This drove him to infiltrate the Hyou clan to confirm Shuurei's safety and locate Hyou Shusui, a priestess he had loved since their first encounter. He saved Shusui's life, assisted Shuurei, and later married Shusui, fathering three sons including Ran Shijaku. His legendary swordsmanship was only bested by Grand Generals Koku Yousei and Haku Raien at full strength. He recognized Shi Seiran as Prince Seien through their shared sword techniques. Shuuei and Seiran were later acknowledged as Ryuuki's greatest military officials. During Ou Ki's revolt, Shuuei defended Ryuuki alone against 50,000 soldiers. Post-conflict, the Ran clan reinstated him, and he served the emperor for many years until his death protecting Ryuuki. Shuuei navigated complex relationships, including unrequited childhood love for his sister-in-law Ran Gyokuka and eventual marriage to Shusui. His character evolved from a womanizer escaping heartbreak through fleeting relationships to a devoted husband and father. His journey across all official media was defined by internal conflicts between duty, family loyalty, and personal integrity.