Kazuki

This "pretty boy" is first seen searching around the harbor suspiciously inquiring about a "red haired girl"...

He kidnaps Shirayuki with the help of an accomplice, Itoya. After getting away with Shirayuki he is then ambushed and kidnapped by a group of pirates known as the Sea's Talons along with Shirayuki. Despite their best attempts to escape they are quickly recaptured and punished for the attempt. After careful planning, Zen teams up with Prince Raji and the Mountain's Lions and rescues Shirayuki and Kadzuki. Kadzuki explains his reason for taking Shirayuki: the Mountain's Lions' leader, Mikaze saved his life and allowed him to join the group. When Mikaze heard that Shirayuki had gone to the neighboring country to escape Prince Raji's ridiculous request, he began to search for her to make sure she was okay. As a sign of gratitude, Kadzuki also began to search for her to bring her back to her father's side. Immediately after explaining asks Shirayuki to live with them. Shirayuki politely declines having found her place as a royal court pharmacist who wishes to stand by Zen's side. After Kadzuki sees how Zen operates a rescue mission, he gains a respect towards nobility but more specifically towards Zen.