Ever heard of Snow White? Okay, cool. Now, imagine she's got red hair and hangs out with…knights? Welcome to the world of Snow White with the Red Hair, or as some fans affectionately call it, "Akagami no Shirayuki-hime." It’s a fairytale remix with a dash of hilarious knightly awkwardness.
Meet the Red-Haired Renegade
Our Snow White, Shirayuki, isn't waiting for a prince to rescue her. Nope! She's a totally independent herbalist with fiery red hair that's got a prince (a different one than you're thinking) all hot and bothered.
This prince, Prince Raji, is a bit of a goofball. He demands she become his concubine because, you know, her hair is pretty. Shirayuki, understandably, dips out.
Escaping this less-than-charming prince, she chops off her lovely locks and runs into the woods. That's where things get interesting.
Knights in... Slightly Tarnished Armor?
Enter Zen Wistalia, another prince! He's way cooler than Raji. And he's got a couple of knights who are basically the sitcom best friends you never knew you needed: Mitsuhide Rouen and Kiki Seiran.
Mitsuhide is the focus of our attention here. Think of him as the over-enthusiastic golden retriever of the group. He is fiercely loyal to Zen, and sometimes a bit…much.
He is earnest and wants to protect everyone. His dedication to duty is only matched by his ability to create awkward situations with his sheer intensity.
The Heartwarming Protector
Mitsuhide might be a bit of a goof, but his loyalty is unwavering. He's got a huge heart and genuinely cares about Zen and later, Shirayuki.
He's the kind of friend who'd fight a dragon for you, then trip over his own feet celebrating victory. His dedication to Zen is quite touching, as he’s known Zen since childhood.
Awkward Encounters and Silent Approval
He’s also utterly oblivious to the romantic tension between Zen and Shirayuki. He always unintentionally intrudes in the most awkward moments.
Despite his lack of subtle skills, Mitsuhide does eventually see how happy Shirayuki makes Zen. He quietly approves of her presence and becomes very protective of her too.
More Than Just a Fairytale
Snow White with the Red Hair isn't just a pretty romance. It is about found family, ambition, and finding your own path.
It’s about Shirayuki carving out her own career as a court herbalist, independent of any prince's influence. She is determined to be respected for her work and she did so with the help of the people she met.
And let's be honest, it’s about enjoying the hilarious antics of a knight who’s good at fighting, but maybe not so good at…well, anything else involving social grace.
"He's like a big, lovable dork," says one fan, "and I wouldn't have it any other way!"
So, if you're looking for a fairytale with a twist, a strong heroine, and a healthy dose of knightly awkwardness, give Snow White with the Red Hair a try. You might just find yourself charmed by the earnestness of Mitsuhide and the whole gang.