Konoe (コノエ) is the series' protagonist. He's from the village of Karou, where he lived alone after his parents' death.
Appearance[]
Konoe's full body reference from Lamento White Notes
Konoe is a young and small cat, and of relatively short stature, something remarked upon often by the rest of the characters—devils and cats alike. Konoe has medium-length, light blonde hair with green (occasionally red) undertones and brownish-orange eyes. Though he would generally be considered average height in reality, he is petite in comparison to the larger cat breeds seen throughout the story and is mocked for it.
His tail and ears have two variations of coloring over the course of the game. His original fur color is white tipped in light brown. Konoe has a consistent hatred and insecurity for his crooked tail and gets openly furious when its nature is commented on. However, in their routes, Rai, Asato, and Bardo compliment his tail and tell him that they like it.
Personality[]
Konoe may appear to be a loner, living alone in a house in the forest, but he actually enjoys the company of those he knows and is quite open with them. Despite this, he remains introverted and struggles to form new relationships. He has the common sense to recognize when killing is necessary, but he deeply despises any form of cruelty.
Confident in himself, Konoe refuses to tolerate harassment. However, he has two main insecurities: his crooked tail and his terrible sense of direction. Beyond that, he believes that his anger, sadness, and loneliness can be transformed into a driving force to move him forward.
He is particularly sensitive about his fear of fire and goes to great lengths to keep it hidden. As an orphan, Konoe was shunned by his village, which led him to harbor resentment toward its inhabitants. He now avoids most interactions with the other cats who live there.
Kind-hearted yet somewhat naive, Konoe is empathetic to a self-destructive extent. His sheltered life in Karou, combined with his young age, has left him ignorant of many aspects of the outside world.
Relationships[]
Bardo[]
Bardo often teases Konoe from time to time; however, Konoe calls him an old man, idiot, and other names whenever he gets flustered by him. By his near end, he tells him that he hates him, yet he feels something deep inside whenever he’s around him.
Rai[]
It’s shown that their relationship is the most popular and well-known pairing in the game. Rai hides his feelings towards Konoe throughout his route. Eventually he shows him his true feelings towards Konoe. Even telling him that if he’s not himself, Konoe must stab him in the heart. Rai even lets Konoe pet his tail after they go back to Karou.
Asato []
Asato is in love with Konoe. At first he saw him as an intruder to Kira, but then Konoe told him his fur was pretty, which no one had ever said to him. Later he is shown to be very shy towards Konoe. In his route, Konoe tells him that even if Asato turns into a monster, nothing will change the way he sees him.
Trivia[]
- It's unknown what kind of cat he is based off of; it's only said he is a "milk tea color."
- Konoe has a poor sense of direction. This is shown multiple times, even in the Drama CDs.
- It's seen from time to time that Konoe’s behavior is extremely catlike. It's shown when he tries to pounce at a mouse during the festival. This is probably because of his instinct.
- Even though his age is never confirmed, it’s hinted that he’s 18.
- Konoe is scared of fire.
- Whenever a love interest comments on his tail and its hook, he gets extremely embarrassed about it and denies them.
- Konoe played the role of Snow White in the Gakuen AU drama CD.
- Konoe is the only Nitro+CHiRAL protagonist that can sing. Lamento is also, so far, the only one that has had a musical adaptation.
- Konoe’s favorite fruits are kuims, a fruit that is seen in most official art pieces.
- He lived off fruit and nuts back at his life in Karou.
- Even though he looks extremely similar to Leaks, Shui says Konoe looks just like his mother.
- Konoe doesn’t know how to write. This is shown multiple times.