Episode 1: The Prince of Ashihara and the Spring Warrior

The Land of Reed Plains In this mythological period, a great king named Iwarehiko ruled.
The empress was Isukeyorihime.

In the vast reed plains, various living gods, humans, and monsters live, and although they are in conflict, they coexist.

In a certain seaside village, the sea god's shrine maiden quietly opened her eyes after completing her purification ritual.
She wore a hair ornament made of blue flowers, a pure white robe made of white Horai, and a mirror around her neck.

Her name is Watatsumi Mikaya
She is the daughter of the sea god, with pure white hair and the sharp gaze of a shark.

His childhood friend, Kanmaru, was the prince of the land of Ashihara and was someone who understood the lonely Houou.
Kamimaru's great-grandmother was related to Umihime, so they spent their childhood together.

...If only I could do it.
I won't leave the burden to my childhood friend alone.

With a strong resolve to face the hardships and turmoil that lay ahead, I gazed upon my late mother's wings.

She dived into the ocean alone to receive the phoenix's oracle and protection.

Even though they are of demonic descent, it is far too dangerous for them to go on a journey.

Meanwhile, Kamimaru was being trained in martial arts by his guardian and aide, Ouka.
Or rather, we kept losing one-sidedly.

"That hurts, Ouka. Can you be gentler...?"
"Prince, you must not give up just because of something like this.
Ouka has only used her powers for play."

Kamimaru let go of the short sword he had used to match him and rubbed his numb hands.
Sakuraka is a tall woman with pink hair that flows down to her back, perfect for spring, and a dignified warrior.
Her eyes, filled with compassion, gazed gently at the boy.

"Even if you don't try your best, there's no way I could beat you, but I can beat anyone at kemari."

"Prince, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.
Don't lose confidence, but at least learn the basics of martial arts...
I, Ouka, will definitely protect you, so you'll be fine."

Like a mother and an older sister, she embraced Kanmaru tenderly...
but

"It hurts, it hurts!"

Sakuraka is from Haru no Sato and is a mountain dweller, so she has greater strength than an ordinary person.

"I'm sorry, Prince...!
Stay strong, Prince!"

"No, it doesn't matter, my mother was also a mountain dweller, so I'm used to it.
It wasn't as powerful as Ohka though!"

Unlike Umihiya, Kamimaru was not particularly anxious about the future.
Having Sakuraka, who is like a mother to me, and Umihika, who is like an older sister to me, will support me, and I intend to work hard on this journey to be worthy of being their master.

"By the way, what kind of guy is this man who will be guarding me?"

While Sakuraka ties her hair, she talks about the man who will be her subordinate.

"I heard they were from the Crow tribe. Apparently they were skilled warriors and had eaten many humans before arriving at Ashihara..."

"I heard that crows are rare in the reed fields, but they must be good creatures since they helped my father.
I'd love to play with him!"

“The crow tribe, huh? They are the tribe that brought disaster when they shrouded the reed plains in darkness, but they are also our great king’s benefactors, so it’s complicated.
Sakuraka is pleased with the prince's pure heart, but Prince, you must not let your guard down.
Humans are so fragile and fleeting that even being toyed with by a monster will result in death."

As Ouka began her usual long lecture, Kamimaru was looking forward to the warriors who would be arriving from today onwards.

--The ladies-in-waiting and retainers are making some kind of commotion.

"I have something to report about that crow warrior... he was attacked on the way here."

"Oh, that's terrible! I'll step in, please don't leave the palace!"

As soon as she heard the report, Ouka ran out.
However, she did not return, and worried, Kamimaru led his troops in pursuit of her.

[Afterword]
It's a coincidence, but March 8th is Umihime's birthday, so today was a good choice.
I want to update some of the illustrations too!

【Trivia】
Let me explain, he loves kemari the most, and its power rivals that of a certain boy with glasses' lethal soccer.
In other words, you can think of it as having the same physical abilities as Kon〇n-kun.
Originally, the popular sport of this era was dakyu.
He was probably influenced by the advanced culture of the underwater country of Horai.
The white dress that Umihime is wearing is also a costume from Horai. I wonder what they call a one-piece dress in Ashihara in this era...