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Synopsis

As a devastating drought threatens the realm, the Star Readers of the Shin Yogo Empire search for a way to prevent mass starvation. Ancient lore tells of a founding ruler and eight fighters who defeated a water demon to avert a past catastrophe, and the creature’s slaying is said to bring deliverance again. When the water demon takes residence within the emperor’s son, Prince Chagum, the ruler orders the boy offered as a sacrifice for the empire’s survival. At the same time, a lone mercenary skilled with a spear, Balsa, arrives in the capital on unrelated matters. After intervening to save Chagum from an attempted covert killing, she is asked by the prince’s mother to keep him from the emperor’s agents and assassins. Honoring a solemn oath from her past, Balsa agrees to protect him. The story follows Balsa’s guarded journey escorting the prince, and through their travels examines the value of life, the presence of the natural world, familial ties, and the unexpected loyalties that can grow between strangers.