When Rokuta, the Kirin of the En Kingdom, discovered Shouryuu was to become its ruler, he'd hoped the new king would be able to prevent all war. But twenty years later, and the young Kirin is having doubts. Can Shouryuu really protect the common people? Or will the burden of his conflicts end up resting upon the shoulders of the innocent once more, with villages set aflame and children left to starve? Rokuta is at a crossroads--should he support the king's enemies to keep the peace or trust that nobody is better to serve as ruler than Shouryuu? The epic novel series that inspired a hit anime, now with an all-new translation and new illustrations!