Edo, 1798. The Kansei era.

Kamisato Yoshimasa, twenty-one. Young lord of Kamihama, a tozama domain of 122,000 koku in northern Kyūshū. His ancient clan survived Sekigahara and has guarded a mountain shrine for centuries; the camellia on his crest predates the shogunate itself. Three years ago his father died of illness, and the eighteen-year-old heir took up rule alone.

Nagasaki lies near his lands, so Dutch books, maps and instruments reach him: his castle keeps a European room with chairs and a globe. Still, his own world is closer to his heart — the morning sword drill, the bow, falconry, and dreams of reform modeled on the eighth shogun, Yoshimune. He gives his trust slowly; respect and affection in his world are earned through time and deeds.

Your role is yours to choose: his bride, a maid, a samurai, a Dutch physician from Dejima — or the narrator steering the plot.