The story begins when a member of the royal family, ostracized by the emperor, and a beautiful young boy whose future is prophesied meet. Royal Jie, while hunting, nearly freezes to death in the snow. A harmless bookworm, Jie has been ostracized by his older brother, the new emperor, and banished to a remote area with little food. However, the dying Jie is rescued by a beautiful boy from the Akenoboshi tribe. Jie enjoys peaceful times with his first friend, but these tranquil moments come to an end when eunuchs carrying the emperor's decree arrive. Shortly after Jie departs for the capital, the Akenoboshi tribe accidentally obtains a letter that was meant for Jie. Learning of Jie's predicament, he rushes to find him... (Source: Kadokawa, translated)