Born in then Edo Period of Japan, Akai was the son of a wealthy lord who bought his own kingdom and army of mercenaries. Labeled the Red Kingdom for its use of flames as part of their war strategies, the armies of the family sought and conquered large parts of land to grow their kingdom. However their luck was soon to run dry.

     Akai was chosen by the gods to be the harbinger of a fire demon known as Nikushimi, the avatar of hatred. During the night they planted the demon into his soul and in an instant, the family estate lit in flames as the demon was let loose. Nearly half of the kingdom was destroyed in the demons rampage. In a noble sacrifice, Akai's father used their family sword to seal the demon back into his sons body at the cost of his own life.

    Wrecked with grief at his actions, Akai was given the mantle of lord after his mother left the kingdom. Due to the curse Akai had grown into adulthood much earlier than expected. Even with his actions he gained the respect of his people and army due to his trade deals and alliances with other kingdoms.

     But Akai suffered at the hands of the demon inside. It gnawed at him, begging for him to release it unto the world. Akai refused and felt the piercing burns the demon inflicted onto his soul. He would've fallen to temptation if it wasn't for his lover, Yasashi. She soothed his hatred for himself, gave him his reason to live and tied down his humanity.

    Years pass and the royal prince is soon to be born. What shall come of the family? Of Akai and the demon?