Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin (天穂のサクナヒメ)

OF RICE AND RUIN

I cannot write.

I knew Koushi Oborozuki could do it. They're a real genius.

Why are you laughing?

No reason.

Anyway, has Koushi Oborozuki put out a new book?

Unfortunately, I've been busy with my duties...

Duties?

I-I mean, I'm sure the author Koushi Oborozuki is busy as well.

I see. I'd love to meet them.

I am the one and only Koushi Oborozuki.

I took up the pen once more because it's what Sakuna wants, but...

I can't write anything at all.

SHIKI ZOUSHI

Would it be better to write based on my experiences, like this Shiki Zoushi?

UKETAMA

If I'm to write something based on my experiences that Sakuna would enjoy,

then...

Lady Uketama!

Please, don't push.

Don't push.

That's...

No need to rush. I won't run away.

How did you write a book as marvelous as Shiki Zoushi?

Oh, I didn't do anything special.

I simply wrote what I perceived with my own eyes and ears.

Yes, the key is experiencing things for oneself.

It allows one to write the truth,

unlike stories that are the product of imagination.

You're familiar with The Unrequited Love Story, aren't you?

That story is pure fantasy.

It's nothing like my own works.

Oh, you're not familiar with it?

You should compare our works.

KOKOROWA’S RICE-FARMING DIARY PART ONE

Sakuna is looking forward to more works from me. I must write something.

But I can't publish anything as sloppy as Koushi Oborozuki...

Kokorowa! Kokorowa!

Kokorowa!

S-Sakuna and Tama.

I've been calling you.

Lady Kokorowa, you seem rather tired.

N-Not at all. Anyway, you've returned to the capital?

Indeed. I was on my way to your place.

I even brought you a gift. Look.

You have my gratitude.

What is that, Sakuna?

I came to purchase Koushi's new book, but it's not out yet.

These were on display, so I bought a copy.

What?

It's a journal called Shiki Zoushi.

I've only read the beginning, but it's interesting.

I must experience it for myself after all...

What's that?

Sakuna, I have a request.

Why so formal?

May I help you grow rice this spring?

Really? But you must be busy.

I'd like to experience everything, from planting to harvest.

I see.

I don't think you should.

What?

You've never performed farm work before. You can't do it alone.

Just let us handle it.

Anyway, let's go to your place.

These pickles are exquisite.

What's wrong?

You, too?

You don't think I can do it either?

Kokorowa? Why are you so upset?

I'm not upset.

You're definitely upset.

I am not upset!

I've made my decision.

I will grow rice on Hinoe Island.

I'll do everything from harvesting to planting—no, to tilling.

Tilling? But you can't.

You have work to do in the capital.

There you go again, telling me I can't.

It's just growing rice! I can handle it!

"Just"?

Growing rice is far more difficult than you imagine.

Even I struggled at first.

I couldn't harvest any rice. I still struggle sometimes.

Don't underestimate it.

I'm not.

I just want to prove I can do it, too.

Why don't you both calm down?

Fine.

What?

I won't say another word. Do as you please.

Your Highness.

Oh, I will.

I will.

Kokorowa?

Kokorowa!

What are you...?

Forgive me for not notifying you in advance.

I came to fulfill my promise.

About growing rice?

Yes.

I shall prove I can successfully grow rice by myself.

Anyway, could I borrow a field you're not using?

Your situation seems rather complicated, Lady Kokorowa,

but we'll do everything we can to help.

Thank you, Tauemon.

And you, Sakuna.

Uh, sure.

You can use one of the unused fields here.

Haven't you begun work on this one?

Uh...

I'd prefer a field that's had less work performed on it.

Then perhaps an abandoned field would be better.

I'm not sure that I've seen one around here.

In that case...

Oh, Ashigumo.

There should be an abandoned field east of here.

It's rather neglected, though.

Oh?

Lady Sakuna and Lady Kokorowa, take a look.

This is it, huh?

Looks like it hasn't been used in a while.

There's even a stream.

You'll be able to irrigate it right away.

It's cold.

It's not perfect, but the soil seems fertile.

It should make an adequate field.

Lady Sakuna!

This shed has all the equipment she'll need.

With a little dusting, it should be usable.

I'm worried about weeds, though.

They've taken root, so it won't be easy to prepare the field.

Sakuna, may I use this shed and abandoned field?

Kokorowa, have you been listening?

That's why I want to use this field.

It'll be worth the effort.

But how are you going to remove all this wilted grass?

Don't worry about that.

What are these?

They're only prototypes,

but when equipped with farming tools, they can till, plow, and irrigate.

You've made something rather convenient again.

I wish we had one of our own.