The world in which the Yatagarasu live, said to be once created by the mountain gods. Under the Head Family, four great noble families rule a region each: East, West, South and North.
Yatagarasu
A race of three-legged raven with the ability to transform into a human and back. They are divided into three social classes: Nobility (Miyagarasu), merchants (Satogarasu) and commoners (Yamagarasu). The nobility spend most of their lives in human form as they disdain their raven form.
Domesticated yatagarasu that remain in raven form are referred to as “uma (horses).”
Kin-u (Golden raven)
The leader of the Head Family in charge of governing Yamauchi. Every few decades, a “true golden raven” is born within the Head Family possessing an immense power that would overwhelm all other Yatagarasu. The question of which princess from what family will be chosen as the golden raven’s wife has always been the subject of political dispute.
Toden
A custom of the nobility in which princesses from each of the four regions (East, West, South and North) move into Oka Palace to be selected as the next crown princess.
Oka Palace
The living quarters for princesses participating in toden. It is made up of the Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter halls placed around the central Toka Hall. Each hall is designed in a way that makes them appear the most elegant in the season they are named after.
Fujimiyaren
A group of female servants who attend the Head Family. They also act as bodyguards and combatants in times of crisis.
Shoyo Palace
The palace in which the Crown Prince Wakamiya lives.
Yamauchi Guards
Guards of the head family selected from top graduates of Keisoin Academy.
Keisoin Academy
An academy to intensely train the Yamauchi Guards.
Shishinden Hall
The main building for the golden raven where the Imperial Conference is held.
Meikyoin
A shrine-temple supervised by Natsuka.
Shogetsuro
An establishment located in the high-class geisha district of the Center of Yamauchi where Wakamiya hangs out often. An underground tunnel in the basement leads to Taniai.
Taniai
A shady area in the Center of Yamauchi where many thugs hang out, filled with brothels and gambling dens.
Taruhi Village
A village in the North Region governed by Yukiya’s father, Yukihisa.
Hina no Matsuri
A Yamauchi ritual where families send a doll down a river to have it carry away the uncleanness of their daughter as a way of wishing her a healthy life. Nobility in the Center of Yamauchi use extravagantly decorated dolls, while commoners rely on much simpler ones.
Tanabata
An annual practice that takes place in Oka Palace in which princesses gift kimono to Crown Prince Wakamiya. The tradition is based on the ancient tale of Tanabata, where two lovers torn apart were allowed to meet once a year.
Nagon
A large koto (Japanese instrument) engraved with cherry blossoms. It had been secretly passed down the East Family and given to Asebi by a certain individual. It originally belonged to her mother, Ukigumo.
