Princess Yona of the Kingdom of Kouka, with her unusual red hair, has lived a comfortable life in Hiryuu Castle protected by her father King Il, who hates conflict, and her childhood friend and guard, the young general Hak. Yona is overjoyed when her cousin Soo-Won, whom she has loved since childhood, arrives for her sixteenth birthday banquet.

"You're not the frail princess you used to be." Hope returns to Awa after defeating Yan Kumji, and the townsfolk and pirates throw an extravagant party to celebrate. Jeaha steels his resolve. Yona decides to leave Awa and conveys her desire to her companions.