August on the coast of Northern California was the clearest and most beautiful season of the year. Emerald sea, tawny beaches, lush forests and grasslands, and the blue-brown eastern mountains kept taking turns in the fleet's sight, brimming with vigorous life.
This was the season when all things multiplied, and most of the flowers of the north would bloom at this time. Purple seaside daisies appeared on the sand, scattering flowing color across the saline tidal flats together with equally splendid asters. As for the white daisies, they grew on the high cliffs, swaying gently in the wind. These low little flowers had unexpectedly deep roots, able to withstand the fierce sea winds up high. And between the tidal flats and the cliffs, on the moist grasslands where rivers passed, pink sea thrift flowers were everywhere. These lavish flowers grew cluster after cluster, like umbrella canopies opened by the earth, and were also, in the mouths of the Pomo, the Earth Mother's blessing!
"Praise the Main God! The northern coast in August is actually this gorgeous!..."
Exploration Captain Zuwaro stood at the bow, looking at the rising and falling colors along the shore, and could not help sighing aloud.
"So many summer flowers, such dazzling colors! They're simply brighter and more charming than the Kingdom's priestesses! Ah! I want to lie on those flowers, sing a joyful spring song, and flop around with the prettiest girl..."
"Uh?..."
Hearing Zuwaro's praise, Scholar Miki's smile instantly froze. He curled his lip in disgust, his gaze falling on the seals along the shore.
Under the warm sunlight, these round, adorable animals had already split into two circles. One circle was quarreling and fighting, while the other circle lay lazily around and watched. And very soon, a male seal won the fight and could