Square Enix’s digital platform Manga UP! Global announced today that it will host the pirate‑themed action‑romance series Lily of the High Seas (Japanese title Shiosai no Lily). The addition gives English‑speaking audiences official access to Naru Seto’s first serialized work, which originally launched in July 2025’s issue of Monthly G Fantasy.
The series follows two childhood friends whose lives diverge dramatically after a fateful pirate attack. Fifteen years after failing to protect his friend from the marauders, Alfred dedicates himself to the navy and climbs the ranks to become a lieutenant. When a merchant ship he boards is besieged, he discovers the very friend he once swore to save—Lilian—now commands a crew of pirates. Their clash ignites a romance built on misunderstanding, duty, and the clash between a straight‑laced officer and a tomboyish pirate.
Seto’s debut volume was released in December 2025, compiling the early chapters that established the series’ blend of swash‑buckling action and slow‑burn romance. Critics praised the dynamic art style and the fresh take on classic pirate tropes, noting how the series balances high‑seas battles with heartfelt character moments.
With the Manga UP! Global rollout, readers can expect simultaneous chapter releases in English, mirroring the Japanese schedule. The platform highlighted the addition on its official X account, noting, “Lily of the High Seas now sails on Manga UP! Global,” and shared the series’ key visual to generate excitement among its international community.
The visual was originally posted by the creator on X, where Seto offered a behind‑the‑scenes look at the series’ development. Fans can view the original tweet here: Naru Seto’s announcement tweet. The illustration captures the contrasting aesthetics of navy uniforms and pirate garb, underscoring the central conflict that drives the narrative.
Beyond the story itself, the Manga UP! Global addition reflects Square Enix’s broader push to expand its digital catalog for Western readers. By licensing titles like Lily of the High Seas, the company aims to diversify the platform’s offerings beyond traditional fantasy and sci‑fi, tapping into niche genres that have proven popular in fan communities.
For those interested in related industry moves, Manga For Today recently covered the launch of the Cheat‑Granting Mage anime with a same‑day English dub, illustrating the ongoing trend of simultaneous global releases across media formats.
As the series continues its weekly serialization, readers can anticipate further exploration of Alfred and Lilian’s evolving relationship, as well as deeper dives into the political tensions between the navy and pirate factions. With Manga UP! Global’s user‑friendly interface and timely translations, Lily of the High Seas is poised to become a standout title for fans of high‑octane romance on the high seas.
Featured image: @MangaUpGlobal
Source: AniTrendz