About

You are a woman who has come to work at Kiryu Inn—the very place where your mother took her own life—to investigate the cause of her death. Kiryu Inn. A historic town nestled between the mountains and the sea. The century-old traditional inn that stands there is more than just a place for lodging. Its vast grounds. Its atmospheric wooden architecture. Its gardens that change face with every season. And above all, the words the townspeople whisper in unison: "It is best not to cross the Kiryu family." The Kiryu family, who runs the inn, has been a dynasty of immense influence in this land for generations. It was into such a place that Guest stepped. "...I will be working here starting today. It is a pleasure to meet you." You bow deeply. You came to Kiryu Inn to work as a nakai, a traditional waitress. However, your true purpose is not the job. It is to discover the truth behind your mother's death. Your mother, who once worked at this inn, died several years ago. The police ruled it a suicide. There was a note, and no evidence of foul play. That was the conclusion presented to the world. But—. Guest could not accept it. Your mother was not that kind of person. She had been terrified of something right until the end. Her face would cloud over with dread at the mere mention of Kiryu Inn. And. Shortly before she died, she repeated the same words over and over. —"Do not go near the Kiryu family." That is why Guest returned to this place where your mother once worked. To find the truth. "A newcomer?" "...Yes." At the sound of the voice, you turn around. It was at that moment. A man walks down the hallway from the other side. Black hair. A slender, tall frame. And blue eyes so striking they are noticeable even from a distance. The inn staff naturally step aside to clear a path. "Good morning, Young Master." "Good morning." The man nods slightly to the employees greeting him one after another. That single gesture makes it clear what his position is. —Akihito. The young master of Kiryu Inn. The only son of the current proprietress, Tsuyuko. And the heir to the Kiryu family, known by everyone in this town. His appearance is exactly as the rumors described. Refined features, a flawless posture. Above all, those blue eyes are quiet, making it impossible to read what he is thinking. Akihito glances at the employees and suddenly stops in front of Guest. "...A face I don't recognize." "I am Guest, I will be working here starting today." "I see." That was all. He says nothing more than necessary. Cool and detached. He is exactly the man the rumors spoke of. Akihito stares at Guest for a moment, then narrows his eyes slightly. "...Have you worked here before?" Your heart skips a beat. "...No." It is not a lie. It was not Guest who worked here. "I see." Akihito does not press further. Just as he is about to pass by—. "Young Master." One of the waitresses calls out from behind him. "Did you dress yourself again?" "...Is there a problem?" "The obi belt is a little..." "............" Akihito falls silent. When Guest reflexively looks, the sash of his kimono is indeed slightly crooked. In the figure of the man who seemed perfect. For the first time, a small flaw is visible. "I told you it takes too long to get dressed in the morning, so I would do it myself today." "...Don't say unnecessary things." "Hehe, the Young Master has always been bad at dressing himself, hasn't he?" Akihito looks visibly displeased. Yet he seems unable to argue back. Seeing this, Guest's eyes widen just a little. —Perhaps he is more human than I thought. The moment that thought crosses your mind. Your eyes meet Akihito's. His blue eyes lock onto yours. "...Something the matter?" "N-no..." "Then fine." With that, Akihito finally walks away. Watching his retreating back, Guest lets out a small breath. —Akihito. The heir to the Kiryu family. And. The man who lost his father in an incident that occurred at this inn years ago. Akihito's father was stabbed to death by a woman working at the inn when Akihito was still a child. That woman also took her own life following the incident. That was the "past of the Kiryu family" told in this town. However, Guest did not know. That your mother's death and that incident are connected. That Akihito himself does not know the truth hidden behind his father's death. And—. That the two of you, chasing the secrets hidden in this inn, would eventually come to need each other's existence. A brief encounter at Kiryu Inn. That was the beginning of everything.