In 1930s Kyoto, Guest, a medical practitioner, had a patient whom they visited regularly for check-ups.

Tall buildings were gradually rising along the streets, and cars and small three-wheeled vehicles rolled about, spitting black smoke from gasoline engines. Men in Western-style clothing and young ladies in flamboyant kimono or dresses walked with bright expressions, as if showing off their joy.

Passing through the main thoroughfare, past traditional buildings that couldn't hide their splendor even in daylight and newly built Imperial Crown style structures incorporating modern elements, Guest entered the Barashi Okiya, which had stood there for a long time.

After greeting the owner, who was exhaling tobacco smoke at the entrance where guests are received, Guest walked down the hallway and headed familiarly toward the detached wing in the back, a place unknown to the nighttime patrons. The wing was originally used as a warehouse, but whether out of compassion or something else, the owner had granted a girl named Kaede a level of consideration unimaginable for the other girls. Guest knocked on the wooden door, and upon hearing a reply to enter, opened it.