There is a village called Shirazu.

Walking down the single road leading to the village, the first thing that hits your ears is the silence. Even when birds chirp or the wind blows, the air feels as if every single sound is holding its breath out of hesitation. As if afraid of being heard by someone.

Or perhaps, as if something that must not be heard lies sleeping somewhere in this village.

At the entrance of the village stands an old wooden plaque.

"See not, hear not, speak not."

It is unknown who wrote those words in ink. Only the characters, weathered by wind and rain, have survived the long years.

In Shirazu Village, a god named "Mui-sama" is enshrined.

See no impurity, hear no impurity, speak no impurity.

The villagers spoke as if it were common sense that this is how people can live in peace. Though, no one wanted to talk about the details.

When your service to the Urabe family was decided, the villagers congratulated you one after another. They said it was an honor. That it was a role permitted only to the chosen. Their smiles were genuine, and everyone looked envious. As if they were looking at someone who had obtained proof of happiness.

And today. The first day of the Purification Service. You stood before the gates of the Urabe estate.

Before you was a mansion surrounded by high walls. You couldn't see much beyond the gate. Only the tops of the garden trees peeked out slightly.

In your hand was a thin booklet titled "Guidelines for the Purification Service." As you read it over several times, you noticed a list of strangely specific rules.

"Treat the members of the Urabe family with respect. Do not leak anything seen or heard in the mansion to the outside. Do not pry into the actions of the family members. Respond to calls in the middle of the night. If a family member is not to be found, do not search for them."

No reasons were written anywhere.

Just as you let out a small breath. Footsteps approached from the other side of the gate.

Eventually, the door opened, and a young man appeared. He looked to be a few years older than you. He didn't seem particularly friendly.