The rain that greets the cherry blossoms moistened my cheeks
as the spring finally awoke,
and before I knew it, I was beneath the summer sun,
bathed in a gentle and balmy breeze.
However, with autumn comes a dark and chilly dusk.
On a starry night, rain begins falling over the cherry blossoms again.
Miyo…
I'm sorry.
I love you.
Mr. Kudo appeared in your dream?
Yes. Is my supernatural ability taking over again?
No, I don't believe so.
If that were indeed the case,
then Mr. Kudo would've come dashing into your room at once.
Right, Mr. Kudo?
Yes, there was no indication of anything odd.
Though addressing matters of Dream-Sight ability is your area,
Arata Usuba.
I see that you're as unfriendly as ever.
Has your perturbance at my being here continued?
Having breakfast together wasn't part of the agreement.
Uh, excuse me? Both of you…
Oh, Miyo. It has not been very long since your power became unsealed.
I plan to support you until it's been completely awakened, so rest assured.
Yes.
For those with abilities,
separating ability from self is impossible.
As you fortify your training, the meaning of your dreams may become more clear.
The meaning behind my dreams was never something I had considered.
But…
I am the only person in the world with the Dream-Sight ability.
How nice that you found something you like.
Yes.
Thank you so much for coming along with me…
Sister.
I know you'll look so lovely once you try it on, Miyo.
Right, Kiyoka?
Yes.
Why bother pretending to be stoic?
We all know your eyes were absolutely goggling
when she was trying it on in the shop.
Don't say such things.
To begin with, you've inconvenienced me and Miyo
by having us tag along with you on your endless shopping.
How rude of you.
I believe you were the one who was so worried about Miyo
that you insisted on coming.
What?
You should be thanking me, because…
I have a feeling that someone is watching me.
You're Miyo Saimori, aren't you?
Uh…
Uh, I-- Are you--
My stars. Meeting you is something I've been looking forward to,
so I simply couldn't wait for the wedding.
Oh! Uh, what--
Are-- are you all right, sir?
He reminds me of someone. But who?
- What are you doing here? - Huh?
I dare say the Imperial Capital has continued to flourish.
I feared that I might lose my way.
I beg you to be on your best behavior.
Good grief.
My goodness. And what brings you here?
Do you know this man?
If only it were just that.
This man with the sallow complexion is none other than our father
and former head of the family, Tadakiyo Kudo.
Wha-- Huh?
It's nice to meet you. I'm Tadakiyo Kudo.
Oh! It's nice to meet you.
I am Miyo Saimori.
My goodness.
To think that a kind girl like you is set to become my daughter-in-law!
I can't help but feel that I've been blessed.
- Hmm? - Why are you here in the Imperial Capital?
I, of course, came to extend an invitation to the both of you
to visit the Kudo villa, where I live with my wife.
Huh?
This person is Lord Kudo's father…
the one who proposed our marriage to the Saimoris.
Miyo, how I would've liked to meet you so much earlier.
But Kiyoka simply would not do us the honor of bringing you.
I still refuse.
Lord Kudo?
Is that truly why you came all this way?
Yes. There is also something I would like to ask of you.
My answer is no.
Uh-uh-uh. Please let me finish.
There have been some Grotesquerie disturbances near our house as of late.
The special unit could likely handle it,
but something caught my attention, and I'd like you to look into it.
You're a retired man now. You don't have the authority for that.
Gosh, you're just as cold as ice, aren't you?
Having a husband like that must be tough, Miyo.
Oh, no. Lord Kudo is always very--
Lord Kudo is kind to me.
Lucky you, then.
Huh?
- What? - What is it, Lord Kudo?
You already knew about this.
Lord Kudo?
Circumstances have changed. I'll do the investigation.
It's a request from Prince Takaihito himself.
What? How could he?
How could he request this of you when you've long been retired, Father?
No, darling. Kiyoka will be tending to this matter on my behalf.
So, Miyo, would you like to come?
Would it be all right for me to go and visit?
Yes. I'd like you to come.
I expect the investigation will take a few days.
I think that being away will be better than sitting at home.
Thank you so much.
Try to relax, Miyo.
Oh, yes, I will.
If only it were that easy.
Before I met Lord Kudo, I had never left the house.
The members of the Kudo family may get angry
when they realize such an ignorant girl is to marry into their bloodline.
When they learn that I didn't even go to girls' school,
will they be disappointed?
Oh, come, hold your head high.
All the hard work you've put in will definitely show.
Kudo, you'll head directly to the site.
- Is it a demon? - Yes.
However, there have been sightings of similar demons
in a number of locations around the Imperial Capital.
A demon is a type of Grotesquerie, isn't it?
For those without the Spirit-Sight ability,
is there any possibility of them seeing the same Grotesquerie?
It is almost impossible for people living in different locations
to see any demons with the same form.
The goal of our current mission is to investigate that anomaly.
None of the incidents reported are very noteworthy,
but if Prince Takaihito requested me personally, then that means…
Yes.
He has decided to involve you, given what may happen in the future.
There's also talk of a suspicious outsider roaming the area.
I'll plan to investigate whether there's any connection between them.
Hello, welcome, Master Scion and Young Mistress.
"Y-- Young Mistress"?
How long it has been, Sasaki.
It has been quite a while since I've seen you.
Well, you have certainly grown into a fine young man.
Miyo, this is Sasaki. He's long served the Kudos.
He is the head of staff and our butler.
Ah! My name is Miyo Saimori.
Yes, it's a pleasure.
The car is right this way. I shall escort you to the residence.
Please, be at home.
Welcome, Master Sion and the Young Mistress.
My stars, you made it safe and sound!
Thank you for coming all this way.
We came all this way, but that person is nowhere to be found. Unsurprising.
What can I say? She's but a shrinking violet.
Honey! Kiyoka and Miyo are here.
Oh, sugar pie, my cookie! Apple of my eye! The cutest Fuyu!
I will never play along with that saccharine drivel of yours.
How many times must I tell you?
Oh, Kiyoka. You've neglected to visit for quite some time.
You never even visited during New Year's or Obon.
Such a cold and unfeeling son you are.
Because I feel no peace anytime I see your face.
Gracious! Aren't we feeling rebellious today?
The head of the Kudo family should know how to properly hold his tongue.
Oh…
Excuse me!
It's nice to meet you. My name is Miyo Saimori.
How long do you intend to stay that way?
- I am terribly sorry. - I didn't ask for an apology.
Oh, I'm sorr--
Yes, of course.
Kiyoka, care to explain who this shabby attendant with you is?
Huh?
From which farm did she originate?
If her looks were any more plain, she'd be invisible.
If you, as the head of the Kudos, put such an unsightly woman by your side,
your character is going to be questioned.
Now, where is this fiancée I'm supposed to greet?
I don't seem to remember calling for this filthy servant.
- Easy, now. - I dare you to say that again.
Oh, dear. Did you not hear me?
I was speaking of that ugly woman who is standing next to you--
How vulgar. Using your ability due to your frivolous emotions.
I do not believe that I raised you to act like that.
Don't be ridiculous.
I have never once looked to you as my mother. It's laughable!
Lord Kudo, I'm all right, so please don't worry.
And what are you doing?
Please do refrain from touching my son so freely.
Did you really think a lowborn daughter like you
could marry the head of the Kudo family?
That is enough!
Now, now, both of you.
Aren't we all gathered here to welcome our lovely guest? Hmm?
- I'm sorry, Miyo. - Huh?
Let's go.
The next time you say anything to Miyo, I'll kill you.
Oh! Lord Kudo!
I am deeply sorry for this horrible experience.
Lord Kudo…
I should've known.
That is simply the kind of person she is.
No, Lord Kudo, I'm really all right.
Lord Kudo…
If I'm able to get his mother to accept me,
then maybe…
After a short rest,
let's go out for a walk.
As I gather information, I'll show you around.
Okay.
When I told Prince Takaihito that I was bringing you here,
he was very pleased.
P-- Prince Takaihito?
I don't know if it was as someone gifted with Divine Revelation
or as an old friend, but he told me--
he said that this trip was one we both needed.
A trip we both needed.
Well, come in.
- Do you like it? - Huh?
I do. All of these here are awfully cute.
It's the most popular souvenir we have from this area.
The farmers who work in the fields make these by hand
using thinned wood in the wintertime.
How lovely.
Do you want one?
Oh, uh, no, um…
Goodness! Are you not going to buy one?
Huh? Well, I don't-- I don't think that, um--
You can buy as many as you'd like.
- Huh? - Well said, thank you!
I'd also like this sake barrel.
Please have it delivered to the Kudo mansion.
Oh! You must be their son.
All the way here from the Imperial Capital.
Yes, ma'am.
There have been some disturbing rumors circulating recently,
so please take care on your way back.
Rumors? Of what?
Some say that they saw demons when they went out logging.
Others have said they saw someone suspicious
entering a rundown shack on the outskirts of town.
A rundown shack, she said.
Thank you, ma'am. We'll be cautious.
Did you enjoy our walk?
Yes, very much.
This really is a wonderful place.
I am very sorry for my mother earlier.
If you encounter her again, you may not walk away unscathed.
I'm all right, Lord Kudo.
I, well…
Um…
- Truly, I'm not simply tolerating things. - Miyo?
The past is something I cannot change.
I know that, but…
I wanna have a good bond with your mother.
That's why, Lord Kudo…
could I please ask you to watch over me for a little while?
Will you trust me?
How could I say no?
Understood. We'll try to do things your way, Miyo.
Ah! Oh, thank you very much.
Lord Kudo is the one who showed me what the warmth of a family is.
And that's why I won't give up,
no matter what.
Please, I invite you to rest in your room until dinner is ready.
Nae, should we expect her to dine with us this evening as well?
No, Sion. The Mistress informed me
that she does not plan to leave her quarters tonight.
I suppose that means we won't be having dinner together.
No matter.
We'll have a much calmer dining experience without her.
Well, then, I'll call you once everything is ready.
All right.
There's only one bed…
Am I going to sleep in the same bed with Lord Kudo?
I mean, it's not as if I don't want to sleep together with him…
I-- I'm just not mentally prepared!
What am I even thinking about right now?
Uh, Miyo?
Um, uh, L-- Lord Kudo!
You shrieked. Are you okay?
Um, well, it's the-- the bed.
Oh. I suppose my father or Sasaki was trying to be considerate of us.
Well, we can just sleep normally, then, can't we?
Wha-- But-- Normally?
Ah, yes, of course.
I will ask them to prepare another bed.
Your Highness.
Usuba is here.
Pardon my sudden call.
Please, tell me, is everyone in the Usuba family well?
Yes. The house rules have been abolished, as you had instructed,
and everyone is working toward building a new Usuba for the future.
I see. I'm expecting many great things from you.
As the new family head, you have Usuba's future in your hands.
- Yes. - However, Arata,
this future I speak of is not yet in any way stabilized.
Prepare yourself…
…for there is much to come.
The capital will soon be shaken by the blood of Usaba.
Everything rests upon Miyo, the Dream-Sight maiden,
and you, the ones who support her.
Your Highness, what do you mean?
I'd like to entrust you with the future.
To be candid, even I do not yet know what is to come.
In your worry, may I rely on you?
You were the salvation of the Usuba family, Prince Takaihito.
May this humble servant be your sword.
Then I must consign you with an urgent mission.
A calamity approaches.