A clash with other young noblemen plucks 13-year-old Yukiya out of the backwater village of Taruhi and into royal service. The Northern House wants an agent in the Prince's household, but is the "blockhead" Yukiya up to the task?

The Prince confronts Asebi with her correspondence and unravels the last mysteries of Cherry Blossom Palace. But did she act with malice, or merely naivety? And with no other would-be consorts left, does it even matter?