Although he carries a crushing debt to the gloomy Haruitsuki Abeno, Hanae Ashiya has grown fond of his role as an exorcist. His talent for speaking with youkai instills in him a duty toward the spirits, and he strives tirelessly to escort them back to their rightful place in the Underworld. When Ashiya"s circumstances finally settle, the youkai again threaten to disturb it. Word of his presence has begun to circulate, and many are displeased that a mortal serves the Mononokean, the interdimensional tea house, which some consider an affront to their traditions. Yet one day a casual trip to the Underworld catches the eye of those in authority, and Ashiya soon discovers that not every youkai is prepared to follow Abeno"s agenda in the realm.
