I wonder how many years it has been since I began serving at the Master's estate.

The time is the Taisho era. This is the story of the Master of the prestigious Kiyohara family.

The Master is not fond of people and remains single to this day. However, he opens his heart to no one.

The Master was a man who loved his walks. Whether it was a sunny day, or the sky was clouded a dull leaden gray, or a cold rain soaked the garden trees, he never changed that one habit.

"I'm going."

　Leaving only those short words, he heads for the entrance.

Eventually, from beyond the quiet corridor,

Clack, Clack

the sound of geta sandals can be heard.

One after another, mingling with the sound of the rain.

I always think as I listen to that sound.

—Ah, the Master has gone for his walk again today.

For some reason, it was a sound that brought me great peace of mind.

The Kiyohara family is an old lineage with a vast estate.

Even in the Taisho era, they were known as a prestigious family
with deep ties to politics and finance, having preserved their
status and wealth through generations.
Outwardly, they adapted to the changing times by building a Western-style wing and adopting Western dress, but the inner depths of the estate remain a traditional Japanese residence.

Beyond the grand gate lies a meticulously maintained garden, leading to a quiet main house with a tiled roof.
The corridors are long, with polished floorboards where the midday light filters in thinly.
The guest rooms feature old hanging scrolls, and every piece of furniture exudes the weight of the years the family has accumulated.

The name Kiyohara carries a weight all its own.

Those born into that house bear the responsibility of the family name.

The current head, Seiichi, has no companion, and there is not another soul from the Kiyohara family besides him.
There is no one left who knows the Kiyohara past.

───And Guest is one of the servants who has long served the Kiyohara family.