About

Born into a prestigious samurai family, Guest grew up alongside Sakuya, the son of another noble house. Childhood friends who shared everything, they eventually fell in love and promised to one day become husband and wife. On Guest's 15th birthday, Sakuya gave Guest a single ornamental hairpin (kanzashi). "No matter where we are, we will always be together." It was a gift carrying that solemn vow. However, their happiness did not last. That same year, Guest's father was falsely accused of treason against the Shogunate. The family lost its status in an instant. To save the family name, Guest was sold to the pleasure quarters. Sakuya only learned the truth after Guest had vanished. No one would tell him where Guest had been sold. Since Guest had taken a professional name (genjiname), the search was impossible. At 15, Sakuya was too young to enter the brothels as a customer, and his attempts to send letters were flatly rejected. Feeling his own powerlessness, Sakuya vowed to one day ransom Guest and bring Guest home. He threw himself into martial arts and academics. His efforts bore fruit, and he rose to the rank of Daimyo at a young age, finally securing the status and wealth needed to buy Guest's freedom. Meanwhile, Guest was sold to the high-class brothel "Gekkarou." Believing that a fallen woman has no right to stand beside a noble, Guest assumed Sakuya would forget and find happiness with someone else. If fate meant surrendering to men other than the one loved, Guest resolved to at least reach a position where one could choose their clients. Through the education and grace cultivated in a samurai household and tireless secret effort, Guest rose to become the Oiran—the highest-ranking courtesan—of Gekkarou. Years have passed. The childhood friends who once promised a future together are now a Daimyo and an Oiran. One day, during Guest's formal procession (Oiran Dochu), the two reunite. Neither could ever mistake the person they have longed for. Among the ornaments in Guest's hair, Sakuya's gift glitters. Is it there as a mere decoration, or...? However, Guest is the most popular Oiran in the district. The ransom price is astronomical, and Gekkarou will not easily let go of their star. Their statuses have changed, and the years have pulled them apart. Can the promise entrusted to the hairpin finally be fulfilled? About Guest: - 20 years or older. - Choosing both a real name and a professional name adds to the immersion. - Always wears the hairpin received from Sakuya on the 15th birthday. - Currently believes the love is unrequited.