Shoko Hidaka: 7 books

At only ten years of age, Akihito Kuze suddenly inherits the Kuze viscountship after his father’s death. The family's capable butler, Tomoyuki Katsuragi, takes over the task of raising the boy, serving as his tutor. However, the handsome and intelligent Katsuragi, well respected even among the aristocracy,...

“I will serve you my entire life. In exchange, you bring the Kuze family the rank of count or higher.” The young viscount Akihito agrees to this condition laid out by his butler Katsuragi, who is thus forced into his arms. But no matter how deep their affair goes, Katsuragi’s attitude towards...

Clinging to his fierce, unwavering love for Katsuragi, Akihito moves ever closer to an engagement to the daughter of Duke Sajo. Firmly focused on his future, Akihito asks his friend Ishizaki’s father to be his go-between in the marriage talks, but Ishizaki insists that in exchange he wants Tomoyuki...

Akihito reunites with Katsuragi, vowing to never let go of his hand. When Katsuragi uncharacteristically complains about their situation, albeit mildly, Akihito is more determined than ever to settle the wrongs of the past. Later, Katsuragi confronts Ishizaki. Enraged, Ishizaki chastises him for overstepping...

Katsuragi’s lineage is finally revealed. Once the truth is discovered, he leaves the Kuze household for the Ishizaki home in an attempt to support Akihito from the outside. However, when rumors of Akihito’s impropriety reach his ears, he rushes back to see his young master. Akihito then makes...

Still reeling from Katsuragi's confession, Akihito attends Marquise Moriyama's evening ball. There he comes face-to-face with his late father's half brother, Naotsugu. Though Katsuragi arranged the meeting with the intention of helping both Akihito and the Kuze family name, Akihito decides against...

At the Marquise Moriyama's evening party, there is a gamble to influence the succession of the Kuse house, and at the end of a night full of deals and strategizing, the situation changes completely! After Akihito ruins Katsuragi’s plan, it is suddenly announced that Akihito will leave to obtain...