Eight days. No outside influence. And the fate of a nation, hanging in the balance. Hibikitsu, the young Rimbakan emperor, has reason to rejoice-the recent mystical threat has been defeated. His people still stagnate, however, using the Relicant Touch to tap the skills of their ancestors rather than developing talents themselves. To overcome this, he declares a Saisaihyu, an eight-day period of purification-during which, no aishone may be used. Hibikitsu hopes this will wean his people off the relic bones. But Kohori and Shizumi, as captain of his household guard and commander of his elite troops, fear their enemies could exploit this vulnerability.

Meanwhile, Kagiri and Noniki are discovering the challenge of settling into their new roles. Seikoku is trying to determine where she stands-and facing strange new dangers. New councilors Takami, Futoba, and Kishin Narai work to learn their roles and cement their authority. And the beautiful but deadly Chimehara decides to finally put her plans in motion.