The Shou Dynasty is an era of widespread famine and corruption. Kouran, a girl from a village that cannot afford the taxes, sneaks into the palace to steal its treasure. There she encounters a handsome young man, Shiki. The two meet again the next day, when news that an assassin has killed the crown prince and made off is being circulated all over the country. Kouran suspects Shiki is the assassin but his genuine kindness perplexes her.