Te to Kuchi

In Edo, a growing city brings together more people—and more opportunities for discord. Shusuke, a near-apprentice to a merchant, is a slacker with a big mouth and a talent for conversation and reading people’s intentions. Rie is a gracious Yamato nadeshiko who is also an expert swordswoman, devoted to honing her skills. She works as a benriya, taking on hired jobs of all kinds. Their paths connect through a shared debt: both owe a great deal to the same person, who serves as Shusuke’s merchant mentor and Rie’s landlord.