Phantom Tales of the Night, Vol. 9

The Murakumo Inn accepts troubled masses as payment for their secrets, but there is a "Curse" that may be revealed.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 09 August 2022
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

The Troubled Masses

Murakumo Inn, a sanctuary for the troubled masses, welcomes individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their human or non-human nature. However, there is a unique payment method accepted at this inn: the exchange of one's most deceitful secrets. As the night descends, guests are invited to indulge in a captivating anecdote about the enigmatic Owner and the Saejima family. This anecdote holds the key to unraveling the enigmatic "Curse" that has haunted the inn for generations. With every sip of tea and every morsel of food, the guests eagerly anticipate the revelation of the truth behind the curse, hoping to find solace and understanding in the dark mysteries that surround them.

The Origins of the "Curse"

The Saejima family, once the proud owners of Murakumo Inn, is shrouded in a mysterious aura of misfortune and tragedy. The family's legacy is marred by a curse that has plagued them for generations, casting a dark shadow over their every move. The curse is said to be the result of a deep-seated grudge held by the family's ancestor, a powerful samurai named Saeki. Saeki's wrath was fueled by a betrayal committed by his closest confidant, a samurai named Kuroi. Kuroi, in a bid to gain power and influence, conspired with Saeki's enemy, a rival samurai clan. The betrayal led to a bloody feud that engulfed the entire region, and Saeki, in his quest for revenge, vowed to curse the entire Saejima family.

As time passed, the curse seemed to take on a life of its own, manifesting in various ways throughout the generations of the Saejima family. The family's wealth and influence dwindled, and their relationships with others became strained and fractured. The inn, once a symbol of hospitality and prosperity, became a place of darkness and despair. The Saejima family, unable to break free from the curse's hold, passed down the burden of the curse to their descendants.

However, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. A young girl named Akane, born into the Saejima family, possessed a rare gift: the ability to see the spirits of the dead. Akane's gift was a source of both fear and fascination for her family, as they feared that she might be possessed by the malevolent spirits that haunted the inn. Yet, Akane saw the spirits as a means of understanding the curse and finding a way to break it.

With the help of her grandmother, Akane began to delve into the family's history, seeking clues to the curse's origins. She discovered that the curse was not just a mere punishment for Saeki's betrayal but a powerful symbol of the family's dishonesty and corruption. The Saejima family had been involved in numerous illegal activities, including extortion, fraud, and murder, and their actions had earned them the wrath of both the samurai community and the common people.

Akane realized that the only way to break the curse was to cleanse the family's name and restore their honor. She embarked on a mission to right the wrongs of the past and make amends for the family's sins. Akane worked tirelessly to rebuild the family's reputation, using her gift to help those in need and to assist the samurai community in resolving conflicts.

As Akane's efforts began to bear fruit, the curse began to lift. The family's wealth and influence returned, and their relationships with others became more harmonious. The inn, once a symbol of despair, became a place of warmth and hospitality once again. The Saejima family, grateful for Akane's sacrifice and determination, embraced her as their true heir.

And so, the "Curse" of Murakumo Inn was finally broken, thanks to the courage and determination of a young girl named Akane. The Saejima family, once shrouded in darkness and misfortune, was transformed into a symbol of hope and redemption. The inn, once a place of fear and despair, became a haven for the troubled masses, offering solace and understanding in the face of adversity.

Weight: 227g
Dimension: 206 x 145 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781975345280