The Morose Mononokean II

Hanae Ashiya is still paying off a daunting debt to the perpetually dour Haruitsuki Abeno, yet he’s grown to genuinely value his work at the Mononokean. Gifted with the ability to speak to youkai, Ashiya takes his role seriously—helping Abeno guide these supernatural beings to their rightful home in the Underworld.

Just as Ashiya’s days begin to settle into a steadier rhythm, word of his involvement spreads and stirs unease among those who don’t welcome a human connected to the Mononokean’s otherworldly tea room. A routine trip to the Underworld soon draws the notice of influential figures, and Ashiya discovers that not every youkai is willing to accept Abeno’s intentions without resistance.