A beautiful dog has thrown the imperial palace into chaos. As the Heian period nears its end, Takasaki - whose lowly beginnings as the mere third son of a warrior family put him at a disadvantage in a society obsessed with rank and titles - has managed to climb the social ladder by spending the night with many a powerful man. Eventually Takasaki even becomes a favorite of the retired emperor himself. Stares of fear and envy have followed the gorgeous upstart at every turn, yet behind the gaze of Tomozane, the son of a powerful noble, lies a calm warmth, which makes Takasaki uncomfortable. But something happens that will change their relationship forever... It's a tragic romance of passion and pride, and includes an epilogue drawn exclusively for this collection.
01) Sono Nochi wa
02) Gagaku-shi no Koi
03) Ito, Osoruru Koto
04) Tsuki Akari
05) Hibiku Mono
06) Shinoburedo
07) Sakura
08) Hana naru Mono
「院御所を騒がすは美しい犬。」時は平安末期。
武家の三男と卑しい出自でありながら、権力者たちの寝所を渡り歩き、上皇の寵人となった高前(たかさき)。
美しい成り上がり者として畏怖と羨望の視線を集める高前だったが、有力貴族の御曹司・智実(ともざね)からは素直な好意を寄せられ、その余裕を不愉快に感じていた。
しかし、二人の関係が決定的に変わる事件が起こり―。
引けぬ意地と激情が絡み合う切なく底深い大人の恋愛劇、“数年後”を描く掌編を描き下ろし。