The Morose Mononokean

Hanae Ashiya has grown to like his work as an exorcist, even though he’s still deep in debt to the gloomy Haruitsuki Abeno. His gift for talking to youkai has made him feel responsible for these supernatural beings, and he keeps doing his best to guide them back to their rightful place in the Underworld. Just as Ashiya’s life starts to settle, the youkai stir up trouble again. Word about him has gotten around, and some aren’t pleased that a human is working for the Mononokean-the otherworldly tea room. Then, a routine trip to the Underworld catches the notice of powerful figures, and Ashiya realizes that not all youkai are willing to follow Abeno’s orders.