憂鬱な朝 / Yūutsu na asa Series by Shoko Hidaka

Still reeling from Katsuragi's confession, Akihito attends Marquise Moriyama's evening ball. There he comes face-to-face with his late father's half brother, Naotsugu. Though Katsuragi arranged the meeting with the intention of helping both Akihito and the Kuze family name, Akihito decides against giving the family over to Naotsugu, bringing Akihito to the unsettling realization that he may not fully trust Katsuragi... moreStill reeling from Katsuragi's confession, Akihito attends Marquise Moriyama's evening ball. There he comes face-to-face with his late father's half brother, Naotsugu. Though Katsuragi arranged the meeting with the intention of helping both Akihito and the Kuze family name, Akihito decides against giving the family over to Naotsugu, bringing Akihito to the unsettling realization that he may not fully trust Katsuragi. Meanwhile, Katsuragi meets with Marquise Moriyama and boldly demands recompense for all that he has done. less

At the Marquise Moriyama’s evening party, there is a gamble for the succession of the Kuse house, and at the end of a night full of deals and strategizing, the situation changes completely! After Akihito ruins Katsuragi’s plan, it is suddenly announced that Akihito will leave to obtain treatment for his lung ailment. But while things proceed exactly as Akihito had anticipated, Katsuragi’s continued silence perplexes him... moreAt the Marquise Moriyama’s evening party, there is a gamble for the succession of the Kuse house, and at the end of a night full of deals and strategizing, the situation changes completely! After Akihito ruins Katsuragi’s plan, it is suddenly announced that Akihito will leave to obtain treatment for his lung ailment. But while things proceed exactly as Akihito had anticipated, Katsuragi’s continued silence perplexes him. Meanwhile, Katsuragi reflects upon his solitude and feelings for Akihito as he throws himself into his new duties—that is, until he learns in a letter from Kayoko that there is talk of Akihito leaving to study abroad! Will this force Katsuragi into Akihito’s arms, or will he remain his stoic, stubborn self? less

Akihito reunites with Katsuragi, vowing to never let go of his hand. When Katsuragi uncharacteristically complains about their situation, albeit mildly, Akihito is more determined than ever to settle the wrongs of the past. Later, Katsuragi confronts Ishizaki. Enraged, Ishizaki chastises him for overstepping his bounds in the management of his plant, putting Katsuragi’s position as his head clerk at risk!