TLDR;
In a kingdom plagued by monsters called grotesqueries, Mio, a mistreated daughter from a family with supernatural powers, is married off to Kiyoka Kudo, a ruthless military commander. As they navigate political intrigue, personal insecurities, and the emergence of a dangerous supernatural threat, their relationship blossoms. Mio discovers her hidden abilities, and Kiyoka confronts his past, ultimately leading them to confront the emperor's conspiracy and fight for their love and the safety of the kingdom.
- Mio and Kiyoka's relationship evolves from a forced marriage to a loving partnership.
- The emergence of grotesqueries and the Yuba family's influence create political and supernatural conflicts.
- Mio discovers her hidden Dream Weaver abilities and plays a crucial role in saving the kingdom.
The Kingdom and Mio's Unfortunate Circumstances [0:00]
In a kingdom threatened by monsters called grotesqueries, the Emperor and families with supernatural powers protect the land. Mio, born into the Sori family, is mistreated after her mother's death and her father's remarriage. She is reduced to a maid and later married off to Kiyoka Kudo of the Kudo family. Mio hopes for happiness, but her stepmother and sister gossip about Kiyoka's ruthlessness, hoping she disappears.
Arrival at the Kudo Estate and Initial Interactions [1:47]
Mio arrives at Kiyoka Kudo's home, a 27-year-old head of a famous family. Kiyoka coldly instructs her to obey him without question. Mio's meek acceptance surprises him. The next morning, Mio helps Yuri, Kiyoka's caretaker, in the kitchen. Kiyoka insists Mio taste his food, but her lack of confidence leads him to believe she poisoned it, causing him to leave in irritation.
The Anti-Grotesk Special Unit and the Insect Threat [3:03]
At the anti-grotesk special unit, Kiyoka reviews new applicant and is in a bad mood. Kiyoka shows his assistant, Goo, a strange bird that explodes, leading him to a meeting with Director General Sudo and Grand Stewart Kamura. They identify the bird as a rebellious insect from the burial grounds, foretelling its reappearance in the capital. Kiyoka suspects someone exposed the burial grounds and offers his unit's help to handle the insects.
Discovering Mio's Oddities and a Glimmer of Kindness [4:46]
Kiyoka returns home, and Mio apologizes for the morning incident. He notices her worn kimono and cracked hands, unusual for someone from a prominent family. Intrigued, he finds her odd. Mio watches in awe as Kiyoka uses his gift to heat bathwater. He questions her constant apologies and tells her he was only cautious, asking her to prepare breakfast the next day and giving her herbs to add to his bath.
First Praise and Investigating the Sori Family [5:55]
Mio prepares a delicious breakfast, earning praise from Kiyoka, which overwhelms her with joy and tears. Kiyoka asks Yuri to report on Mio's routine, intending to investigate the Sori family. The Tatsui family, seeking to marry into the Sori family for their wind-controlling gifts, are upset that Mio was not available to marry their eldest son.
Unveiling Family Secrets and a Budding Connection [7:11]
Kiyoka learns that Mio has no gift and was mistreated by her family. He discovers that Mio's birth mother is Yasumi from the Yuba family, known for interfering with people's minds. Kiyoka asks Mio to join him in town, surprising her as she was never allowed to leave her house before. Yuri notices the cracks on Mio's hands have reduced, attributing it to the herbs Kiyoka gave her.
A Day in Town and Sharing Personal Histories [8:39]
Kiyoka takes Mio to a clothes store, where she is reminded of her mother. They visit a restaurant, and Kiyoka asks about her mother. Mio accidentally confesses they are alike in not having a mother figure. Kiyoka encourages her to speak her mind and raise her head.
Royal Concerns and Mio's Encounter with Her Sister [9:47]
Kiyoka visits the Emperor and Prince Takahito, discussing the insect threat. The Prince shares his worries about his father's impending demise and asks Kiyoka to promise to protect the people. Mio goes into town to buy ingredients and is confronted by her sister, Kaya, who makes derogatory remarks about her lack of a gift.
Kiyoka's Visit to the Sori Household and Mio's Confession [11:11]
Kiyoka visits the Sori household, offering compensation if they apologize to Mio. He overhears Mio whimpering at night and finds her crying in her sleep. The next day, Hana, a former maid, visits Mio, expressing her joy at Mio's happiness. Mio confesses to Kiyoka that she has no gifts, worked as a servant, and is uneducated. Kiyoka decides to keep her around and accepts the token she made for him.
Imperial Matters and the Growing Insect Threat [13:23]
At the palace, the Emperor speaks in parables to the Prince. Kiyoka visits citizens infected by the insects. Back at the office, Mio brings food for Kiyoka and his colleagues, appreciating their kindness. Kiyoka buys gifts for Mio, Yuri, and Hana.
Mio's Abduction and Kiyoka's Pursuit [14:31]
Mio is kidnapped. Kiyoka continues his research on the Yuba family, suspecting their involvement. He learns of Mio's disappearance from Kuji. Mio wakes up tied up, and her stepmother beats her, blaming her for Kiyoka's humiliation. Kuji reveals the plot was between Kaya and his father, who wants Yuba's bloodline. Kiyoka sets the Sori household on fire and rescues Mio, who passes out.
Aftermath and Revelations [16:27]
The Sori family is in decline after their house is destroyed. Kiyoka's residence, Yuri invites Mr. Tsuki to thank him for helping Mio. Mr. Tsuki reveals to Kiyoka that he is the cause of Mio's injuries and that Kiyoka must bring her to him to save her. Kiyoka realizes that his visitor is no ordinary person.
The Yuba Family and Mio's Destiny [17:22]
Kiyoka seeks the document containing Shuki's name and realizes his surname is Sumi. Kiyoka runs back home and takes Mio to Tsuki's residence, where they meet the Elders of the Yuba family. They reveal that Tsuki's real name is Yuba Arata and that Mio's nightmares are due to the Yuba blood in her. They suggest she stay with them to end the nightmares, but Mio refuses to leave Kiyoka's side.
Sacrifices and Imperial Conspiracy [18:34]
Arata reveals that Kiyoka is busy with the burial ground case and cannot stop her nightmares. Kiyoka decides to leave her with the Yuba family for her safety and happiness. Arata suggests they get married, revealing his feelings for her. Kiyoka learns that the imperial household Army is attacking his headquarters. The Emperor's physician reveals to the prince that Kiyoka is a threat and that the Emperor ordered him to become a shield.
Desperate Measures and Manifestation of Power [20:28]
Arata informs his grandfather about the situation at the headquarters. Mio questions their plans and accidentally uses her powers, injuring Arata. Her grandfather explains that her Dream Weaver power has manifested, allowing her to draw people into a dream or spiritual world. Mio pleads to go to Kiyoka, but Arata refuses, citing the Emperor's orders.
The Emperor's Will and Mio's Choice [21:43]
The Emperor's physician reveals the Emperor's will, stating that Kiyoka is a threat and that the anti-grotesk Special Forces are meant to slay each other. Kiyoka is forced to fight his infected men. Arata reveals that a chosen member of the Yuba family must protect the Dream Weaver, so he won't let Mio go. Mio runs off to the headquarters.
Confrontation and Resolution [23:04]
Kiyoka prevents Goo from ending himself, discovering he is infected. Mio uses her gifts to enter through the barrier and tells Kiyoka how to eliminate the insects without hurting his men. She meets her mother in the spiritual world and is saved by Arata. The chaos ends, and Kiyoka meets with Mio, who wants to be by his side.
Reconciliation and a Promising Future [23:44]
Kiyoka meets with the Prince and learns that Mio's mother sealed her powers to protect her. Mio puts on the kimono Kiyoka selected for her and awaits him at the palace gate. Kiyoka confesses his feelings for her and proposes marriage, which Mio accepts gleefully.
