Book 1

Blue Morning, Vol. 1

by Shoko Hidaka

Published 6 June 2013
At only ten years of age, Akihito Kuze suddenly inherits the Kuze viscountship after his father's death. The family's capable butler, Tomoyuki Katsuragi, takes over the task of raising the boy, serving as his tutor. However, the handsome and intelligent Katsuragi, well respected even among the aristocracy, remains cool towards his charge. Akihito finds himself relentlessly drawn to Katsuragi, frustrated by the distance between them and driven to discover the reasons why.

Book 2

Blue Morning, Vol. 2

by Shoko Hidaka

Published 12 September 2013
'I will serve you my entire life. In exchange, you bring the Kuze family the rank of count or higher.' The young viscount Akihito agrees to this condition laid out by his butler Katsuragi, who is thus forced into his arms. But no matter how deep their affair goes, Katsuragi's attitude towards him remains cold. Akihito is plunged into a turmoil of fierce emotions, as frustrated by this unyielding distance as he is driven to violent passion by his butler's cleverness and beauty. The situation reaches a breaking point when master and servant are invited to a party at the Marquise Moriyama's.

Book 3

Blue Morning, Vol. 3

by Shoko Hidaka

Published 5 December 2013
Clinging to his fierce, unwavering love for Katsuragi, Akihito moves ever closer to an engagement to the daughter of Duke Sajo. Firmly focused on his future, Akihito asks his friend Ishizaki's father to be his go-between in the marriage talks, but Ishizaki insists that in exchange he wants Tomoyuki Katsuragi! Around the same time, former houseboy Amamiya discovers mysterious documents relating to Katsuragi's lineage.

Book 4

Blue Morning, Vol. 4

by Shoko Hidaka

Published 13 March 2014
Katsuragi's lineage is finally revealed. Once the truth is discovered, he leaves the Kuze household for the Ishizaki home in an attempt to support Akihito from the outside. However, when rumors of Akihito's impropriety reach his ears, he rushes back to see his young master. Akihito then makes the dramatic confession that not only has he broken off the engagement crucial to the rank Katsuragi is so proud of, but he has also made threats against Marquise Moriyama!

Book 5

Blue Morning, Vol. 5

by Shoko Hidaka

Published 6 November 2014
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. Meanwhile, Katsuragi meets with Marquise Moriyama and boldly demands recompense for all that he has done.

Book 6

Blue Morning, Vol. 6

by Shoko Hidaka

Published 6 October 2016
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. 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?

Book 7

Blue Morning, Vol. 7

by Shoko Hidaka

Published 5 April 2018
Downton Abbey meets Emma in this tale of tumultuous love between a butler and his young charge.

Akihito Kuze inherits the Kuze viscountship when he is a mere ten years old. His butler, Tomoyuki Katsuragi, becomes his caretaker and tutor. As he matures, Akihito finds himself relentlessly drawn to Katsuragi, frustrated by the distance the older man maintains and driven to discover the reasons why.

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!

Downton Abbey meets Emma in this tale of tumultuous love between a butler and his young charge.
 

Book 8

Blue Morning, Vol. 8

by Shoko Hidaka

Published 12 December 2019
Downton Abbey meets Emma in this tale of tumultuous love between a butler and his young charge.

Akihito Kuze inherits the Kuze viscountship when he is a mere ten years old. His butler, Tomoyuki Katsuragi, becomes his caretaker and tutor. As he matures, Akihito finds himself relentlessly drawn to Katsuragi, frustrated by the distance the older man maintains and driven to discover the reasons why.

In Kamakura, where traces of Akihito’s predecessor still linger, the days pass mired in memories of conflict and misunderstandings as Akihito’s departure for England looms. Having confronted his past, Katsuragi finally reveals his true feelings, telling Akihito that two years away is too long. When Akihito hands him a ticket to accompany him to England, will Katsuragi throw caution to the wind or are his ties to the Kuze house too strong?