While still a relatively new series, it has been around long enough to have at least 9 volumes, of which I have only read (and possessed) one. The story focuses on people (and monsters) that have somehow stumbled upon the Murakumo Inn and its otherworldly Owner and staff. The hotel is luxurious, filled with only the finest amenities, and completely free. Well, almost free. In order to stay and be safe from the monsters searching for souls, the owner accepts a secret from the guest.
The first and last enigma in the volume focus on Tokihito Sasaki, a young boy who is followed by butterflies. During the first enigma, it is revealed that he is actually dead and is nothing more than a hollow corpse. Following this revelation, the Owner of the hotel forces him to return to the mortal world, destined to always be alone and forced to hide his true nature from everyone.
Enigma two focused on a set of twins, the oldest twin is popular and successful, while her younger sister is the exact opposite. After sleeping with one of the hotel's staff (Butterfly) the younger twin wishes her sister dead and unintentionally takes over her life, losing herself in the process. She is eventually consumed and then discarded by the one that granted her wish, who is then lectured for not realizing that all the younger twin had wanted was to be seen for herself, and not her sister.
Another member of the hotel staff takes center stage in the third enigma, as a snake monster with ribbons for hair, attacks the hotel, intent on destroying the owner. The staff member, Spider, is little more than a monster himself and is greatly moved by the snake's misfortune. He does his best to help save her soul, but to no avail, as she reluctantly accepts that she was tricked into attacking, despite knowing that she would likely die. Spider mourns her even as the Owner devours her.
Sasaki returns for the fourth enigma, being urged to get his revenge on the Owner by the same sorcerer that had created the snake monster. The two attack the hotel but are driven back by the Owner, who then casts them out of the hotel whilst inviting them to come back.
All in all, this was a very interesting series, one that I definitely intend to continue. The artwork is very good and the stories are moving, definitely causing a few tears to shed as I read this. Feel free to check back soon for another manga!