Hanaoka Nao, a young confectioner, is asked to take part in a confectionery contest, but is shocked to learn her opponent is Takatsuki Tsubaki. 15 years earlier, after a sudden tragedy, Nao's life was upended thanks to Tsubaki's testimony.
Tsubaki orders Nao to begin living at Kougetsuan. She befriends apprentice Yusuke and learns all the staff were replaced after the incident 15 years ago. Tsubaki's mother Kyoko tries to drive Nao out.
Kyoko attempts to expose Nao's true identity. Tsubaki locks Nao in the storeroom, but then injures his hand shielding her when a vase falls towards her head. He's unable to fulfill an order because of his injury, but Nao offers her help.
Kyoko tests Nao's tatami room etiquette by ordering her to serve tea to an important customer. Jojima quits the store after Tsubaki walks in on him trying to get close to Nao. Nao learns that Jojima is being chased by debt collectors.
Kyoko suddenly appears at the restaurant run by Yuko, the woman who pretended to be Nao's mother. Nao may be pregnant and is torn between her feelings for Tsubaki and the guilt of hiding her identity. Yuko tries to tell Tsubaki the truth.
On the day of the tea ceremony, Nao looks for an opportunity to enter Itsuki's room. When he does not appear in the tea room, Nao enters his room and finds Kyoko there, embracing his kimono. A fire breaks out at the mansion.
Tsubaki is questioned by a reporter about Itsuki's death, who is officially stated to have died from an illness. Nao has resolved to take over Kougetsu-an. She learns why Tsubaki has been staying away from the kitchen and becomes upset.
The head of the family decided to break custom of choosing a successor based on blood ties. Takigawa realizes that Nao wants to win the showdown for Kougetsu-an to free Tsubaki. Kyoko will do whatever it takes to get Tsubaki to take over.
