As old charades end and new ones begin, the intricate system of secrets and lies holding the Alliance together threatens to collapse like a house of cards—not that Akiteru's noticed.

He's been a bit preoccupied with Iroha, who he can't help seeing in a new light.

It would figure, then, that his uncle would pick now to show up. So long as he's around, Akiteru's going to have to work double-time to sell the angle that he and Mashiro are a real fake couple.

Dealt this bum hand by fate, can Aki come up with the perfect bluff, or will he fold? Can any gambit survive intact while Iroha's a player?

And when the summer festival finally comes, just who will Akiteru wind up watching the fireworks with?