As a shy 16-year-old living in Meiji-era Japan, Maria Natsume feels ashamed and uncertain of herself. Being clumsy and accidentally outspoken, she hangs her head low in fear of embarrassing herself and her mother, unsure if she could ever change and not have the remorseful eyes of the town look down on her.

One day, Maria goes with her mother to a large mansion belonging to the Mayuzumi household, where the latter will start working as a servant. On the way there, Maria encounters a teasing yet courteous young man, 15-year-old Rintarou Mayuzaka. Unfortunately, Rintarou learns of her secret, out of the blue and not long after they meet—a secret that has been the root of her shame for so long that she's always tried her best to keep it out of sight from everyone. However, he surprisingly does not mind and continues to treat her all the same. Charmed by his personality, Maria progressively becomes more interested in Rintarou—could it perhaps be a sign of a splendid romance beginning to blossom?