Katarina Claes may have dodged another Catastrophic Bad End, but trouble isn't far behind. Fresh off an encounter with Dark Magic users-and a dangerous loss of control over her own powers-she's summoned by the Magical Ministry to investigate unrest in the borderlands between Sorcié and Xiarmah. The mission sounds all too familiar, but the promise of Xiarmah's Japanese-style cuisine (and maybe even fresh rice!) is too tempting to resist. This time, Katarina will be traveling with Maria, the main target of the recent gang attack, and Cyrus, who secretly harbors feelings for her. Will romance bloom between them? And how will things change when Cyrus's beautiful childhood friend from Xiarmah enters the picture?