The Kamisato Estate was silent under the deep veil of night, the only illumination being the silver moonlight streaming softly through the windows onto the floor.
Kamisato Ayaka lay quietly beneath her covers, dressed in Inazuma's traditional sleepwear, her eyes closed, lips curled in a faint, dreamy smile, as if she were lost in a pleasant dream.
Her serene sleeping posture exuded an ineffable tranquility, so peaceful that one would hesitate to disturb it.
At that moment, Thoma returned in a rush. His hand was already on the door, but he restrained himself, resisting the urge to barge in.
He stood respectfully outside the room and called out softly, "Milady, urgent news! Something serious has happened!"
Ayaka's dreams were interrupted by the unexpected call. Her brow furrowed slightly as she slowly opened her drowsy eyes, gradually waking.
Thoma's voice came again, filled with urgency and tension.
"Milady, it's an emergency. I truly didn't intend to wake you, but this matter is grave—I must inform you immediately. Please forgive my rudeness."
Ayaka struggled to sit up, still groggy. She rubbed her eyes and covered her mouth with her hand as she let out a long yawn.
Her voice heavy with sleep, she asked, "What happened to make you so flustered, Thoma?"
Hearing her awake, Thoma spoke in a low voice through the door, "Shao Yun… has wiped out the Hiiragi family of the Tenryou Commission."
Though his voice was quiet, his words struck Ayaka like a hammer.
Still wrapped in the haze of sleep, she felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her. She was instantly wide awake.
All traces of sleep vanished. Her eyes widened as she threw back the covers and rushed to the door, still in her sleepwear, her hair disheveled.
She flung the door open, staring at Thoma in shock as she asked urgently, "Thoma, what did you say? Shao Yun destroyed the Hiiragi family?!"
Thoma looked at her disheveled state and gently suggested, "Milady, perhaps you should freshen up first…"
But Ayaka impatiently cut him off. She had no time to care about appearances.
"No time for that. Tell me everything. I need the full story."
Thoma took a deep breath and began recounting the harrowing events in detail.
He described how the Tenryou Commission had set fire to the International Trade Association, how the Hiiragi family had been annihilated by Shao Yun's wrath, and how Shao Yun carved a bloody path through Ritou.
Thoma especially emphasized the carnage at the Hiiragi estate.
His face grew grim as he said, "The entire Hiiragi family was slaughtered. Lumine said only two people managed to escape. The rest… are likely all dead."
He paused briefly, the grisly memories still churning his stomach.
Then he added, "Also, Shao Yun said if we ever try to deceive him again, the Kamisato family will end up just like the Hiiragi family…" He looked anxiously at Ayaka.
Ayaka's face turned deathly pale. The rude awakening, coupled with the sudden shock, overwhelmed her.
As the panic surged through her, her vision darkened, her legs buckled, and she collapsed.
She fainted right there, her body crumpling onto the tatami floor.
Thoma's expression changed drastically. He rushed to her side in panic, shouting, "Milady! Someone! Milady has fainted!"
…
Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon rode through the pastoral landscape of Konda Village, passed the fox-haunted Byakko Plain, and finally arrived on the outskirts of Inazuma City.
Night had fallen. Most of the city's residents were fast asleep, with only a few restaurants and the Adventurers' Guild still lit. Tenryou Commission patrols roamed the streets.
Shao Yun dismounted with Lumine and Paimon, stored the horses back into the system's portable stable, and entered the city on foot.
Following the directions on the invitation, they passed through the Hanamizaka district and crossed the bridge into the town area.
The Komore Teahouse was supposed to be nearby.
Outside the teahouse stood a night-shift attendant named Kozo, dressed in traditional Inazuman attire.
Seeing the three foreign travelers approach, she stepped forward with polite courtesy. "Good evening. How may I help you?"
Kozo usually wouldn't say such things, but Thoma had given her strict instructions a few days ago to follow this script—for her own safety.
"Hello, Thoma sent us. He gave me this invitation. Take a look," Shao Yun said, handing her the letter.
Kozo took the invitation and examined it carefully. "Let's see… Kamisato family seal, and the Yashiro Commission's stamp."
She glanced at Shao Yun and asked, "Are you Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon?"
Shao Yun nodded. "That's right. What's the matter?"
Kozo returned the invitation and said respectfully, "Mr. Thoma instructed me to prepare the best rooms for you three. Please follow me."
She led them inside. The moment they stepped in, the Shiba Inu behind the counter, Taromaru, perked up from his nap, sitting up to curiously observe the newcomers.
Kozo introduced, "This is our owner, Taromaru. Please don't mistake him for an ordinary dog."
Shao Yun looked at Taromaru and thought of the little prince at the Cat's Tail Tavern—the cat who always assumed an attack stance when he showed up. He wondered how this dog would react.
But now wasn't the time to play with dogs. There'd be plenty of time for that later.
Kozo led them into a room that was noticeably different from the rest of the teahouse.
The floor was made of polished wood that creaked pleasantly underfoot.
Inside were two soft, large beds with clean white linens and quilts—unlike traditional Inazuman rooms that required sleeping on the floor.
Beside the beds stood an elegant redwood table, set with fine tea ware.
The walls were adorned with a variety of paintings—landscapes, portraits, birds and flowers—each showcasing exquisite skill and unique artistic flair.
Kozo smiled and explained, "Mr. Thoma had this room specially prepared. He was concerned you might not be accustomed to Inazuman decor, so we remodeled it for your comfort. We hope you enjoy your stay."
Shao Yun glanced around and nodded in satisfaction. "Thoma may work slowly, but he did a good job with the accommodations."
Kozo asked gently, "Is there anything else I can help you with?"
Shao Yun shook his head with a smile and tipped his hat in gratitude.
"No, thank you for showing us the way."
Kozo bowed slightly and said politely, "You're welcome. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Have a good night." With that, she turned and resumed her night shift.
Lumine and Paimon eagerly leapt onto the soft beds, relishing the comfort.
"Wow! So comfy!"
"What do we do next?" Paimon asked curiously.
Shao Yun sat on a chair, admiring the room's decor. "Next, we rest. Let's deal with everything else tomorrow."
…
Meanwhile, back at the Kamisato Estate.
Ayaka lay in her bedroom, her face pale as paper, eyes closed, cold sweat glistening on her forehead. She remained unconscious.
Several Kamisato servants were tending to her.
One gently placed a cold towel on her forehead.
Another lifted her carefully, offering a cup of warm water.
With their careful care, Ayaka slowly opened her eyes. A flicker of confusion crossed them, but clarity soon returned.
She thanked the servants and gestured for them to leave.
Just as they stepped out, she stopped Thoma, requesting to speak with him alone.
Thoma approached respectfully, his head bowed.
Ayaka looked a little worn, her hair loose over her shoulders, clothed only in a thin robe.
She rubbed her temples, a worried expression on her face.
"If this is true, then we're in serious trouble…"
Thoma looked as though he wanted to say something but hesitated.
Ayaka noticed and asked softly, "Thoma, we may be master and servant, but we're friends in private. Speak freely."
Thoma took a deep breath, summoning his courage. "Milady, if I may be frank… this trial—let's forget it."
His hands twisted nervously as he awaited her response.
Ayaka furrowed her brows slightly and tapped her temple, falling into thought.
After a moment, she sighed.
"Very well. Anyone who can destroy the Hiiragi family and break through the Tenryou Commission's siege… they're clearly capable."
The trial was scrapped—but there was a deeper issue.
Ayaka's face clouded with worry. "But the purpose of the trial was also to help them empathize with Inazuma's situation. If they don't understand the people's suffering under the Vision Hunt Decree, how can we expect them to help wholeheartedly…"
Thoma pursed his lips, a thought flashing through his mind. "Milady, may I say something? I'm not sure if it's appropriate."
Ayaka nodded, encouraging him. "Go ahead. What's on your mind?"
Thoma took a breath and recalled a conversation he had months ago with Miss Yoimiya from the Naganohara Fireworks Shop.
"Miss Yoimiya once told me that language holds great power. Many problems stem from poor communication. As long as people speak openly and honestly, many difficulties can be overcome."
Ayaka had already guessed where he was going. "So, Thoma, you mean…"
He braced himself. "Why don't we speak frankly with Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon? Whether it's resisting the Vision Hunt Decree or arranging a meeting with the Shogun—they deserve a proper explanation. Otherwise, if Shao Yun gets desperate, he really might…"
Ayaka nodded thoughtfully. "You're right, Thoma. I fell into a mental trap. I'll change and we'll head to the Komore Teahouse at once. I want to meet these foreign travelers personally."