In the early morning of Inazuma City, golden sunlight poured down the streets, mingling with dewdrops to create a radiant gleam.
On either side of the street, cherry blossoms swayed gently. A few petals occasionally drifted down, resembling a soft, pink rain.
At the entrance of the Komore Teahouse, Kozo let out a long yawn. After a whole night on duty, her eyelids felt like they were weighed down with lead, her entire body exuding exhaustion.
Just then, Kamisato Ayaka appeared gracefully in her line of sight, hands gently folded at her abdomen, radiating an aura of refined nobility.
Kozo rubbed her eyes, hardly believing what she was seeing. The young lady has come!
She immediately gave herself a quick slap to wake up, then briskly stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Miss, is there anything I can do for you?"
Ayaka waved her hand softly, a gentle smile on her face as she asked in a calm voice, "May I ask if Mr. Shao Yun, Miss Lumine, and Miss Paimon are still here?"
Kozo quickly recalled the arrival of the two women and one man late last night. "They are. They arrived deep in the night. As per Mr. Thoma's instructions, I arranged for them to stay in the specially remodeled room. They're likely still asleep."
Ayaka nodded softly after hearing Kozo's response.
"Still asleep, I see…"
Seeing her hesitation, Kozo pointed toward the teahouse behind her and offered, "Miss, shall I go wake them for you?"
Ayaka immediately waved her hand in refusal, clearly unwilling to disturb their rest.
"No, Miss Kozo. Let them rest. I have other matters to attend to. I'll return shortly."
Kozo, eager to be of help, suggested again, "Miss, perhaps you'd like to rest inside the teahouse for a while? If there's anything you need, I can have someone tend to it immediately."
But Ayaka shook her head firmly, declining with polite grace.
"No, Miss Kozo. Some matters must be handled personally."
With that, she turned and left the Komore Teahouse, heading for the shopping street in Inazuma City, Machijie Street, to prepare gifts for the upcoming meeting.
…
Meanwhile, Thoma arrived at the foot of the Statue of the Omnipresent God, standing solemnly outside the Tenshukaku.
The statue was studded with numerous Visions, each one glowing faintly with color—Visions seized during the height of the Vision Hunt Decree.
Thoma's gaze rested on the statue's embedded Visions, his eyes narrowing with a mixture of frustration and helplessness.
He sincerely hoped Lady Ayaka's personal intervention would be enough to convince Shao Yun and the others to aid her in opposing the Vision Hunt Decree.
He pushed those thoughts aside and began scanning the area around the statue—until his eyes fell on a familiar figure.
There stood Kujou Kamaji, a troubled expression clouding his face.
Thoma stepped forward and greeted him with a friendly wave.
"Kamaji, good day to you."
Hearing the familiar voice of the Kamisato house steward, Kamaji turned around and forced a smile.
"Hello, Mr. Thoma."
Thoma asked with a warm smile, "Is something bothering you?"
Kamaji sighed and shook his head. "Ah, it's nothing… just some things weighing on me. Sigh… Mr. Thoma, have you heard? The Hiiragi family was wiped out."
At the mention of "Hiiragi," the smile on Thoma's face froze for a second. He replied awkwardly, "I've heard… bits and pieces."
But in truth, he had witnessed the carnage firsthand. The grisly images still haunted his mind.
Kamaji gave a bitter chuckle. "The entire family gone overnight… but in the midst of misfortune, there was a blessing—my beloved, Hiiragi Chisato, survived. I've taken her into my care."
He then rubbed his temples in frustration and vented to Thoma.
"I spoke to my father about marrying her. But after learning what happened to the Hiiragi family, he's changed his view entirely."
Thoma immediately understood Kujou Takayuki's thinking—now that the Hiiragi family had fallen, he likely saw Chisato as an unworthy match.
Hoping to gain some insight into the Kujou family's stance, Thoma asked casually, "So, Kamaji, what do you think?"
Kamaji's brows furrowed into a deep knot. "My feelings for Chisato are sincere. I would never abandon her under these circumstances. But my father…"
He suddenly trailed off, shaking his head.
"Sigh, forget it. This is my family's affair. No need to trouble you with it. What brings you to see me today?"
Seeing the opportunity, Thoma reached into his robe and presented Ayaka's personal fan to Kamaji.
"Lady Ayaka sent me. She wishes to request three all-access travel permits for the entirety of Inazuma."
Kamaji, recognizing the fan, perked up at once. He quickly returned it with both hands and nodded in agreement.
"Ah, it's Lady Kamisato's request? Of course. I'll see to it right away—"
He paused mid-sentence, swallowing slightly before continuing hesitantly.
"Forgive my boldness, but… may I ask what the permits are for?"
Thoma offered a harmless smile and deflected smoothly.
"The lady's intentions are not for a mere servant like me to question."
Seeing Thoma's humble demeanor, Kamaji didn't push further.
"Ah, I see. Very well. Please wait here a moment. I'll get it done."
…
Inside the Komore Teahouse, Shao Yun lay sprawled alone on one of the plush beds, emitting light, rhythmic snores.
On the adjacent bed, Lumine slept beside Paimon, the two of them snuggled closely, wrapped in shared warmth.
As for why Lumine didn't share a bed with Shao Yun—simple. She refused. And Shao Yun had no choice but to comply.
Better to sleep in peace than to be tormented by unfulfilled desire all night.
Besides, neither of them were quite shameless enough to behave intimately in Paimon's presence.
As time passed, the trio slept soundly until the sun was already high in the sky before they finally stirred awake.
Paimon was the first to open her sleepy eyes. She rubbed them groggily and immediately patted her belly.
"Ahh… I'm so hungry…"
Lumine couldn't help but pinch Paimon's plump cheeks, teasing her.
"Come on, Paimon. Can you think about anything else the moment you wake up? You really are a little piglet."
Paimon clung to Lumine's arm, whining like a child. "Doesn't matter! I just want something yummy!"
From the other bed, Shao Yun stretched and yawned as he got to his feet, full of energy.
"Well, since we're all hungry, I'll go out and ask the staff to prepare something delicious for us."
Hearing that, Paimon lit up with joy.
"Shao Yun, you're the best!"
He walked over to her and ruffled her hair affectionately.
"Of course, I am. If I'm not good to you two, then who would I be good to?"
He then opened the door to their room—and was stunned by what he saw.
There stood Kamisato Ayaka, the elegant noble lady of the Yashiro Commission known across Inazuma for her grace and propriety.
She held a beautifully wrapped gift in her hands and stood with perfect posture—humble and composed.
Her sudden, silent presence confused him.
Why is she here in person? Standing outside without making a sound? Could this be because I wiped out the Hiiragi family and she feels threatened?
Ayaka had been standing there all morning. Her arms had gone numb from holding the gift, and sweat dotted her brow. Yet she didn't move or frown, simply waiting patiently for any one of the three to open the door.
She knew she had to present herself humbly to leave a good impression.
Shao Yun looked her over and asked plainly, "You are…?"
Upon hearing his voice, Ayaka bowed slightly and spoke with extreme courtesy.
"Good day. I am Kamisato Ayaka of the Yashiro Commission. I've come to pay my respects. This is a small token of sincerity—please accept it."
Shao Yun studied the gift she offered, then took it with a nod and asked, "Thank you, Miss Ayaka. What's in the box?"
A gentle smile appeared on her face.
"Just a few local Inazuman delicacies. I hope you'll enjoy them."
Shao Yun glanced down at the gift, then back at Ayaka's graceful demeanor. He stepped aside to allow her in.
"Well then, please come in."
Ayaka bowed deeply once more in gratitude and stepped inside.
Inside, Lumine blinked at the elegantly dressed silver-haired girl, full of curiosity.
She looked at Shao Yun holding the gift box and asked, "Shao Yun, who's this?"
Hearing the question, Ayaka stepped forward and introduced herself with gentle elegance.
"Greetings, travelers from afar. I am Kamisato Ayaka of the Yashiro Commission."
Paimon perked up instantly at the name, her voice excited.
"You're the Flostflake Heron?!"
Ayaka quickly bowed her head modestly.
"Please, you flatter me. Just call me Ayaka—there's no need for such formal titles."
Lumine smiled and nodded. "Nice to meet you, Miss Ayaka."
Shao Yun placed the gift box on the table and began unwrapping the ornate paper.
Inside was a meticulously crafted bamboo food basket.
Opening the lid revealed three neatly arranged pink treats—Sakura Mochi wrapped in delicate red layers, emitting a tempting aroma.
But these were no ordinary treats. Their refined presentation suggested something special.
Just then, a system notification chimed.
[Kamisato Ayaka's Specialty Dish: "Snow on the Hearth"]
Shao Yun froze for a moment.
This wasn't just a snack—it was her signature dish! No wonder she had such a hold on the "protagonist" in the original story.
He couldn't help but be impressed by her thoughtfulness. If she'd approached this way from the start… he might have been genuinely touched.
But people… sometimes are like beasts. If you don't crack the whip first, they won't know pain.
After destroying the Hiiragi family, now she knew fear. The very next day, here she was at their door, bearing gifts…
Ah…