Time flowed like a rushing river, slipping away in the blink of an eye. Before anyone realized, the bell marking four o'clock in the afternoon had already rung.
Shao Yun sat leisurely at the counter, idly playing with the shopkeeper Taromaru to pass the time.
At that peaceful moment, a commotion suddenly erupted outside.
Not long after, Miss Kozue stepped lightly into the teahouse. She walked over to Shao Yun and respectfully said, "Mr. Shao Yun, the palanquin sent by the head of the Kamisato family has arrived. Would you…"
Shao Yun gently stroked Taromaru's head, pondered for a moment, and slowly replied, "Lumine and Paimon haven't returned yet. Let the palanquin wait outside."
Miss Kozue nodded slightly and answered, "Understood. I'll go inform them to wait a little longer."
Just as her words fell, Paimon's voice—ever the emergency food—sounded from outside.
"Wow, this palanquin is so pretty, Lumine! Come over and take a look!"
Upon hearing Paimon's voice, a thought surfaced in Shao Yun's mind.
'Why are they back so early today? Could it be Paimon's sixth sense for food? A premonition that there's a feast tonight?'
With such doubts, Shao Yun stood up and left the Komore Teahouse.
As soon as he stepped outside, his eyes landed on a grand palanquin that required sixteen people to lift.
Its body gleamed with gold and jade, the four corners elegantly raised, tassels swaying, like an exquisite work of art.
The curtains were made of the finest Silk flowers silk, embroidered with intricate and elegant patterns that radiated a noble and refined aura.
Under the sunlight, the entire palanquin shimmered brilliantly, resembling a mobile miniature palace, dazzling to behold.
Sixteen Kamisato family servants, dressed in uniform attire, stood at the gate as bearers, waiting in perfect formation.
In addition, twelve samurai from the Shogunate stood guard around the palanquin, armored and armed, ensuring absolute security.
Seeing Shao Yun step out, Paimon flew up to him excitedly, grabbed his hand, and pointed toward the palanquin with delight.
"Shao Yun, look! Lumine and I saw palanquins like this in Liyue before—only the super-rich merchants rode in them. I didn't think we'd see one here in Inazuma too!"
Soon, Shao Yun was pulled to the palanquin, where he reunited with Lumine, who was dressed in her "cowgirl" outfit.
Shao Yun carefully adjusted Lumine's hat, then asked curiously, "Why are you two back so early today?"
Lumine looked at the thrilled Paimon and gave a helpless smile. "Paimon kept saying she was hungry. I had no choice but to come back early for dinner today."
At the mention of food, Paimon instantly clutched her stomach and feigned exhaustion. "Lumine and I were so worn out today. Shao Yun, you have to treat us to something delicious!"
Shao Yun nodded with a smile. "Alright, we'll have something good today. But it's not me treating you two—someone else is inviting us to dinner."
Paimon scratched her head in confusion. "Huh? What do you mean?"
Shao Yun then explained what had happened earlier that day. "This afternoon, the head of the Kamisato family—Kamisato Ayato—approached me. He said he would send a palanquin at four to take us to a banquet at the Kamisato Estate."
"I told their people we might be a bit late, but turns out you two came back early—perfect timing."
Upon hearing this, Lumine couldn't help but marvel. "What a coincidence! No wonder Paimon kept saying she was hungry today—it all makes sense now."
Shao Yun looked at Paimon and half-joked, "Paimon, be honest. Do you have some kind of food-detection superpower?"
Paimon quickly waved her hands, wearing an innocent expression. "No way! It's just coincidence! Let's hurry up and eat already!"
…
Shao Yun gently lifted the palanquin's curtain and led Lumine and Paimon inside.
The interior was astonishingly spacious, more than enough for three people without the slightest sense of crowding—it was no wonder it required sixteen people to carry.
All four walls and the ceiling were lined with soft, delicate fabrics. The cushions were thick and comfortable.
Sunlight filtered through the gauzy curtains, casting a gentle glow that created a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, like a secluded world apart from reality.
The Kamisato family's servants hoisted the palanquin on their shoulders and, under the close protection of the Shogunate's samurai, slowly turned away from bustling Inazuma City and began their journey toward the Kamisato Estate.
Residents of Inazuma City looked on in curiosity, whispering to one another, wondering what kind of important occasion warranted such an extravagant procession.
Among the onlookers, a member of the Adventurers' Guild named Yuzu murmured, "What's going on with the Kamisato family? Just who exactly are they inviting with such pomp?"
Next to her, Rie also whispered, "No idea. But with this kind of display, it must be someone really rich or really powerful."
Meanwhile, on another street, a light novel writer named Junkichi witnessed the grand scene and was instantly struck with inspiration. "Ah! I've got it! My next light novel—I know exactly how to write it now! A whole new concept just popped into my head!"
The Kamisato servants continued forward with the palanquin, the procession majestic under the evening glow, steadily advancing down the road toward the estate.
…
On the other side, at the Kamisato Estate, the household staff were busy making final preparations for the banquet.
Musicians carefully tuned their instruments, ensuring every note would be played flawlessly.
Performers rehearsed one last time, perfecting each gesture and expression for the evening's show.
In the kitchen, Thoma led the staff in meticulously checking each ingredient to guarantee everything was fresh and banquet-worthy.
The entire estate was tense with anticipation—everything was ready, all that remained was the arrival of Shao Yun.
At that moment, Kamisato Ayato stood at the estate entrance, quietly admiring the sunset.
His gaze was fixed toward Chinju Forest, awaiting the arrival of Shao Yun and the others.
Just then, Kamisato Ayaka walked over to Ayato in small, graceful steps.
She folded her hands before her and bowed her head slightly, speaking with a hint of apology. "I'm sorry, brother, for troubling you. I really didn't expect things to turn out this way…"
Her voice held unease and guilt. Because of a mistake she made three days ago, her brother had to drop everything to handle the aftermath, and the self-blame weighed on her.
Ayato turned to face her, his eyes filled with gentle concern.
He reached out and gently patted her head. "It's alright, Ayaka. This is what an older brother should do. By the way, are the performers and materials all prepared?"
Ayaka raised her head to meet his warm gaze and nodded softly. "Brother, everything is ready. The fireworks Lady Yoimiya delivered today have been arranged. Yae Miko sent eight shrine maidens—they've prepared an elegant dance that I've already reviewed. Every detail of the event has been handled to the highest standards."
Ayato finally relaxed, exhaling deeply in relief. "As long as everything goes according to plan, things will turn out fine."
With the banquet preparations no longer a concern, Ayato's thoughts drifted to the events three days ago, when his sister visited Shao Yun. There were some things he had to clarify—after all, Shao Yun wouldn't be easily fooled.
"Ayaka, right now it's just the two of us. Are you truly unaware of what the phrase 'offering one's bed' means?"
At the mention of that incident, Ayaka froze. She nervously swallowed multiple times, eyes darting in panic, and answered frantically, "I-I really… I truly don't understand… I only read about it in those light novels…"
Seeing her flustered response, Ayato understood everything.
He sighed softly, then gently embraced Ayaka, letting her rest against him.
"I understand… I'll explain everything to Shao Yun when the time comes."
Leaning against her brother, Ayaka felt his warmth and comforting words fill her with guilt.
She had caused her brother unnecessary trouble. Lowering her head, she whispered, "I'm sorry, brother… I really didn't mean to trouble you, I…"
Ayato gently patted her shoulder. "It's alright, Ayaka. Don't blame yourself. I'm here for you."
Ayaka looked up, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. She hugged Ayato tightly and said softly, "Thank you, brother. With you around, I feel at peace."
Ayato smiled. "Silly girl. You'll always be my sister. No matter what happens, I'll always be by your side."
…
As night slowly fell, Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon arrived at the gates of the Kamisato Estate in the palanquin.
Kamisato Ayato and Ayaka had already been waiting patiently for them at the entrance.
Once the Kamisato servants steadily lowered the palanquin, Shao Yun lifted the curtain and stepped out with Lumine and Paimon.
Ayato stepped forward, extended his hand politely, and said, "Greetings, Mr. Shao Yun. Welcome. On behalf of the Kamisato family, I offer our warmest welcome."
Shao Yun returned the courtesy with calm brevity. "Hello."
He then turned to introduce the others. "Lumine, Paimon, this is Kamisato Ayato, head of the Kamisato family."
After introducing Ayato, his gaze shifted to Ayaka.
A trace of complex emotion flashed in his eyes as he squinted slightly and clenched his teeth.
Despite the anger simmering inside, he forced himself to suppress it and said, "That is… Kamisato Ayaka. We met three days ago. She's Ayato's sister."
Paimon waved cheerfully. "Hi, Mr. Ayato. And Miss Ayaka."
Lumine straightened her collar and responded warmly, "Hello, Mr. Ayato."
Then she turned to Ayaka and smiled. "Long time no see, Miss Ayaka. I'm sorry we left halfway last time—I hope it didn't cause trouble."
Ayaka couldn't understand why Lumine was always so kind to her.
Still, she quickly stepped forward, bowed slightly, and politely said, "It's really no problem. By the way, how did those pastries I brought taste? Were they good?"
At the mention of food, Paimon lit up and eagerly chimed in. "Oh, those pastries were so tasty, Miss Ayaka! Where did you buy them? Lately, Shao Yun's been getting sakura mochi, but they just don't have that unique flavor like yours!"
Ayaka was momentarily stunned. She hadn't expected that the pastries she poured her heart into making would be mistaken as store-bought by Paimon.
Though she felt a pang in her heart, she kept a smile on her face and replied gently, "Miss Paimon, if you really liked them, I'd be happy to make some more for you."
Paimon's eyes lit up with joy, clapping her hands excitedly. "Really?! Thank you so much, Miss Ayaka!"
At that moment, Ayato stepped aside and gestured toward the entrance.
"Honored guests, shall we go inside and chat?"
Shao Yun nodded. "Mr. Ayato, I'll trouble you to lead the way then."
Ayato and Ayaka led Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon into the Kamisato Estate.
The estate had been decorated on the scale of a festival to welcome them.
Overhead, rice stalks and paper cranes wove into a dreamlike tapestry on the ceiling.
The floors were covered in Inazuman-style carpets, and the interior was dotted with traditional Inazuman crafts—vivid, varied, and each infused with the artisan's heart and creativity.
The Kamisato hall was especially striking. The main table was covered with exquisite brocade.
Flanking it were two matching long tables, adorned with floral arrangements.
Ayato gestured to the main seat and politely said, "Mr. Shao Yun, Miss Lumine, Miss Paimon—please, take your seats."
He had given up his place at the head of the table for them—ignoring banquet etiquette to express his apology.
As the saying goes: The strong make the rules.
Shao Yun understood and nodded with a smile. "Very well. Guests follow the host."
He sat cross-legged at the head of the table with Lumine and Paimon, while Ayato and Ayaka knelt by the table on Shao Yun's right.
Paimon leaned in close and whispered, "Shao Yun, when's dinner starting? I'm so hungry."
Shao Yun turned to Ayato and politely asked, "Mr. Ayato, when can we begin the meal?"
Ayato checked the time and replied with slight apology, "It'll be just a little longer. In the meantime, would you mind enjoying some of the performances we've prepared to pass the time?"