Shao Yun turned his head toward Lumine and Paimon, both of whom gave a gentle nod, indicating that they too wished to pass the time by watching a performance.
Seeing this, Kamisato Ayato clapped his hands, prompting a few musicians carrying various instruments to step forward slowly.
Following them were eight beautiful shrine maidens, dressed in traditional ceremonial robes of the Grand Narukami Shrine. Their attire was adorned with delicate bells tied to their wrists, ankles, waists, and hair, gently jingling with every step.
The shrine maidens filed in gracefully and took their positions in an elegant formation.
As the musicians began to play a melodic tune, the eight maidens started performing the Grand Narukami Shrine's ceremonial blessing dance.
This type of dance was typically seen only during festivals in Inazuma. Its opening sequence was already brimming with energy and rhythm, piquing Shao Yun's curiosity about the surprises the performance might hold.
Their movements were graceful and flowing—every gesture was a perfect blend of power and beauty. Their performance was mesmerizing, impossible to look away from.
As the dance concluded, the shrine maidens exited in the same orderly fashion, leaving the musicians to continue their elegant performance, adding a refined atmosphere to the banquet.
At that moment, Thoma quietly entered the room. He leaned in and whispered something to Kamisato Ayato.
Ayato nodded and turned to Shao Yun, politely asking, "Mr. Shao Yun, all the dishes are ready. Shall we begin serving?"
Shao Yun smiled and replied, "Of course. Please, begin."
With Ayato's signal, the Kamisato family servants began bringing in tray after tray of exquisite Inazuman cuisine.
Paimon couldn't help but drool at the sight of the colorful, aromatic dishes, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Once all the dishes had been neatly arranged, Shao Yun turned to the Kamisato siblings and said, "Since the food is served, let's not stand on ceremony—let's enjoy it."
…
At the Kamisato banquet, the musicians' elegant melodies added a refined charm to the gathering. Accompanied by the music, Shao Yun and the others began savoring the bountiful feast.
As the banquet progressed, Kamisato Ayaka seemed to suddenly recall something important while sampling the delicious food.
She leaned slightly toward Ayato and whispered a few words in his ear.
Ayato's expression flickered with surprise. He turned briefly to glance at Shao Yun and the others, who were happily eating, then turned back to Ayaka and whispered back, "You're saying you want to perform a dance? But that wasn't part of the plan!"
Ayaka looked at her brother with a steady gaze, her tone filled with apology and resolve.
"Brother, I feel it's necessary to express my apology for my disrespectful behavior three days ago."
Hearing this, Ayato shook his head, concern etched on his face.
"Ayaka, this is going too far. There's no need for you to do this…"
But Ayaka resolutely set down her chopsticks and said, "Brother, I just wanted to let you know—I've already made up my mind. I'm going to prepare now."
With that, she stood and left the table to change into her finest outfit.
Ayato watched his sister's departing figure, his expression complex.
Meanwhile, Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon were still immersed in the food and music, entirely unaware that Ayaka had quietly left the banquet to prepare for her decision.
After a short while, Ayaka returned in full ceremonial attire, gracefully appearing before everyone. Her silver-white hair was elegantly tied up, adorned with exquisite hair ornaments.
Her fair skin was subtly enhanced with light makeup, making her appear even more refined—like a noble white heron.
She stood before Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon, poised and elegant, offering a deep bow before softly saying, "From the Shogunate's Commission, Kamisato Ayaka of the Kamisato family presents the Dance of the White Heron in honor of the three travelers from afar."
She was truly about to perform the White Heron Dance—the very one that had famously enchanted Lumine in the original storyline.
As the music began, Ayaka's movements became fluid and graceful, swaying like willow branches in the breeze or ripples across a still lake.
Every motion exuded both strength and beauty, vividly capturing the spirit of the white heron.
Lumine's eyes followed Ayaka's figure with rapt attention, immersed in the emotion and allure of her performance.
Even Paimon put down her chopsticks and sat quietly, eyes unblinking.
They had thought that inviting shrine maidens from the Grand Narukami Shrine was surprise enough, but Ayaka performing in full regalia was beyond expectations.
Shao Yun could hardly believe it. This was going all out!
To put it harshly, the noble Lady of the Kamisato family—seen by the public as the elegant White Heron Princess—was dancing like a geisha or an entertainer before Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon.
If word got out, the people of Inazuma would go mad!
The Kamisato family truly spared no effort in their apology.
As the graceful melody came to an end, so too did Ayaka's elegant performance.
Lumine and Paimon, undistracted by concerns, immediately erupted into applause to express their admiration.
Paimon enthusiastically exclaimed, "Ayaka, your dancing was amazing!"
Ayaka maintained her humble composure and replied softly, "Thank you for your kind words."
Shao Yun, seeing all this, was thoroughly impressed. At this point, he couldn't focus on eating anymore.
He turned to Ayato and subtly gestured for the two of them to speak in private.
Ayato understood and stood up first, with Shao Yun following behind.
…
In the Kamisato estate courtyard, Shao Yun gazed up at the bright moon hanging in the night sky, filled with emotion.
"Mr. Ayato, you really went all out. First, you invited shrine maidens from the Grand Narukami Shrine to perform. Then came the lavish feast, the beautiful music, and all the entertainment."
"But the most unexpected part was Miss Ayaka's personal dance. That truly caught me off guard… Was it really necessary to go that far just to please me?"
Ayato sighed, looking slightly helpless, and explained, "That was all my sister's idea. I didn't want her to dance in front of everyone, but in the end, I couldn't stop her…"
After hearing Ayato's detailed explanation, Shao Yun shook his head with a faint sigh and said, "You truly are a responsible and caring brother—no doubt about that."
"But I have to say, you're not perfect. If I were you, I would never allow my sister to perform like that, no matter the cost."
Ayato gave a bitter smile and replied, "Not everyone has the luxury of saying no. Ayaka's just afraid that what happened to the Hiiragi family might happen to us as well. She's scared, that's all."
Shao Yun nodded thoughtfully, his tone softening. He continued, "Alright. People's sorrows and joys don't always align. But this banquet of yours—it's more than just an apology, isn't it? Go ahead. Say what you really brought us here for."
Ayato took a deep breath and cautiously asked, "Have you… mostly calmed down by now?"
Shao Yun sighed lightly and replied, "I've calmed down a lot. Not entirely, but now's a good time—so let's talk."
Ayato nodded, speaking earnestly, "Regarding your desire to meet the Raiden Shogun—tomorrow, my sister will escort you to the Grand Narukami Shrine to meet Lady Yae Miko. In Inazuma, if anyone can still arrange a meeting with the Shogun, it's her."
Shao Yun's expression turned puzzled. "You're the head of the Kamisato family—why can't you personally take us to see the Raiden Shogun?"
Ayato shook his head with a wry smile and explained, "A month ago, the Shogun suddenly declared she would no longer meet anyone. No one knows why."
"In the past, I would have taken you myself. But now… seeing her is extremely difficult."
Even the puppet version of the Shogun has gone into seclusion? That's strange. And that pink fox—can she really help us meet the Raiden Shogun?
Shao Yun still had his doubts. Could his presence have caused slight changes in the timeline?
Then he raised another question.
"I see. Still, I thought you might want to talk about the Vision Hunt Decree."
Ayato shook his head again, his tone firm. "For now, let's focus on your mission. As for the Vision Hunt Decree, we'll set that aside for the time being."
Shao Yun was momentarily surprised, then smiled and said playfully, "You sure? I'm in a good mood right now. You might want to take your shot while you can."
But Ayato wasn't sure if Shao Yun was being sincere.
Faced with such a powerful and mysterious individual, he dared not test the waters. He shook his head and replied, "Let's set aside the Vision Hunt Decree. Meeting the Shogun is what matters most right now."
Seeing Ayato's cautious attitude, Shao Yun didn't push further. He simply asked one final question.
"Alright. Then I'll ask one last thing. This one is important. If your answer doesn't satisfy me, not only will you die—your sister might lose her life too. So, think carefully before you respond."
Ayato seemed to have anticipated this. Calmly, he said, "I know what you're about to ask. Three days ago, Ayaka didn't understand the meaning of the phrase 'offering oneself.' She learned it from a light novel imported from Liyue."
"You may not know this, but my sister dedicates most of her time to etiquette, painting, tea ceremony, and swordsmanship. She's unfamiliar with certain terms between men and women. She had no intention of being inappropriate. I offer you her sincerest apologies on her behalf."
With that, Ayato gave Shao Yun a deep bow.
Shao Yun recalled Ayaka's firm expression from that day. She didn't exactly look clueless…
"Really? She learned it from a light novel?"
Seeing Shao Yun still doubting, Ayato pulled a light novel from his sleeve and handed it to him. "If you don't believe me, you're welcome to read it yourself."
Shao Yun took the book and examined its cover, murmuring, "Looks pretty new…"
Ayato calmly explained, "My sister takes great care of her books. That's why there's little wear."
Shao Yun didn't open the book. Instead, he handed it back to Ayato and said, "Considering today's banquet and your explanation, my anger is gone."
Hearing that, Ayato smiled in relief. "I'm truly grateful for your forgiveness. By the way, the 20 million Mora you gave us earlier—should we…"
Shao Yun shook his head, his tone meaningful. "As long as you can help us meet the Raiden Shogun, you can keep the money."
Ayato placed a hand on his chest and solemnly vowed, "I swear by the name of the Kamisato family—I will do everything in my power to ensure you meet Her Excellency."
Satisfied, Shao Yun gave a nod and cheerfully patted Ayato on the arm.
"Good. Now, let's head back and finish our meal."