Over the next three days, Thoma and Kamisato Ayaka seemed to have vanished from the face of the earth, never once appearing again before Shao Yun.
Lumine, accompanied by Paimon, spent her days taking commissions and working hard out in the field, returning to Komore Teahouse at night to rest, always busy with something.
Shao Yun, with little pressing business, spent most of his time wandering aimlessly around Inazuma City, killing time.
The only noteworthy event was on the second day of their disappearance—he took out Lisa's Alchemical Pendant and ventured beyond the city to search for herbs only visible to him, seeking to replenish and diversify his tonic supplies.
By noon of the third day, as Kamisato Ayaka and Thoma remained missing, Shao Yun once again wandered through the bustling Machijie Street, Inazuma's main shopping district.
He strolled casually through the lively crowds, admiring the variety of shops and goods that lined the street.
Unconsciously, his steps carried him toward the Adventurers' Guild reception.
It was then that Miss Katheryne noticed his approach. She waved cordially, calling out warmly, "Mr. Tacitus Kilgore! Could I borrow a moment of your time?"
Shao Yun stopped and turned to her. "Miss Katheryne, is something the matter?"
Katheryne smiled and patiently explained, "Just earlier, Miss Kozue from Komore Teahouse came to find me. She asked me to deliver a message: there's a guest currently waiting for you in your room at the teahouse. She hoped I could inform you if I saw you."
Shao Yun frowned slightly in confusion, scratching his head. "And who might this guest be?"
Katheryne gave a helpless shrug and shook her head. "I'm sorry, Miss Kozue didn't share any details about the guest's identity."
Shao Yun nodded in understanding and thanked her. "Alright, got it. Thank you for letting me know."
Katheryne returned his thanks with a smile. "It's my pleasure, Mr. Tacitus Kilgore."
…
Shao Yun soon returned to the traditionally styled Komore Teahouse. Miss Kozue, who stood at the entrance, immediately noticed him.
With a respectful smile, she walked over and greeted him politely, "Welcome back, honored guest. I have a message for you: there's someone waiting in your room who wishes to meet with you."
Shao Yun raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And who might that be?"
Miss Kozue glanced around, ensuring no one else was within earshot.
She leaned in and lowered her voice mysteriously, "It's the current head of the Kamisato Clan—Lord Kamisato Ayato. He arrived at the teahouse this morning and has been patiently waiting for you. It's been several hours."
Hearing the name Kamisato Ayato, a wry smile tugged at Shao Yun's lips.
So even the clan head's come out in person. I must've rattled them pretty hard.
Now he was curious—what did Kamisato Ayato have to say?
"Understood," Shao Yun replied. "I won't keep him waiting."
He stepped into the teahouse.
Taromaru was perched atop the counter. The moment he saw Shao Yun, his mouth opened in a wide grin, tongue lolling out, tail wagging excitedly, eyes locked onto him.
These past three days, Shao Yun had spent his free time playing with Taromaru, even sneaking him some snacks now and then. They'd become quite close.
Shao Yun walked up and gently patted the dog's head. "Hello, Taromaru. I'm back. But Miss Kozue told me not to keep feeding you—she's worried you'll get too fat and it might affect your health."
Taromaru drooped his head, clearly disappointed.
Shao Yun chuckled and gave his cheeks a fond rub before turning and heading toward his room.
As he pushed open the door, his gaze was immediately drawn to a figure seated inside.
It was a man with light blue, short hair. A strand fell naturally over his right shoulder, while a soft fringe partially veiled his violet-lidded eyes on the left.
Beneath the corner of his lips sat a striking beauty mark. He wore an elegant off-white haori with a standing collar, its design featuring swinging sleeves and an elongated back hem.
His facial features bore some resemblance to Ayaka's. He was none other than Kamisato Ayato, head of the Kamisato Clan.
Ayato rose upon seeing Shao Yun and offered a warm smile.
He extended a hand, his demeanor neither arrogant nor humble, and introduced himself with grace. "Greetings. I'm Kamisato Ayato, current head of the Kamisato Clan."
Shao Yun's eyes lingered on the extended hand. Out of basic courtesy, he shook it lightly with a smile.
"Hello. I'm Shao Yun. I go by this name for now, but I can't guarantee I'll use the same one next time we meet."
Ayato chuckled softly and turned slightly, gesturing toward the table. "I've prepared some tea. Would you be willing to sit and chat for a while?"
Shao Yun nodded and took a seat.
Ayato poured him a fragrant cup of tea.
Shao Yun stared into the emerald-hued liquid but didn't drink. Instead, he pushed the cup aside slightly.
Partly because he didn't enjoy tea. Mostly, he was more interested in hearing what Ayato had to say.
He spoke bluntly. "If you've got something to say, just say it."
Seeing this, Ayato set his own cup down and produced a beautifully crafted invitation from his sleeve, presenting it with both hands.
"This isn't the best place to speak at length. Tonight, at the Kamisato Estate, I will host a banquet to apologize to you, Miss Lumine, and Miss Paimon. Once we've cleared the air, I'll explain everything in detail."
Shao Yun accepted the invitation, studying Ayato with a sharp gaze.
"This the Kamisato tradition? Leaving guests in the dark for three whole days…"
Ayato bowed his head slightly, a note of sincere regret in his voice.
"My apologies for that misunderstanding. It was an oversight on our part. I assure you, tonight's banquet will make up for it."
Seeing even the clan head apologize so earnestly, Shao Yun eased up.
"Alright. Since you've shown such consideration, I'll accept. I'll bring Lumine and Paimon along."
He paused, then added with a warning glint in his eye.
"But let me give you a word of advice—don't be as foolish as your sister. Or the Kamisato Estate may soon have to be renamed Kamisato Tomb."
He was clearly referring to Ayaka's offer of "presenting herself" three days ago.
Ayato understood immediately.
"I will provide a proper explanation for my sister's… inappropriate remarks."
Shao Yun nodded approvingly.
"Good. I'll be listening closely. By the way, what time does this banquet start?"
Ayato raised four fingers.
"Four o'clock. I'll send an ornate palanquin—imported from Liyue—to personally escort you and your companions from the teahouse."
Shao Yun was a bit taken aback. Such fanfare… not worried about attracting attention?
"I'm sure you're aware of what I did on Ritou. Aren't you worried this display will draw too much heat?"
Ayato, sharp as ever, caught his meaning immediately.
"Even if the Tenryou Commission learns of your actions, I will do everything in my power to ensure your safety."
Shao Yun slapped the table, clearly impressed.
"Well said! That's bold. I like it."
Then he added, "That said, while I'll attend, Lumine and Paimon are still out adventuring. I can't promise they'll be back by four."
Ayato responded firmly.
"Whenever you arrive, the banquet begins. If it takes a day, I'll wait a day. A week, I'll wait a week. The entire Kamisato Clan will put everything on hold until you come."
Shao Yun clapped again, delighted.
"You're the real deal, Ayato. I like your style. We might be late, but we'll be there."
Ayato, seeing that the meeting had reached a satisfactory close, stood and gave a slight bow.
"In that case, I shall take my leave. I look forward to your presence."
With that, he turned and exited the room.
Shao Yun held the invitation in his hands, examining it closely.
Its surface shimmered subtly, the edges inlaid with fine gold leaf, exquisitely crafted.
In the center, the Kamisato family crest stood proudly.
As he read through the details, Shao Yun couldn't help but mutter to himself.
"This invitation's the real deal… brimming with sincerity. Guess it's true—nice guys get pushed around, and polite dogs get ridden.…"
His reasons for accepting the banquet were twofold: one, to see what plan the Kamisato family had to help him meet the Raiden Shogun; and two, to find out how they intended to make amends.
Kamisato Ayato was no fool—he wouldn't be dumb enough to set a trap.
And if they were foolish enough to try something… Shao Yun was confident he could erase the Kamisato Clan just as thoroughly as the Hiiragi.