"Thoma, you wouldn't want anyone to find out that the Yashiro Commission has been secretly aiding the resistance, right?"
The blond-haired Thoma's pupils shrank. Koji knowing about that sent panic straight through him.
"If the Raiden Shogun, or even Kujou Sara, were to find out, the entire Yashiro Commission would be finished. This is the kind of thing that gets heads cut off!"
"Relax, Thoma," Koji said with a light smile. "I won't tell anyone. But I am interested in Inazuma's Shirasagi Himegimi."
Thoma's heart skipped a beat. Damn. So his target was Kamisato Ayaka.
He had no choice but to take them to her now—if he refused and word leaked, the Commission was done for.
"I'll introduce you to Lady Kamisato myself," Thoma said with a bitter smile.
With Thoma's help, the formalities went smoothly, and he brought the group to the Yashiro Commission's estate.
The Kamisato estate sat by the coastline—quiet and remote, with no nearby neighbors. The Commission had chosen this place for its proximity to the Grand Narukami Shrine.
Back when the Commission could hardly keep standing, it was Yae Miko herself who had intervened and saved them. Being close to Mt. Yougou also meant having the Guuji's protection.
"Pleased to meet you. Successor of the Kamisato-ryū Art of Swordsmanship—Kamisato Ayaka, at your service."
Ayaka's eyes were a soft gray-blue. Her pale hair was tied high in a ponytail, her bangs framing her forehead, and a tiny mole at the corner of her eye added a trace of charm.
She wore a gradient haori with deep blue pleated skirt and a fitted black cuirass over her chest—her manners elegant and composed, radiating noble grace.
A perfect young lady in every way—and far from a mere decoration.
Koji smiled slightly. He genuinely admired her.
"I'm Koji, a traveler passing through."
"I'm Lumine. You may call me the Traveler as well—though I'd prefer to be distinguished from others," Lumine said evenly.
"Not everyone could manage that," Ayaka replied politely.
The group introduced themselves. Ayaka's careful words and posture betrayed both discipline and caution.
After hearing Thoma's explanation, she realized Koji already knew of the Commission's secret ties to the resistance. If the Tenryou Commission learned of it, even Guuji Yae wouldn't be able to protect them.
Supporting the resistance bordered on treason.
Her brother was currently in the Chabashira Teahouse within the city—so for now, she had to handle the situation herself.
"Inazuma has the Shirasagi Dance, Mondstadt has its priestess dance… Does Liyue have something similar?" Koji asked curiously.
Shenhe thought for a moment and shook her head. "I'm not sure."
"Does the Yaksha Exorcism Dance count?" Lumine asked playfully, recalling the term Xiao had used.
"Probably not," Shenhe replied after a pause.
Ayaka remained silent, simply observing them. They didn't seem hostile, which eased her tension somewhat.
"How did you learn of this matter?" she finally asked.
That partnership between the Yashiro Commission and the resistance had been kept in the shadows. Only a handful knew about it—certainly not an outsider like Koji.
"Let's say I have my own special channels," Koji replied smoothly, switching to fluent Inazuman. "And I believe you wouldn't want the Shogun learning about this either, would you, Miss Ayaka?"
"…"
Ayaka's face turned pink. The phrasing… it sounded far too much like something out of those "special" romantic dramas.
"Are you trying to make her do that kind of thing?!" Lumine snapped, hands on her hips.
"You don't like it?" Koji teased back.
He was clearly playing on the famous meme—"I am Kamisato Ayaka's dog."
Lumine glanced at Ayaka, then nodded seriously. "Ayaka's really cute. Maybe I should consider—"
Ayaka's fingers clenched around her skirt, her face burning bright red. Her head felt ready to explode. What kind of wolves were these people?!
Eula and the others sighed helplessly. They'd long since realized Lumine was far less proper than she appeared—an absolute gremlin of a sister.
"Ahem. I don't have such thoughts," Ayaka managed finally. "May I ask what business brought you to Inazuma?"
"Travel, of course," Koji said cheerfully. "Our group has people from Mondstadt and Liyue both."
Ayaka fell silent again. Coming to Inazuma now, under the Vision Hunt Decree, was reckless.
"I've heard of you—the Traveler who helped Mondstadt defeat the dragon, and aided the Liyue Qixing and Millelith against an ancient god. Would you consider cooperating with me?" she asked carefully.
Inazuma needed an outside breeze to stir its stagnant waters—but she couldn't stake everything on them alone.
"Why is it that every country we visit ends up in chaos?" Lumine sighed.
"Maybe because you're the world's protagonist," Koji said with mock solemnity. "Heaven entrusts its greatest trials to the chosen."
"I don't want to be the protagonist," Lumine grumbled. "I just want a peaceful trip."
Koji shrugged. "If it involves that pink-haired sly fox, I'm out. I don't want anything to do with her schemes."
Ayaka's lips twitched; she couldn't deny he was right.
"Guuji-sama has no choice," Thoma interjected softly. "The Shogun's decision is absolute."
Koji snorted. "That's just because the pink-haired fox is lazy. She could do it herself but makes others do the work."
"Ah ah ah, little one~ calling me that name isn't very nice, you know."
A sweet, teasing voice floated in from the doorway—so soft it made every man's knees weak just hearing it.
At that moment, everyone realized Koji hadn't been exaggerating.
A pink-haired woman stepped gracefully into view, her foxlike smile equal parts charm and mischief—Yae Miko herself.
(End of Chapter)
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