Inazuma — Ritou Harbor.
Members of the Kamisato Clan stood anxiously by the shore, waiting.
Although Kamisato Ayaka had only been away from Inazuma for a few days, to the head of the Kamisato Clan and his wife, those days had felt like years. They constantly worried that little Ayaka might not be doing well in Liyue.
After learning that she would be returning to Inazuma today, the Kamisato family had arrived at the harbor early, waiting for the return of their young lady.
When Ayaka stepped off the ship, the first thing she saw was her parents standing by the port.
She ran straight into her mother's arms.
Looking at the slightly haggard expressions on her parents' faces, Ayaka felt deeply guilty.
She knew that her sudden disappearance must have made them extremely anxious.
And it wasn't just anxiety.
Her father had nearly turned Chinju Forest upside down searching for her.
If Jiang Yan hadn't sent word in time, the Kamisato household might have been thrown into complete chaos for quite some time.
After a moment of reunion, Ayaka raised her head and apologized to her parents.
"Father, Mother, I'm sorry for making you worry."
Her father gently stroked her small head and shook his head softly.
"Ayaka, the ones who should really apologize are us."
Her mother nodded in agreement.
"Yes. All this time, your father and I have only been thinking about what kind of person we wanted you to become, and because of that, we ignored your feelings."
"For the past two days, your father and I have been reflecting on our mistakes."
"Rather than turning you into an outstanding heir of the Kamisato Clan, we would much rather see you grow up safely, happily, and in good health."
At that moment, Kamisato Ayato looked at his parents, his youthful eyes lighting up.
"Then… then does that mean I can—"
He wanted to go play beetle-fighting with his friends.
"No."
The Kamisato Clan head glanced at Ayato calmly.
"You still have many assignments unfinished today. Your etiquette teacher is already waiting for you at home."
Ayato: …
So love can disappear, huh?
So there's soon no place for me in this family, right?
Still, with his sister finally back, little Ayato was happy.
As long as his sister could grow up happily, he was willing to shoulder everything else.
He was confident he could protect his sister.
Aside from him, no one else was allowed to bully her!
"Alright, today is supposed to be a happy day. Why are you being so harsh?"
Ayaka's mother lightly slapped her husband's arm, then smiled at Ayato and Ayaka.
"Come on, let's go home."
"Okay!"
Holding her mother's hand, Ayaka began telling them about everything that had happened during her time in Liyue.
Along the way, her parents and Ayato listened attentively to her stories.
Not only Ayaka's mother, but even Ayato and her father could clearly tell that Ayaka liked someone named Jiang Yan very much.
It was almost as if every few sentences, Ayaka would mention "Brother Jiang Yan."
And every time she talked about him, a bright sparkle appeared in her watery eyes—something her mother had never seen there before.
Ayaka's mother listened with a gentle smile.
It seemed that Ayaka now had someone important in her heart as well.
Meanwhile, Ayato felt somewhat uncomfortable.
Clearly, he was Kamisato Ayaka's real older brother.
But listening to her talk, it almost sounded as if that "Brother Jiang Yan" was her real brother instead.
If he ever had the chance, Ayato truly wanted to meet this man named Jiang Yan.
He wanted to see what kind of person could make his sister so fond of him.
Ayaka's father, however, had a complicated look in his eyes.
Ayaka's mother and Ayato didn't know who Jiang Yan was.
But as her father, he did.
Just a few days earlier, that man named Jiang Yan had revealed his identity.
The Tianquan of Liyue.
The Wood Spirit Immortal Lord who had visited Inazuma during the early days of its founding.
According to historical records, this immortal could be considered both the benefactor of all Inazuma—and a devil.
The Liyue navy and air force he established had supported Inazuma during the catastrophic war five hundred years ago.
Later, the Immortal Lord himself came to Inazuma and saved its people.
Yet at the same time, when Inazuma was first established, this immortal used Liyue's cannons and warships to force open the nation's gates, making Mora from Liyue the mainstream currency in Inazuma.
However, judging from Ayaka's behavior, this Tianquan of Liyue seemed to treat children quite well.
At the very least, his daughter hadn't been mistreated there.
After returning home, Ayaka's parents originally wanted her to rest for a day.
After all, traveling by ship was exhausting, and they were worried about her health.
But Ayaka refused to rest.
She insisted on attending her classes as usual.
The reason was that she had made a deal with her parents.
As long as she could meet their expectations, she would be allowed to visit Liyue regularly for a few days at a time!
As long as she diligently completed the tasks her parents set for her, she would soon be able to see Brother Jiang Yan again!
Even Ayato found this unbelievable.
After all, who knew Ayaka's personality better than her own brother?
Normally, she would pout and look completely unwilling whenever it was time for lessons.
But now she was actually asking eagerly for more classes.
Ayaka's parents exchanged glances and suddenly smiled.
It seemed that her trip to Liyue had produced… quite a positive effect.
So they didn't refuse her request.
Ayaka now had a goal and motivation.
How could they possibly deny that?
And so, day by day, time passed.
Ayaka's growth was evident to her parents.
Swordsmanship, etiquette, academics—whatever lessons they arranged for her, she studied them with great dedication.
One morning.
After finishing her final assignment, Ayaka let out a sigh of relief, excitement flashing in her eyes.
Her parents had already promised her—after a few more days, she could go see Brother Jiang Yan!
"Ayaka!"
Ayato pushed open the door and walked in.
"What is it, Brother?"
Ayaka looked at him with curiosity.
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