Hearing Thoma's words, the Kamisato guards immediately lowered their weapons and bowed respectfully to Kagami Ren.
"I have come under my lady's orders to invite the Grand Chief Priest as a guest," Thoma said, leading Kagami Ren inside.
"Lord Kagami Ren, this way please."
As they walked toward the reception hall, Kagami Ren casually observed the Kamisato Estate.
"As expected of the Yashiro Commission. Quite impressive," he remarked. The estate was vast, filled with elegant buildings, pavilions, and courtyards. Just the front garden alone occupied a massive area.
In terms of sheer size, it even surpassed the Grand Narukami Shrine—but the Kamisato Estate housed many retainers.
"We've arrived. My lady is waiting inside," Thoma said, opening the door for him.
"Mm." Kagami Ren nodded and stepped in.
The reception room was beautifully decorated in traditional Inazuman style. The Kamisato clan crest was embroidered on a nearby curtain.
In the center of the room sat an array of exquisite sweets, and a graceful figure knelt quietly before them.
Hearing the door open, the girl quickly looked up.
Kagami Ren finally saw her clearly.
As expected of the noble lady whose mere presence could make countless players lose their composure in his past life.
Kamisato Ayaka wasn't wearing her familiar outfit from the game, but a flowing white dress instead.
"You must be Lord Kagami Ren?" Ayaka was momentarily stunned before quickly standing to greet him.
She hadn't expected the Grand Chief Priest to be so young—he even looked younger than her brother.
"What? Do I not seem the part?" Kagami Ren asked with a faint smile.
"I—I didn't mean that," Ayaka quickly explained, afraid of offending him.
"Please, have a seat, Lord Kagami Ren." Regaining her composure, she guided him over.
Kagami Ren sat down cross-legged without hesitation.
"I'm not fond of kneeling," he said calmly upon noticing her surprised expression.
"My apologies… Lord Kagami Ren. I didn't consider that," Ayaka said softly.
"It's fine. Sit."
Only then did Ayaka carefully kneel down, stealing a glance at his refined features, momentarily unsure how to begin.
"Kamisato Ayaka! What's wrong with you today? Don't let Lord Kagami Ren think poorly of the Kamisato Clan!" she scolded herself internally.
Taking a breath, she gathered her composure and poured him a cup of tea.
"Please enjoy."
"I've heard from Miko that the Kamisato Clan's young lady is elegant and accomplished. Seeing you today, it's clear why you're known as the Shirasagi Himegimi," Kagami Ren said after a sip. He had to admit—her tea skills far surpassed Miko's.
"You flatter me," Ayaka said, her cheeks faintly flushed. "You may simply call me Ayaka."
"In that case, I'll be direct," Kagami Ren said. "Ayaka, why did you invite me here today?"
"…"
Ayaka froze. She hadn't expected him to be so straightforward. All the prepared introductions she had in mind suddenly vanished.
"I… I heard that Lady Guuji reinstated the position of Grand Chief Priest. Since the Yashiro Commission shares overlapping responsibilities, I wished to meet you," she said honestly.
"I see." Kagami Ren nodded casually, far more relaxed than she was—almost as if he were the host.
He picked up a pastry and took a bite. He hadn't even had breakfast before being dragged here.
Ayaka watched him eat in silence, growing increasingly anxious. Had she said something wrong? Was being so direct inappropriate?
Clearly, in matters like this, she was still inexperienced compared to her brother.
"You don't need to worry about that," Kagami Ren said with a smile after finishing a few pastries, noticing her unease.
"Although I hold the title of Grand Chief Priest, I have no interest in managing rituals and ceremonies. I'm not familiar with them anyway."
"The Yashiro Commission can continue as before. Matters you can decide on your own don't need my approval. Anything else can go directly to Miko."
He had already decided—he would be a hands-off superior. Actually handling ceremonies? Absolutely not.
Relaxing, drawing a salary, and enjoying time with beautiful women—that was the ideal life.
"…What?" Ayaka blinked in disbelief. He didn't want power?
"You're surprised?" Kagami Ren said calmly. "Isn't this what you wanted? From the moment Miko reinstated this position, weren't you concerned about losing authority?"
"Lord Kagami Ren…" Ayaka's body trembled slightly. He had laid it all out so bluntly—this was about power, after all.
"I understand. The position has been vacant for a century, and all its authority has long been handled by the Yashiro Commission," Kagami Ren said, sipping his tea. "Now that it's reinstated, you wouldn't willingly hand that power back."
"And frankly, I dislike trouble. Leaving things to you is perfectly fine."
"Among the Three Commissions, the Yashiro Commission already handles cultural and ceremonial affairs—and you're still beneath the shrine in authority. Compared to the other two commissions, your position is already weaker."
"If you lose more power, you'll fall even further behind. That's why you're eager to understand my stance. Am I wrong?"
"…We…" Ayaka bit her lip. He was right. No one wanted to give up power—especially in Inazuma's current unstable situation.
"I've said it already—I don't care about these things," Kagami Ren waved it off. "But I do have one condition."
"Have your brother rein in his schemes."
"He's impressive, carrying the Kamisato Clan at such a young age. But since we're being open, he should keep me out of his calculations."
A faint golden light flickered in Kagami Ren's eyes.
"At the very least, have him withdraw the ninja he stationed around Chinju Forest and the shrine."