As Akio walked into Tenshukaku with the Raiden Shogun, he noticed Hiiragi Chisato sitting obediently between Raiden Makoto and Raiden Ei. It was clear that she had already been informed about the three Shoguns.
"Akio, you're here," Raiden Makoto said with a smile.
"Then, Your Excellency, I'll take my leave now," Hiiragi Chisato said softly.
"Alright, go directly to the Tenryou Commission. They'll arrange accommodations for you. For the next few days, you'll stay by my side," Raiden Makoto nodded and added, "As for meals, you can eat at the Tenryou Commission's cafeteria."
"Understood," Hiiragi Chisato nodded, then turned to Akio and said, "Lord Akio, I'll take my leave now."
"Go ahead," Akio replied with a gentle smile.
Hiiragi Chisato quickly left Tenshukaku, while Akio and the Raiden Shogun walked over and took their seats.
"So, how do you think Hiiragi Chisato is doing?" Akio asked with a smile. "Do you think she's capable of handling the role of Acting Commissioner of the Kanjou Commission?"
"I quite like her," Raiden Makoto nodded in praise. "Though she's pure-hearted, she's not naively kind. Her mind is sharp. I gave her a few case studies to solve earlier, and she quickly came up with answers that satisfied me."
"She's very talented, almost as if she was born to manage economics," Raiden Makoto continued. "Although she's a bit inexperienced in handling political matters, she'll become a competent leader after a few days of learning under me."
"That's a relief to hear," Akio nodded, surprised that Hiiragi Chisato had earned such high praise from Raiden Makoto.
"If this young lady can manage the Kanjou Commission well during this period, I'll allow her to become the official Commissioner," Raiden Makoto said.
Akio nodded. If Hiiragi Chisato could secure the position of Kanjou Commissioner, it would be a great outcome for the Hiiragi family—though Hiiragi Shinsuke would be the exception.
"By the way, Ei, what were you two arguing about earlier? And why did you go to the back to fight?" Akio asked curiously.
"Of course, it was about you," Raiden Ei replied. "The Shogun said she wanted to spend the night with you, and I strongly disagreed."
"So, who won?" Akio asked with interest.
"The Shogun won today," Raiden Ei said calmly. After all, she had already had her time with Akio, so letting the Shogun have a turn wasn't a big deal.
"Right, tonight you're mine, Akio," the Raiden Shogun nodded, looking quite pleased.
"The way you two interact is quite amusing," Raiden Makoto said with a laugh. Her sister was stubborn and competitive, while the Shogun was equally rigid. Their back-and-forth was rather entertaining.
---
After leaving Tenshukaku, Akio headed straight to the Kamisato Estate. To gather evidence against Kujou Takayuki, he needed the help of a certain little someone.
"Akio~" Hearing that Akio had arrived, Kamisato Ayaka, who had been practicing her swordsmanship, quickly tidied up and came out to greet him.
"Ayaka, were you practicing your swordsmanship just now?" Akio asked with a smile, noticing the beads of sweat on the young girl's face.
"It's so embarrassing to meet Akio in this state," Kamisato Ayaka said shyly.
"How is it embarrassing? I love Ayaka no matter how she looks," Akio chuckled, pulling the girl into his arms.
"Mmm~ Akio," Kamisato Ayaka hugged Akio tightly, her youthful affection making her want to be with her beloved at all times.
"Kamisato Ayato, head of the Kamisato Clan, greets Lord Akio!" A voice came from behind.
Though he knew his sister and Akio were a couple, seeing this scene still made him feel a bit melancholic—as if his sister was about to leave him any moment.
"Kamisato Ayato," Akio nodded, gently releasing Kamisato Ayaka but still holding her hand.
"I've come today to borrow someone from the Kamisato Clan," Akio said straightforwardly.
"Lord Akio, please feel free to make any request," Kamisato Ayato quickly replied.
"I've heard that the Kamisato Clan has the Shuumatsuban, skilled in intelligence gathering, assassination, and other covert operations," Akio said with a smile. "I'd like to borrow Sayu from the Shuumatsuban for a task."
"Sayu?" Kamisato Ayato's expression changed slightly. He looked at Akio seriously and said, "Lord Akio, Sayu is still very young. If you're asking her to carry out an assassination mission, I'm afraid I cannot agree."
"Assassination?" Akio waved his hand dismissively. "If I wanted to kill someone, would I need to resort to assassination? Don't worry, I just need her to gather some evidence for me."
"I've heard about this little ninja. Her skills in hiding and escaping are top-notch, making her perfect for this job," Akio said.
"Thank you for your trust, Lord Akio. Thoma, go check Sayu's room. Is she still asleep?" Kamisato Ayato instructed.
"Understood," Thoma nodded and left.
"Akio, let's sit over here," Kamisato Ayaka said, leading Akio to a small pavilion in the garden.
Kamisato Ayato followed slowly behind, feeling a bit heartbroken.
"Akio, please wait a moment. I'll go make some tea," Kamisato Ayaka said, then quickly left. Though tea-making was usually left to the maids, Akio was different. She wanted him to taste her own handiwork.
After Kamisato Ayaka left, Akio and Kamisato Ayato sat in the pavilion, staring at each other in silence.
Breaking the awkward atmosphere, Kamisato Ayato spoke first, "Lord Akio, I'm aware that you and Ayaka are in a relationship."
"Mm," Akio nodded. Wasn't that obvious?
"Lord Akio, this isn't something I should interfere with, but I'd like to ask a favor of you," Kamisato Ayato said, his eyes sincere.
Seeing Akio's expression, Kamisato Ayato gritted his teeth and continued, "I've heard that Lord Akio has several partners, but Ayaka is my only sister. Please treat her well and don't let her get hurt."
"Don't worry," Akio replied seriously. "Since Ayaka has given me her love, I won't betray her, and no one will ever harm her."
"Ah… time flies," Kamisato Ayato sighed, finally feeling a bit relieved. "Ayaka and I lost our parents at a young age. After our mother passed away, I never saw my sister smile so happily again."
"Until the day after she hosted you at the banquet. When she mentioned you, her face was full of joy. I knew then that Ayaka had found someone she loved," Kamisato Ayato said.
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