"Lord Akio, I'll be honest with you—when I first heard that Ayaka had feelings for you, I wasn't exactly thrilled," Kamisato Ayato said with a smile.
Akio listened quietly. At this moment, he wasn't a god, and Kamisato Ayato wasn't his subordinate. Instead, he was Ayaka's older brother.
"The higher one's status, the more attention they attract from the outside world, and with that comes increasing danger," Kamisato Ayato continued.
"Ever since I took over the Yashiro Commission and the Kamisato Clan, I've been trying my best to protect Ayaka and keep her out of harm's way," Kamisato Ayato said with a bitter smile.
"But Ayaka is just too responsible. She didn't want me to overwork myself, so she took on many of the clan's duties to prove that she could help me manage the Yashiro Commission."
"I understand Ayaka's intentions, but I didn't dare let her get involved in the political affairs of the Yashiro Commission. I only assigned her tasks that involved interacting with the people," Kamisato Ayato explained. "I believe in Ayaka's abilities, but I also want her to keep a pure heart. She doesn't need to be part of power struggles or face the darker sides of humanity. That's my responsibility as her older brother."
"Because of this, she sometimes gets a little upset and even argues with me," Kamisato Ayato said. "That time she hosted you at the banquet was her own decision. At the time, I didn't dare let Ayaka interact with you directly because her heart was still too innocent."
"I know. When Thoma came to find me, I actually thought it was you testing me," Akio chuckled. "I didn't expect it to be Ayaka's own idea."
"Yes, Ayaka has grown up and has her own thoughts now," Kamisato Ayato took a deep breath. "As her older brother, I shouldn't restrain her too much."
"Right now, Inazuma is in a precarious situation. One misstep could plunge the Yashiro Commission into crisis, so I don't dare let Ayaka get too deeply involved in political affairs," Kamisato Ayato said. "If it ever comes to that, I'm willing to sacrifice everything to ensure her safety."
"There's no need to be so pessimistic," Akio said, knowing that Kamisato Ayato genuinely loved his sister.
"You're very capable. The Yashiro Commission has thrived under your leadership. Whether it's the Shogun, Yae Miko, or me, we're all very satisfied with the Yashiro Commission's work," Akio said. "As long as you continue to work for the people of Inazuma and their well-being, without harming their interests, I can guarantee that the Yashiro Commission will remain under the Kamisato Clan's control."
"Thank you, Lord Akio," Kamisato Ayato was pleasantly surprised. Deity's assurance was enough to secure the Kamisato Clan's future stability.
Just as they finished their conversation, Kamisato Ayaka returned. Seeing her brother visibly excited, she was puzzled. Her brother rarely showed his emotions so openly.
"What's going on? Why is Brother so happy?" Kamisato Ayaka asked curiously.
"Nothing, Ayaka. I just had a pleasant conversation with Lord Akio," Kamisato Ayato shook his head. Of course, he was happy—the Kamisato Clan's future was secure, and Ayaka had someone to protect her. It was a double blessing.
"Alright," Kamisato Ayaka nodded, pouring tea for Akio and her brother.
As the three of them chatted and drank tea, Thoma returned and said, "Master, Sayu isn't in the Shuumatsuban. I've looked everywhere but couldn't find her."
"..." Kamisato Ayato knew immediately—the little girl had gone off to laze around again.
"I'll handle it," Kamisato Ayato said, standing up. "Lord Akio, please excuse me. I'll go find Sayu."
"Alright," Akio nodded, and Kamisato Ayato left with Thoma.
"Sayu… that child is probably slacking off again," Kamisato Ayaka said with a smile. "Leave it to Brother. He can find Sayu no matter where she's hiding."
"Ayaka, can I ask how much Sayu earns in the Shuumatsuban each month?" Akio suddenly asked out of curiosity.
"Hmm…" Kamisato Ayaka thought for a moment. "About 20,000 Mora. Since the Shuumatsuban provides food and lodging, and Sayu doesn't have much desire to spend money—she's always sleeping—we just give her 20,000 Mora as pocket money."
Only 20,000! Akio looked at Kamisato Ayaka with a strange expression. Who wouldn't be tempted by a job where you don't have to do anything, get free food and lodging, and still receive 20,000 Mora as pocket money?
As for someone at the Grand Narukami Shrine who also gets free food and lodging and earns 200,000 Mora a month for doing nothing… well, that person clearly has no self-awareness.
"Akio, I made some snacks. Would you like to try them?" Kamisato Ayaka took out a plate of pastries from her Vision's storage space. Akio looked at them and realized they were Ayaka's signature dish, "A Touch of Snow on the Red Stove."
The pastries were truly beautiful, like delicate little works of art. The thin red outer layer wrapped around soft, chewy glutinous rice, making them look exquisite.
Akio picked one up and took a bite. The first taste was the unique fragrance of cherry blossoms, followed by the sweet and delicious glutinous rice. It was incredibly delicate and delightful.
"Is it good, Akio?" Kamisato Ayaka asked expectantly.
"Of course it's good," Akio smiled. "If I could enjoy these with Ayaka while drinking tea, I'd wish time could stand still."
"Mmm…" Kamisato Ayaka's face turned red. Her eyes were soft and tender, as Akio always knew how to say the most heartwarming things at the right moments.
Kamisato Ayaka glanced around, making sure no one was watching, then quickly moved closer and nestled into Akio's arms.
She picked up a pastry and held it to Akio's lips. "Akio, let me feed you."
Akio was curious. Why was the usually shy Kamisato Ayaka suddenly being so bold?
"It tastes even better when Ayaka feeds me," Akio said with a smile, taking a bite.
"Really?" Kamisato Ayaka asked shyly.
"Of course," Akio said with a mischievous grin. "Would Ayaka like to try it too?"
"Huh? How would I… Mmm…" Before Kamisato Ayaka could fully understand what Akio meant, he leaned in and kissed her.
In an instant, Kamisato Ayaka's mouth was filled with the fragrance of cherry blossoms, and she couldn't help but become enchanted by the sweet taste.
After a while, Akio gently pulled away and asked with a smile, "Ayaka, was it good?"
"Yes… it was good," Kamisato Ayaka whispered shyly, her head lowered, not daring to meet Akio's eyes.
A/N: Enjoying the story? Read 40+ chapters ahead on Patreon! Your support helps: Patreon.com/nneol