"Welcome to the Kamisato Estate, honored guests. My lady has been expecting you."
After closing the gate behind them, Thoma approached with his usual courteous smile. Though he had overheard their earlier conversation, he could only sigh inwardly—as expected of outlanders.
"Your lady? You mean the 'Princess White Heron' you mentioned before? Where is she?"
Floating midair, Paimon blinked her wide eyes curiously.
"…"
Aether, though silent, looked around as well, finding no sign of anyone else.
"It seems the two of you are still in good spirits," came a sudden voice—Ayaka's voice—from behind the screen.
"Wah~!" ×2
The unexpected sound startled both travelers, echoing ghostlike through the room.
"Wh-what was that?!"
"Behind the screen?!"
They turned toward the tall folding screen decorated with white herons and camellias—where the melodious voice seemed to have come from.
"Hahaha!!"
Thoma couldn't hold back his laughter, clutching his stomach. He had guessed his lady would pull something like this—and she hadn't disappointed.
Feeling tricked, both Aether and Paimon looked somewhat indignant.
"W-what's so funny?!" Paimon stomped her tiny foot in the air.
"Did you plan this all along?!" Aether demanded, exasperated. The man hadn't said a word about it earlier.
"No, no… My lady, as the head of the Yashiro Commission, always greets guests in this way. You could say it's been our family's custom for generations," Thoma explained with an awkward smile.
"Including scaring people half to death?" Paimon folded her little arms, unimpressed.
"Uh, haha! Of course not…" Thoma scratched his head sheepishly. Truth be told, he suspected Ayaka had done it on purpose—perhaps slightly offended by the earlier remark about her 'plain' estate.
"So… we won't get to meet her directly?" Aether asked.
"That's right… I must ask your understanding," Thoma replied apologetically.
"That's… a bit disappointing." Aether sighed softly.
"Well, she is the noble Princess White Heron," Paimon said suddenly, her emotional intelligence spiking for once. "You can't expect her to meet everyone face to face."
"Eh-heh…" Thoma chuckled awkwardly.
"Travelers who have crossed the seas and endured hardship, only to be welcomed in such a manner—I beg your forgiveness for my lack of courtesy."
From behind the screen, Ayaka's gentle, measured voice continued. Her tone carried dignity and warmth.
"I have long awaited your arrival. From Thoma's descriptions, I am convinced that you both possess the power to 'change the course of events.'"
As she spoke, she lifted the folding fan in her hand, her other hand brushing lightly along its edge. Though she addressed them, her gaze was lowered, her tone serene, as if her attention lingered on the fan itself.
"Under the Vision Hunt Decree, the people's wishes are being trampled upon."
She unfolded the fan, revealing the painted image of returning white herons.
"The Yashiro Commission serves the Shogun, yet by its nature, it is closest to the people."
"Our authority is born from their trust. To ignore their suffering—how could we sleep in peace?"
Her words flowed gracefully, as though well-rehearsed—or perhaps simply from conviction. Her refined voice naturally drew others to listen, gentle yet commanding, like a melody.
"So… Traveler, please lend me your strength. Together, we can—"
"I only came to see the Raiden Shogun. I'm not here to start a rebellion."
Before she could finish, Aether cut her off firmly. His voice carried absolute resolve. Without another word, he turned to leave.
"W-wait, Aether!" Paimon cried, flustered, unsure whether to stay or follow.
"Traveler, please wait."
Behind the screen, she showed not the slightest hint of surprise—not even in her expression. After all, this was part of her plan. She had known he would refuse her; in fact, it would have been troublesome if he had agreed.
Just as he neared the door, her composed, elegant voice called out to stop him.
"My lady, I don't think this approach will work…" Thoma said helplessly, scratching his head as he addressed her from behind the screen.
"…Is there something else?"
Aether, already growing impatient, turned back to face the screen.
"You wish to meet the Raiden Shogun, do you not?" she asked, following his intention.
"That's right. That's why I came here," Aether replied firmly.
"…"
Her gaze lowered slightly, icy blue eyes narrowing with subtle brilliance. The folding fan in her hand rested thoughtfully beneath her chin, and her lips curved into a faint, knowing smile.
"Very well. I can introduce you to the Raiden Shogun. But first… you must help me fulfill three small wishes."
"What wishes?" Paimon blurted before Aether could say anything, earning an exasperated glance from him.
"They concern three people who have lost their Visions. Once you meet them, perhaps you'll understand."
"And who are they?" Aether asked.
"One is a warrior who protects his village. The second, a samurai who once enforced the Vision Hunt Decree. The third, a swordsman who once sought to become the finest in the land."
She spoke each description carefully, revealing only enough for them to grasp their importance.
"The first resides in Konda Village. The second and third are near Hanamizaka. Please, do what you can to aid them. I will await your return."
"Leave it to us~!" Paimon replied energetically.
"…You'd better keep your word," Aether warned.
"Hehe… I will. Rest assured, a promise made will be a promise kept."
Behind the screen, she covered her lips with her fan, smiling faintly. Her icy blue eyes narrowed, gleaming with quiet confidence.
"…"
Aether lingered for a moment, gazing toward the screen as if trying to see through it—to glimpse the true form of the Princess White Heron. But he did not linger long. After a few seconds, he turned toward the door, and Paimon quickly followed.
"Good luck, my friend! May the winds be at your back~!" Thoma called from where he stood, waving encouragingly.
"Got it," Aether replied with a nod before leaving alongside Paimon.
Clatter…
The great doors closed behind them.
"My lady… could it be that you knew this would happen from the start?" Thoma asked, stepping behind the screen. He found the kimono-clad girl rising gracefully from the tatami.
"No one would agree to such a request right away—unless they lacked sense entirely," she said, tapping her chin lightly with her fan as she turned back toward the hall. Thoma followed behind.
"And after this…?" he asked.
"They've just arrived in Inazuma and have yet to experience the full weight of the Vision Hunt Decree. Once they do, their hearts will change. When that time comes… things will proceed more smoothly."
"I see… so that's how it is," Thoma murmured, wide-eyed.
"Now then… I must change. Thoma, you may go."
"Ah—understood!" Thoma bowed quickly and stepped out, leaving her alone once more.
She slowly loosened her kimono, slender fingers slipping beneath the collar to draw it from her shoulders, revealing graceful skin and a hint of her figure beneath. The garment slid down to her waist, baring much of her back to the cool air.
Yet she paused mid-motion, glancing softly toward a framed picture on the table.
"…Haa."
With a quiet sigh, she turned toward her room and slid the door closed behind her. Behind the shoji screen, her delicate silhouette could be seen as she changed—layer by layer—into her usual haori and armored skirt attire.
Rustle…
Having changed into a fresh outfit, Ayaka had not yet undertaken any activity. She simply stood in the hall, lost in thought. Her feet, wrapped in pure white tabi socks, stepped softly upon the pale tatami, pacing back and forth. With each measured step, her armored skirt made a faint, pleasant sound.
Tap, tap…
Her closed folding fan rested gently against her lips, occasionally tapping in quiet rhythm.
The afternoon sunlight streamed through the wooden windows, painting the simple hall of the estate in golden warmth. The tatami glowed even brighter, and her silver hair shimmered softly, setting off her fair face with ethereal beauty.
"…"
Something came to her mind. She paused mid-step, turning slightly toward the window behind her. Her icy-blue eyes narrowed, a trace of cool sharpness flickering in them. Then, without a word, she walked gracefully to the window, positioning herself so that the wooden frame concealed her figure.
Click…
Lifting her hand, she slid the window open slightly—just enough for her gaze to slip through the narrow gap and survey the outside of the Kamisato Estate.
Through her view, the estate appeared calm and peaceful. Yet she knew—or rather, felt—that eyes were upon it.
There… just over there.
On the main road beyond the gate, near the wooded area, stood a handcart with three men beside it. They were dressed as commoners, pretending to fix the broken cart. But their glances—cast subtly and frequently toward the estate—betrayed their true intent. The 'repair' was merely a facade.
And they weren't the only ones. In several other discreet spots, more watchers lingered. The Kamisato Estate was nearly surrounded.
She was long accustomed to this and well aware of who had ordered it.
—Kujou Takayuki.
He had noticed her intent to petition the Shogun and, out of self-interest, had aligned himself with the Tenryou Commission to secretly suppress the Yashiro Commission, which her family represented.
Her first petition was denied. The second as well. The third—no different.
Eventually, Kujou Takayuki had sent people to keep constant watch on the Kamisato family, especially now, when her elder brother was away on business.
So… he thought the Kamisato household, with only its second head remaining, would be easy to bully?
"Heh… old fox."
Click…
She shut the window firmly. Her tone had shifted—her elegant voice now carried a chill, even a faint, scornful laugh.
To act so brazenly behind the Shogun's back… conspiring in secret against the Shogunate itself—once your crimes are laid bare before Her Excellency, you'll suffer the consequences.
But first… the Shogun must know the truth. It seemed she would have to find a way to bring the Raiden Shogun to the Kamisato Estate herself. The question was—how?
Her footsteps resumed their soft rhythm over the tatami.
"Haa… Shogun-sama, what should I do now…?" she whispered, gazing toward Tenshukaku. Her icy-blue eyes softened, filled with quiet sorrow—as if pleading for guidance from the woman who dwelled there.
Rustle…
Suddenly, the door to the hall slid open, breaking the silence.
"Hey~! Ayaka! We've completed all three of your requests~!"
Paimon's lively voice pierced the quiet like a bell. She hovered inside, shouting cheerfully toward the screen.
Aether followed close behind, glancing instinctively toward the same screen—but—
No response.
"Eh? Where'd she go?" Paimon tilted her head, puzzled.
They looked around. The hall was silent, seemingly empty.
"Well now… you two came back quicker than I expected."
Thoma entered, sliding the door shut behind him. He clapped Aether on the shoulder and greeted Paimon with a smile.
"Where's Lady Kamisato?" Aether asked.
From within the depths of the hall, Ayaka took in their words, pushing aside the melancholy from moments ago. She stepped lightly toward the screen—yet this time, instead of sitting behind it, she appeared from the side.
For the first time, she revealed herself before them.
The silver-haired girl in her graceful armored kimono unfolded her fan and raised it gently beside her face. Her every step was elegant and light, and with her passing came the soft fragrance of cherry blossoms drifting into the air—and into Aether's breath.
"You two have worked hard."
Standing before them, she spoke softly, not minding their momentary daze, her tone calm yet appreciative.
"Eh? Who—who are you?" Paimon blinked in confusion.
"…"
Aether, on the other hand, was completely captivated. Even with the fan half-concealing her face, it could not hide her striking beauty. The delicate mole at the corner of her eye, framed by the edge of her fan, seemed almost intentionally placed to enhance her charm.
Upon hearing Paimon's question, Ayaka chose not to hide her identity any longer.
"Pleased to meet you. I am Kamisato Ayaka."
She gave her name simply, closing her fan and offering a polite bow.
"You—you're the 'Princess White Heron'?!" Paimon exclaimed.
"I am," Ayaka replied gently. In that brief moment, her sharp ice-blue eyes swept over the two before her, memorizing their features in detail. Her gaze met Aether's for an instant.
A faint flush touched his cheeks, his attention lost once again. Now that he had seen her true form, he could not help but stare.
Of course, Ayaka easily understood the meaning of such a gaze. She was well-versed in reading expressions and emotions—this one was unmistakable. He was simply… enchanted.
She remained perfectly composed. Holding her fan delicately in both hands, she returned his look with a graceful bow.
"Traveler, I have long heard of your name."
"…," Aether remained momentarily dazed.
Thoma stood by proudly, hands on his hips. He was already used to this reaction. After all, in Inazuma, the Princess White Heron's beauty was said to rival even that of the Shogun herself. Though, truth be told, two others were rumored to compare—the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine, Yae Miko, and the leader of the resistance, Sangonomiya Kokomi, whose beauty was said to be unparalleled. But Thoma had never seen them himself.
"I have already heard about how you helped those three individuals. Allow me to thank you once more," Ayaka continued, not minding Aether's absentmindedness.
"Uh… it was nothing," Aether finally responded, the color fading from his cheeks.
"But the wounds caused by losing their Visions can't truly be healed," he added gravely.
"Yes… without their Visions, it feels as though nothing can be done," Paimon sighed, then blinked as a thought came to her. "Wait—Ayaka, why did you suddenly come out to meet us in person?"
"Since you've fulfilled my three requests, it would be impolite for me to remain behind the screen any longer," she replied matter-of-factly. "Besides, what comes next is best discussed face-to-face. So then—let us return to the main topic. After seeing the suffering of those who lost their Visions, how did it make you feel?"
Her words were poised, precise—a natural conversationalist. But her gaze lingered on Aether. The question was meant for him.
"I think… it must be worse than death," Aether said quietly, eyes lowered. "Their memories…"
"Indeed. A Vision represents a person's will and desire. Losing it means losing direction—falling into emptiness," Ayaka said softly, turning to look at him. "I believe you understand that feeling more deeply than most… if it's you."
Her tone carried subtle meaning. She could tell—this traveler bore no Vision, yet could wield elemental power. How mysterious.
"…Their pain, their despair—all those emotions tied to the Visions in the Statue of the Omnipresent God—I could feel them flooding into my mind."
Aether's voice was low, his hands clenching unconsciously.
"…"
Ayaka stood silently, watching him, waiting for the words she wanted to hear—like a patient hunter waiting for her prey to step into the snare. Her icy-blue eyes narrowed slightly.
"Their anger, sorrow… and loss—I could feel it all," Aether murmured, his fists trembling.
"Yes… they truly suffered," Paimon agreed softly, frowning.
But Ayaka merely turned away, taking a few steps toward the screen.
"It seems you understand my feelings now. Still, I also understand why you refused me before. You're new to Inazuma, and such matters can be… overwhelming. As outlanders, you face many difficulties."
She paused briefly, then continued, "Since you've fulfilled my requests, I shall honor my promise and introduce you to the Raiden Shogun. I wish you both safe travels in Inazuma. Thoma, please see our guests off."
With that, she began to walk away, her back to them—graceful and composed, leaving only a lingering, enigmatic silhouette behind.
But then—
"Wait!"
Aether's voice rang out, halting her steps.
"I'll help you—to oppose the Vision Hunt Decree!" he declared firmly.
Those words—the ones she had been waiting for—finally reached her.
Still facing away, Ayaka's lips curved upward behind her fan, a secret, satisfied smile playing upon them.
The first move on the board… success~!