Along the roadside of Hanamizaka stood a small teahouse named Komore Teahouse. It was an odd place—rarely open to guests. Passersby seldom entered, and it remained quiet throughout the year, nearly devoid of visitors.
Behind the counter of the teahouse crouched a dog wearing a red bandana, known as Taromaru. Whether Taromaru was the shopkeeper or merely the shopkeeper's pet was unclear—but when Aether and Paimon first came here, that very question lingered in their minds.
Today, Ayaka was to bring these guests to Komore Teahouse for a private discussion. Although such matters could have been handled within the Kamisato Estate, there were too many eyes there—and spies watching the estate's every move. The risk was simply too high.
"Lady Kamisato."
At the teahouse entrance, a female attendant quickly approached and bowed upon seeing her. Behind Ayaka, Aether and Paimon exchanged a bewildered glance.
"Please, rise. Has anyone entered the building?"
Ayaka returned the bow politely, then turned her gaze toward the window, concealing her lips behind her fan as she asked softly.
"No one has come by. The area is secure," the attendant replied in a low voice.
Ayaka nodded, signaling for Aether and Paimon to follow. Under the attendant's watch, she entered the teahouse first.
At the counter, Taromaru—seeing her—remained perfectly still, making no sound at all. Clearly, he was accustomed to her visits. It was a stark contrast to when he barked upon the travelers' first arrival.
"Eh? Why isn't the dog barking this time?" Paimon asked curiously.
"Taromaru only reacts to strangers. There's no need to worry," Ayaka replied gently, glancing back to explain before leading them into a room at the rear of the teahouse.
The room was spacious yet sparsely furnished—just a low table and paper lanterns in each corner. The pale tatami floor was marked with delicate black ink patterns, and the walls were decorated with motifs of camellias and folding fans. The subdued colors lent a quiet warmth to the space.
"What is this place exactly? Why do we always meet here?" Paimon crossed her arms, frowning slightly. Aether, too, looked puzzled.
"This teahouse was once land bestowed upon the Yashiro Commission by the Raiden Shogun herself. Only the Kamisato family may design, build, or manage who enters this place," Ayaka explained, closing her fan and tapping her chin lightly.
"Eh? So that attendant from earlier is actually…"
"Yes, she's a servant of the Kamisato household," Ayaka confirmed simply. The next moment, the door to the room slid open, and Thoma entered.
"(…Were you followed?)"
Ayaka moved closer, covering her face slightly with her fan as she whispered.
"(Yes… but their line of sight hasn't reached this area yet.)," Thoma replied quietly.
Upon hearing this, Ayaka lowered her gaze in thought.
Haa… Thankfully, the Shogun once granted us this teahouse. It remains secluded enough for now—but even this place may not stay hidden forever.
"What are you two whispering about?" Paimon asked, scratching her head in confusion. "Why so secretive all of a sudden?"
"It's nothing… merely a 'small matter,'" Ayaka said vaguely, lifting her eyes and shaking her head.
"Is this teahouse part of your work?" Aether asked.
"Due to the Yashiro Commission's responsibility for ceremonial affairs, privacy is often required during discussions. But as the number of ceremonies declined, our predecessors repurposed this Shogun-granted property into Komore Teahouse," Ayaka explained as she approached a large dark-brown folding screen painted in an ink-style design. Beside it stood a war drum, its surface bearing the crest of Electro.
"Well, this place does make a great secret base!" Paimon said, placing her hands on her hips proudly.
"Now then… since time, place, and people are all in harmony, let us move to the main topic—"
"Lady Kamisato… I have some questions. May I ask them first?"
Aether spoke up before she could continue.
"…Of course. Please go ahead," she replied calmly, resting the tip of her fan against her lips as she met his gaze.
"What kind of god is the Raiden Shogun?"
"…"
At that question, her expression grew slightly complicated, though only for a fleeting moment.
"Her Excellency, the Shogun… is a gentle deity—gentle, yet embodying unmatched majesty and divine authority."
Her gaze fell upon the pattern of her fan as she spoke softly.
Thoma, standing nearby, wore a complicated expression.
"…Gentle?" Aether repeated blankly.
"Eh? That can't be right! If she's so gentle, then why did she enforce the Vision Hunt Decree? A gentle god wouldn't stand by while her people suffer under such torment!" Paimon crossed her arms, frowning in confusion.
"The Shogun pursues Inazuma's 'Eternity.' She stands by her own conviction—torn between her love for her people and her devotion to the eternal ideal. Just as the Kamisato family, though serving under Her Excellency, must also remain close to the people," Ayaka explained calmly.
"Perhaps… Her Excellency is conflicted as well."
Her voice grew softer, the sound fading until it was barely above a whisper. A faint sorrow flickered in her ice-blue eyes.
"Lady Ayaka…" Thoma murmured, sympathy in his tone.
"Haa… In short, the Shogun is a being of both majesty and grace—the executor and guardian of Eternity itself."
Ayaka finally gathered her thoughts and gave Aether a complete answer to his first question.
"Then… are there others who oppose the Vision Hunt Decree?" Aether asked next. From what he had seen, few seemed willing to resist—it was as though most turned a blind eye.
"To most people, the Vision Hunt Decree is something that does not concern them," she replied.
"Does not… concern them? How can that be?!" Paimon exclaimed in frustration.
"Because those blessed with Visions are few, and often envied. For the majority, it's easier to remain indifferent," Ayaka said, her tone steady and detached—she had seen too much of it already.
"That's awful! How selfish can people be?!" Paimon stomped her foot indignantly.
"Heh…" Thoma chuckled helplessly. This little companion's sense of justice was almost endearing—and Aether was much the same. Otherwise, he wouldn't have agreed to help his lady in the first place.
"However," Ayaka continued, "there is a resistance force far across the sea on Watatsumi Island."
"A resistance? Against the Vision Hunt Decree?" Aether asked.
"Perhaps. Those who fear losing their Visions—or who have already lost them—have gathered under the command of Sangonomiya on Watatsumi Island, forming a rebellion."
"In that case, wouldn't it be better if you worked with them? You'd have greater strength together!" Paimon asked, scratching her head in confusion.
"…"
Ayaka fell silent for a moment, glancing briefly at Thoma.
"Heh…" Thoma gave a weary laugh, his tone tinged with resignation.
"Why are you laughing~? Did I say something wrong?" Paimon huffed, while Aether's expression changed slightly—he seemed to understand.
"Paimon, you really are a bit naive," Thoma said with a helpless smile.
"Hey~! What's that supposed to mean?!" she shouted, pouting.
"Lady Ayaka…"
"Haa… I'll explain."
Ayaka sighed softly, her fingers brushing the tip of her fan, her expression turning solemn.
"The Yashiro Commission stands close to the people, and because of the Vision Hunt Decree, we cannot ignore their suffering. However… we are still part of the Shogun's government. I, Kamisato Ayaka, belong to the Shogunate. Her Excellency, the Raiden Shogun, is the god I have sworn to follow. How could the Kamisato family ally itself with those who oppose her?"
"That is one reason. The second is… I do not trust them."
Her gaze deepened.
"Eh? You don't trust them? But aren't they all fighting against the same thing?" Paimon asked.
"Things are never that simple. The human heart is unpredictable," Ayaka said quietly, shaking her head.
"Have you ever petitioned the Shogun about this?" Aether asked.
"Of course. But…"
She turned and began pacing toward the window.
"As I said before… if only things were that simple."
"What do you mean?" Aether pressed.
"This matter touches upon the interests of certain individuals. When you threaten their gain, there will always be those who stand in your way, will there not?"
She turned her face slightly, her icy-blue eyes glinting with a frosty sharpness as they locked onto the golden-haired traveler. Her voice, crystalline and cold, pierced the air like a shard of ice.
"!" ×2
Both Aether and Paimon flinched. The sudden chill in her gaze made the entire room feel frozen—cold enough to sting.
"L-Lady Ayaka… you're scaring them," Thoma said awkwardly, scratching his head with a sheepish smile.
"Haa… Let's end this topic here. There are… complications best left unsaid," she murmured, lowering her fan. There was no need to burden the travelers with the political strife between the Commissions—those were matters her brother usually handled. But now, she had to bear them alone.
"…Alright." ×2
Both Aether and Paimon nodded blankly. Even if they wanted to ask more, they didn't dare. The sharpness in her gaze still lingered in their minds—it had been like facing a blade of ice.
So this… was the Princess White Heron.
He finally understood. Beneath her pure and graceful appearance, there lay a chilling aura—a quiet, lethal dignity.
Truly, it was as the saying went: ice crystals may glisten in purity and beauty… but their cold can cut as deeply as steel.
Ayaka allowed her aura to soften slightly.
"Do you have any other questions?" she asked again.
"Oh, right—Ayaka, have you and your people prepared to deal with the Vision Hunt Decree?" Paimon asked.
"Of course not."
The answer came instantly, without a trace of hesitation—so direct that it left no doubt.
"Eh~?!" ×2
Both Aether and Paimon were stunned. Given how dire things seemed, how could they possibly have no preparations?
"The Vision Hunt Decree was decreed by the Shogun—by a god. No matter what, it cannot be opposed or overturned. All we can do is lessen the harm it brings."
"Then… how do you lessen it?" Paimon asked, exchanging a puzzled glance with Aether.
Ayaka hid a small smile behind her fan. They walked right into it. She hadn't expected them to ask so conveniently—but since they had, she wouldn't waste the opportunity.
"By hiding those who possess Visions," she said calmly, "or… by creating counterfeit ones to replace them."
"Wait—fake Visions?!" Paimon's eyes went wide in disbelief.
"Don't underestimate the craftsmen of Hanamizaka," Ayaka said lightly. "Their work can be so fine that even the trained eye would struggle to tell a fake from the real thing. However…"
She turned toward the screen, her slender back to them, her tone suddenly heavier.
"The artisan who had been forging these imitation Visions for us—Master Masakatsu—was arrested a few days ago by the Tenryou Commission."
It was a perfect segue—an elegant move to reveal the second piece of news Thoma had once brought her. He suddenly understood her intent, admiration flickering in his gaze.
"He was—arrested?! What's going to happen to him?" Paimon asked, her voice rising in alarm.
"He will likely be imprisoned for violating the Shogunate's laws—or subjected to… interrogation by the Tenryou Commission's soldiers," Ayaka said softly, her tone sinking into sorrow.
"Then—then why not rescue him?!" Paimon exclaimed.
"It must be because of her position, right?" Aether said, nodding thoughtfully.
"Indeed… given my standing, I cannot act directly. So, as it stands, there is no effective way to—"
"Leave it to us~!"
Before she could finish, Paimon blurted out the very response Ayaka had been waiting for. Though satisfaction gleamed within her, she kept her expression perfectly composed.
"No… I can't possibly ask newcomers like you to undertake such a dangerous task," Ayaka said, feigning concern.
"It's fine~! Don't worry about us—we're strong!" Paimon said proudly, puffing up her tiny chest, with Aether smiling confidently beside her.
"That's right. Leave it to us—we'll get him out safely," he said.
Seeing this, Ayaka decided not to refuse again; any more would seem too forced. She bowed slightly in gratitude.
"I truly thank you both… However, we won't leave everything to you. Once you're ready, go to Hanamizaka. There, you'll find a fireworks shop called Naganohara. You'll meet someone who can assist you."
She made sure to provide them with just enough direction—a gentle nudge toward the next step.
"Who is this person?" Paimon asked curiously.
"Hehe… no need to rush. You'll recognize her once you arrive. She's… rather distinctive," Ayaka replied with a faint smile, already picturing the lively, flame-like girl in her mind—one whose spirit was the very opposite of her own.
"Alright then… let's go, Aether," Paimon said, floating toward the door.
"Yeah," he nodded, following her out of Komore Teahouse to seek out the 'helper' Ayaka had mentioned.
"I wish you both a safe journey," Ayaka said, bowing slightly in farewell. Once the door closed behind them, she straightened her posture.
Click…
She folded her fan shut and turned toward the screen, resting her arm gracefully across her chest. The tip of the fan touched her lips as a quiet, satisfied smile curved upon them—she had solved yet another problem with ease.
"My lady… was this all part of your plan?" Thoma asked, dumbfounded.
"Oh? And what makes you think that?" she asked without turning around.
"From every gesture you made, to the way you guided the conversation… Was your goal all along to use the Traveler's help to rescue Master Masakatsu?"
Could it be… that the moment she heard the Traveler was coming—during those silent thirty seconds of thought—she had already devised this entire plan?
"Indeed… The Kamisato family is currently under surveillance by certain parties. It's not wise for us to act directly," Ayaka said, pacing slowly in front of Thoma, her refined voice calm and measured.
"But the Traveler's arrival presented the perfect opportunity. Their identity makes them the ideal candidate for such a task."
"!!"
Realization struck Thoma once again.
"At first, their refusal was expected. So I used the 'Raiden Shogun' as a pretext—something they couldn't ignore—to draw them into the matter. By sending them to witness firsthand the suffering of those three who had lost their Visions, I guided them to feel genuine resentment toward the Vision Hunt Decree."
"Both of them possess strong senses of justice. They could never stand idly by after seeing such misery. The situation with Master Masakatsu is no different—they were bound to offer their help. Truthfully, I had prepared for multiple outcomes, but I didn't expect things to proceed so smoothly."
She had to admit—even she hadn't foreseen that the Traveler would volunteer so readily. It saved her considerable effort. But even if they had refused, she still had alternatives prepared—she could have arranged for Master Masakatsu's rescue in secret, perhaps even negotiated with Kujou Sara herself.
After all, she knew that Sara's loyalty lay with the Shogun, not with Kujou Takayuki.
"My lady, you're truly… shrewd," Thoma said with a wry smile, scratching his head in admiration. What a brilliant empty-handed strategy! The Kamisato siblings were terrifyingly clever in every respect.
"You flatter me, Thoma. In any case, all we can do now is wait for the outcome—to see whether it brings fortune… or trouble."
Still, Ayaka couldn't shake the thought that Kujou Takayuki might already be suspicious of her actions. Her every move had been watched for some time. Perhaps even now, he was beginning to connect the pieces.
The Kamisato Estate remained under surveillance; the comings and goings of Thoma and the Traveler were surely being recorded as well. Even this meeting at Komore Teahouse was likely known to the other side.
"Thoma, be cautious when you go out. The Tenryou Commission may seek to harm you," she warned, her tone firm but gentle.
"Yes, my lady. Thank you for your concern," Thoma said respectfully, bowing slightly.
Rustle…
Ayaka turned away, unfolding her fan with practiced grace. The elegant motion concealed her delicate features once more, leaving only those cool, gleaming eyes—eyes as beautiful and as piercing as frozen glass.