Chapter 41
Night off for the Kujou siblings

As dusk approached, the city's streets began to fill considerably with people, several of them wearing their best yukatas, and even wearing some masks. The lights that decorated the streets started illuminating the landscape, and the food, games, and gift stalls officially opened their doors to the public. The first day of the cultural festival organized by the Yashiro Commission was finally about to begin.

However, not everyone still had the freedom to enjoy the festivities. For those afternoon hours, Kujou Kamaji was in his last meeting of the day, one of a less formal nature but still important for the matter that most concerned him lately. After days of discreet, and perhaps not entirely ethical, research, Shikanoin Heizou already had a few things he wanted to report to him.

As he had promised Chisato, Kamaji would take the night off so they could both walk around the festival together. Of course, officially, that outing was not a date at all but a mere hospitable gesture from a member of the Kujou Clan to a member of the Hiiragi Clan, and to ensure that everything was in order. A matter of work, in other words. It was clear that almost no one believed that story, but no one gave any sign of contradicting it.

Anyway, before he could meet with Chisato, he had to conclude his talk with Heizou. And, indeed, it was difficult for him not to feel somewhat worried by the new suspicions his investigator shared with him.

"Naganohara Fireworks Shop?" Kamaji murmured in a serious tone. "What makes you suspicious of them?"

Heizou was standing, leaning against the sidewall of the Kujou's middle son's study. His demeanor, as usual, was relaxed, but his words showed confidence.

"The expert craftsmen we contacted, who have been studying and attempting to replicate the fake visions, have managed to come up with a list of the materials that would be necessary for their creation. It is not entirely sure since the exact process still needs to be discovered, but we believe it can be very close. However, these are somewhat difficult to track down, as most are relatively common and used in manufacturing many products."

"Among them, the fireworks, I suppose," Kamaji concluded, to which Heizou nodded.

"That's why we review local businesses that have placed large orders for one or more of these materials in recent weeks. Naganohara Fireworks always appears in at least the first three positions."

"That could be totally normal," Kamaji pointed out, shrugging. "They are a very popular business. Everyone in Inazuma knows that their fireworks are the best. And their work and production are expected to increase even more with the proximity of a festival like this."

"That's correct, sir," Heizou indicated, pointing almost playfully with a finger. "And that is precisely why they are the perfect front to acquire this type of materials without attracting the slightest attention. In fact, if we had not been attentive and knew what we were looking for in advance, the idea of turning in that direction would never have crossed our minds."

"But I have a feeling that it's not the only business in the city that works the same way," Kamaji reflected, crossing his arms. His inquisitive gaze fixed like an arrow on his detective. "What made you pay more attention to this one in particular?"

Heizou smiled widely with complacency. He seemed pleased, almost as if he had been eagerly waiting for Kamaji to ask that question.

"Of all the businesses on the list," he explained, "it is the one that appears to have the closest, one might even say personal, relationship with Lady Kamisato Ayaka. She seems to be a frequent customer of the establishment. In fact, we have seen her servant and personal assistant, that foreign boy named Thoma, frequently visit the Naganohara Fireworks facilities. Even this morning, he met with the owner's daughter, Miss Yoimiya. And it wasn't even the first time."

"I hope you aren't implying that they are guilty just because they are friends of Lady Kamisato," Kamaji pointed out sternly. "I remind you that we still need to confirm with complete certainty that Kamisato Ayaka is behind this matter. So far, everything is just a suspicion."

"Same as this, sir," Heizou indicated with immutable composure. "Right now, I don't have enough evidence to accuse the Naganoharas of anything concrete; it's still just a suspicion, just like with Miss Kamisato. But there is one more reason that makes me suspicious of them specifically. The fact is that, of all the businesses on the list that I mentioned, Naganohara Fireworks is the only one that has someone with a vision among the members of the family that managed it. Specifically, the before-mentioned Miss Naganohara Yoimiya. She acquired a Pyro Vision a few years ago. It was not very well known because she did not belong to a high-ranking noble family. And because, unlike others, she did not seek glory or recognition for it. But in the city, the children know her well because she used her fire skills to entertain and protect them from monsters or attackers, and, of course, also in making his family's fireworks. Like the rest of the city's inhabitants with a vision, she is supposed to have surrendered hers when the decree went into effect."

"Do you say supposed?" Kamaji pointed out, curious. "Do you think it wasn't like that? That the vision she gave... was fake?"

"As I said, it's just a suspicion. The only way to be entirely sure would be to remove her vision from the statue to analyze it closely. But I understand that this is a very delicate thing to do since it would mean having to notify the Shogun of this... painful situation."

"Something we'll have to do sooner or later," Kamaji warned, somewhat dejected. "But hopefully, only after we can share enough information with her."

"And that's just our job, isn't it?" Heizou pointed out. "While it is true that we still don't have any concrete evidence, putting all these pieces together, I begin to create a theory in my head of what could have happened."

Heizou advanced towards his superior's desk and allowed himself to take a seat right in front of it. His expression became considerably less relaxed, and his entire posture reflected a more serious air. This notably caught the attention of the Kujou guy.

"How does this sound to you?" launched Heizou as a slight warning before his explanation. "The craftsman responsible for the fake visions may be a close friend of the Naganoharas, even their partner in some businesses. And so, when the Vision Hunt Decree went into effect, this unknown craftsman could have given them one of these fake visions of their creation, perhaps the first one they ever made, so their daughter wouldn't have to give up hers. The Naganoharas, especially Miss Yoimiya, would be indebted to them. From there, perhaps because of her close friendship with Kamisato Ayaka, she would somehow discover that Miss Yoimiya still had her vision and would know of the craftsman capable of creating fake visions. And instead of reporting the incident, as would be expected, she wanted to learn more about it. And following her own ideas and discontent with the decree, more than known to everyone, Lady Ayaka decided that this could be very useful so that fewer people would have to be stripped of their visions. So she convinced the craftsman in question to put their incredible skills at the service of this cause. In this way, the craftsman, with their unique talents and technique, the fireworks shop as a cover for the purchase of materials, and Kamisato Ayaka as an economic benefactor, is how the three have managed to carry out this operation. So efficiently that only now have we managed to discover it."

Kamaji listened deeply to Heizou's entire explanation, sprawled out in the seat behind his desk. Once the investigator finished speaking, the young Kojou remained silent and averted his gaze to the side. He was clearly thinking about everything Heizou had just told him, but it was almost impossible to guess what was going through his mind.

"The narrative sounds believable," Kamaji murmured, more like a thought in the air than a definitive conclusion. "But you said it yourself; it's just a theory, based more than anything on points that could be coincidences, like the friendship of Lady Kamisato and her servant with Miss Naganohara or that she had a vision."

"I don't deny it," Heizou pointed out, just as unfazed as before. "But at the moment, it seems to be our most solid one. So much so that it is my personal opinion that we should focus our efforts and resources on further monitoring and investigating the Naganoharas, their business, and especially Ms. Yoimiya. Perhaps even interrogate them or force them to submit a more detailed report of their income and expenses for the Kanjou Commission to examine."

"We can't ask my father to authorize something like that without presenting him with more evidence," Kamaji responded vehemently.

And it was partly true, in the sense that the right thing to do would be to be very sure of something before applying actions that would bother a family that was innocent at the time, especially one as loved and respected among the people as the Naganoharas. However, he also knew that given the rush his father was in to close this matter and mainly to blame the Kamisato Clan for it, he would not care at all about the lack of evidence when authorizing anything to them, especially if the theory of Heizou was as believable to him as it was to Kamaji. But part of his job as a Kujou Clan member was to prevent his father from being carried away by his emotions or personal desires, even if this included overriding someone's rights.

Heizou was smart, and surely he was also aware that the Commissioner wouldn't have too much trouble giving them the green light. But still, he respected Kujou Kamaji and his attachment to procedures enough to not question it. And even more to consider going over him and talk about it directly with the Commissioner. But just as Kamaji was there to protect his father's back and ensure he didn't do things he might later regret, Heizou was there precisely to do things his superior couldn't, or shouldn't, to resolve the case cleanly and promptly.

"Then let's not bother the commissioner with this matter yet," Heizou murmured, looking thoughtfully to the side. "If the Tenryou Commission cannot investigate the Naganoharas officially, then allow me to do it on my own... unofficially." His voice became somewhat mysterious and indecipherable, clearly hinting at much more in the background than was perceived.

Kamaji narrowed his eyes and looked at him with reserve and perhaps with some concern.

"Are you sure you want to bet so much on that theory?" Kamaji questioned with some severity. "If you are wrong, we would have focused a lot of effort and time on the wrong thing, and we could also end up in a bad position."

"But if I'm right, we'll find the craftsman sooner rather than later, I'm sure," Heizou stated determinedly. "I'm more than willing to be the one who bears the consequences if something goes wrong. I just need your permission between us, sir."

Kamaji was silent. He leaned further against the back of his chair and turned his gaze thoughtfully to the side of the room. Before he could give him any answer, they both heard the door of the room slide to the side, without the person who did it even taking the trouble to announce themselves first. That alerted both men, although they relaxed (a little) when they recognized Hiiragi Chisato's surprised face, watching them from the doorway.

"Oh, I'm sorry," the young daughter of the Hiiragi Clan apologized. "I thought you were alone, Kamaji. Am I interrupting something?"

"No, not at all," Kamaji responded quickly, standing up from his chair. "We were already finishing, in fact. Shikanoin," he pronounced somewhat sternly, looking back at the detective. "Do what you think is appropriate to conclude this matter. You have my support. Just… be careful, please."

"As always, sir," Heizou said, smiling. He offered the young Kujou a respectful bow and then headed towards the exit. "Good evening, Lady Hiiragi," he said as he passed Chisato. "What a pretty yukata, by the way."

"Thank you," Chisato said, offering him a polite gesture of gratitude with her head.

Once Heizou left, Kamaji allowed himself to take a closer look at Chisato's outfit. The yukata she wore was indeed pretty, but above all striking, primarily because of that pattern of ocean waves that extended at the bottom, as if taken from a beautiful painting. She wore her hair up in a half ponytail, adorned with a kanzashi, blue with pearls that fell from the top of her head. She had also put a discreet blush on her cheeks, and her lips shone reddish.

She looked gorgeous, and this made the young Kujou feel slightly intimidated.

"Is everything okay?" Chisato asked apprehensively. "I didn't think you were still working. You said to meet at six, and I..."

"Don't worry; it was just one last matter I had to attend to," Kamaji said, flashing one of his usual friendly smiles. "You look... beautiful..." he whispered slowly, averting his gaze elsewhere as he adjusted his glasses with one hand.

Chisato's cheeks flushed instantly, and her lips pulled into a small, joyful smile.

"You look handsome."

"I think I look like I always do," Kamaji said ironically, looking at his clothing quite similar to his usual attire.

"That's why I say it," Chisato muttered with slight mischief. Now, it was Kamaji's cheeks that took on color. "Are you ready for us to go, then?" Chisato asked softly as she allowed herself to wrap hers around Kamaji's arm. He nodded, and they both began walking together towards Kujou Residence's exit.


Kujou Sara had been focused all week on preparations for the festival's security, and this day would be no exception. From early on, she had personally reviewed the deployment of the guards in the different parts of the city, reminding each one of what they would have to supervise and take care of. She herself had also visited the stalls several times during the morning and afternoon to ask each of the merchants if they needed anything. At the moment, it seemed that everything was fine.

Even at that moment, when dusk was about to begin, Sara still couldn't let go of the work. She spent the last hour going over point by point with one of her lieutenants, just to make sure (for the umpteenth time) that they hadn't missed anything. On each occasion, it was clear that everything was working and moving, with no problem to solve.

"So that's all," Sara concluded seriously, taking her chin in one hand and looking thoughtfully to the side.

"That's right, ma'am," her lieutenant replied solemnly. Both were standing in one of the hallways of the Kujou Residence, just outside the room where they were recently meeting with the other officers. "All men are in their position and are clear about their obligations. The reserves are on guard in case any mishap occurs, and the patrols have already assigned their areas. Everything is in order; you have nothing to worry about."

"I understand," Sara whispered slowly, looking up at the garden beside her. "But it wouldn't hurt to review the evacuation routes in case of fires."

"It's also already covered, general," the lieutenant immediately responded. "Please trust us. I assure you that we will do an excellent job, as you have always instructed us to do."

"It's not that I have any doubts about that," Sara stated firmly, although there was some embarrassment in her voice.

The truth was that, conscious or not, she seemed to be looking for something to occupy herself with, solve, or do. But the work made by her men and herself had been impeccable in those days. So, in reality, beyond supervising and being on the lookout in case any mishap occurred, there was not much else in her power to do. And that, evidently, she didn't like at all.

"Well, then I'll take one of the rounds," the general pointed out firmly. "I will supervise the stage…"

"General, it's not necessary. Everything is covered," the lieutenant murmured, smiling somewhat at that moment. "If I may say so, you have worked very hard these days. You should take the night and enjoy the festival yourself."

"Huh?" Sara exclaimed, clearly surprised. "But what are you saying?" she snapped, drastically changing to a harsher tone that unnerved the soldier before her.

"I'm sorry, General!" exclaimed the lieutenant, quickly assuming a firmer position. "I didn't mean to be impertinent."

Sara let out a heavy sigh as she realized that perhaps she had overreacted.

"No, forgive me, please. Thank you for your hard work and putting up with me all day. You can leave and continue with your assigned duties."

"Yes, ma'am," the lieutenant snapped, and after offering her a respectful salute, he walked away down the hallway.

Once alone, Sara allowed herself to relax, only a little. She rubbed her neck with one hand and closed her eyes momentarily. Maybe she had worked too hard those days. After all, the body and mind need rest to perform well. But she wasn't sure if attending the festival as proposed fit the description of rest.

As she walked absentmindedly towards her room, she thought about her options for that night. She could put on her training suit and go to the dojo or shooting range for a bit to get some exercise. Or she could just walk the streets on her own patrol, just to make sure everything was in order.

Or, perhaps, she could take his lieutenant's word and just take the night and go to enjoy the festival. After all, being there would also be like being on patrol but going more unnoticed, like an officer camouflaged in civilian clothes. That could work.

She was tempted by this idea but quickly began to dismiss it. To pass as a civilian, she had to dress like one, and she didn't think she had an appropriate yukata for the occasion. Maybe if she had bought one that afternoon when she went out with Chisato and Ayaka...

She was so deep in thought that when she got to her room, it took her a while to notice the wooden box placed right on her futon. As she did so, her first reaction was one of apprehension, and by mere reflex, she jumped away from that unknown object, and her hand went to her back, searching for her bow.

"Mikami!" she shouted loudly, calling for her maid. The young woman soon looked out from the next room door, alarmed by her scream.

"Lady Kujou, is something wrong?"

"What is that?" Sara questioned sternly, pointing a finger towards the box. "Who put that in my room?"

The young servant directed her gaze to where Kujou Sara was pointing. Upon recognizing the box, she was able to calm down a little.

"Ah, a servant of the Hiiragi Clan brought it earlier," she explained. "He said it was a gift for you."

"From the Hiiragi Clan?" Sara said, skeptical. "A gift? A gift, why?"

"I don't know, milady," Mikami replied, shaking her head. "But it came with a note," she indicated, pointing her finger toward the top lid of the box.

Sara then noticed that there was indeed a piece of folded paper on the cover, which she had not seen before.

Forcing her mood to relax a little, she carefully approached the box and quickly took the paper to look at it. The content of the mysterious note was short but illuminating enough to stop believing that it was some kind of trap:

Dear Sara.

Thank you very much for all your support the other day. Please accept this as a gift from me. I hope you enjoy the festival.

Hiiragi Chisato.

"A gift from Miss Hiiragi?" she questioned herself, still noticeably confused. Why would Chisato send her a gift? She didn't consider she had done or said too much the other day to deserve any kind of gift.

Whatever it was, it would be very rude if she didn't at least keep an eye on it.

Sara then put the note aside and knelt next to the box. She took the lid with both hands and gently removed it. The contents took her by surprise: a beautiful, fine black yukata with red roses. It was the exact same model she had tried on at the kimono store the other day.

Sara looked at the garment in astonishment. Had Chisato gone to buy it for her even though Sara had said she didn't want it? Although in reality, it wasn't that she didn't want it, just... that she didn't consider that she needed it, until that moment.

"What a beautiful kimono," her maid muttered in a cheerful voice, also kneeling on one side of the box. "Are you planning to use it for the festival?"

Sara opened her mouth, more than ready to say no. However, she stopped at the last moment. She thought about it for a few seconds and then said thoughtfully:

"I guess so... Can you help me get dressed, please?"

"Of course, milady."

Apparently, she would attend the festival after all.