Chapter 05.
Think about the future

10 years ago…

One sunny summer morning, Kazuha arrived at the Kamisato Estate again, as he had already done a couple of times after that first encounter with Ayaka. The idea was that he would be making these visits regularly to spend time with the young Kamisato. They both get to know each other better and see how they got along at the end of all that. That was apparently one of the conditions that the head of the Kamisato Clan had imposed to accept the engagement between the next leader of the Kaedehara family and his younger sister.

It was unusual for a lord to take practical "playdates" of two children as a basis for deciding whether or not to engage one of his vassals. Usually, political and economic interests went above mundane things like "getting along." But Kamisato Ayato was not the typical lord, and not only because of his youth. After all, it was very likely that he and his sister had a closer and more special relationship than many parents usually have with their daughters when they find them a husband.

Perhaps if his father had lived, he would have accepted the marriage proposal from the beginning. However, Ayato wanted to obtain from all this something more than the promise of dozens of skilled swordsmen at his service and a solid financial backing. He wanted to be sure that the person who married his dear sister was indeed the one for her.

And, at least for the moment, everything seemed to be going well. Ayaka seemed in a good mood when receiving visits from Kazuha, and the two seemed to get along well. But of course, they were still just two eight-year-olds playing and having a good time. Being the heads and representatives of a clan was a different job that Ayaka had been rigorously preparing for some time now.

Therefore, unlike that first day, the following times that Kazuha arrived at the Kamisato Estate, he almost always found Ayaka sitting in a room full of books and scrolls, which she meticulously reviewed. At the same time, in a notebook placed on a small work table, she took some notes.

That occasion was no exception. However, that morning the Heron Princess (though she hadn't yet earned that name) was so focused on what she was doing that she didn't even feel the boy's presence at the room's open sliding doors.

Kazuha hesitated a bit as to whether he should interrupt her or not. Instead, he approached, hoping that she eventually would realize that he was there.

She didn't.

Even when he sat right next to her, little Ayaka continued to focus on the book before her, her brow furrowed and her face thoughtful, and perhaps even a little concerned.

Kazuha tilted his face over Ayaka's shoulder to look at the book. He only managed to catch a couple of words before the girl was finally aware of his presence, turned slowly towards him, and suddenly startled, throwing a little scream into the air.

"Ah, Kazuha! H-how long have you been here?"

"Just for a while," the young Kaedehara answered with a relaxed tone and a half-smile. "You were too focused on your studies again, right?"

"Yes…! I mean, yeah... sorry..."

The girl's face reddened utterly, and she went quickly to close the book and her notebook.

"Don't apologize," Kazuha denied slowly. "Whenever I come, you are busy with something, but you interrupt it to play with me. Doesn't it affect your plans that you're forced to spend time with me?"

"No, not at all," Ayaka quickly denied. "And no one forces me; I really… enjoy your visits…."

The boy's cheeks also took on a bit of color when he heard her say that, although not nearly as Ayaka's.

"Why do they make you study so much?" Kazuha asked, deviating a bit from the subject, looking at the books on the table. "Does your brother order you?"

"No… Well, not exactly," answered the young Kamisato a little nervously. "As a Kamisato, I must comply with a study regimen of different areas. However, I always try to… do a little more."

"Why?"

"Because… My brother recently took over the leadership of the clan, and he's always swamped at work. So he has had a lot less time than me to play lately. And without my father, and with my mother sick… Well, I only wish I could help him more. And the more things I learn and know, I think I could do more things for him. But don't tell him that is the reason. He would surely tell me not to do it if he knew..."

"Don't worry, I know how to keep a secret," Kazuha answered quickly. "It's pretty noble of you to go out of your way for your brother's well-being."

"It's what we should do, isn't it?" pointed Ayaka, giving a tiny but sweet smile. "Although we are children, we have to try to take care of our families. Right?"

Kazuha fell silent and turned his gaze away. The expression on his face turned grave.

"Yes… that's true," he answered slowly, though not sounding entirely convinced actually.

Was he also taking care of his family at the time? Was that what he was doing…?

This was followed by another moment of silence, which puzzled Ayaka a bit. She was afraid that she had said something wrong. After a few moments, however, Kazuha looked up at her again, smiling at her.

"Would you like to go out and play?" Or…?" He looked back at the books on the table then. "Why don't you explain to me what you were studying?"

"Huh?" Ayaka exclaimed in surprise. "Do you want me to explain this to you?" she inquired incredulously, placing one of her little hands on the book she had just closed moments ago. "But… I don't think you'll find that as much fun as playing in the garden."

"I may not understand much of what you say, but I still think it would help you review if you tried to explain it to me. Or not?"

Kazuha's smile widened slightly, making his cute face even radiate a bit. Ayaka turned away, a bit flustered and embarrassed. Her restless fingers began to play with one of her blue locks without her realizing it.

"Maybe... I've actually never tried doing such a thing with another person."

"Please," the light-haired boy insisted. "I really want to hear you talk about…" He then leaned in to better see the book's title in question. "Trade Treaties from the Third Era…?"

The way he had said it showed that it caused him many things, but excitement wasn't one of them. But even then, he didn't stop smiling or take his finger off the subject.

Ayaka then let out an amused little giggle.

"Okay, I'll try not to make it so heavy."

Ayaka opened the book, starting at the beginning of the chapter, and began to quietly relate a more minor summary of its contents to her partner. Indeed, Kazuha didn't really understand much. However, just being there listening to Ayaka's excited and cheerful voice was enough to make the afternoon memorable.

Present time…

Ayaka and Thoma arrived at the Kamisato Estate as dusk was already beginning. To shorten the way a little so that the night would not surprise them in Chinju Forest, they crossed a stretch by water with a rented barge instead of walking on the Byakko Plain. Perhaps it was a little more uncomfortable, but it had saved them a lot of time, and luckily the waters were calm.

Even before they crossed the main gates of the wall surrounding the Kamisato Estate, Ayaka had already detected a bit more movement and noise than usual. Nothing worthy of alarm, but it was far from the calm and quiet that used to distinguish her home. In addition, in the stables surrounding the estate, she noticed that there were more horses, and the managers were busy feeding and cleaning them when they passed them. That was usually an indication that they had visitors.

Upon entering, the two travelers noted the unusually crowded central courtyard. About ten soldiers had set up a small camp and were now apparently preparing dinner; the aroma of beef stew permeated the air. But the armor of these men, and the banners around the camp, did not bear the camellia flower shield that distinguished the Kamisato clan, but rather a golden shield with the two counter sparrows that Ayaka quickly identified.

"They are men from the Hiiragi clan," the young Kamisato pointed out to her companion. "What are they doing here?"

"Perhaps someone from the Kanjou commission came to bring a message to your brother," Thoma replied, a little hesitantly.

"Perhaps... But with so many soldiers?"

Any explanation that either of the two could give at the moment would be mere speculation. So instead of trying to guess, they both moved to the side of the camp, hoping to receive some explanation. The soldiers did not seem to notice his presence.

Leaving through the doors of the main building, they saw Madarame Hyakubei, an adviser to the Yashiro Commission and Commissioner Kamisato's right-hand man. Seeing them, he immediately stopped, offering Ayaka a deep bow in greeting.

"Welcome home, Lady Ayaka. We were waiting for you."

"Thank you, Madarame," Ayaka thanked, nodding slightly." Could you tell me what is happening?" She questioned right after, turning to the soldiers in the courtyard.

"Nothing to worry about, milady. Commissioner Hiiragi just stopped by to greet Lord Kamisato on his way to Inazuma. He and his men will spend the night here to continue on their way in the morning."

Ayaka couldn't entirely hide her astonishment at hearing that explanation.

"Commissioner Hiiragi is here?" she murmured slowly, looking in the direction of the interior of the building. "Why does he go to Inazuma in person? Is there a meeting of the Tri-Commission? My brother didn't tell me anything."

"No, milady," Madarame denied. "I understand that it is merely a matter for the Kanjou commission. Some paperwork to arrange in the capital with Commissioner Tenryou. Actually, I'm not fully informed about it."

"I get it..." Ayaka whispered slowly, still looking down the inner corridor as if somehow expecting to find the commissioner himself standing there.

It was unusual for Hiiragi Shinsuke, head of the Kanjou Commission and the Hiiragi clan, to leave his estate in Ritou and go in person to attend business in Inazuma City. When it happened, it was usually because a meeting of the three commissions would be held in which important issues involving the entire nation would be discussed. But there used to be only one or two of those a year.

The other reason could be an urgent issue that he needed to discuss directly with the Shogun. But, at least as far as Ayaka knew, at the moment, there was no such serious problem in the economic field, which was the central area of the Kanjou Commission, which could need disturbing the Shogun with it. At least, of course, they were keeping it from the Yashiro Commission, which would be pretty problematic if that were the case.

What was indeed unlikely was that he went to Inazuma just for some trivial paperwork. And if all this was suspicious to her, surely her brother was even more so.

After thanking Madarame for his information, Ayaka cautiously entered.

Regardless of the real reason for his trip, at the moment the commissioner was apparently a guest in her house. And as such, the proper thing to do would be to go and greet him. Ayaka was quite tired from the trip and other things, but she had to do her duty as a Kamisato.

Just like Madarame mentioned, Commissioner Hiiragi Shinsuke was at that moment meeting with Kamisato Ayato. Although that was not a work talk, only a "casual" talk of acquaintances, which Ayato didn't like that much. Especially since Commissioner Hiiragi could get a bit flippant with some of his comments. And Commissioner Kamisato would definitely prefer at that time to continue with his backlog than to sit there just chatting with that man.

But there wasn't much to do, really. Given their positions and the fact that he was a guest in his house (somewhat forced), his duty was to treat him with hospitality. Furthermore, the commissioner was not traveling alone. Sitting with them was also Miss Hiiragi Chisato, daughter of Commissioner Hiiragi, right next to her father. She still seemed a little uncomfortable because of some comments that he released. Although she didn't say anything, her only look of embarrassment made it clear.

Right in the middle of the commissioner's talk about the importance of getting a good husband or wife (talk that Ayato was not sure if it was for him, for his daughter... or for both), Furuta, the housekeeper of the Kamisato residence, cautiously entered the room carrying with her a tray with cups of tea. Both Ayato and Chisato silently welcomed the interruption.

"Here's your tea, Commissioner, Lady Chisato," the older woman murmured as she placed their respective cups in front of each of them. They both thanked with a small gesture. She then walked towards Ayato at the front, handing him her cup as well. "Here too, my lord."

"Thank you, Furuta," the Kamisato leader thanked with a candid smile on his face.

Of course, those ten years had also passed through Ayato. He was already in his twenties, tall and broad-shouldered, with an attractive face and a strong presence that stole the sighs of more than one. And although he was the youngest of the three commissioners, he had managed well to entrench his position within the Tri-Commission, making his voice heard on the same level as the other two… or sometimes a little more.

"I've always told my daughter that the tea you serve at the Kamisato Estate is the best I've ever tasted," Commissioner Hiiragi muttered once Furuta had left. "Is it not true? Come on, Chisato; you have to try it yourself."

"Okay," mumbled the young Hiiragi, a pretty girl also close in age to her host. "To your health, Commissioner Kamisato," she murmured, raising her cup in the direction of the blue-haired man sitting in front of them; he only nodded in response.

Chisato carefully brought the steaming cup to her lips, blew lightly on it, and then took a small sip. At that moment, a slight wince ran through his body, and she subtly covered her lips with her fingers. A little blush crept up her cheeks.

"It's delicious," she murmured in wonder. "What is it made of?"

"Family secret," Ayato replied with a slightly playful tone. "But I appreciate your words, Lady Chisato. I'll let Furuta and the rest of the servants know."

"This tea alone would be worth coming to visit more often," Shinsuke commented right after, sipping from his respective mug as well.

"As you wish, commissioner," Ayato replied. "I hope the hospitality will be reciprocated if I ever need to go to Ritou."

"Of course. You don't even have to ask."

They both smiled at each other with apparent kindness, although they both knew there was a lot behind those smiles, as well as their words. After all, they both knew how to play this game of politics...

"Well, as I was saying," Commissioner Hiiragi continued after his second sip of tea, "you're not exactly a young man anymore, Ayato. You must seriously consider marrying someone now that you're young, attractive, and in as enviable a position. Options won't be missing."

"I guess so," Ayato muttered calmly, although he cursed inwardly that he hadn't put that matter to rest once and for all. "But usually, I'm so busy that the opportunity to meet someone has just slipped out of my hands."

"Meet someone, you say?" Shinsuke exclaimed, letting out a loud, almost raucous laugh right after. "Forget those complications. You need more than anything someone to help you get a list of suitable candidates. Chisato could easily help you with that, right?"

The comment caught Chisato right in the middle of a sip from her cup. And the sudden mention made her jump a little, spilling a few drops of tea on the tatami floor.

"Me?" exclaimed the young Hiiragi, a little lost.

"Of course. No one knows the daughters of Inazuma's most prominent clans better. Indeed you have a couple of suggestions for Commissioner Kamisato in mind, don't you?"

Chisato glanced sideways at Ayato, and Ayato looked back at her in a similar manner. With just their glances, they both told each other that Commissioner Hiiragi's true intentions had become quite apparent...

"Yeah… maybe," Chisato cleared her throat, clearing her voice. "But don't push that, Dad. The commissioner is still very young, and... I think he can manage on his own to find a good wife."

"I appreciate your vote of confidence, Lady Chisato," Ayato nodded gratefully.

However, Commissioner Hiiragi did not seem to like the answer very much and seemed more than willing to insist. To the luck of Ayato and Chisato alike, someone else interrupted at that moment.

"Brother, I'm here." Ayaka's solemn voice was heard uttering from the corridor, in just the right pitch to be heard but not too loud to be too shrill.

"Ah, Ayaka, go ahead," Ayato instructed.

The young newcomer slid the door she was behind to the side, revealing herself and immediately drawing gazes from everyone in the room.

"With your permission," the young Kamisato murmured, taking a step inside.

"It's a relief to see that you arrived safely," Ayato pointed out, genuinely pleased, perhaps the most genuine thing he had uttered at that time. "Come in and say hello to Commissioner Hiiragi and his daughter."

Ayaka nodded respectfully and walked into the room, having received the authorization. She crouched down, sitting on the ground near his brother, offering the visitors a moderate bow in greeting and courtesy.

"A pleasure to see you commissioner, Lady Chisato."

"Ayaka!" the young Hiiragi exclaimed suddenly, evidently skipping the usual manners and etiquettes a bit. "How nice to see you after so long! Look at you; you look gorgeous. Now I understand all the news reaching Ritou about the famous Heron Princess."

"I can't imagine what that news are about," Ayaka muttered slowly, without raising her head to hide the blush on her cheeks from the comments a little.

"You really have grown, Ayaka," Shinsuke added. "It almost feels like I haven't seen you in years. You have become a pretty lady."

"You flatter me with your words, Commissioner."

"Why don't you sit down to tea with us?" Commissioner Hiiragi offered, extending his hand to a place closer to them.

"I appreciate your invitation and would be delighted to accept it. However, as you can see, my appearance is not adequate, since I am arriving from attending to some matters in Inazuma. Let me change my clothes, and I'll be with you in a minute."

"I'll go with you," Chisato stated excitedly, quickly standing up from her place. "So we started to catch up."

And before her father could say something to stop her, Chisato approached Ayaka, just as she was getting up again, and grabbing her arm practically pulled her to stand up a little faster. This confused Ayaka a bit, but she deduced that she really wanted to get out of that room as soon as possible.

"Thank you very much, Lady Chisato," the Kamisato murmured as they walked to the door together.

"Just call me Chisato," she murmured back, laughing. "We don't have to be so formal between us. With your permission, my lords."

Ayato signaled once they were at the door, and it didn't take long for them to get out of sight of both commissioners.

Although he wanted to talk to his sister to find out how all the preparations in Inazuma had gone, Ayato was still grateful for Chisato's temporary departure. Perhaps with that, the commissioner would relax a little with his insistence.

And in part he did... and in part, he didn't.

"Ayaka has truly become a beautiful woman," Shinsuke commented suddenly, unnerving Ayato a little. However, he managed to hide it very well. "I have heard that it steals the looks and sighs of more than one in Inazuma."

"I remind you that you are talking about my little sister, Commissioner Hiiragi," Commissioner Kamisato muttered slowly. And although he was smiling, the irritation caused by the comment was not entirely hidden.

"Sure, I apologize. It's just that, just as Chisato mentioned, even Ritou has received news that she is referred to as a princess… What exactly did she say she is called?

"Heron Princess, I think."

"Heron Princess," Shinsuke nodded, apparently amused as he repeated that nickname. "Well, aside from getting a wife for yourself, I think it's about time you found a suitable husband for this princess, don't you think so?"

"We already went through that a few years ago, and it didn't go well precisely," Ayato replied quickly, somewhat curtly.

"Yes, of course. The Kaedehara boy, right? It was very skillful of you to dodge and disassociate yourself from that matter before it affected you negatively." Ayato remained silent. "But hey, that's the past. Now it's time to think about the future. You disagree?"

The smile on Commissioner Kamisato's lips widened a bit more, and his gaze relaxed as well. But as usual, when dealing with him, it was hard to know what exactly was going through his mind when he saw and smiled at you like that.

"I guarantee you I'm always thinking about it, Commissioner," he answered firmly after a while.

Author's Notes:

—A question I have often asked myself is if there are horses in Teyvat or not. They have never shown one as such, but there are also animals that we haven't seen but known to exist (like "normal" wolves or cows that give milk), but at least horses, I think, haven't been mentioned. So well, here I am assuming that they exist. And just as they were usual companions of the samurai in Japan, they are also the same in Inazuma.

—Another doubt that has sometimes given me is if the Teleport Waypoints exist as such in the world or are they just a game mechanic. On one occasion, Katheryne makes a joke about them, implying that more people know them. But at the same time, it doesn't make much sense to me because if they actually existed, it wouldn't be such a problem to get in and out of Inazuma, for example. So, subject to a better explanation, it will be assumed that they don't exist as such in the world in this story. And if people want to get from one place to another, they have to walk, sail, or use horses. Or, if you're a Licensed Adventurer, jump high with a glider.