Chapter 27
You have always had my trust

Both Ayato and Ayaka remained silent for a long time as if they wanted to wait to see if the other would dare to reveal what else they knew. But Ayaka knew that when it came to her brother, he most likely already had all the information he needed, or at least quite a bit. Otherwise, he wouldn't dare to make such a statement so lightly.

So any way she saw it, the Heron Princess was at a bit of a tactical disadvantage. But she couldn't let that break her composure.

Ayaka breathed in slowly through her nose, sat up straight on her spot, and then muttered rather cautiously:

"So you knew about that."

However, at the moment of pronouncing it, she was not looking at her brother, but behind him, towards Thoma, who was still sitting in front of the door. The servant realized at that moment that she was looking at him, and especially the almost overwhelming seriousness with which she was doing so. He quickly started to say something to defend himself, but Ayato got ahead of him by barely a second.

"I ask you not to doubt Thoma's loyalty," Commissioner Yashiro bluntly pointed out, "because I assure you I didn't find out about it from him. Besides, I guess you shouldn't be surprised when I tell you that I always have my eyes on you, right?"

"For my protection, isn't it?" Ayaka muttered, a bit defensive in her voice. Ayato did not reply.

Though Ayaka might have seemed upset by the idea that Thoma had ratted her out, she wasn't. If she had to choose an emotion, she'd say she felt more guilt for putting her friend in a position where he had to choose between his loyalty to her and his loyalty to the head of the clan. In a way, it reassured her a little to know that he hadn't really had to do such a thing.

Anyway, she would worry about that later. Now the important thing was to address the issue on the table and deal with it properly. And being the opposite party of that discussion her brother Ayato, one of the most outstanding negotiators, mediators, and politicians of Inazuma, and perhaps of the world, she could not allow herself to show any hesitation in her position.

"This matter is something that does not concern either the Yashiro Commission or the Kamisato Clan," Ayaka stated firmly. "It is something I decided to do on my own, and that only has to do with me."

"You know very well that's not how it works," Ayato replied seriously. "Still, I don't want my intentions to be confused, Ayaka. I'm not here to reprimand you for what you've done. Actually, ever since I found out about this matter, I had no intention of getting involved, and I was trusting that you would know how to stay out of trouble. However, that had to change since I'm not the only one with eyes on you anymore."

"What do you mean?" Ayaka asked in bewilderment.

Ayato then introduced a hand inside his attire, taking out a paper, compacted in two folds, from an internal pocket, and placed it on the table, right between them.

"The Shuumatsuban intercepted this message yesterday from Commissioner Hiiragi to his delegates in Ritou."

Ayaka looked at that piece of paper curiously. Without waiting long, she reached out, took it, and unfolded it in front of her. Apparently, it was a two-page letter signed, indeed, by Hiiragi Shinsuke. It wasn't the original letter, of course; that should already be on its way to Ritou, if it had not already arrived by that time. This was a copy made by some member of the Shuumatsuban, so it did not have the respective seals of the Hiiragi clan and the Kanjou Commission. Still, Ayaka had no reason to doubt it was real, especially since her brother was already sure of it.

Ayaka then began to read it quickly and carefully. As she did so, half of her attention was listening to what Ayato was telling her.

"In a few words, Hiiragi asks them to do a thorough tracking of the last money withdrawals you made from your personal funds, especially the last one a couple of days ago, which is considerably higher than the others. It also asks that these amounts be compared with any suspicious purchase of manufacturing materials in those same periods of time. It doesn't specify the cause, but I think everyone here knows what it is."

Thoma at the door jumped, stunned to hear that. Was the Kanjou Commission investigating Ms. Ayaka's money movements? Had they discovered her involvement in the crafting of the False Visions? How did such a thing happen…?

For her part, Ayaka continued reading the letter with apparent calm, or at least without a palpable reaction of concern being reflected on her face at all. She continued reading after Ayato finished his summary, which was actually quite accurate. In the letter, there were only some additional details for said instructions, as well as a list of the movements he requested to track, along with the date and the amount of moras, which Ayaka quickly recognized.

Once she finished reading, and its content was quite clear, she refolded the letter and placed it back in the center of the table, right where Ayato had put it.

"I assumed in advance that at some point the Tenryou Commission would start to suspect about the money movements," Ayaka pointed out with a stoic voice, taking Thoma a little by surprise, although apparently not Ayato so much. "Although I admit that I never thought they would dare to involve the Kanjou Commission using only that as a basis, especially Commissioner Hiiragi directly. I find it a bit bold of them. But it doesn't matter anyway, since they won't find anything more suspicious than what they already saw. Each of those withdrawals they will investigate is justified with a legal purchase, easily traceable, and identifiable."

"Fake purchases?" Ayato asked.

"Easily traceable and identifiable," Ayaka repeated bluntly. However, Ayato did not miss that she had omitted the "legal" part that second time.

"Even that last largest withdrawal?"

"I ordered several new sets of katana, wakizashi, and tanto swords, each with a detailed custom design and gold inlay. It's an exuberant luxury, but I couldn't resist. They will be delivered to me in a few weeks."

She had uttered that with such confidence that even Ayato had believed it for a moment. And he would well suppose that she already had at her disposal the letters of some blacksmith from one of the other islands to whom she supposedly commissioned that work, and in a few weeks, she would have those sets of swords at hand to present both to the Tenryou Commission if they requested them. Even though most likely none had actually been purchased with the withdrawal money in question, just like all the other easily traceable and identifiable purchases she mentioned.

"I know very well that my actions are delicate," Ayaka explained, "and that's why I took all the necessary precautions before getting involved. If they try to accuse me of something on the money side, they will hit a wall; I can assure you."

"Maybe," Ayato mused slowly. "But even if they don't find anything, you know they will not drop it so easily once they've already put their suspicions on you."

"Let them do it," Ayaka said with fervent certainty. "For better or worse, I am a Kamisato. They cannot accuse me so lightly for something without the Shogun's consent, and they will in no way disturb Her Excellency with their unfounded suspicions."

"Unless they find a way to make them no longer so unfounded," Ayato pointed out sharply. "What will happen if one of the members of the group of artisans who are realizing these visions is caught and someone points the finger at you directly?"

It was a good question, as expected from his older brother, who always tries to find the vulnerable points of any issue. Although that left Ayaka with the suspicion that Ayato knew many things but not yet who the people she had been collaborating with were. That was good, and it gave her a little more confidence to maneuver through the rest of this conversation.

Besides, Ayaka didn't have to hesitate a bit to give him an answer.

"Only two people associated with that operation know about me. One is the chief craftsman, and the other is the intermediary through whom I have been delivering the money. The first has been quite discreet, and the people who support him are very loyal to him as they believe in the cause he defends. And the second is not directly related to them; she only performs this task as unconditional support for the help they gave her a long time ago, and she is a person who has a good facade so that there are no suspicions towards her. The rest only know there is a benefactor, but not who it is. And in the unlikely event that either of them falls into the hands of the Tenryou Commission, I have complete confidence that neither of them will say anything. I wouldn't have gotten involved with them if I didn't have it."

"What if the men of the Tenryou Commission manage to... force the information out of them?"

Ayaka's brows furrowed a bit upon hearing such an insinuation. She didn't need more to clarify what he meant.

"I trust that the Tenryou Commission would not dare to use such barbaric interrogation methods despite everything. And if so, we all know that a confession obtained through torture lends itself to scrutiny. And if, despite all that has been said, they decide to go ahead and accuse me of something, as a Kamisato, what I will have to do is ask for an audience with the Almighty Shogun and expose my case directly to her. And unlike my previous requests, this one cannot be denied."

"And do you trust the Shogun to understand and believe what you tell her? An offense like this against the Vision Hunt Decree is a direct attack on the Eternity Her Excellency desires."

"Only if the Tenryou Commission can prove that my actions were indeed so," Ayaka pointed out. "Anyway, I highly doubt we'll get to that. But if it happens, I am more than willing to testify before the Shogun and explain to her face to face what her decrees are really causing to the people. I know that above all else, she wants the best for Inazuma, just like I do."

Ayato remained silent after all that detailed explanation. He wouldn't say it in words, not at that moment at least, but he found the detailed action plan of his sister worthy of admiration, as well as the security and firmness that overflowed when talking about and exposing it. Of course, perhaps its most sore point was how much it depended on the hearts and goodwill of others; of the loyalty of those two people who knew she was involved, of the good deeds of the Tenryou Commission, and even of the Shogun Raiden's goodwill towards Inazuma's well-being, above her wish for Eternity.

Perhaps Ayato had become a bit cynical and distrustful of people over the years to have that much faith in them. But he knew Ayaka had a special gift for spreading that kindness to others, including himself. And if that didn't work out, that was what he was there for, always watching over her, ready to make the tough decisions and take the actions that she would never be able to and that he didn't even want to cross her mind.

"I see you've thought it all through," he pointed out after a few seconds of reflection, outlining the first trace of a genuine smile.

"I didn't do any of this recklessly, brother," Ayaka replied without losing her firmness. "I knew what I was doing and the risks involved. But I had to. I had to somehow help remedy things. I understand that a few fake visions among people won't do much, and I really wish I could do more... But I don't regret my actions one bit."

"I understand," Ayato agreed, and just then, he took the paper from the table and put it inside his coat. "Since you obviously have everything under control, I guess there's nothing else to do here."

Saying that Ayato stood up with the obvious readiness to retreat.

"Brother, does this mean I have your trust and blessing?" Ayaka asked before her brother began his walk.

"You've always had my trust, Ayaka," the commissioner replied, turning to her. "But you know that from my position, I cannot give you anything like my blessing. And if this somehow gets out of hand..."

"You'll do what's best for the clan, I know," Ayaka added quickly, knowing in advance what her brother's position on all of this was and should be. "But as a commissioner, it was your duty to alert the Tenryou Commission as soon as you became aware of what I was doing. But you decided to keep it and even warn me of this situation. Did you do it just because I'm your sister? Or is it that you also think what is happening in Inazuma is incorrect?"

"What do you think?" was the ambiguous response of the oldest of the Kamisato, outlining a slight but appreciable smile again. That, however, was enough for Ayaka.

There was, however, one last subject she wished to discuss before he left.

"Brother, about Kazuha..."

Ayato's expression reflected a slight trace of apathy upon hearing that name. However, it was quickly concealed with its respective dose of indifference.

"As I said, that boy is the least of my worries," Commissioner Yashiro murmured with apparent calm. "And since you have shown that you know very well how to take care of your own affairs, I will assume that you apply the same attention to whatever is happening between you and him. Just tell me one thing, Ayaka... have you forgiven him for what happened?"

Ayaka fell silent upon hearing such a question. A part of her had a direct response that pushed her to get out, but she knew in advance that it wouldn't be wise. Instead, she took as judicious a stance as possible in answering, though perhaps not entirely.

"There was nothing I had to forgive him for, brother. We were both simply victims of the decisions and actions of others."

"Among those others, do you include me?" Ayato questioned somewhat bluntly. Ayaka, however, offered no further reply.

Saying everything they both had to say, Ayato started to walk towards the exit. Thoma quickly hurried to the side and slid the door open for him with one hand.

"My Lord…" Thoma muttered slowly as he passed right in front of him, but Ayato didn't seem to pay attention to him.

"It was a tiring ride out here," the commissioner declared as he stepped out into the hall. "I'll be at Uyuu Restaurant resting for a while, in case you need anything."

He then turned in the direction of the stairs and disappeared entirely from their sight, leaving behind a thick air that was difficult to ignore.

Thoma closed the door again, approaching the table right after. Ayaka continued to sit in her place, her gaze lowered to the table's smooth, freshly cleaned surface. She looked thoughtful, but it was not for nothing. It had been a lot to process in just a matter of minutes.

"Are you okay, my lady?" Thoma asked discreetly.

"Yeah," the blue-haired girl agreed. "I just didn't think we'd have to deal with the Tenryou Commission so soon, especially right now when my attention is a bit… scattered."

Ayaka looked away, a little embarrassed that she might have been too honest with that last one. Indeed, her mind had several concerns, less to do with funding illegal fake visions and more with the young swordsman with light hair and crimson eyes who had just reappeared in her life. She didn't want to think much about it, but she would likely have to choose one of the two to focus on, at least in the short term.

"It's best to keep our distance from Master Masakatsu's group until this calms down," Ayaka suggested, a little more recovered. "In any case, our latest cooperation should be enough to supply that last large order and other smaller ones that will be dealt with in the following days."

Thoma nodded, showing his approval of the idea.

"Yoimiya mentioned to me yesterday that if we wanted to meet with the buyers of the latest batch of visions, we could do so during the first night of the Festival. I had considered attending on your behalf to see who these people were. Of course, with a false identity and not as the Kamisato Clan's housekeeper, as we have done on other occasions. However, given the new circumstances, it would be best to stay away."

Ayaka slowly looked up at her servant, clearly intrigued by what he had just told her.

"The first night of the festival?" she asked slowly.

"Yes, it seems that the delivery of the visions will take place at that time. The location and time, I understand, have not yet been specified, but it will be that night."

Ayaka's entire face froze into a thoughtful expression, perhaps even a little confused. She lowered her gaze again, staring distantly at the ground. Her mind had been forced to put aside all the excess information she had received and focus on that last piece that, inadvertently, quickly brought to her memory some things that Kazuha had told her the night before...

We didn't just come to Inazuma for the Festival. The truth is we are here for a delicate matter in which I absolutely don't want to involve you.

It's just a favor I'm doing to Tomo. It is nothing dangerous or bad. But it is something that a representative of the Yashiro Commission like you should not be involved in, especially as a Kamisato.

You don't have to worry about anything, seriously. After the first night of the Festival, we will leave Inazuma and get this matter over with quickly.

That secret matter that had brought Kazuha and his friend to Inazuma, which he couldn't tell her too much about, was also related to the first night of the Festival, as she had understood. If Ayaka put all the pieces together from the little information he had given her, and now knowing what Thoma had just told her…

Was it just a coincidence?

"Lady Ayaka?" pronounced Thoma abruptly, drawing his mistress's attention back. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, sure," Ayaka answered quickly, forcing a carefree smile to her lips. "I'm just a little stunned. There have been many things..."

"Indeed," Thoma agreed slowly. "I suggest you get some rest. And if you don't need me for anything else, I'd like to ensure your brother is okay."

Ayaka smiled again upon hearing that, although this was a much more sincere smile than the previous one.

"Do you care so much about him?"

"Someone has to do it," Thoma answered in a relaxed tone, the most relaxed Ayaka'd seen him in a couple of days.

"Go then, don't worry. And take care of him for me, please."

"With your permission," replied the young servant, leaning his body forward in a slight bow. He stood up right after and followed Ayato's footsteps to exit the room and soon after the establishment.

Ayaka had to go down, too; all that hustle and bustle hadn't erased from her memory that she had promised to recheck Kazuha's wound after perhaps causing it to open up again. Still, she took only a few more seconds to try and reflect on everything a bit. About the matter of the Tenryou and Kanjou Commissions investigating her, the buyers of the visions, her brother… and of course, Kazuha; especially Kazuha.

Until then, everything had been more fun and relaxed than anything else, like a bit of vacation. But it seemed that sooner than she expected, she would have to make a formal decision about what she really expected to happen between them. Before her reality as a Kamisato and delegate of the Yashiro Commission forced her to do it...

Author's Notes:

A chapter perhaps a little short, but essential to know the position of both Kamisato brothers, although we will see Ayato a little more in the next chapter. As promised, the Fake Visions issue and the Tenryou Commission's investigation will take on more weight from here. However, there are still things that Ayaka can't just brush aside.

As maybe everyone knows, in this 2.8 update, many things about Kazuha, his family, and his past have been revealed. Some fit well into what I have been capturing in this story, but others not so much. I will try to do what can be "adjusted" but what cannot... well, we will have to ignore them. I still hope that although this story deviates from what the game has presented us, it will still be to your liking. I would also remind you that this falls under the "Canon Divergence" category. So, although we will have some unintentional differences due to it being written before these new updates, there will be some that are and will be very intentional. But these will be more evident as we go along.