In Tenshukaku, within the Komore Teahouse.
Dusk was falling, signaling it was time for everyone to return home and rest.
"Ayaka, won't you reconsider?"
Kamisato Ayato was blocked at the doorway, asking with concern.
It was too dangerous for a young lady to be out at night.
"Brother, I truly hate to leave,"
"But you should be heading back now."
Before him, the elegant young woman gently pressed against the door, a gentle smile on her face.
As the siblings met each other's gaze, the scene was momentarily heartwarming.
"…!"
Kamisato Ayato subtly tightened his grip.
Then, he silently retracted his strength and cleared his throat.
As expected, he couldn't budge his beloved little sister.
How had Ayaka's strength increased again!
"What about Qin Yu?"
Kamisato Ayato's gaze shifted to Qin Yu.
Qin Yu shook his head slightly.
With Ayaka here, he couldn't be of much help.
"…"
The two men exchanged glances, both recognizing the other's helplessness.
What was this sudden feeling of camaraderie?
Just as Qin Yu was watching the unfolding drama.
A fragrant breeze suddenly swept from behind him, casting a shadow.
A languid voice, laced with charm, whispered:
"Little one, guess who I am."
"?"
Qin Yu instinctively turned his head.
That voice, which sounded so mischievous, belonged to…
"Guuji Yae, what brings you here?"
The Kamisato siblings were also surprised by this.
The Grand Shrine Maiden's sudden visit suggested something serious was afoot.
Indeed, it was something very serious.
After all, the "Mischievous Fox" had come to watch the show.
"Mhm, quick reflexes."
Yae Miko released her hand and playfully poked Qin Yu.
He was quite sturdy.
Unfortunately, he was about to…
"Guuji?"
"Little one, you don't need to be so distant from now on."
The mischievous fox studied Qin Yu with a meaningful gaze.
Qin Yu was slightly surprised.
What was the meaning of that look, as if examining an unknown creature?
"…"
From behind Yae Miko, a cold and elegant figure emerged.
She held a boning knife in her hand, exuding a chilling aura.
Her gaze was fixed directly on Qin Yu.
The temperature around them seemed to drop.
"Sakura, you're back."
Qin Yu greeted her with a smile.
Let's talk things out nicely, just put the knife down first…
"Alright, I won't be staying long."
Yae Miko waved her hand, her expression regretful.
She had wanted to stay and watch the show, but now she had to leave.
What a shame, all those fried tofu puffs…
Sakura let out a cold snort and, knife in hand, turned back into the room.
Qin Yu's heart stirred.
Was Sakura planning to cook something in this state?
"Sister Sakura, that's not how you cook!"
"Quick, get away, Electro is about to contact open flame!"
From the depths of the teahouse, panicked voices of young women could be heard.
Faintly, accompanied by the sound of explosions and tremors.
"…"
Qin Yu sighed, smelling smoke.
Were they cooking in there, or experimenting with fireworks?
…
The sky had completely darkened.
"Brother, Ayaka will miss you."
Kamisato Ayaka stood at the door, waving goodbye with a smile.
The next second, with a thud.
The door was shut tightly.
"…My sister has truly grown up."
Kamisato Ayato shook his head slightly and raised his hand.
Shadowy figures seemed to flicker around the Komore Teahouse.
These were the forces of the Shogunate’s Tenryou Commission, acting discreetly.
Reinforcing security was necessary to prevent any unforeseen events.
Beside Kamisato Ayato, Yae Miko chuckled, covering her mouth.
"Heh heh… perhaps you should withdraw these people."
"They are merely unnecessary precautions."
Her languid voice made Kamisato Ayato raise an eyebrow.
"May I ask for the Guuji's advice?"
"There are some very interesting matters I wish to discuss. Would you like to hear them?"
Yae Miko walked away, hinting at something.
Kamisato Ayato's eyes flickered, and he silently followed her.
…
Komore Teahouse.
Qin Yu carefully put away the evidence materials concerning the Fatui.
The current plan was simple.
Keep the materials here to prevent them from being stolen.
The Yashiro Commission did not have the authority to submit directly to the Electro Archon.
Moreover, the Tenryou Commission would undoubtedly obstruct them at every turn.
Therefore, they could only wait for the Archon to awaken.
Then, they would find an opportunity to present their case in person…
Qin Yu was not worried about safety.
With the Yashiro Commission's forces stationed around, it was sufficiently secure.
The scales, known as the Vision Hunt Decree, were finally beginning to tip.
This time, they were tipping in Qin Yu's favor.
"Qin Yu, hurry up—"
Yoimiya's call could be heard.
"Coming."
Qin Yu shook his head slightly.
Everything was in place.
The remaining matters should no longer concern him.
For now, he just needed to enjoy this rare moment of leisure.
Temporarily.
…
Qin Yu opened the door and walked in.
Inside, mist was rising.
The girls, with their distinct auras, looked over.
"You're so slow, everyone's been waiting for you."
Yoimiya, busy working, straightened up and said with a hint of displeasure.
Was he trying to slack off and then come out to enjoy the fruits of their labor!
"Yoimiya, Qin Yu had important matters to attend to."
Beside her, Kamisato Ayaka was arranging the dishes, smiling.
The table full of dishes looked even more exquisite after being meticulously plated.
"Ayaka, you're always defending him!"
"Alright, try this first—"
"Mmm, delicious."
Yoimiya's cheeks puffed up like a little hamster.
"Hmph."
On the other side, Sakura held her knife, about to bring it down.
The poor ingredients had no idea what they were about to face.
"Miss Sakura, please calm down!"
Shirasagi Senri grabbed Sakura's wrist and shook her head repeatedly.
There were no more tables for you to chop up!
The future head of the Tenryou Commission was already lamenting the Mora.
"Apologies for being a little late."
Qin Yu looked at the girls with a gentle gaze.
The scene before him warmed his heart.
Everyone was getting along so well.
Perhaps this was what it felt like to be a family?
"…"
Sakura seemed to notice Qin Yu's gaze and slowly lowered her knife.
Staring at the blade, she seemed lost in thought.
Qin Yu:…
He had a feeling Sakura was contemplating how to chop him up.kuAiδugg
Shirasagi Senri, while holding Sakura's hand, beamed with joy.
"Little Yu, come sit here…"
Kamisato Ayaka was a step ahead. "Come sit here."
She took Qin Yu's arm and invited him softly.
"Little Yu can't go with you!"
Shirasagi Senri panicked and stood up, hugging Qin Yu's arm.
The two young ladies, one on each side, snuggled close to Qin Yu.
Qin Yu shook his head. "Let's all sit together."
Only children make choices.
After a bit of chaos…
"Eh?"
Yoimiya blinked her eyes.
Across from her, Qin Yu sat down with the other girls.
Their gazes met, and the atmosphere became quiet for a moment.
"Why did you leave me behind!"
"No cuddling allowed!"
Yoimiya said, hands on her hips, then pulled Qin Yu over.
The current arrangement was:
Kamisato Ayaka, Shirasagi Senri, and Sakura sat on one side.
Yoimiya and Qin Yu sat opposite them.
"…"
Kamisato Ayaka and Shirasagi Senri exchanged glances, then looked away.
It was balanced, no need to fight for him now.
With Yoimiya watching Qin Yu, they could rest assured.
"Alright! Now let's play a mealtime game!"
Yoimiya's face brightened, and she announced with a raise of her hand.
The others asked curiously, "What is it?"
"Heh heh."
Yoimiya crossed her arms, her expression mysterious.
"It's a game with a penalty."
"The loser must grant the winner's wish."
Any wish?
Kamisato Ayaka and Shirasagi Senri's eyes lit up.
Sakura slightly raised the knife in her hand.
Would this give her a reason to have Qin Yu…
Qin Yu: "?"
Wait, why were they all staring at him!
You're acting strange, there's something wrong with you.
"Let's start quickly!"
…
Inazuma City.
"Heh heh… this reaction is quite good, Lord Yashiro Commissioner."
Yae Miko chuckled and waved goodbye.
Under the lamplight, fireflies danced.
Kamisato Ayato slowly clenched his fist, then released it.
"So that's how it is."
After a long silence, he shook his head and chuckled.
…
"Family Head, you were looking for me."
A member of the Shogunate's ninja force appeared.
"Withdraw the defenses around the Komore Teahouse."
"But what if someone attacks…"
"Do it."
"Yes, Family Head!"
"Wait a moment."
"Family Head."
Kamisato Ayato thought for a moment, then said solemnly.
"Buy more sweets and send them to the teahouse."
"?"
Since when did the ninja force deliver takeout!
"No, no…!"
"??"
Kamisato Ayato ignored the strange looks and paced back and forth.
A terrible thought became clear in his mind.
"Send the sweets… to Qin Yu."
"Yes!"
The shadow disappeared. Kamisato Ayato took a deep breath.
He murmured in a voice only he could hear:
"The Komore Teahouse has the Electro Archon."
"And my dear sister, you…"