Kamisato Ayato's eyes flickered, fixed on the hairpin.
There was something peculiar about it.
It seemed to retain elemental power.
And...
Kamisato Ayato looked at Qin Yu.
Why was he here?
In the second-floor corridor, the silence was so profound that a needle could be heard falling.
A faint pressure permeated the air, causing unease.
An ordinary person standing here would have already been weak-kneed.
Qin Yu's expression remained calm, and he smiled:
"Just had some free time, snuck out for a walk."
Kamisato Ayato smiled gently, "The people in the estate..."
"Naturally, they didn't notice."
Qin Yu replied nonchalantly, not flustered at all.
Kamisato Ayato nodded silently.
The Electro Archon had ordered Qin Yu to be brought to Tenshukaku.
Now, many factions were watching him.
Sneaking out to avoid the prying eyes of others was understandable.
Kamisato Ayato's smile returned to its warmth, his suspicion gone.
He patted Qin Yu's shoulder and chatted casually:
"The environment on the second floor is quite pleasant. How long have you been here?"
"..."
Qin Yu didn't respond, merely shaking his head.
Kamisato Ayato's eyes twinkled.
"I was on the first floor just now."
"I saw your back and thought you looked familiar, so I came up."
Qin Yu smiled.
Don't think I didn't notice you trying to trick me.
The people on the second floor were all wealthy and powerful.
How could he possibly be here?
"..."
Kamisato Ayato's gaze remained fixed on Qin Yu's face.
"Why didn't I see you earlier?"
"When I'm out and about, I'm a bit skilled in the art of holding my breath."
Qin Yu had activated the talent he learned from Sayu.
[Talent: Ooyumi Style: Secret Art of Breath Holding]
With a calm demeanor, he dispelled all doubts.
"..."
The pressure emanating from Kamisato Ayato gradually dissipated.
Given Qin Yu's current special status, being low-key was normal.
But to evade his senses was quite remarkable.
It was almost comparable to Sayu of the Yooimou Yasujiro.
Kamisato Ayato's gaze grew more appreciative.
So young, yet so powerful.
He could violently suppress enemies or act covertly.
Brave and resourceful, with a steady mind.
Truly worthy of being Ayaka's chosen partner.
Isn't he a million times better than that scoundrel who only knows how to hide?
"..."
Qin Yu maintained a harmless smile.
In his heart, however, he couldn't help but grumble.
He felt inexplicably annoyed.
Who was talking about him behind his back?!
"You..."
Suddenly, Kamisato Ayato's eyes sharpened.
Qin Yu tensed his body subtly.
What if he suddenly shouted Kamisato Style: Misty Reflection...
Kamisato Ayato leaned closer, his tone grave:
"He's here."
"..."
Qin Yu leaned in cooperatively, his expression solemn:
"Might I ask who 'he' is?"
"Who else could it be? The scoundrel who deceived Ayaka."
Kamisato Ayato glanced at Qin Yu.
Why is he so slow to react when it concerns Ayaka?
Does he still want to marry Ayaka or not?
"Ah... it's him."
"Hm?"
"It's that detestable scoundrel who deceived Lady Ayaka!"
Qin Yu adjusted his tone, making himself sound a bit more ferocious.
"Mhm."
Kamisato Ayato finally nodded with satisfaction.
As expected of someone he approved of; his sense of righteousness was high.
He could immediately stand with the Yashiro Commission.
"Once we catch him, I'll allow you to punch him once."
Kamisato Ayato patted Qin Yu's shoulder encouragingly.
This would also be a good opportunity to impress Ayaka.
"...Then I thank you in advance."
Qin Yu's smile almost faltered.
It was one thing to scold himself, but now he had to hit himself too?
Kamisato Ayato waved his hand.
They would be family sooner or later, why be so formal?
For a moment, the two men shared a knowing smile.
Yet, their thoughts were not aligned in the slightest...
Kamisato Ayato's gaze became serious again, and he said softly:
"How do you plan to flush out that scoundrel?"
Qin Yu pondered.
That "scoundrel" was standing right in front of him.
But he definitely couldn't say that.
"Have you given it any thought?"
Seeing Qin Yu deep in thought.
Kamisato Ayato's gaze was full of approval, he was more and more satisfied.
This young man must be devising a meticulous capture plan.
"Mhm..."
Qin Yu nodded silently.
He was definitely devising a meticulous escape plan.
After a moment, he looked up.
"If we take one side each, it will be foolproof."
"If he dares to run, I'll be the first to chase him!"
Qin Yu declared with conviction, pledging his loyalty.
But if there was an insider, he couldn't be blamed...
Kamisato Ayato nodded.
A simple plan, but it hit the nail on the head.
"Let's do that."
"Then I'll go over there?"
Qin Yu chose another direction.
His gaze inadvertently swept over the door in front of them.
The flaw he and the innkeeper had pretended to set up in their haste.
It had indeed attracted Kamisato Ayato's attention.
"Good."
Kamisato Ayato nodded.
With his sword on his back, he opened the door and walked in...
A smile tugged at Qin Yu's lips.
It worked out perfectly.
Without further delay, he turned and ran.
In reality, his and Ayaka's private room was on the other side!
...
Inside the room.
Kamisato Ayaka sat quietly for a long time, her mind at peace.
In her stillness, her posture was elegant, becoming even more ethereal.
Suddenly, her ears twitched.
It was a familiar set of footsteps.
Kamisato Ayaka opened her eyes, surprise and joy filling her gaze.
It was Master, he was coming back for Ayaka.
The next moment, the door was pushed open.
Qin Yu rushed in swiftly.
He had changed his clothes at the fastest speed possible in the corridor.
Without a word, he grabbed the young girl's hands, which were clasped on her lap.
"Master..."
Kamisato Ayaka's beautiful eyes widened slightly.
Suddenly, treating Ayaka so roughly...
It was such a novel sensation, she felt her strength draining away.
At this moment, she should politely refuse.
But if Master insisted...
Before she could say anything else.
"Your brother is here."
Qin Yu said as he pulled Ayaka's hand and ran.
If he didn't run now, the sword would be swinging at him.
"It's Brother!"
Kamisato Ayaka, in her bewilderment, followed Qin Yu out of the room.
As she realized what was happening, she bit her lip lightly.
Her usually gentle gaze was now darkening.
After finally managing to arrange a date with Master, it was going to be disrupted again...
It seemed during the next sword practice with Brother.
She couldn't hold back anymore.
And about the milk tea, Ayaka wouldn't be preparing it anymore.
...
The two ran out of the room, hand in hand.
Their target was clear: the stairwell.
Closer, ever closer!
In their haste, Kamisato Ayaka tightened her grip on Qin Yu's hand.
A warm feeling spread through her, as if she had grasped the entire world.
"Master!"
She suddenly let out a soft laugh.
Her laughter was pleasant, filled with the pure joy of a maiden.
As they ran, she gazed at Qin Yu, her eyes growing gentler.
...Just like Mother used to tell stories.
During their journey, fierce villains were chasing them.
But there was no need to be afraid.
Because the person she cherished was by her side.
No matter how many hardships they faced, or where they were going.
As long as they stayed together, they would always be happy.
"You're still laughing at a time like this!"
Qin Yu glanced at her as he sped up.
"With Master here, I'm not afraid."
Kamisato Ayaka let out a soft hum and tilted her head up.
The next moment, the emboldened maiden leaped forward.
She clung directly to Qin Yu.
The young Ayaka of the past,
was also carried by Qin Yu like this, crossing rivers and streams on their adventures.
"Master, hurry, hurry."
The maiden, her arms around Qin Yu's neck, was filled with tenderness.
At this moment, she paid no mind to the etiquette of a young lady.
She only knew that this was the happiest and most beautiful memory.
"You, don't move around first!"
Qin Yu's face darkened. Had this girl learned to ambush him?
Once they got far away, he would have to educate her properly!
Carrying the maiden on his back, he rushed downstairs in one go.
...
"What should we do?"
The innkeeper was fretting for the two of them.
Suddenly, he saw Qin Yu running down with Ayaka on his back.
In his surprise, he quickly called out to Qin Yu.
"Young man, run through the back door."
"Erika, hurry and open the door!"
The elderly couple was more excited than the parties involved.
"Thank you! We'll settle the bill when we have a chance...!"
"What bill? Consider it a gift!"
The innkeeper laughed heartily, his generosity evident.
Seeing that explanations were futile, Qin Yu simply ran without looking back.
Kamisato Ayaka, with a muffled sound, resembled a shy young bride.
"You must cherish each other forever!"
Behind them, the innkeeper's laughter could be faintly heard.