"My Lord."
Thoma handed him a cup of water.
Kamisato Ayato took it, his eyes flickering, without saying much.
As if what he held in his hand was not ordinary water.
But milk tea, carefully prepared for him by Ayaka.
"..."
Thoma's face fell, and he sighed inwardly.
My Lord, you ruined the Young Miss's date.
It would be good if you weren't beaten during sword practice.
And you want to drink milk tea for some time to come?
Dream on.
"..."
The future Lord, not yet aware, pondered in secret.
That scoundrel who abducted Ayaka...
He hadn't expected that even with Qin Yu's cooperation, there would still be an accident.
That scoundrel actually got away.
Where exactly did it go wrong...
Kamisato Ayato fell into deep thought.
Something felt off.
Did the matter concerning Ayaka make him more vulnerable?
Thinking back, Qin Yu was much calmer than him.
Facing opponents with composure.
It felt as if...
The person he was trying to catch was right in front of him.
"..."
Kamisato Ayato was silent for a long time, then let out a soft chuckle.
Indeed, he still needed to temper his state of mind.
In any case, he noted down the revenge for this miscalculation.
"Um..."
Yoimiya opened her mouth, wanting to understand the situation.
She was practically dying of anxiety.
Although Qin Yu was usually lazy.
And always denied any unspoken understanding with Ayaka.
But this time, the problem was serious.
If they didn't act soon, their whole house would be stolen!
"Cough, cough."
Thoma glanced at her, shaking his head secretly.
It's best not to bring it up.
If my Lord got angry, it wouldn't be good for his health.
Most importantly.
If he was forced to eat more of that dreadful cooking...
Unpleasant memories surfaced, and Thoma's face turned pale.
This was more potent than any hot pot game.
"Oh..."
Yoimiya realized and nodded silently.
Although she was lively, she could read the mood.
Thinking carefully about the mysterious person dating Ayaka.
Even if she didn't know who he was, if they were to compare...
Qin Yu was handsome, and a great fighter.
He even had abs.
He was definitely a hundred times better than that guy.
Most importantly!
He had her, the flower-viewing slope's emotional guru, to help.
How could she possibly worry too much!
As she thought, the girl regained her confidence.
"Heh."
After a long while, Kamisato Ayato's expression eased slightly.
The spring breeze-like, benevolent head of the Kamisato clan was back.
He looked up at Yoimiya and Sakura, smiling.
"My apologies, I was momentarily letting my personal emotions show."
"You are here to dine, aren't you."
"Please don't be constrained, this meal is on me."
Yoimiya blinked.
You said it.
She wouldn't miss the chance to fleece a rich patron.
After all, one needed to eat their fill to have the strength.
To fight against that scoundrel who wanted to snatch Ayaka!
This time, Miss Yoimiya chose to stand with Qin Yu.
Kamisato Ayato smiled.
After working with his sword for so long, he was also hungry.
...
The few of them enjoyed a sumptuous lunch.
After the meal, Sakura was choosing desserts.
"This one, and this one."
"Only these two?"
"No."
Sakura said calmly, "I'll take the rest."
As expected of the cool and aloof country girl.
"?"
Kamisato Ayato chuckled and shook his head.
Truly not being polite.
This helper invited by the Yae Guuji had a mysterious identity.
If there was an opportunity, he might try to investigate her.
Perhaps he would discover some surprises.
"Have you finished ordering? The total is..."
The shop owner quickly calculated the bill and looked at Kamisato Ayato.
The Shuumatsubansha Lord who was treating, it was your turn to pay.
"Mm."
Kamisato Ayato casually reached for his money pouch.
Suddenly, his hand movement paused.
Where was his money pouch?
The scene suddenly fell silent.
Kamisato Ayato's smile slowly disappeared.
He remembered.
His money pouch earlier...
Wasn't it confiscated by the Electro Archon!
It seemed she was going into seclusion to comprehend supreme martial arts.
Thoma sensed something and reached into his pocket.
Then his face stiffened, and he shook his head awkwardly.
He hadn't brought any money either.
A slip-up even in the most meticulous planning...
Kamisato Ayato smiled helplessly, about to ask for credit.
"Is this enough?"
Sakura took out a pile of Mora, saying indifferently.
Ever since Qin Yu teased her as a country bumpkin.
She had been waiting for this moment.
The country bumpkin continued to hold a grudge.
"Wow, Sister Sakura is so rich."
Yoimiya was impressed by the elder sister's affluent demeanor.
Her generous appearance made it seem as if the Mora had been obtained for free from someone else.
...
Outside the Uyu Pavilion, they parted ways.
Kamisato Ayato had to go back to work at the Shogunate.
"Sister Sakura, we should go back now, right?"
Yoimiya put her hands on her hips, completely satisfied.
Mmm, I'm so full.
When I get back, I'll share with Qin Yu.
How incredibly delicious the food here was.
Make him so envious.
Almost forgot, and that mysterious person who wanted to snatch Ayaka.
Qin Yu must be made to go beat him up!
"No."
The cold voice made Yoimiya's small face fall.
"Sister Sakura, you don't mean..."
"Of course, come with me to tear down the Yae Publishing House."
Sakura slightly raised her chin, as if it were natural.
"Sister Sakura, calm down."
Why did she suddenly want to tear down the Yae Publishing House again?
They were just breaking the story, they didn't deserve to die!
However, how could the lively girl win against the elder sister?
And so, she was forced to lead the way.
Just then, a passerby walked by.
"Ah, you want to go to the Yae Publishing House."
"What a coincidence, the Yae Chief Editor is there today."
"Maybe you'll get to see her!"
After recommending the light novel he just bought, he left.
Yoimiya's little face looked so wronged that she was about to cry.
"Sister Sakura, did you hear that?"
"What?"
"Guuji Yae is there!"
Yoimiya subtly hinted.
That was Guuji Yae, the Great Guuji under the divine.
If she caused trouble in front of her...
Even with Yoimiya's fearless nature, she tightly hugged Sakura's arm, shaking her head repeatedly.
"Don't go, Sister Sakura, you can't beat her!"
After some persuasion.
Just as Yoimiya thought Sister Sakura would give up,
"Yae Miko?"
Sakura snorted lightly and said indifferently,
"Just a fox whose backside I've spanked."
"...Sister Sakura, are you serious?"
"Yae Publishing House, let's go."
"Oh."
......
Outside Inazuma City, in a secluded small grove.
Qin Yu and Kamisato Ayaka arrived here and stopped for a moment.
"Alright, hurry and get down."
Qin Yu patted the fair, small hand hooked onto him.
He had been quite troubled on the way.
"Master, you've worked hard."
"Ayaka had a lot of fun."
Kamisato Ayaka jumped down from behind him, smiling.
"If there's a chance next time, Ayaka would like to..."
Qin Yu rolled his eyes and waved his hand.
Want another time?
Recalling the scene of Kamisato Ayato blocking people with his sword...
Please let him off.
"You rest for a bit, I have something to do."
"Alright."
Kamisato Ayaka's beautiful eyes blinked slightly, watching Qin Yu's retreating back.
The surroundings were silent, leaving only an elegant figure.
After a long while, the girl's lips curled into a slight smile.
"Master..."
"Why did you shout 'Don't run' upstairs at that time?"
"Is it because of your identity as 'Qin Yu'."
The girl, with her delicate mind, finally noticed the flaw.
"If I expose you now."
"Heh heh... you'll have to stay by Ayaka's side forever."
The girl chuckled, murmuring with anticipation.
...
Qin Yu walked to the river by the woods.
The surroundings were quiet.
"Come out, little one."
Qin Yu called out softly.
As soon as he spoke.
The leaves in the woods rustled.
The next moment, a small tanuki emerged from them.
"Hoo! We meet again."
Qin Yu smiled and asked,
"Little one, did you deliver the letter to the Yae Publishing House?"
"Hoo! I did, the fox-eared woman received it."
Qin Yu smiled upon hearing this. What a coincidence.
This would make the operation a little faster.
"Alright, go back and find Sister Hiiragi Senpai."
Qin Yu pondered for a moment and took out his hairpin.
"By the way, take this with you."
...
Qin Yu waved goodbye to the little tanuki.
He watched for a long time before slowly turning around.
In the distance, the elegant girl was walking slowly towards him.
"Master..."
"Ayaka has something she wants to say to you."