Pedestrians came and went, the street a scene of bustling activity.
Amidst the crowd, the maiden's graceful silhouette was particularly striking.
Her bearing was pure, elegant, and refined, unsullied by any dust.
She wore a fox mask, brimming with youthful charm.
Around her, pedestrians marveled.
Who could this young lady be?
To be so beautiful and captivating.
If she were to remove the mask, revealing her mysterious face,
What unparalleled beauty would she possess?
Yet, this seemingly flawless maiden,
Clutched tightly to someone's hand, showing great reliance.
"Master, look at that."
"Alright, slow down a bit."
"..."
Some gazes, filled with envy, couldn't help but shift,
Towards the man of a rather mysterious bearing.
To be so close to such a beautiful maiden,
This lucky fellow was truly fortunate.
"Oh dear."
Thoma's expression was slightly unnatural.
He wasn't quite sure, so he looked again.
That vibrant, youthful maiden in the distance,
Though her attire and appearance were mysterious,
Every movement exuded an elegant aura.
It seemed, perhaps...
A little like their young lady.
Could it be such a coincidence!
It was noon, yet a sudden chill brushed past him.
Oh no!
Thoma's gaze couldn't help but drift to his side.
"Hmm..."
Kamisato Ayato's eyes flickered, his expression unreadable.
However, those who had dealt with him knew well.
This was precisely when he was most dangerous.
Thoma quickly cleared his throat, attempting to smooth things over:
"Head of the clan, how could that possibly be..."
Before he could finish.
*Crack—*
The hand holding the milk tea in Kamisato Ayato's grip slowly tightened.
The cup distorted with an unusual sound.
Thoma broke out in a sweat.
Young lady, it's not that I didn't try.
The Head of the clan is about to get serious!
"Quite interesting."
Kamisato Ayato's smile returned to his face.
He wasn't entirely certain yet.
But if that maiden was indeed Ayaka...
"Hmph, after all these years."
"I've finally caught you."
He chuckled, though his words held little warmth.
The mysterious person who had spirited away his beloved sister.
I've endured you for a long time!
"Thoma, where's my knife?"
Kamisato Ayato looked at Thoma, his smile amiable.
What a terrifying expression!
Thoma knew they couldn't let this continue.
Even if you drew your sword, you couldn't defeat the young lady!
"Ahem, it's probably not her."
He tentatively inquired:
"Head of the clan, shall we find a place to eat something first?"
Young lady, stop wandering.
I can't hold on much longer, hurry and run!
Kamisato Ayato shook his head slightly.
After a moment of thought, he strode in that direction.
He wanted to see for himself if that maiden was truly Ayaka.
"Head of the clan, alas...!"
Thoma's face turned anxious, what could be done?
He pondered a countermeasure as he hurried after him.
...
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Kamisato Estate.
Yoimiya lay sprawled on the stone table, her limbs weak.
She opened her mouth, resigned to her fate.
With Kamisato Ayaka gone, there was suddenly no one to provide food.
So boring, so hungry.
"How could this be..."
Beside her, Sakura shook her head.
To be so fragile, only knowing how to eat.
As she thought this, she reached for a sweet pastry.
Her hand found emptiness.
"..."
It was all gone.
Suddenly deprived of sweets, the rustic girl was displeased.
That Yae, only prepared this much.
Flipping through the light novel,
It had just reached the last page, and ended.
"..."
Sakura's chest rose and fell slightly, her jade hands clenched.
She was at a thrilling part.
Unpleasant things kept happening.
She felt like grabbing Qin Yu and hanging him on the statue again.
Qin Yu: ?
Yoimiya's small head peeked over, surprised:
"Sister Sakura actually caught up to the latest chapter."
"So fast!"
Sakura was silent for a moment, then said coldly:
"Why did it end here."
"Oh, that's the latest installment."
Yoimiya explained enthusiastically.
"If you want to continue reading, you'll have to wait for the author to update."
"But this author is notoriously unreliable."
"And very good at cliffhangers."
Yoimiya crossed her arms, her expression grave.
"..."
Sakura snorted upon hearing this and slowly stood up.
To have the story cut off at such a thrilling point...
According to Qin Yu, this novel was from Yae Publishing House.
"Sister Sakura, where are you going?"
Yoimiya felt a sense of foreboding and quickly stood up.
"Where is Yae Publishing House?"
"Sister Sakura, calm down, there's no latest chapter there!"
"If there isn't, I'll tear down Yae Publishing House."
Sakura's tone was flat, but her words were terrifying.
Yoimiya was flustered; her tone seemed serious.
That was the Yae Guuji's establishment!
Seeing Sakura about to leave, she quickly followed.
"Let's talk things out properly."
"Sister Sakura, how about we go eat something delicious?"
"Hmph, boring."
"There are sweets!"
"...Lead the way."
"Yay, going out with Sister Sakura!"
Yoimiya cheered.
And so, the two women set off together for Inazuma City.
...
Inazuma City, on the street.
Kamisato Ayaka led Qin Yu through streets and alleys.
"Master, it's here."
She tugged on Qin Yu's hand, gently shaking it.
This was their date, just the two of them.
They had to find a place where no one would disturb them.
Qin Yu looked up.
Wanyou Teahouse.
Feeling the warmth of the soft little hand, he said gently,
"Alright, let's go here."
The two entered together.
...
From a distance on the street.
The blue-haired youth cautiously peeked out.
"So it's here..."
"I've found you."