The Grand Shrine of Narukami commanded authority over the three commissions. Five centuries ago, the kitsune palace even participated in governmental affairs, coordinating across clans. It was effectively Inazuma's Chancellor. Yet Yae Miko was far less diligent in bureaucracy, so her reputation paled in comparison. She could command Kudo Kotoko, but some back-and-forth would be unavoidable.
"Kudo Kotoko may see you as trouble," Yae Miko said, suddenly twisting her words, "but I never planned to speak to her. I intended for the Shogun to assign your work. In fact, I've always leaned toward you joining the Shrine Commission. I even considered having you become a son-in-law of the Kamisato family."
Aiden paused mid-step at the last words, his eyes widening.
A son-in-law of the Kamisato family?
He grinned. The silver-haired beauty of his heart, Kamisato Ayaka, and the honor of the Kamisato family—how could he resist? His heart swelled.
He hesitated, then dared to ask, "So… if it's to become a Kamisato family son-in-law, it doesn't have to be the Shrine Commission, right? You know, my new book, The Protector of the Courtyard Flower 3: Legend of the Dragon King, really needs a plot like this."
"Oh? You remember your new book, do you, second-generation Catman teacher? Don't wait until I have to chase you for the manuscript," Yae Miko said, half-smiling, teasing him again.
Aiden snorted, leaving with a sharp, "Don't underestimate the young," forgetting entirely he had once said to her, "Don't underestimate youth in poverty."
Yae Miko watched him leave, her smile fading. As the one who had witnessed his growth up close, she held different expectations for him.
She had imagined Aiden inheriting Shadow's swordsmanship, the glory of Narukami's light, perhaps even leading Inazuma out of its shadows one day, a man to make her proud.
Yet behind her relief lay fear. His actions had revealed a dangerous streak, and she already regretted letting him go. She would have preferred to keep him enclosed.
To lose those she loved repeatedly had driven the gods of Inazuma to madness, down the obsessive path of eternity. Yae Miko could not bear another loss—she would go insane.
---
Outside the quiet room, Aiden found Kirara waiting. He sensed Sayu lazily napping nearby in a tree.
Though he would not become the Shrine Commission's son-in-law, Aiden felt no disappointment. He had never taken it seriously, only letting his past-life affection for Ayaka stir him briefly. In reality, his connection with Kamisato Ayaka was barely acquaintance-level.
He recalled once asking Ayaka to become his sparring partner, but her elder brother had denied the opportunity, insisting on teaching him Kamisato-style swordsmanship himself.
Sharp swords, sharp eyes.
Aiden would never forget the pride in Ayaka's brother's expression—"I am my sister's shield."
"Humph, sooner or later, I'll take you down, Protector Tower," Aiden thought—but immediately corrected himself. No, it wasn't the tower he wanted. It was Ayaka. He was here to steal the base!
Kirara seemed to sense his intent, blinking curiously. "Did the shrine maiden scold you?"
"No. Just work talk. I'm going to report to the Tenryou Commission soon," Aiden replied, withholding any mention of Kudo Kotoko to spare Kirara worry.
"The Tenryou Commission? I thought you'd go to the Shrine Commission!" Kirara scratched her head, then relaxed. "Hehe, good, makes delivering letters much easier."
"About delivering letters… I wanted to ask. Is it only because the deliveries are scattered?"
"You… how did you know?" Kirara fidgeted with her skirt. Under his gaze, she confessed. "Well… the deliveries aren't that scattered. But I need to deliver one to Kujou Sara. She's… really scary lately. I need someone to be with me."
---
"Kujou Sara, scary?" Aiden raised an eyebrow at the anxious Kirara. "But didn't you see her crying last night and think she had no choice?"
"She's still scary! She looks fierce!" Kirara's face reddened, but there was a hint of envy in her voice.
Kujou Sara's figure was undeniably… overwhelming. Only slightly older, yet perfection incarnate, reminding Kirara of the characters 'Stupid Goose' and 'Board Duck' from Aiden's stories.
But as the saying goes, never underestimate a young girl in poverty. Board Duck can become Swan Duck; Kirara knew she would have her day too.
Suddenly, she grabbed Aiden's arm. "Wait! Don't talk about Kujou Sara, I don't want to end up in jail!"
"Don't worry, I can protect you," Aiden said with a grin.
"She's strong, but you know the Tengu? A thousand years ago, the Shogun had a general named Sasa Yuri who was a Tengu!"
Aiden brushed her small hand aside. "Tengu? So what? Haven't you learned the secret of the Iwazo school?"
Tengu-strike!
Kirara's eyes lit up. Centuries ago, a Tengu girl had helped a young swordsman reclaim his family's honor after a curse of abyssal power.
Kirara knew Aiden had mastered the Iwazo style. That meant… he could easily 'Tengu-strike' Kujou Sara.
Her posture straightened. "Hehe, Aiden, you're amazing! Then no worries—let's go!"
"Not so fast," Aiden narrowed his eyes. "Besides delivering the letter, there's another reason you're coming. Tell me first, so I know what I'm dealing with."
Kirara, who had been cheerful, suddenly became shy and quiet. Finally, red-faced, she admitted, "It's nothing… just…"
"What?"
Walking beside him, hands behind her back, her two tails tangled together, she finally confessed:
"When the customers receive their packages, they all smile. That's my happiest moment every day. I wanted to share that joy with you… hmm, since yesterday you kept a stern face."
Her emerald eyes glimmered with a light that made Aiden's heart ache. From the moment she first met him, she had considered him a friend, then family. Over time, her feelings had blurred the lines.
But she didn't care. She only wanted to share her joy with him.
Aiden smiled, softly scratching her chin. Kirara relished it briefly, then playfully tried to bite him, her barbs tickling his fingers.
Then he froze.
Sayu, who had been napping in the tree, had woken and peeked down at them.
Watching them play, she felt her childhood position threatened. She had arrived first—she had been here fi
rst!
"I guess I came at the wrong time," she muttered, fists clenched.
Aiden… said nothing.