Led by Shin'nosuke, Futsu Mitama and his group arrived at a quiet courtyard guarded by only a few soldiers. Seated within, leisurely sipping tea, was none other than the head of the Hiiragi Clan and current overseer of the Kanjou Commission—Hiiragi Shinsuke.
When his gaze fell upon Futsu Mitama, Shinsuke's expression brightened, but the moment he saw Kuki Shinobu standing behind him, his smile stiffened ever so slightly. As the person in charge of the Kanjou Commission, Hiiragi Shinsuke naturally knew who she was—not only as the second-in-command of the Arataki Gang but also for the numerous "incidents" her name was attached to.
"Long time no see, Head of the Hiiragi Clan," Futsu Mitama greeted with his usual calm smile, fully aware of the old man's discomfort. He had brought Shinobu along for this exact reason.
"Hahahaha, indeed, it's been far too long," Shinsuke replied smoothly. "Come, sit. Have some tea."
His gentle tone and kind smile painted the picture of a harmless elder—but Futsu Mitama knew better. Behind that facade lurked scheming ambition.
He took a seat across from Shinsuke, while Shinobu and Aila remained quietly behind him. A maid poured hot tea before retreating to the side, and the two men began to exchange polite laughter, sipping tea and sharing small talk. To an outsider, they might have appeared as old friends catching up—but both knew the truth.
Before long, Shinsuke could no longer play along. He knew full well why Futsu Mitama had come. After all, the order to pressure the International Chamber of Commerce had come from him. Yet, he hadn't expected his actions last night to be known so quickly—less than a day later, Futsu Mitama was already at his doorstep.
"How's business lately?" Shinsuke finally asked, feigning casual interest. "Still working with those… foreigners in the International Chamber of Commerce? If they're too troublesome, the Kanjou Commission could help distribute your wine. You'd earn more that way—after all, we're all Inazumans, aren't we?"
There it was. With that one statement, Shinsuke drew a clear line—the Kanjou Commission and the Inazumans versus the foreign merchants. If Futsu Mitama defended the foreigners now, he would be branded a traitor siding with outsiders.
Futsu Mitama only smiled. "Let's not talk about trade for now," he said mildly. "On my way here, I saw a Fatui Harbinger in Ritou. I wonder, Lord Hiiragi, what business would such a person have here? I'm merely curious, of course. You don't have to answer me—after all, I'm only a minor noble affiliated with the Yashiro Commission."
His tone was light, but the implication was heavy. He had seen the Lady leaving the Hiiragi estate with his own eyes. If Shinsuke refused to answer, Futsu Mitama could always take the matter to Kamisato Ayato. Then, it would not be a curious noble asking, but the head of the Yashiro Commission himself.
Shinsuke's smile faltered for a brief instant. Inwardly, he cursed the Fatui Lady—why had she chosen that moment to appear? If this secret meeting were exposed, suspicion would fall upon him from both the Kujou and Kamisato Clans.
He quickly recovered, chuckling as though nothing were amiss. "Ah, that? A mere diplomatic visit. The lady came for your wine, actually. Since I lacked the channels to supply it, I simply directed her to the International Chamber of Commerce. Quite the achievement, isn't it? Even foreign diplomats are fond of your brew. I'm sure the Shogun herself would be pleased to hear it."
With those words, he brushed the entire matter aside, making it clear he wanted the conversation buried.
"So that's how it is." Futsu Mitama smiled, raising his teacup. "Then I must thank Lord Hiiragi for his efforts."
"Hahaha, you're too kind." Shinsuke clinked his cup with Futsu Mitama's.
They drank together, exchanged polite farewells, and when Futsu Mitama finally departed, Shinsuke personally escorted him to the gate—an honor that left bystanders whispering. Few could boast of receiving such courtesy from the ruler of Ritou.
Yet, once Shinsuke returned to his study, his expression darkened. He knocked his fingers against the desk, then called, "Enter."
A soldier stepped in, bowing respectfully. "Lord."
"Inform the Fatui to raise the bounty on Futsu Mitama," Shinsuke ordered coldly. "Let the Nobushi handle it."
The soldier nodded and turned to leave.
"Wait." Shinsuke's voice stopped him. "Do not harm the women around him. Capture him when he's alone. If this turns into a scandal, it'll bring unnecessary trouble."
He knew exactly who Kuki Shinobu was—and who stood behind her. If something happened to her, Yae Miko would have every reason to meddle.
"Understood."
"One more thing," Shinsuke added, eyes gleaming with greed. "The man's life doesn't matter. His winemaking formula does. If it's not retrieved, the bounty will be halved."
Meanwhile, outside the Hiiragi estate, Futsu Mitama exhaled quietly. "Looks like this is going to get troublesome."
He hadn't intended to stir up trouble. His plan was to live peacefully for a few years, wait for the Traveler—Aether or Lumine—to resolve Inazuma's turmoil, and then travel the world with Aila. But even a quiet life, it seemed, invited chaos.
"Yes. That old fox won't let you go easily," Kuki Shinobu said, her expression sharp.
Aila stayed silent, scanning their surroundings. Here, on Ritou—the Kanjou Commission's stronghold—they would have no advantage if ambushed. Their only edge was their own strength.
"Don't worry," Futsu Mitama reassured her. "The Hiiragi Clan can't act too openly. Arresting a Yashiro noble without cause would be overstepping their authority."
Shinobu nodded. "Exactly. In Inazuma, nobles can't be arrested without an official warrant from the Tenryou Commission. Aside from General Kujou Sara, who has the right to act first and report later, no one else has such privilege."
In truth, though his family had declined, Futsu Mitama's title as a Yashiro-affiliated noble still carried weight. If the Hiiragi Clan dared to violate protocol, they would risk severe political backlash.
"Still," Futsu Mitama said thoughtfully, "the overt danger's gone, but not the hidden one. When we leave Ritou, we'll need to stay cautious."
Stretching, he smiled faintly. "Let's tell Chairman Kurisu the good news—and enjoy another free meal."
They soon returned to the International Chamber of Commerce, where Futsu Mitama's report brought immense relief to Chairman Kurisu. Moved and grateful beyond words, the man ordered the chefs to prepare an extravagant feast in his honor.
During the meal, Keijiro arrived once more, bringing news that the tax issue had been resolved—the wine business was safe, and payments in crystal marrow would even reduce their taxes. For the merchants, it was a miracle.
After a hearty meal, Futsu Mitama and his group finally departed.
"Not bad," Futsu Mitama said contentedly, rubbing his stomach. "The food was much better this time."
"Mm, not quite Liyue quality, but still excellent," Shinobu agreed.
Aila, silent as ever, was engrossed in her book, The Perfect and Elegant Maid's Handbook, studying the section on crafting fine meals.
"Shall we keep investigating in Ritou, or lure the snake out?" Shinobu asked after a moment.
Futsu Mitama considered, then shook his head. "We'll leave. The timing's right."
If not for the Fatui's involvement, he might have continued targeting the Hiiragi Clan. But with La Signora appearing—and Scaramouche likely lurking—it was best not to risk it.
"Understood," Shinobu said simply. Aila quietly closed her book.
In the shadows nearby, unseen eyes followed their movements. Moments later, several carrier pigeons took flight from a distant courtyard, their wings carrying news of Futsu Mitama's departure beyond Ritou's walls.