By your resolve, Tapisserie Éternelle has been unleashed—this is the second of the four treasures you have earned!
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Morning at the Kamisato Estate
The sun had just begun to rise over the sea, casting a soft glow across Inazuma. Kamisato Ayaka stirred awake in her futon, slipping into her usual homely kimono. She tied her hair neatly before quietly sliding her door open.
Her plan was simple: freshen up, then sneak off to Sumeru using her teleportation device.
As she passed by her brother Ayato's room, curiosity got the better of her. Ayaka gently pushed the door ajar, peeking inside.
The room was dark. It seemed Ayato was still fast asleep.
Relieved, Ayaka closed the door and headed for the bathroom.
After a short while, she emerged looking refreshed, her mood visibly brighter. A small smile graced her lips as she prepared to return to her room and lock the door before teleporting away.
But just as she walked past Ayato's room again, the door suddenly opened.
There he was—Kamisato Ayato, fully dressed, standing right in front of her.
"B-Brother?" Ayaka stammered, a flicker of panic flashing in her eyes.
At this time of day, her brother should have just gone to bed after finishing his nightly duties.
Why is he awake so early?!
"You're up early today…" Ayaka ventured cautiously.
"I thought the same about you," Ayato said with a warm smile. "It's been a while since we've had breakfast together, hasn't it? Father always said that breakfast is the best way to nurture bonds between family members. Even though it's just the two of us now, we should cherish these moments. Come, let's eat together."
Without waiting for her response, Ayato stepped past her and began walking toward the dining room.
"Y-Yes, Brother," Ayaka replied hesitantly, following behind him.
As she trailed after him, a sense of unease gnawed at her.
The siblings sat cross-legged at a low table, their breakfast spread before them: traditional Inazuman pastries and steaming bowls of rice porridge.
After the servants retreated, leaving them alone, Ayato broke the silence.
"Ayaka, do you have plans to go out today?" he asked casually, his tone light.
"Um…" Ayaka nodded slightly, her gaze darting away.
"I heard from Thoma that you've been learning to dance recently," Ayato continued, taking a bite of his food.
"Y-Yes, that's true," Ayaka replied softly.
"Strange… I remember you once saying that dancing wasn't your forte. Did you develop an interest in it recently?"
"Well… something like that," Ayaka said, avoiding his gaze.
She couldn't possibly tell her brother that she was learning to dance for Luo Qing's sake!
"Yes, I've grown interested in it lately…"
"I see."
Ayato's expression remained composed, though he inwardly sighed.
"By the way," he said after a pause, "I have business at the Shogunate today. With the Raiden Shogun away, Lady Yae Miko has been handling state affairs, so I need to discuss several matters with her.
"Incidentally, Lady Yae has mentioned wanting to meet you several times. Why don't you come with me today?"
"W-What?!"
Ayaka's heart sank.
A trip to the Shogunate would take at least half a month, counting the journey. But she'd promised Nilou that she'd practice dancing with her at the Grand Bazaar every day!
Not to mention Luo Qing's house was full of rivals—her absence might give them an advantage.
Why now, of all times?
Ayaka stole a glance at Ayato, who was smiling at her with an unreadable expression.
After a moment of hesitation, she ventured timidly, "Brother… I already have plans with someone. Perhaps another time?"
"Is it Luo Qing?"
"Wha—No! It's… someone else!" Ayaka's voice faltered, her mind scrambling.
"Ayaka…" Ayato sighed, his tone heavy.
"We're family. There shouldn't be secrets between us. Besides, I'm not opposed to your relationship with Luo Qing, so there's no need to hide it from me."
"I-I'm sorry, Brother…" Ayaka's cheeks flushed as she lowered her head. "Yes, I've been spending time with Luo Qing recently."
[Frustration +1 from Kamisato Ayato]
Sigh… My little sister has reached the age where she seeks romance…
"I thought he left Inazuma?" Ayato asked.
"He…" Ayaka hesitated, then whispered, "He left me a teleportation device so I can visit his home directly from my room."
[Frustration +1 from Kamisato Ayato]
Teleportation… to Luo Qing's house. His house.
House…
Ugh…
Ayato took a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure. "And the dancing? Is he involved?"
"N-No! The dancing is something I'm learning from a friend in Sumeru. It has nothing to do with Luo Qing!" Ayaka quickly clarified.
"I see…"
Ayato felt a small measure of relief. At least she wasn't practicing dance at Luo Qing's house.
"Brother…"
Noticing Ayato's prolonged silence, Ayaka cautiously spoke up again.
"I… I've finished eating," she said, hinting that she wanted to leave.
Ayato sighed, noticing how her eyes kept darting toward the door.
"Ayaka," he said, his voice calm but firm. "You remember that Luo Qing is a Harbinger of the Fatui, don't you?"
"I…" Ayaka's heart sank. Why did her brother always fixate on that?
"The relationship between Inazuma and the Fatui—" Ayato began, preparing to lay out the political implications.
But before he could finish, Ayaka raised her head and interrupted him.
"But, Brother… the Shogun is just like me."
"What?"
Ayato froze, his mind blank.
Just like her?
"That… That doesn't make sense!"
"It does," Ayaka said quietly, lowering her gaze. "The Shogun is also staying at Luo Qing's house. And, Brother, you've heard the rumors about her and Luo Qing on Ritou, haven't you?"
"You mean… that incident was real?!"
Ayato's calm façade shattered.
He had heard the tales—rumors that the legendary Raiden Shogun had approached Luo Qing on Ritou and demanded a kiss. He had dismissed it as idle gossip.
After all, how could the Raiden Shogun—
But Ayaka's expression was serious.
And that… was terrifying.