"So, this gathering..."
Ren raised his hand, signaling a question.
"Of course, it's for everyone to sit together and have a pleasant chat," Kamisato Ayaka replied, her gentle gaze softening as she glanced at the group.
The two esteemed ladies stood side by side, appearing harmonious.
...On the surface, at least.
Ren nodded silently.
Everyone had gathered here with a shared purpose—to relax and exchange thoughts.
A good choice, he supposed.
But as for "pleasant"...
His gaze shifted between Kamisato Ayaka and Hiiragi Chisato.
Would it really be all that pleasant?
"Uh..."
Nearby, Yoimiya wrung her hands, looking small and helpless.
She stole a glance at Ren, silently pleading: Hurry and save me!
"Alright, let's go then," Ren said after a moment of thought, stepping forward.
Unobtrusively, he placed himself between the two women, separating them.
If they stayed any longer, he feared the two ladies might end up fighting.
He had to intervene now. If he couldn't keep things under control, what would happen later?
"..."
As expected, seeing Ren's serious expression, the two women turned their backs to each other, refraining from further confrontation.
"Wow."
Yoimiya's eyes sparkled as she watched Ren.
He's like a hero! So dependable!
"Alright, let's head out then," Kamisato Ayaka said with a small smile, her tone light as she blinked playfully.
"I'm coming too," Hiiragi Chisato declared firmly, her tone leaving no room for doubt.
Miss Kamisato, I'm not giving up Renny to you!
"But, Lady Hiiragi," Ayaka began, her voice full of concern, "it's dangerous outside."
As the head of the Kanjou Commission, Hiiragi Chisato was a key figure in Inazuma.
Staying here at the Komore Teahouse was undoubtedly the safest choice.
For the sake of the Kanjou Commission, and for the Inazuma Shogunate...
"It's better if Ren and I go alone," Ayaka continued, gently pulling Ren to her side with a smile.
Your Ren?
Right now, he's mine.
She subtly winked at Ren, as if to say: Master, you wouldn't want your secret identity exposed, right?
The Shirasagi Himegimi of Inazuma... please calm down.
Ren sighed helplessly and gave Chisato a reassuring look.
Staying here was indeed the safest option. He promised her he would return soon.
"..."
Chisato hesitated but said nothing more.
Ayaka's gaze then shifted to Yoimiya.
Oh, right.
She almost forgot—she still needed to address Yoimiya's earlier mistake of letting Ren slip away.
"A-ha-ha... Ayaka, you're absolutely right," Yoimiya chuckled nervously, sensing her friend's subtle pressure.
As she spoke, she quickly pulled Hiiragi Chisato aside.
"We'll just wait here, okay?"
Her eyes silently pleaded: Please, you two, stop fighting!
"I'll do as Renny says," Chisato murmured, her gaze fixed on Kamisato Ayaka.
She knew now wasn't the time to act impulsively.
But once she succeeded the Kanjou Commission...
She'd report directly to the Shogun and arrange her marriage to Ren.
Then no one could stop her.
They could all just sit and watch in envy!
"Alright, we'll be back soon," Ren said with a reassuring smile.
"Does anyone have anything special they'd like to eat?"
"Me, me, me!"
Yoimiya perked up at the mention of food, raising her hand eagerly.
"This, and also..."
Ren carefully noted each of their requests, naturally adding desserts to the list.
"Hm?"
Suddenly, his brow furrowed.
Wait a second... wasn't someone missing?
He looked up and asked curiously, "Where's Mei?"
Ever since they'd returned to the Komore Teahouse, she'd been unusually quiet.
Yoimiya thought for a moment, frowning.
"Um... Mei-nee stepped out for a bit. She said she'd be back later."
"Something about Yae Publishing House, I think."
Now that she mentioned it, Mei had been carrying that document the whole time.
Who knew what she was planning to do?
"Got it," Ren said with a sigh, shaking his head.
Just don't go tearing down the Yae Publishing House, alright?
---
Meanwhile, elsewhere...
In Inazuma City, at the Yae Publishing House:
"Not—Not good! Editor-in-Chief!"
A panicked editor burst into the room, nearly tripping over himself.
Behind the desk, a woman with fox ears sighed lazily.
"My, what's gotten into everyone at the Yae Publishing House today?"
Her lilac eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of displeasure in her tone.
"All this noise... how unseemly."
Thud!
A light novel slammed onto the desk.
The editor trembled all over, cold sweat dripping from his brow.
"What happened?"
Yae Miko's gaze fell on him, her smile both alluring and intimidating.
If he couldn't explain, he might as well pack up and leave.
"It—it's that woman!"
The editor pointed toward the door, speaking quickly.
"She's here again, and... ah!"
Before he could finish, he yelped in fear.
A chilling figure had silently appeared, exuding an icy aura.
It was none other than Mei, the one who had threatened to tear down the Yae Publishing House.
"So noisy," Mei muttered with a cold snort, casting the editor a dismissive glance.
"My, my. What an honored guest."
Yae Miko's lips curled into a sly smile as she waved the editor off.
"Alright, you're dismissed. Go about your business."
"Y-Yes, Editor-in-Chief!"
The editor scurried off, leaving the room in heavy silence.
Mei stared at Yae Miko without a word.
After a moment, Yae Miko broke the silence with a smile.
"So, you've come."
Her gaze fell to the document in Mei's hand.
"It seems you've found something... quite extraordinary."
"Ei..."
---
T/N: phew good thing i managed to figure it out or this wouldve been a real shock!
Ahem! Gather close, esteemed audience! Do you comprehend the privilege of basking in my radiance? Truly, you're witnessing history in the making—a performance unparalleled in the annals of Fontaine!
Ah, but don't get distracted! Let me be clear: this brilliance isn't conjured from thin air. No, no, no! It requires effort, dedication, and… well, a touch of your generosity. If you fancy being part of something truly extraordinary, do step forward here: [patreon.com/WiseTL].
Oh, but wait! You're probably wondering, "Furina, how can someone as magnificent as you need assistance?" To that, I say: why deny mortals the honor of contributing to such greatness? Supporting me is supporting art, and who doesn't want to say they were instrumental in a legend's rise?
Now, off you go. Make your offerings, and perhaps, perhaps, I'll acknowledge you in my next soliloquy!
— Furina ✨