Lucas's fingertips missed the hem of Kitsune Saiguu's robe by less than half an inch.
Watching the girl shy away, he couldn't help but feel a pang of emptiness in his chest.
This... is another dream, isn't it?
Yet even knowing it was a dream, Lucas still asked, "Why are you avoiding me?"
Behind the fox mask, her expression was unreadable. Her voice, however, was calm. "I… came to say goodbye."
"Goodbye?" Lucas blinked in confusion. "Why… why are you saying goodbye?"
"I'm no longer the Kitsune Saiguu you remember." She traced her fingers lightly over her mask, speaking in a soft voice. "The calamity that struck Inazuma five hundred years ago wasn't completely eradicated. I had no choice but to use my body to seal the remnants of it. But…"
From the seams between her cheek and the mask, a black, tar-like substance began to ooze out. It dripped down slowly, thick and sticky like pitch, sizzling ominously as it hit the ground—corroding even the earth beneath their feet.
"These lingering fragments of the black calamity have been eroding my body," Kitsune Saiguu continued, slowly removing her mask, her voice laced with bitter sorrow. "Now, I'm… hideous."
Lucas finally saw her face—and for a moment, he was too shocked to say a word.
It was a face warped and twisted beyond recognition, impossible to describe. Her features were no longer distinct—just two hollow voids that could barely be called eyes, faintly glowing with dim light.
Even just staring into those eye sockets felt like gazing into an abyss. A shiver ran down his spine.
"So?" Kitsune Saiguu said flatly. "Looking at this face… do you still have the courage to say you love me?"
Lucas took a deep breath. After a long pause, a soft smile spread across his face.
"Of course," he nodded. "I love you. It has nothing to do with your appearance. You're the woman who loves all things, who comforts lost children during festivals, who was willing to sacrifice herself for Inazuma… You're that kind and gentle, incredible woman."
As he spoke, he reached out again. This time, Kitsune Saiguu didn't back away.
"You only say that…" she whispered, "…because you know this is just a dream."
Lucas looked at her with complete sincerity. "Even if it were real, I'd still say the same."
Her body trembled faintly. Then, she let out a long, meaningful laugh. "I hope… you won't go back on those words."
Just as her voice faded, Lucas felt the world spin violently around him. Countless cherry blossom petals swirled through the air, engulfing him. When he opened his eyes again, he jolted upright in bed, drenched in cold sweat.
He was back in that familiar guest room. A faint scent still lingered in the air.
"So… it really was just a dream?" he muttered, heart still pounding.
"Not quite," came a soft voice from behind him.
Startled, Lucas turned to see none other than Yae Miko, sitting at the edge of his bed with a cryptic smile on her face. "You dreamed of Kitsune Saiguu, didn't you?"
"I…" He wasn't sure how to respond.
"You're still not going to tell me the truth, Lucas?" She leaned in, poking a finger against his chest with narrowed eyes. "Or should I say… Harunosuke?"
He had been hiding his identity all along. But now, it seemed there was no choice but to come clean.
"Sigh… so I really couldn't keep it secret after all?"
Maybe he was just too tired of hiding. Or maybe it was because of his concern for Kitsune Saiguu. But at last, Lucas gave in. "When did you figure it out?"
"If we're talking about suspicions, I had them the very first time I saw you," Yae Miko said with a twinkle in her eye. "That's why I kept testing you. But the moment you drew the Blade Maiden, I knew for sure."
So it was that…
Lucas sighed. "Sorry, I just…"
"No need to explain," she said, surprisingly understanding. "Between the two of us, there's no point in unnecessary words. I know you must have had your reasons. I won't pry."
A certain sharp-browed chef once said: A real man is someone who can forgive a woman's lies.
And a smart woman knows how to understand a man's lies.
"But…" Yae Miko suddenly shifted the topic. "What do you plan to do about Kitsune Saiguu?"
"Right!" Lucas recalled the scene from his dream. "She… is she really…?"
"It's exactly like what you saw," Yae Miko said, her tone unusually wistful. "The reason she wears a mask and goes by Hanachirusato is because she doesn't want you to see her face—one ravaged by the calamity's corruption. Once a beauty who could topple nations… now, in such a state… there's no greater sorrow."
But Lucas didn't hesitate for even a second. "I'm going to see her!"
"Well, that's convenient," Yae Miko held up two fingers. "Because I was just about to give you your second task."
"That can wait," he said, brushing it aside. "Right now, all I want is to see Kitsune Saiguu!"
"But this task is related to her," she said with a sigh. "Everything you saw in your dream was real. The corruption has not only destroyed her appearance, but also drained her life force over these five hundred years. She's only held on this long because she wanted to see you one last time."
Hearing this, Lucas felt his eyes sting. But he held back the emotion, swallowing his sorrow. "Tell me—what's the second task?"
"I want Lady Saiguu… to experience one final moment of happiness with you before she fades," Yae Miko said, then gave a bitter smile. "But with her appearance as it is now… maybe I'm asking too much."
To her surprise, Lucas murmured, "Are you kidding me…?"
"What did you say?" she frowned.
"I said, even if you hadn't made it a task, I would have fulfilled her final wish." He stood up, his tone firm and unwavering. "No matter what she's become."
Hearing Lucas's words, Yae Miko instinctively covered her eyes, her shoulders trembling lightly as she stammered, "She… she's now… in the Cleansing Pool…"
Kitsune Saiguu was one of the few people Yae Miko truly cared about deeply—so much so that tears welled in her eyes now.
Lucas gently patted her shoulder. "Don't worry, I will definitely… make sure she has no regrets."
"And please… please don't remove her mask," Yae Miko's voice faltered, "And don't mention… her face…"
Unexpectedly, Yae Miko showed a rare, tender side of herself.
"Don't worry," Lucas soothed, patting Yae Miko's shoulder softly. "I won't let you down. Stop crying."
Yae Miko said nothing, just quietly nodded.
Lucas then got out of bed, pushed the door open, and glanced back once at Yae Miko—only to see her still hiding her face in her hands, shoulders shaking with silent sobs. He sighed once more before stepping out into the moonlight.
After Lucas left, Yae Miko quietly sniffled a few times before finally bursting into laughter.
"That silly fool… he actually believed it!" She held her stomach, laughing so hard she trembled, muttering to herself, "This is going to be good. Kitsune Saiguu, you don't need to thank me."
Indeed, the "Kitsune Saiguu" that Lucas had dreamed of was actually played by Yae Miko herself. And all the talk about Kitsune Saiguu's face being corroded by calamity and her nearing death? Completely fabricated.
The calamity that struck Inazuma five hundred years ago had long been wiped out by the original Harunosuke—no leftovers at all.
"Don't blame me for lying," Yae Miko said with a sly smile, "After all, you lied to us first."
…
At this moment, Lucas had no idea he'd just been played by Yae Miko once again.
All he could think about was how to give Kitsune Saiguu a "perfect" farewell.
Meanwhile, in the Cleansing Pool.
Kitsune Saiguu sat immersed in the water, wearing only a thin yukata. Her heart mirrored Lucas's unease; she couldn't guess what trick Yae Miko was plotting next. After all, Yae Miko was no longer the little fox who liked to nap on her shoulder.
What puzzled Kitsune Saiguu even more was Yae Miko's repeated warning before leaving: no matter what happened, she absolutely must not remove her mask.
What exactly was Yae Miko up to?
Before Kitsune Saiguu could think more, the bathhouse door slowly opened.
A night breeze slipped through the gap, rippling the water's surface and stirring Kitsune Saiguu's silver hair.
Standing outside was the man she had waited for, longed for, for five hundred years.
Though not their first meeting, this moment carried a significance unlike any before.
"Sister Saiguu…"
After a long silence, Lucas finally uttered the name buried for over five centuries, smiling gently. "I'm home."
He stepped into the Cleansing Pool and slowly made his way to Kitsune Saiguu. Even thinking about the twisted, terrifying face beneath her mask didn't stir an ounce of fear in him.
The title "Sister Saiguu" seemed to momentarily daze Kitsune Saiguu, and tears welled immediately in her eyes.
Thankfully, she still wore the mask—she didn't want Lucas to see her crying and feeling embarrassed.
For once, the usually quick-witted Kitsune Saiguu found herself at a loss for words and simply murmured, "Meeting now… isn't it… a little too late?"
By "too late," she meant the time—it was already past midnight, a bit late for a reunion.
But in Lucas's mind, "too late" meant that her remaining time was short, and seeing her now might already be almost too late.
This thought filled him with bitter sorrow. The realization that they had finally reunited, yet she had little time left, overwhelmed even his strong will, and tears streamed down his face.
Kitsune Saiguu's tears were for a life parted; Lucas's were for a death foretold.
His crying left Kitsune Saiguu momentarily unsure what to do. She reached out, gently caressing his cheek. "Why are you crying? Aren't we together again now?"
Her comfort seemed to take him back to childhood memories in the simulator. Unable to hold back, he threw himself into Kitsune Saiguu's embrace and cried like a child.
"There, there," she whispered softly, stroking his hair. "You're so grown up, and yet you still act like a child."
Of course, she knew well in her heart: whether he was Harunosuke or Lucas, no matter what kind of man he became, in her eyes, he would always be that boy with a childlike innocence…
But the "boy" in her arms was beginning to lose some of that restraint.
At some unknown moment, the thin yukata had slipped from Kitsune Saiguu's creamy white shoulders and floated on the water.
The Cleansing Pool's water was crystal clear—so clear that every detail beneath the surface was perfectly visible.
Lucas's face, which had rested on Kitsune Saiguu's shoulder, started to trail southwards, as if a child coaxing his mother, taking in the sweetest milk candy.
Kitsune Saiguu shivered slightly, trying to push him away, but her body had no strength. She could only let her brother, whom she hadn't seen in five hundred years, have his way.
Though they had recently shared a tender dream embrace through the Dreamwalking Technique, a dream was still a dream—no matter how close to reality it felt, it was still flawed. Moreover, their dream meeting had been interrupted by Kuki Shinobu, breaking Kitsune Saiguu's mood.
Her pent-up passion from five centuries had only grown hotter.
Now was the perfect moment to let it all out.
Under normal circumstances, Lucas might have been more reserved for the first official meeting with Kitsune Saiguu.
But now, with every second counting as some of her last, he unleashed all his passion at once.
Lucas whispered softly near Kitsune Saiguu's ear, "Do you still remember that adventure we once had?"
Kitsune Saiguu was slightly taken aback, then blushed and nodded, "Of course."
"Let's do it again," Lucas smiled. "Just like five hundred years ago."
It was an adventure that belonged only to Lucas and Kitsune Saiguu.
Starting with climbing a mountain as the prelude, the peak stood tall—its ridges and slopes changing with every angle, near and far, high and low, all different. After wandering for half a day, he reluctantly began descending.
Even though Kitsune Saiguu hadn't been training, her defined abs—clear with sharp lines—were still visible, and because she was soaking in the pool, a small lake formed over her abdomen.
Passing that small lake, Lucas naturally couldn't resist swimming in the water for a while before continuing downhill until reaching a triangular canyon.
The weeds near the canyon had been cleared, but the canyon's entrance was narrow and long, like a pristine land never explored before.
Of course, Lucas knew well—within the simulator, as Harunosuke, he had already set foot on this land. It had been sealed for five hundred years, waiting for his arrival.
Sure enough, with Lucas's gentle clearing, the once-closed canyon finally opened enough space for a person to pass.
Just like in "The Peach Blossom Spring," it started so narrow that only one could pass, then after several dozen steps it became a bit wider—though still barely.
The water inside the canyon rushed rapidly, clear as crystal. The hardship of climbing and entering the canyon made Lucas drink a few sips; the water was sweet and warm, immediately reviving the weary traveler to continue exploring deeper.
"Do you remember?" Kitsune Saiguu asked softly, "Where is this place?"
"Of course I remember," Lucas smiled. "This is the Kitsune Valley, a secret place every kitsune owns. Each Kitsune Valley allows only one person to enter."
"That's right. Now that you're here," Kitsune Saiguu's voice was filled with joy, "you really are him… no, what nonsense am I saying—you've always been you, never changed."
Lucas said solemnly, "I want to go as deep as before."
"But… but the stalactite cave inside drips water," Kitsune Saiguu said hesitantly. "Should I find you a raincoat?"
"Don't worry," Lucas replied gently, "I won't disappear suddenly like five hundred years ago. No matter what happens, I'll take responsibility."
At that moment, Lucas was focused solely on the adventure. He didn't realize that if Kitsune Saiguu really was dying, whether or not to wear a raincoat was meaningless.
The deeper Lucas went, the more he remembered the many canyons he had explored during past adventures. Though narrow, each had a unique experience.
Ganyu's Valley was warm and gentle like jade, Shenhe's Valley crisp and icy, Yelan's Valley a steady flowing stream...
This time, however, it was like wandering through clouds and mist. After less than half an hour, Lucas suddenly felt dizzy and vomited.
This vomiting lasted for over ten seconds. When he finished, he almost thought he had thrown up his brain.
Kitsune Saiguu, as the inheritor of the Hakushin bloodline and a pyramid-level existence among the kitsunes, had a constitution unlike ordinary kitsune.
Lucas for the first time felt that the downfall of the Shang dynasty really couldn't be blamed entirely on King Zhou—who could endure that?
When he came to, he felt a softness at the back of his head. Opening his eyes, he found himself lying on Kitsune Saiguu's lap. From his angle, he could just barely see past a mountain blocking his view to the small exposed part of Kitsune Saiguu's chin not covered by her mask.
Wait—something was off.
Lucas suddenly realized the exposed chin was pure white and flawless, while the Kitsune Saiguu in his dream, ravaged by calamity, had a twisted, filthy face.
Still, he didn't have the heart to lift Kitsune Saiguu's mask. Maybe only the chin was untainted.
Thinking this, Lucas's heart sank, and his brows furrowed deeply.
"What's wrong?"
Sensing Lucas's expression, Kitsune Saiguu softly asked, "We finally reunited, so why do you look like you want to cry?"
"Because…" Lucas murmured, "We're about to part again."
Hearing this, the tender Kitsune Saiguu suddenly flared up, pushing Lucas away.
He rolled on the ground a few times, confused, "W-what do you mean?"
"I should be asking you that!" Even behind the mask, Lucas could feel Kitsune Saiguu's anger. "We just met and you're already thinking of leaving. What do you take me for?"
Even in Harunosuke's memories, Lucas had rarely seen Kitsune Saiguu so angry.
Lucas meant that Kitsune Saiguu's time was short, so parting was inevitable.
Kitsune Saiguu misunderstood, thinking he wanted to be heartless—just pull out the Kun Kun and leave after the adventure.
"I don't want to part!" Lucas quickly explained, "Isn't it because… you don't have much time left?"
"Oh really?" Kitsune Saiguu got so angry she forgot Yae Miko's warnings and lifted her mask. Her breathtaking face was flushed with anger. "If you want to abandon me, fine. But to curse me to die? I've got a long life ahead! Even if you die, I'll still be going strong!"
"How can this be…" Lucas murmured, staring at that flawless face. "Why… why are you still so beautiful?"
Hearing this, Kitsune Saiguu's anger suddenly turned shy. She stammered, "Don't… don't think a few nice words will make me forgive you."
"But Yae Miko just told me you've been corrupted by calamity, not only your face ruined, but you don't have much time left. Wait…"
Lucas trailed off as realization dawned. Kitsune Saiguu seemed to understand too—it was probably another prank by Yae Miko. No wonder she kept telling him not to take off the mask.
"That scummy woman!"
The two said in unison.
Neither Lucas nor Kitsune Saiguu was stupid.
After exchanging a few words, they quickly pieced together the whole story.
Turns out, both of them had been "played" by Yae Miko!
Just then, a faint giggle came from outside the door.
In an instant, they exchanged glances and nodded at the same time.
Lucas swept a palm forward, and a gust of wind burst the bathhouse door open. Sure enough, a little pink-haired fox was hiding outside. Seeing her scheme exposed, the little creature didn't hesitate for a second—she bolted to run.
But Kitsune Saiguu wasn't about to let her escape. She simply reached out her hand, grasped at empty air, and suddenly the pink fox's tail was lifted as if caught by an invisible hand. No matter how much she struggled, she was utterly trapped.
Though Yae Miko was powerful, she was still junior to Kitsune Saiguu.
Kitsune Saiguu sneered coldly as she yanked the little fox in front of her. The little one flailed her tiny paws wildly, but it was completely useless.
"You've grown," Kitsune Saiguu's face softened with a rare smile. "You even dared to trick me."
After that, she casually tossed the pink fox into the Pool. A muffled plop sounded as the once-fluffy "strawberry bread" instantly became a limp, soggy pink blob.
With another muffled plop, smoke began to rise from the little fox's body, and her true form emerged.
Cough cough!
The usually composed and serene Yae Miko was uncharacteristically embarrassed. She coughed lightly, then surfaced from the water only to find Lucas and Kitsune Saiguu already standing before her.
Both wore warm, friendly smiles.
"Hehe…" Yae Miko forced a smile and tried to stay calm. "It's truly a joyous occasion that you two have put aside your grudges and reunited."
"Yes, Miko…" Kitsune Saiguu gently patted Yae Miko's head and smiled. "Thanks for all the trouble you caused us."
"Since that's the case," Lucas rubbed his hands together eagerly, "Sister Saiguu, shouldn't we… properly 'thank' her?"
"Of course," Kitsune Saiguu nodded. "Let's just say it's to celebrate the reunion of the three of us."
"Wait… wait a moment!" Yae Miko, seeming to foresee the approaching storm, muttered, "I admit my mistakes, okay? No… nooo!!"
That night, many shrine maidens reportedly heard the sorrowful cries of a fox in their dreams.
Of course, among the countless strange happenings at Narukami Shrine, this one would probably be forgotten soon enough.
Except for one pink-haired fox who got a very "severe punishment."
…
The next day, Narukami Shrine's reception hall.
Five people took their seats, with Yae Miko naturally occupying the main seat. Kitsune Saiguu still wore her mask and sat beside her.
Yesterday's "battle" had raged until dawn. The latter half mostly involved Lucas and Kitsune Saiguu taking turns "disciplining" Yae Miko. Thanks to her supernatural constitution, she'd recover quickly; otherwise, it might have taken her three to five days.
After the fight, they briefly discussed future matters.
Kitsune Saiguu planned to keep her identity secret—there was no other choice. If exposed, it would surely cause a major stir in Inazuma's youkai world.
She intended to wait until the situation in Inazuma stabilized, then personally travel to Liyue to visit her long-lost friend Ganyu and discuss Lucas's "arrangement."
After all, she had already waited five hundred years; what was a bit more time? Time was something she never lacked.
Besides Lucas, the other two were naturally Shenhe and Raiden Mai.
Their personalities were both cold and indifferent—except toward those they cared for, others barely registered. So after a brief acquaintance, no friction arose.
"Why is everyone so quiet?" Yae Miko broke the silence first. She noticed Shenhe seemed to be staring at her, so she teased, "Shenhe, why are you staring at me? Is there something on my face?"
"Nothing on your face, but…" Shenhe squinted, then changed the topic, "I'm curious—why do you have marks on your neck?"
As soon as she said this, not only Yae Miko, but also Lucas and Kitsune Saiguu fell silent.
The marks on Yae Miko's neck were naturally from the "discipline" the two had handed her last night.
The image of her being bound and hung from the rafters while Lucas "taught her a lesson" was still vivid.
In fact, besides her neck, there were many other marks on her body. Were it not for the youkai's incredible recovery, they would have been even more obvious.
"I noticed them too," Raiden Mai said coldly. "From the marks, it seems to be rope bindings wrapping around the neck and ribs. Judging by the known 48 common binding methods, you were probably bound with your limbs tied behind your back not long ago…"
"Those are just scratches!"
Even Yae Miko blushed. "Let's get down to business… about arranging for Lucas to meet the Raiden Shogun."
Raiden Mai said calmly, "With your status, just applying to meet the Raiden Shogun directly, she shouldn't refuse. Why make things complicated?"
She kept communication with Raiden Shogun, and in fact, this was a feasible way. Raiden Shogun was even more eager for the meeting than Lucas himself.
"I know that person's personality too well," Yae Miko shook her head. "She would never casually meet someone she doesn't know."
Raiden Mai silently shook her head—if anyone was to blame, it was Raiden Shogun's extreme homebody tendencies.
"I have an idea." Unexpectedly, the usually quiet Kitsune Saiguu suddenly spoke up, "We can let Lucas openly and properly meet the Raiden Shogun."
"How?" Lucas hurriedly asked.
"It's simple," Kitsune Saiguu smiled, "The upcoming Kendo Tournament is about to start. If you can win the championship, you'll earn the chance to meet the Raiden Shogun."
"Competing in the Kendo Transmission of Heart?" Yae Miko mused thoughtfully. "That's actually a pretty good idea."
"The Kendo Transmission of Heart tournament?" Shenhe frowned. "What's that?"
"Let me explain the origin of the 'Transmission of Heart'," Yae Miko began smoothly. "Long ago, the swordsmen with unparalleled skill in Inazuma earned the honor of meeting the Shogun herself to spar and exchange techniques. Over time, this tradition evolved into a kendo competition, where the ultimate champion wins the chance to face the Shogun."
"Since the Shogun chooses to transmit her skill and her will to protect Inazuma through martial performance, this duel is known as the 'Transmission of Heart,'" Kitsune Saiguu added. "Victory grants a generous reward personally bestowed by the Raiden Shogun."
"Why make it so complicated?" Shenhe broke in, cracking her knuckles coldly. "Simply put, you just have to fight your way through to see the Raiden Shogun, right?"
"I've heard something like that," Lucas nodded. "But defeating the Raiden Shogun… that's practically impossible."
Even with Lucas's current strength, he wasn't confident enough to think he could beat a god.
"Don't worry. In the final battle of the Transmission of Heart, the Raiden Shogun sends a special envoy to fight in her stead," Yae Miko said with a smile. "After all, she doesn't believe in mercy. If she landed a heavy blow, the opponent would be either dead or crippled. Who'd want to compete again after that?"
"Interesting," Shenhe's rare expression of interest broke through her usual calm. "Fine—I'm entering too! I want to see just how powerful this Raiden Shogun really is."
"I say, isn't the most important thing right now for me to meet the Raiden Shogun?" Lucas said helplessly. "Besides, this is a kendo tournament and you use a polearm. What are you getting into?"
"That kind of thing is easy enough to practice," Shenhe shrugged. "My master said that in martial arts, mastering one leads to understanding a hundred."
"That's nothing to worry about," Yae Miko shook her head. "The term 'kendo tournament' is just tradition. In reality, it doesn't matter what weapon you use—even fighting barehanded is fine."
"I'm joining too!" Shenhe immediately raised her hand. "It'll be a good way to kill some time."
As the group discussed the tournament, Raiden Mai quietly sent a message to Raiden Ei about Lucas's intention to participate.
Minutes later, a brief reply came back:
"Guarantee Lucas reaches the finals."
In truth, Raiden Ei's message was a little overcautious. With Lucas's current power, unless a mechanical deity or a demigod-level participant showed up, winning wouldn't be too difficult.
"Tea, please."
At that moment, a green-haired witch respectfully poured tea for everyone—none other than Kuki Shinobu.
Disguised as a shrine maiden, she now had a perfectly legitimate reason to eavesdrop.
"Ah, Shinobu, you came just in time," Yae Miko said with a sly smile. "I heard your martial skills aren't bad. Why don't you join the Transmission of Heart too?"
"My mediocre skills aren't worth showing off," Kuki Shinobu lowered her head. "Besides, I just want to quietly do my work as a shrine maiden now."
"That's fine," Yae Miko nodded. "Go get some rest. We'll handle the tea and such ourselves."
Kuki Shinobu agreed and left.
Once out of the room, she found a secluded spot, pulled out a notebook, and jotted down a few lines of small writing. Then, softly whistling—a clear, bird-like call that didn't feel out of place in the mountain surroundings of Narukami Shrine.
Soon after, a round little sparrow flew out of the forest and landed on Kuki Shinobu's arm. For the first time, a hint of a tender smile appeared on her usually cold face.
"You seem a little thinner," she said, pulling some food from her pocket to feed the little bird. Then she tore off the page from her notebook, tied it to the sparrow's leg, and said, "Deliver this to the Kamisato Residence. Be careful on the way."
The bird chirped as if it understood and flew off.
…
Several hours later, at the Kamisato Residence's reception hall.
"Tea, please." Kamisato Ayaka poured the freshly brewed tea into the cup before the woman seated opposite her, smiling gently. "What wind has blown Miss Kujou here today?"
Indeed, sitting across from her was Kujou Sara, Raiden Shogun's top aide and trusted general. She quietly sipped her tea and said, "I'm here to discuss matters regarding the upcoming Transmission of Heart tournament."
"Is there anything to discuss?" Ayaka asked. "The tournament has always been managed by the Shrine's officials without issue."
"I'm not here about that," Kujou Sara shook her head. "For this tournament, the Shogun wishes for you to serve as the 'Divine Envoy.'"
Ayaka frowned slightly but smiled politely. "My swordsmanship is humble—I fear I'm unfit for such an important role. Perhaps someone else should take it."
The 'Divine Envoy' is a prestigious position in the Transmission of Heart, usually held by a swordsman of noble descent. Their duty is to assist the competing warriors in battling the special envoy sent by the Raiden Shogun.
This is a coveted opportunity—earning it signifies great favor and can catapult one's career to unprecedented heights.
But for Kamisato Ayaka, she neither needs nor desires such a spotlight.
"As expected," Kujou Sara seemed to have predicted Ayaka's response, expression unreadable. "In that case, I won't insist. I take my leave."
Her words had just fallen when the clear chirping of a sparrow was heard, carrying a small paper tube. The bird flew inside.
The little round sparrow looked like it had been flying for a long time, wobbling dangerously in midair, about to fall, but Kujou Sara caught it steadily in her hands.
"Chirp chirp!"
Feeling safe, the sparrow affectionately nuzzled Sara's palm. She blinked in surprise, and for a brief moment, warmth flickered in her usually cold eyes. But quickly, she regained her usual aloof expression and handed the bird to Kamisato Ayaka, remarking dryly, "Using a sparrow to deliver a message? That's a bit asking the impossible of the little guy."
Hearing Sara say such a serious and strangely amusing thing, Ayaka almost laughed, but held herself back. She gently cradled the sparrow, removed the paper tube, and poured out the tiny note. Written in minute characters were the words: "Lucas plans to enter the Transmission of Heart."
Such a simple message made Ayaka's eyes flicker.
Sara was already standing, preparing to leave, but Ayaka suddenly called out, "Miss Kujou, please wait."
"Oh?" Sara said indifferently. "Kamisato-san, did you still need something?"
"About what you said earlier…" Ayaka nodded. "I've changed my mind. I want to serve as the Divine Envoy for this Transmission of Heart."
"That's excellent," Sara said, eyes flicking to the note in Ayaka's hand. "But may I ask… what made you suddenly change your mind?"
"Just remembered my parents' teachings," Ayaka said calmly. "I want to contribute my part to Inazuma."
Sara was no fool. She guessed Ayaka's sudden change had to do with that note, but it wasn't the right time to ask. She nodded and said, "Then it's settled. Please prepare well. Don't disappoint the Shogun's expectations."
With that, she opened the door and left. Ayaka clenched the note tightly in her hand.
Honestly, even Ayaka herself could hardly believe she had changed her mind over a single comment from Kujou Sara. She didn't even know the man called "Lucas," only that she'd encountered someone resembling him in a dream, sparking an inexplicable hope.
For someone raised in the refined ways of nobility, this was a rather impulsive move.
Yet the thought of officially meeting this man at the tournament filled her with a strange anticipation.
"Ayaka?"
A gentle male voice broke her reverie. A tall, handsome man with pale blue short hair had quietly entered the reception hall, his expression curious. "I heard you agreed to become the Divine Envoy for the Transmission of Heart, Miss Kujou?"
"Brother?" Ayaka was startled, patting her chest. "Don't sneak up on me like that! You scared me…"
This man was none other than Kamisato Ayato, head of the Kamisato family.
"Who told you to daydream all the time?" Ayato smiled. "This isn't like you."
"Yes, I agreed," Ayaka nodded. "You know, the last few years the Shogunate has wanted me to take the role, and I can't keep refusing."
Ayato knew his sister wasn't one to compromise easily, and truthfully, he had no objections. But what caught his attention was a look he'd never seen on her before.
It was the kind of expression only a girl longing for spring would wear, and seeing it on his sister felt… odd.
"Well, I won't keep you," Ayaka said, heading toward the door. "Make sure you don't mess up, brother. I'll need you to spar with me in the next few days—can't let the Kamisato name down."
Watching her leave, Ayato sighed. His little sister was no longer the clingy child she once was.
Could it be she had someone she longed for?
That thought made him recall a strange nightmare he'd had—how his twisted nature led him to a tragic fate.
Though only a dream, it left him uneasy, determined not to repeat those mistakes.
"Clap!"
Ayato lightly clapped his hands. "Sayu!"
No response came after a few seconds.
His face reddened a little, and he clapped louder, "Sayu!"
A small black shadow flickered, and a tiny girl wearing an enormous hat—Sayu—appeared before him, lazily yawning. "What's the order, head of the family?"
Sayu was a member of the secret "Shuumatsuban" organization under the Shrine officials.
"There's a task for you," Ayato said calmly. "Keep a close watch on the young lady for the next few days. If she goes out, also monitor anyone she interacts with and report back to me promptly."
"Tsk…" Sayu clicked her tongue softly. "Understood."
"You were just tongue-clicking, weren't you?" Ayato said helplessly.
"Don't misunderstand, head of the family. I'm going to sneak off… to work." Sayu shook her head, then with a 'poof' of smoke, vanished.
Ayato could only smile wryly at this little ninja. Though her combat skills were unimpressive, she was a rare genius at stealth, deception, and subterfuge—perfect for tracking, spying, and theft.
He didn't assign her to follow Ayaka out of any particular whim, only because he feared she might fall in with the wrong crowd, just like in his nightmare.
"Ayaka, like our father and mother, I hope you find a good husband…" Kamisato Ayato gazed thoughtfully at the hanging scroll left by their late father on the wall. "But whatever you do, don't get involved with strange people."
…
"Ah-choo!"
Lucas, resting in the courtyard of the Grand Narukami Shrine, suddenly sneezed. Unbeknownst to him, his soon-to-be brother-in-law in the Kamisato estate was already suffering from PTSD because of him.
Regarding the Transmission of Heart tournament, the plan was settled: Lucas, Raiden Mai, and Shenhe would represent the Grand Narukami Shrine.
Meanwhile, Yae Miko had given Lucas one final task—to win the Transmission of Heart.
Honestly, it felt a bit like a shortcut. Yae Miko did keep her word: if Lucas completed the three tasks she gave him, he'd get to meet the Raiden Shogun.
But the third task was basically a favor with no effort needed.
If he won the championship, naturally he'd get to meet the Raiden Shogun.
If not, then it was his own failure.
In other words, Yae Miko got to do nothing while having Lucas handle two favors for free—truly a masterclass in getting something for nothing.
As for why Lucas was alone in the room now, it was simple: Yae Miko wanted to play host, so she took Shenhe, and Raiden Mai on a shopping trip to Inazuma City.
It turned out that neither the otherworldly Shenhe nor the non-human Raiden Mai could resist the temptation of shopping.
Lucas, on the other hand, was physically drained after yesterday's intense battles and chose to stay behind at the shrine to rest and conserve energy for the upcoming tournament.
After all, if you ranked the three most exhausting things for men in this world, "accompanying women shopping" would definitely be near the top.
He was currently napping on the trunk of a Sacred Sakura tree, enjoying the rare peace and quiet.
"Please get down from the Sacred Sakura tree."
A cold voice suddenly cut through the shade.
The voice sounded familiar. Lucas looked down and saw a green-haired shrine maiden standing below, holding a broom and staring up at him.
From his vantage point, he had an unobstructed view beneath her loose shrine maiden robe—not exactly luxurious, but she was unintentionally generous in revealing a bit.
No surprise, this maiden was Kuki Shinobu.
Her vibrant green hair stood out starkly among the plain shrine maidens, like a nonconformist infiltrating a choir of nuns.
Shinobu seemed to notice Lucas's gaze, which wasn't on her eyes but lower. Realizing something was off, she hurriedly pulled up her collar and asked coldly, "What are you looking at?"
"You know what I'm looking at," Lucas said without pretense. "Sorry, I'm only human, and that's not an easy thing to control."
With other shrine maidens, he wouldn't be so casual, but he knew this one was a fake sent to watch him, so with no pressing matters, he teased her to entertain himself.
Rude and disrespectful.
Kuki Shinobu silently added another note in her mental evaluation of Lucas.
She still had trouble believing that his face was identical to the male lead from that strange nightmare she had recently.
Was it coincidence? Or had her subconscious singled him out for some special reason?
For the rational Shinobu, rather than entertaining vague feelings toward Lucas, she wanted to understand why he appeared in her dream.
"Anyway, come down now," she sighed. "The Sacred Sakura is sacred; climbing it casually breaks the rules."
Lucas laughed, "Looking at you, I'd never have thought you were so rule-abiding. Didn't expect you to care about stuff like this."
"To be honest, I don't care at all. Even if you chopped down this tree, I wouldn't mind," Shinobu shook her head. "But if Guuji sees it, she won't scold you as a guest, but she'll definitely give me a hard time."
"Fine, I'll get down. Come play with me."
"So, with the Guuji gone, you've finally revealed your true nature?" Shinobu snorted. "If you like shrine maidens, Yoshiwara has specialized services for that. Though, they don't seem too keen on serving foreigners."
Whether they served foreigners or not, Lucas didn't know.
But now, as the 13th generation head of the Inukawa Gumi Group, he controlled 80% of Yoshiwara's businesses. If he went there, he could rent out the whole place.
Of course, he wouldn't say that out loud. Instead, he smiled awkwardly, "Hey, I didn't mean it like that. I meant… how about sparring? You know the Transmission of Heart is coming up, so I should at least get some practice."
"Sorry," Shinobu shook her head. "My martial arts skills aren't good enough; I probably can't keep up with you."
In truth, Shinobu didn't know Lucas's real strength and didn't think she could beat him, but she didn't see the point in fighting him.
"How about this: I'll blindfold myself and fight you using only my left hand. If you can land a hit on me, you win," Lucas proposed with a smile. "And it's not a freebie—if you win, you can make me agree to one condition. How about that?"
Even the usually composed Shinobu was briefly annoyed by such a "provocation."
But what really caught her attention was Lucas's offer.
If she won, maybe she could figure out the connection between him and that dream.
"Since you say so, I guess I have no choice but to accept," Shinobu nodded. "Let me go find two wooden swords."
"No need to go through the trouble."
Lucas casually snapped off a branch from the Sacred Sakura tree. A faint green light shimmered in his hand, and the branch transformed into two wooden swords.