After leaving Tenshukaku, Hiiragi Chisato and Kujou Sara headed straight for the Tenryou Commission to discuss the specifics of establishing a firearms regulatory office.
After all, the Kanjou Commission would need to provide funding for constructing the factory and office—such an important matter naturally required the two commissioners' personal attention.
Since Ningguang and her companions were about to return to Liyue, Akio spent the entire day accompanying the three women, indulging in food and leisure throughout Inazuma City.
Once they returned to Liyue, their schedules would be packed—if they didn't rest now, they wouldn't get another chance.
Early the next morning, at Ritou—
Akio escorted Ningguang's group to the dock where their ship was anchored.
"Husband, we'll be heading back now," Ningguang said. "Come visit Liyue whenever you have time. Once the Jade Chamber is rebuilt, we'll drink and admire the moon from its heights."
"Of course." Akio smiled and nodded.
"Husband, we're off now!" Keqing and Ganyu were reluctant to leave, glancing back repeatedly as they boarded the ship.
Watching the Liyue delegation's vessel gradually fade into the horizon, Akio turned and vanished on the spot.
---
Kamisato Estate
Kamisato Ayaka was bent over her desk, scribbling away. As the Yashiro Commission's second-in-command, she had shouldered more responsibilities since her relationship with Akio—not that Kamisato Ayato worried about her safety anymore.
Tired from paperwork, Ayaka set down her brush and stretched, gazing out the window. A gentle breeze scattered cherry blossoms in the air—and among them stood a familiar figure, smiling at her.
"Mmm~" Ayaka froze mid-stretch, then bolted upright in delight. "Akio!"
"Ayaka." Akio smiled warmly.
Ayaka rushed out, flinging herself into his arms. "Akio, what brings you to the Yashiro Commission today?"
"I missed my little Ayaka, of course." He pinched her soft cheek playfully.
"Ehe~ I missed you too, Akio." She giggled, gazing at him with adoration before rising on her tiptoes to press a sweet kiss to his lips.
After the kiss, Ayaka led him to a small pavilion, pouring him tea. "Wait here a moment, Akio. I'll prepare some snacks for you."
She dashed inside—perfect timing, as she had just finished making some treats.
"Akio, try them! I practiced cooking with Miyuki for ages to get them right!" Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she picked up a taiyaki and held it to his lips. "Aaaah~"
Akio chuckled, taking a bite—and deliberately catching her slender, jade-like fingers between his lips.
"Mmm~ Akio~!" Instantly, Ayaka's face flushed crimson. Her shy, watery gaze met his as she murmured his name.
This mischievous man always found ways to fluster her.
"Delicious. My Ayaka's skills are already masterful."
He praised sincerely.
Truthfully, ever since that disastrously cloying taiyaki he'd eaten with Murata Himeko, he'd avoided them—but Ayaka's version was perfectly balanced, sweet without being overwhelming. Perhaps it was the love she poured into them that made the difference.
"I'm glad you like it, Akio~" Ayaka beamed.
"How could I not? My precious Ayaka's handmade treats are worth more than gold." He pulled her into his lap, whispering sweet nothings.
"Akio~"
---
After their meal, Akio materialized a pistol and handed it to Ayaka.
"Akio, what's this?" She examined the weapon curiously.
"A handgun." He explained its mechanics, and Ayaka was instantly enamored.
"Come, let me teach you how to shoot." Guiding her hand, he lifted them onto the rooftop, aiming toward the distant sea.
"Mmm, you're so close…" Ayaka leaned back against him, her mind growing hazy.
"Channel Cryo energy into the gun, sweetheart."
"Huh? Oh, right!" Nodding, she focused—instantly, frost and azure light engulfed the pistol.
"Aim here, then pull the trigger."
"Okay~" Following his instructions, she aimed at the ocean and fired.
BOOM!
A massive Cryo beam erupted from the barrel, tearing through the air and freezing even the mist in its path. In an instant, hundreds of meters of ocean surface flash-froze into solid ice.
"This…" Ayaka gaped at the spectacle. This power is incredible!
"When wielded by a god, the weapon amplifies to this degree." Akio mused. Unbeknownst to Ayaka, she had unconsciously tapped into a sliver of divine power—less than a tenth, yet already beyond mortal limits.
He could only imagine the devastation if Raiden Ei fired at full strength—likely rivaling her "Musou no Hitotachi."
"Calling this a 'gun' feels inadequate. More like a laser cannon." He chuckled.
"I love this gift, Akio!" Ayaka hugged the pistol gleefully.
"As long as my darling is happy." He ruffled her hair.
"Oh! Akio," Ayaka suddenly remembered, "Sister Ei told me your swordsmanship surpasses even hers."
"I've hit a plateau in my blade work and can't improve further." She clasped her hands. "Dearest Akio, won't you guide me?"
"Gladly." Akio's interest was piqued—sparring with Ayaka sounded fun. They'd never crossed blades before.
"Ehe, perfect!" Hopping down, she dragged him to the training grounds, summoning "Sode no Shirayuki" with a flourish.
"Kamisato Art: Soumetsu—Kamisato Ayaka, heir to the blade, seeks your instruction!" She twirled her sword dramatically.
"Then come." Akio mirrored her stance, his own "Sode no Shirayuki" gleaming in hand.