How have you been lately, Shogun-sama?
If I may, I have some thoughts I wish to confide in you.
There's no need for riddles—it concerns the Vision Hunt Decree. Since the decree's enforcement, countless citizens of Inazuma who bear Visions have lived in constant fear, their days filled with anxiety and hardship.
Though the Yashiro Commission serves under you, we are also bound to the people. Thus… I, Ayaka, am compelled to make a choice.
Therefore… if Shogun-sama would permit, might I humbly request—
…
Ah, yes. Recently, the Yashiro Commission received a new shipment of fine tea. Its flavor is exquisite. If fate allows, I would be honored to host you at the estate once more—to share tea, taste some sweets, and perhaps let your weary spirit find a moment's rest.
After all, since the decree's announcement… I have not been graced with your presence. If this letter should reach your hands, I hope you might visit the Kamisato residence again.
I… truly miss you, Shogun-sama.
—Kamisato Ayaka, of the Yashiro Commission
"Phew…"
The young woman seated gracefully before a low lacquered table set her brush down, its tip dark with fresh ink. Resting it upon the inkstone, she gazed upon the paper before her—each character elegant and refined, written in her delicate hand.
Golden sunlight poured through the window, bathing her figure in a gentle radiance. The black table gleamed faintly where the light touched it, scattering soft reflections across the tatami floor.
Her silver hair shimmered faintly with hues of icy blue. The long, silky strands were bound into a neat high ponytail, adorned with horn-like ornaments reminiscent of a samurai's kabuto. She wore a gradient-blue haori over a deep navy pleated skirt patterned with falling sakura petals and flowing water. A black chest guard wrapped snugly around her torso, and the side armor that draped her skirt bore the Kamisato family crest.
Her flawless face held a touch of melancholy. Even so, her beauty remained undiminished. Her crystalline eyes—like polished ice—lowered softly as they fell upon a small folding fan resting atop the table.
Click…
She picked it up, not to open it, but simply to run her fingers along its surface—as though cherishing a memory of someone dear.
"The Yashiro Commission may serve Shogun-sama, but we also serve the people. Now that they suffer… how can I simply stand by?"
Her voice was delicate, clear as falling snow, its quiet resonance drifting gently through the chamber.
"One side is Shogun-sama… the other, the people. Such a difficult path to walk."
As others often said—the Yashiro Commission's burdens are thankless indeed.
Clatter…
The sliding door opened suddenly. Familiar footsteps approached, and she immediately knew who it was.
"My lady!"
A man with short, bright orange hair entered briskly, his tone respectful and familiar.
"Thoma, have you heard anything?"
She lifted her gaze to meet that of the Kamisato family's housekeeper, asking softly.
"Uh…"
Thoma hesitated, then drew an envelope from within his sleeve and placed it silently upon the table.
"…As I thought."
She wasn't surprised, nor disappointed—merely sighed, as though she had expected it all along.
Lifting her skirt slightly, she rose from her seat. Fan in hand, she paced toward the center of the room, lost in thought.
"My lady… this makes three times now. They're being far too—"
"I know."
Her tone was calm, though tinged with resignation. "They won't allow my letters to reach Shogun-sama's hands. No doubt it's Kujou Takayuki's doing."
Of the Three Commissions, the Tenryou Commission was currently the closest to the Shogun's court. That gave Kujou Takayuki the authority—and the gall—to obstruct her correspondence.
So it was, as the saying went: defeated before even setting out.
Glancing back at the freshly written letter upon the table, Ayaka sighed inwardly. She had worded it as subtly as possible, yet even such care might not suffice. The Yashiro Commission had long endured quiet suppression from the other two Commissions, and the Vision Hunt Decree had only deepened that imbalance.
"My lady… I have three matters to report."
Having long served as Inazuma's most resourceful intermediary, Thoma's ability to gather information was unmatched. Within a single day, he had already learned three significant things—and each required her attention.
"Oh? Does that first one count among them?"
Ayaka's expression remained composed, her tone light—half teasing.
"Uh—haha, no, that makes four actually."
Thoma scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"And… what is the first matter?"
Ayaka began asking one by one.
"It concerns Shogun-sama."
"…Shogun-sama? Did something happen to her?"
At once, Ayaka's heart tightened. Her tone quickened slightly, though she still maintained her graceful composure, hiding any trace of anxiety.
"No, no—nothing has happened to Shogun-sama. It's just that… she went out yesterday. Apparently… to Seirai Island."
Thoma shook his head as he relayed the information he'd heard from Katheryne.
"Seirai Island… because of the thunderstorm?"
Ayaka asked softly.
"Most likely, yes."
"And… was she accompanied by any retainers? Or did she go alone?"
Her voice carried concern, though she remained poised and calm.
"She wasn't alone—Lady Kujou Sara went with her."
Thoma reported truthfully.
"Oh… that's good."
At that, Ayaka's anxious heart finally eased. She trusted Kujou Sara; if the Shogun had gone alone, Ayaka's worry would have been far greater. But with such a loyal aide by her side, she could relax.
In that case, the letter she had just written was no longer timely. She looked toward the paper resting on the desk—perhaps it was best to deliver it to the court another day.
"What of the second matter?" she asked, turning to Thoma again.
"Master Masakatsu of Hanamizaka has been arrested by the Tenryou Commission."
"…When did this happen?"
Ayaka's steps faltered slightly, but she did not panic. Calm and dignified, she faced Thoma once more—her serene composure the very image of the Kamisato family's grace.
"A few days ago. Apparently, someone reported him."
Thoma replied without hesitation.
Master Masakatsu was the craftsman who forged imitation Visions for those in need. His work was so flawless that the fakes were nearly indistinguishable from genuine ones—only Shogun-sama herself could tell the difference. To lose such a skilled craftsman was troubling indeed.
She had long known such a day would come. Exposure was inevitable; it was only a matter of time. Still, she hadn't expected it to happen so soon.
They needed a way to rescue him. But how?
The young lady's steps were slow and deliberate as she paced across the hall, her armored skirt brushing lightly with each movement. Thoma stood by silently, awaiting her decision.
"And the third matter?" she asked at last, stopping mid-step to look back at him. The Masakatsu affair would have to wait.
"The third matter concerns… the Traveler."
Thoma's tone grew serious—so much so that Ayaka could tell the next subject would be of great importance.
At those words, Ayaka paused mid-step once more.
"Oh? The Traveler… do you mean the same one I'm thinking of?" she asked, her tone holding a hint of interest.
"Yes, my lady—the very one you've kept an eye on. The one who resolved Mondstadt's dragon crisis and helped subdue the god Osial alongside the adepti of Liyue."
Thoma reported clearly and precisely.
"…"
Ayaka fell silent.
Tap, tap…
She began pacing again, arms folded lightly before her, the folding fan in her hand tapping rhythmically against her lips as she lowered her gaze, deep in thought.
The room fell utterly silent.
Thoma waited patiently, his eyes resting upon her slender back adorned with the Kamisato crest.
After half a minute—
"Where is the Traveler now?" Ayaka finally asked.
"They arrived on Ritou earlier today, brought by Captain Beidou of Liyue. I personally helped process their entry papers."
"They? So there's more than one?"
Ayaka caught the subtle detail in his words and turned slightly.
"Uh… the Traveler is accompanied by a… small floating companion. A rather peculiar little thing called Paimon, I believe."
Thoma frowned faintly as he recalled the meeting.
"Paimon… I see. And the Traveler's appearance?"
"Blond hair. A young man, dressed in foreign attire."
Thoma described him as best as he could.
"I understand… For now, see that they remain on Ritou," Ayaka instructed calmly, her mind already made up.
"My lady's meaning is…?" Thoma asked, puzzled.
"I still have doubts about his abilities. It's best to test him first. Thoma, keep watch from the shadows. You may assist him briefly if necessary, but only lightly—let him find his own way off the island."
She gave her order with quiet decisiveness.
"As you command."
Thoma bowed respectfully, turning to leave—but paused when she called out softly:
"Wait. Take this with you."
Ayaka held out her folding fan, decorated with motifs of white herons and camellias, and handed it to him.
"If the Kanjou Commission troubles them without cause, show them this fan. That will suffice."
The fan was a gift from Shogun-sama on her birthday—a treasure she cherished deeply. By now, it had become a symbol of the White Heron Princess herself; none in Inazuma would fail to recognize it.
In truth, the Shogun had once given her many things—swords, tea, clothing—and she treasured them all as dearly as if they were the Shogun herself.
"Yes, my lady."
Thoma received the fan carefully in both hands, then turned and departed swiftly from the Kamisato estate, his movements brisk and efficient.
Once he was gone, Ayaka returned to her seat at the low table. Her eyes drifted toward a small framed photograph resting by the corner.
It had been taken in the Kamisato family's courtyard. In it were three figures: a graceful woman holding a parasol, seated upon a stone bench; upon her lap sat a small silver-haired girl, still a child, pretending to hide her face behind a folding fan while leaning against the woman's chest in playful affection. Standing behind them was a handsome young man, arms folded, smiling warmly toward the camera.
"…"
Ayaka gazed upon the long-ago family portrait with a soft, wistful smile. Her slender fingers brushed gently over the woman's serene face, as if reliving the warmth of that fleeting happiness.
Caption: "The White Heron shall always be with you, my Shogun."
...
The boundless sea rippled gently, waves rolling in steady rhythm. Under the roar of the tides, the ship returning from Seirai Island finally reached the harbor of Narukami. The adventurers aboard looked dejected—why? Because all the credit belonged to the Shogun. She had unsealed the Warding Stones, climbed the peaks, and subdued the Thunder Manifestation. The glory was entirely hers.
Still, among the disappointed adventurers, two were quietly overjoyed: Etsuko and Taisuke, who had traveled alongside the Shogun herself.
Click…
The group disembarked from the passenger ship and stepped onto the dock. Throughout the entire trip, Sara had never once taken off her straw hat—whether out of fear of being recognized or simple attachment to it, no one could say. She probably even slept hugging it at night.
The Shogun, however, paid it little mind. Watching this stubborn child by her side, she could only sigh inwardly. With calm, unhurried steps, she led the group along the road toward Hanamizaka.
"Ahhh~ today was incredible!"
Beside her, Etsuko was bubbling with excitement, scribbling furiously in her notebook—likely recording an adventure log.
"Hey, at least try to look proper! The expert's still here!" Taisuke muttered beside her, embarrassed by her enthusiasm.
"Eh? Ahem! Well, um… Expert-sama, we truly owe you for this one. Without your help, we might have been stuck there forever."
Etsuko quickly corrected herself, bowing respectfully to the Shogun.
"There's no need to thank me. It is simply the duty of an adventurer, is it not?"
Her voice was calm and humble as ever.
"Yes! Ahh, as expected of a top adventurer—your words carry such wisdom!"
Etsuko smiled brightly, then turned to whisper to Taisuke.
"This'll boost our Adventurers' Guild reputation for sure~!"
Haa…
Sara, walking quietly beside them, could hear every word. She didn't comment—just shook her head slightly in exasperation. She was certain Shogun-sama heard it all too, but simply chose not to care. Besides, she knew this trip to Seirai wasn't a casual adventure. The retrieval of that feather had been the true purpose.
They had disembarked at a small port in Inazuma. Setting sail from Ritou would've been too far a journey, and this location, though distant, was the best harbor for voyages to Seirai.
"Ah, right! I still haven't paid the expert!"
Etsuko suddenly remembered, stopping in her tracks to rummage through her bag. Finally, she pulled out a bulging pouch of Mora and handed it to the Shogun, along with a few small gifts—quite the generous payment.
The Shogun lifted the pouch lightly, weighing it in her hand. It must have held at least fifty or sixty thousand Mora. No wonder Katheryne had said this commission was valuable.
"My thanks," she said politely, tucking the pouch into her kimono's inner pocket. Her allowance had grown once more.
"No problem at all! This little bit is nothing compared to your help. Taisuke and I will head to Katheryne to report our success. Until next time, Expert-sama!"
Etsuko waved cheerfully, dragging Taisuke along as they hurried away, paying no mind to how far they still had to walk to Hanamizaka.
Now, only the Shogun and Sara remained.
Yet, unlike usual, the girl didn't cling to her side.
Sara glanced toward a few Tenryou Commission soldiers passing in the distance. After a moment of thought, she turned back toward the Shogun.
"Shogun-sama…"
Her usually firm voice softened with gentle restraint.
"Hm? What is it?"
The Shogun looked her way—could it be about payment? Ah, right… she hadn't given Sara her share yet.
"Is it about your reward? Here… take it."
She untied the pouch, ready to hand over some Mora.
"Eh? N-no, that's not it!"
Sara flusteredly waved her hands, mortified. How could she possibly accept money from Shogun-sama? That would be far too shameless!
"Too little? I can give you more."
The Shogun misunderstood completely.
"No, no—it's not about money at all!"
"Then… what is it?" the Shogun asked, puzzled.
"Well… since the matter's been resolved, I should return to my duties. It's not that I don't wish to stay by your side, but… leaving the Tenryou Commission unattended makes me uneasy."
Her voice grew soft, almost timid.
The Shogun looked toward the distant soldiers, then nodded in understanding. So that was it. To insist further would only be selfish. And to think—she'd mistaken it for a request for payment. How embarrassing.
"Very well. Go, then… and take care on your way."
"Yes, Shogun-sama!"
Sara bowed deeply, then turned smartly on her heel and strode toward the soldiers.
"Sara."
The Shogun's voice called softly behind her.
"…Shogun-sama?"
The girl stopped and turned back, as obedient and earnest as ever.
"Be sure to rest well. You've been working too hard lately—you look far more tired than before."
She knew this child well—so earnest, so stubborn. Were anyone else to say it, she'd likely ignore the advice. That was why it had to come from her.
"!"
Sara froze, her face flushing at the gentle concern in the Shogun's voice. She touched her cheek self-consciously, then looked up again.
"I will, Shogun-sama… and you mustn't overwork yourself either."
"I promise. But in return, you must promise me as well. Agreed?"
The Shogun sighed softly.
"Mm… ///"
Sara smiled shyly, nodded, and—still wearing her straw hat—turned and jogged away, rejoining the soldiers in the distance under the Shogun's watchful gaze.