Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Shirasagi Himegimi
The matter unfolded just as Bai Luo had anticipated; the relationship between him and Kujou Sara became the talk of the town in Inazuma City overnight.
Even the elderly who seldom left the outskirts of the city were aware of the rumors.
Initially, everyone treated it merely as gossip.
After all, Kujou Sara, known for her impartiality and stoicism, hardly seemed like someone who would engage in a romantic relationship.
The residents of Inazuma couldn't even imagine her looking demure and dependent beside a man
Even though many in the town streets and Hanamizaka saw Kujou Sara with a strange man, it didn't prove much.
Of course, all of that is until an accidental slip of the tongue at Uyuu Restaurant revealed some details.
For instance, Kujou Sara had affectionately eaten a Tricolor Dango offered by the man.
Everyone in Inazuma knew well that Lady Kujou disliked sweets.
Moreover, there was a banquet at Uyuu Restaurant hosted by Kujou Takayuki, the head of the Kujou Clan, supposedly in honor of this man.
Unfortunately, the man seemed to have stood Lady Kujou up.
Many thought Kujou Takayuki would be furious over this disrespect.
Surprisingly, Kujou Takayuki showed a rather naive smile and commented that it's normal for young people to be capricious.
Damn...
Could it be that even the strict Lady Kujou had such a side?
Takayuki's attitude regarding Bai Luo, akin to treating him as a future son-in-law, made many more inclined to believe the rumor.
In reality, a simple inquiry to Kujou Sara herself could have easily dispelled these rumors.
However, her reputation for being decisive and impartial meant few dared to approach her about it.
Some even avoided mentioning this matter in her presence.
The only ones privy to the truth, the Kujou Clan, were silenced by Kujou Takayuki's orders.
In fact, he was more eager than Bai Luo to see such developments. If these two really ended up together, he, as a "traitor" aligned with the Fatui, could benefit greatly.
His decision to adopt Kujou Sara wasn't born out of compassion.
How could humans possibly cherish a Yokai?
Even benevolent spirits like tengu, protectors of forests, receive no sympathy from humans.
His motive was more about leveraging this tengu with Visions to gain more benefits for himself in the Shogunate.
His gamble paid off.
Kujou Sara's impressive performance even made her a key aide to the Raiden Shogun.
This prominence benefited the Kujou Clan greatly.
Now, he needed Kujou Sara to generate new benefits for him.
He hadn't even considered how his innocent adoptive daughter would be treated due to these rumors if his conspiracy with the Fatui were exposed.
In recent years, the Shogun has become increasingly ruthless.
As these rumors intensified, another event unfolded far from Inazuma City.
...
Within Inazuma's territory, affairs beyond the Raiden Shogun's immediate attention were mostly handled by the shogunate.
The Shogunate's decision-making power was divided among three positions, known as the Tri-Commission: the Yashiro Commission, the Tenryou Commission, and the Kanjou Commission.
The families holding these positions, bearing the surnames Kamisato, Kujou, and Hiiragi, were the renowned Three Great Houses of Inazuma.
And Kamisato Ayaka, the Yashiro Commission young lady, was the widely known "Shirasagi Himegimi."
The reasons behind her moniker as Shirasagi Himegimi varied among the people of Inazuma.
"Because Lady Ayaka is as elegant and pure as a heroine, just look at her beautiful appearance, her wise and appropriate speech. Doesn't she deserve to be called a princess?"
"Lady Ayaka, despite her noble birth, treats us with politeness and warmth. She is kind-hearted and generous, always ready to help others. Did you know? It was she who strongly advocated for the sheltering of the commoner, Touma."
There were various opinions, but no one could pinpoint the exact origin of her title, Shirasagi Himegimi.
However, her popularity among the people was evident.
Although she was the face of the Kamisato clan, she was not the one who managed its affairs.
As the renowned Shirasagi Himegimi of Inazuma, she mostly appeared in public to uphold the image of the Kamisato clan.
With her dignified, graceful, and courteous demeanor, Kamisato Ayaka had secured a place in various social circles.
Whether negotiating with potential partners or dealing with difficult nobles, she handled herself impeccably.
The actual political affairs of the Kamisato family were fully managed by the current head of the family, Ayaka's brother, Kamisato Ayato.
When alone and away from prying eyes, Kamisato Ayaka finally shed all her burdens and relaxed.
Walking along the corridors of the Kamisato residence, she didn't forget to arrange the snacks on her tray.
These were made by her during her leisure time.
Usually, Touma would be the one tasting and appreciating these.
But recently, her brother had sent Touma away, and she feared her own cooking might accidentally poison the servants.
So...
"Brother, I made some snacks. Would you like to try them?"
Arriving at Kamisato Ayato's study, where he was busy with official matters, Kamisato Ayaka gently spoke after closing the door.
Ayato's hand, holding a pen, visibly trembled at her words.
"Ayaka, come in, have a seat."
Looking at the snacks on her tray, Kamisato Ayato felt uneasy, to say the least.
It wasn't that Kamisato Ayaka's culinary skills were lacking.
Her regular cooking was quite acceptable.
However, the young lady was known for her whimsical experiments, sometimes even causing explosions in the kitchen.
Usually, Touma could handle even the most disastrous creations, but he was away on an assignment, and not yet back.
Could it be...
"Brother, this is..."
Placing the snacks on a side table, Kamisato Ayaka's attention was quickly drawn to a list on the table.
Seizing the rare opportunity to capture his sister's interest, Kamisato Ayato didn't let it slip away.
"Have you heard of Master Masakatsu?"
Casually sliding the list towards his sister, Kamisato Ayato inquired.
Even though she had expressed disinterest in political matters, there were things he still shared with her.
As her brother, he was well aware of her talents in certain areas.
"The one from Hanamizaka?"
Taking out her folding fan, gently covering her mouth, Kamisato Ayaka spoke with curiosity.
A tool once used for fanning in daily life had become a symbol of modesty in the hands of the nobility.
And Kamisato Ayaka had mastered its use, even incorporating it into her combat techniques.
"Yes, that artisan from Hanamizaka. I've acquired some interesting things from him."
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