In fact, Ayato truly didn't mind this matter. After all, those two families combined didn't have as many schemes as he did.
But not minding was one thing—he was still curious about the authenticity of this matter.
The timing of their marriage alliance was suspiciously perfect. With both the Hiiragi and Kujou families dealing with internal turmoil, was this really a good choice?
In the story, Ayato had doubts about this, so when Thoma mentioned sending congratulations, Ayato offered to go in person.
Normally, such marriage matters were handled by Ayaka, but since Ayaka was busy this time, Ayato decided to handle it himself.
This stunned Shinnojou and Ippei, who were waiting outside. They thought the Traveler was just going to inquire about the truth of the matter, but they ended up bringing out the head of the Kamisato Clan?
[Shinnojou exclaimed: "Ah! The Yashiro Commission lord?!"]
Shinnojou knew Ayato, but Ayato didn't know him. Fortunately, the Traveler introduced them, also informing Shinnojou that the marriage was real.
[Shinnojou, sorrowfully: "It's real… Well, alright then."]
In reality, Shinnojou's eyes lost their spark. Suddenly, knowing the future didn't seem like a good thing. Tonight, another person would be unable to sleep.
Human joys and sorrows don't align. In the story, Ippei, standing beside Shinnojou, was much happier.
[Ippei, joyfully: "Great! It seems our instincts were right."]
In the illustration, one was excited while the other hung their head in sorrow, perfectly capturing the emotional states of the relatives of both sides.
[Paimon encouraged: "Cheer up, Shinnojou!"]
Yes, cheer up. You'll still need to help out on the wedding day.
Oh, we just helped you take on the role of bridesmaid—cough, just kidding, that didn't happen.
But readers found Shinnojou's state amusing. Sure enough, happiness is built on others' suffering.
In the story, Ippei led Ayato and the Traveler to the Kujou estate to discuss the matter with Kamaji.
Though it was a conversation between Kamaji and Ayato, Lucian's illustrations mostly focused on Ayato's close-ups.
Standing side by side, Kamaji and Ayato made people wonder—were they really both Commission heads?
Kamaji's attire was decent, not inferior to Ayato's luxurious clothing, but that face…
So, most of the illustrations were Ayato's close-ups. Fortunately, readers loved it—who could resist Ayato's good looks?
[Ayato said: "I recently heard that you and Miss Hiiragi are soon to be wed. For such a grand alliance, as old friends of both families, the Kamisato Clan must come to offer congratulations."]
Readers wanted to call Ayato out here. You came to congratulate them empty-handed?
And is the Kamisato Clan really old friends with the Kujou Clan? Would generational rivalry count as friendship?
[Kujou Kamaji said: "You're too kind. I hope this matter hasn't seemed too abrupt to you…"]
["Speaking of which, what's your view on this? Do you find it… too out of line?"]
It seemed he knew that a marriage between two of Inazuma's Commissions wasn't exactly friendly to the remaining one.
[Ayato replied: "Hehe, of course not. Love between two consenting hearts shouldn't be hindered by other factors."]
On a personal level, he genuinely supported the two Commissioners' feelings, but the matter wasn't that simple.
This situation reeked of conspiracy—how could it escape Ayato's notice?
But saying it affected the balance of power wasn't entirely true. For balance, how about suggesting Ayaka marry the Traveler?
Joking aside, the Kujou Clan had just finished dealing with various minor issues, like those restless minor retainers.
As the acting head and acting Commissioner, Kujou Kamaji was quite competent, handling all matters efficiently.
It was precisely because everything was settled that he had time to address his personal matters.
But what piqued everyone's curiosity was—Ei had already dealt with the Kujou Clan, so what about the Hiiragi Clan?
[Ayato: "You've indeed worked hard to reorganize the Tenryou Commission internally, which is good and marks the start of change. But on the other hand, Miss Hiiragi's father, Hiiragi Shinsuke, is still in prison."]
["If you announce the marriage between the Hiiragi and Kujou Clans at this time, rumors unfavorable to you might spread among the public and within the Kanjou Commission."]
Now everyone understood—the head of the Hiiragi Clan had gone to "enlightenment" in prison.
Hiiragi Shinsuke had never approved of their relationship, so they had been secretly exchanging letters.
Now that Shinsuke was imprisoned, they finally had a chance to go public.
This might not be the best time for their marriage, but it might be their only chance.
Kujou Kamaji: I must consider whether this is my only chance in this lifetime.
[Ayato: "I understand your feelings, of course. But doing this only delays the issue, not resolves it. You'll have to face it eventually."]
[Kujou Kamaji: "Sigh, I know what you're saying, but when Chisato mustered the courage to propose marriage to me, how could I let her down…?"]
One understood, the other empathized, but neither had figured out how to handle it.
In fact, the matter wasn't that hard to resolve. Didn't Paimon dislike Hiiragi Shinsuke?
Since Paimon disliked him, things could be simplified. Why not bribe Paimon?
Have Paimon whisper a few words to Ei, and maybe Hiiragi Shinsuke wouldn't get out.
Unfortunately, Hiiragi Shinsuke was still Hiiragi Chisato's father, so they couldn't do that to him.
From Kamaji's words, Ayato gained new information: the marriage was proposed by Chisato first.
But when Kamaji went to discuss it with Chisato, she looked puzzled, as if she knew nothing about it.
Kamaji assumed Chisato was just shy and didn't think much of it, even considerately giving her an out, saying, "The letter was my joke."
[Kujou Kamaji said: "I think it's about time. No matter what happens next, I'll stand by her side and be the person she can rely on."]
His words were dazzling, and not just the words—in the illustration, Kamaji stood with his back to a radiant light, his entire being glowing with brilliance.
Literal brilliance. In this illustration, Lucian drew "holy light" behind Kamaji, making him look like he was ascending to nirvana.
Yup, a lovestruck fool.
A lovestruck fool couldn't spot the issue, but schemers like Ayato and Yae Miko had already sensed something was off.
Their "schemer radar" was at work, feeling that someone was playing games in this matter. Chisato probably wasn't pretending to be unaware—she genuinely didn't know.
So, the question was: if the two really got married, who would be the beneficiary? Only the beneficiary would spread such false rumors.
First, they could rule out Shinnojou.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice · Yae Miko: About Ayato's Story
"Such an interesting matter, and they didn't invite me? Oh my, the Yashiro Commission's boy has grown up, hasn't he?"