After ruling out Shinnojou, let's move on to the next point: the Yashiro Commission is definitely innocent in this matter.
So, as the innocent head of the Yashiro Commission, Ayato didn't expose the issue.
[Ayato noticed something unusual but still said: "Not at all. Your enraptured demeanor actually puts me at ease."]
["Seeing your attitude and determination, I have no more worries."]
It's unclear whether he was relieved that the two were truly in love or that "having a lovestruck opponent is perfect," leaving him with no worries.
A lovestruck fool, haha, that's invincible.
Originally, there was concern that the marriage alliance between the two Commissions might have ulterior motives, but now there was no need to worry—a lovestruck fool could have no motives.
They barely had any cunning to begin with, and what little they had was entirely devoted to each other.
Still think this is some clever trick by Hiiragi Chisato? What? Do you think this is the set of "Miss Hiiragi Chisato wants me to confess"?
Shinnojou was also "relieved." At this moment, he only felt that Kamaji genuinely loved Miss, which was great, but it made him feel like he didn't want to live anymore…
Not wanting to live is fine, but don't actually die.
You still need to help out on the wedding day.
The world gained yet another heartbroken soul.
This was supposed to be Kamisato Ayato's story, yet Shinnojou's shadow loomed everywhere in the background. Is this what it means to be a defeated dog?
In the story, after the Traveler and others left the Kujou estate, Kamisato Ayato said to the Traveler:
["Kujou Kamaji is completely immersed in happiness. Traveler, what do you think?"]
As an adventurer, the Traveler was also very perceptive and naturally noticed something unusual.
In fact, the oddity wasn't hard to spot, but since neither Kujou Kamaji nor Hiiragi Chisato were particularly opposed to the matter, they had no intention of digging deeper.
It could only be said that the schemer behind this had some cunning, at least knowing to use something the parties involved supported as leverage.
See, didn't it perfectly hit their sweet spot?
They immediately indulged in it, unable to resist humming lightly.
In Ayato's view, if the parties involved were willing, there was indeed no need to get to the bottom of it—but only if the matter truly brought "benefit."
The schemer behind this was somewhat clever, choosing a point of disruption that made it hard for Ayato to intervene.
As the head of the Yashiro Commission, it wasn't appropriate for him to investigate this matter, as it could easily be twisted by those with ulterior motives to claim he was deliberately obstructing the marriage alliance of the other two Commissions.
The person playing small tricks had some brains, but unfortunately, Ayato was a step ahead. He might not be able to intervene directly, but he brought the Traveler along.
Is there anything in Inazuma the Traveler can't meddle in? The Traveler is famously "eager to help"!
Ayato first sparked the Traveler's curiosity with a few words on the way, then took them to the Hiiragi estate.
The Traveler was acquainted with Hiiragi Chisato and, out of concern, would naturally ask about the matter's origins. See, wasn't that indirectly "investigating"?
[Ayato praised: "The Traveler, able to grasp the key points in a brief meeting, with such remarkable insight—you're indeed as my sister said, meticulous and thorough."]
Hearing Ayato's praise, the Traveler proudly put their hands on their hips, puffing up at the compliment.
In the illustration, Ayato smiled gently, practically clapping.
Traveler User Manual: Flatter to win them over.
As the involved party, the Traveler didn't realize it, but as an observer, Lumine noticed something off.
This is using me, isn't it? No way! I'm going to make a scene at the Kamisato estate!
[Ayato continued: "If her will is as firm as Kujou Kamaji's, then they can weather the storm together. Otherwise…"]
In fact, the key wasn't whether Hiiragi Chisato's will was firm, but whether her will was truly her own to decide!
If she had the right to that firm will, it wouldn't matter who was scheming behind the scenes.
But if she didn't, then no matter how firm her will was, it was useless.
Look at the Raiden Shogun, the epitome of firm will, yet she was still fooled by the two Commissions like a naive child.
The two Commissions never lied to the Shogun, but they also never told her the full story.
The only one who tried to tell the full story, the Yashiro Commission, had all their reports intercepted by the other two Commissions.
Hiiragi Chisato might be in a similar situation. Her subordinates might not openly defy her yet, but behind her back, they were already disobedient.
If that was the case, Ayato needed to step in, or the hard-won stability might descend into chaos again.
When Ayato and the Traveler arrived at the Hiiragi estate, Matsuura, Hishida, and Yagi were discussing the marriage. They stopped only when they saw Ayato.
Ayato came to offer congratulations empty-handed again. Matsuura said that Miss was meeting a guest and didn't know when she could receive Ayato.
This baffled the people of Inazuma. What kind of guest was more important than the head of the Yashiro Commission?
Everyone frowned, feeling something odd. Matsuura decided Hiiragi Chisato's schedule without even asking—wasn't she supposed to be the one in charge?
Not only that, the three even referred to the Traveler as Ayato's attendant.
They didn't even recognize the Traveler. Everyone's brows relaxed—guess they weren't significant figures after all.
Ayato, ever courteous about first-come, first-served, didn't compete with the earlier guest and decided to pass the time on Ritou.
Then Ayato took the Traveler to have some fun. On Ritou, they met a shopkeeper named "Chitsuki," an old customer of Ayato's.
This guy was impressive—his regular clients were either the Shogun or the head of the Yashiro Commission.
Maybe Ei had the Yashiro Commission procure a batch of dango milk, which is how Ayato got to know him?
Ayato and the Traveler made DIY milk tea at Chitsuki's shop, sipping milk tea while discussing what happened at the Hiiragi estate.
In the illustration, Ayato touched his chin, eyes narrowed, deep in thought and analysis.
Seeing this illustration, some Inazumans commented: The Yashiro Commission lord's gloves… so seductive.
This might sound a bit crude, but I'm aroused.
Cough, back to the story. Ayato found the three men strange because they had said, "The Hiiragi Clan's joy is our joy…"
That wasn't right. With Hiiragi Shinsuke in prison for "enlightenment," Hiiragi Chisato was the Hiiragi Clan's pillar.
If Hiiragi Chisato married into the Kujou Clan at this time, wouldn't the Kanjou Commission's future be bleak? How could that be a joy?
According to Inazuma's traditions, if Hiiragi Chisato married Kujou Kamaji, she would no longer be a Hiiragi—she'd even have to change her name to Kujou Chisato.
Those three were smart people; they should have realized this yet still supported the marriage.
This suggested that the three families likely harbored rebellious intentions, planning to overthrow the Hiiragi Clan and become the heads of the Kanjou Commission themselves.
What? You say the Shogun should appoint the head?
At this moment, Ei was nonchalantly eating tricolor dango.
Look at her dazed expression and say that again—does she seem like someone who cares about this?
Raiden Makoto: She still needs training.