At noon the next day, Kamisato Ayato, having a rare moment of leisure, was sparring with his younger sister in the courtyard.
Now, the siblings, dressed in white martial arts attire and holding wooden swords, faced each other.
Looking at his sister's two-handed sword stance, Kamisato Ayato was slightly surprised:
"Ayaka, I feel like you've been in a very good mood lately."
Kamisato Ayaka was startled for a moment, then showed a serious expression: "Brother, please don't talk to me during sparring."
Kamisato Ayato gave an awkward laugh, then charged at Kamisato Ayaka with his wooden sword.
In this sparring match, the two siblings were evenly matched.
Neither could defeat the other.
After a few more rounds of sparring, the siblings took a halftime break.
They went to cool off in the courtyard and began to chat.
"Ayaka, have you discovered anything from your interactions with Yuuko these past few days?"
Although Kamisato Ayato had also interacted with Yuuko and found nothing unusual about him.
However, a cautious person like him would still keep an eye out.
His sister had been in contact with Yuuko these past few days; if Yuuko truly had any issues, his sister would surely notice.
Upon hearing this question, Kamisato Ayaka fell into contemplation.
She couldn't help but recall her first encounter with Yuuko, and how he easily tripped a Hilichurl.
Although that incident didn't prove much.
But regarding that incident, Kamisato Ayaka had actually sensed that Yuuko was not simple.
However, Kamisato Ayaka did not voice this matter, but instead shook her head:
"Brother, you're overthinking it. In my opinion, Mr. Yuuko is not a suspicious person."
As for why she concealed her thoughts.
Kamisato Ayaka herself didn't understand.
Perhaps in her subconscious, she sensed that revealing this would have a negative impact on Yuuko.
Looking at his sister's serious expression, Kamisato Ayato rested his chin in his hand, pondering for a long while.
Then he said in a low voice:
"So, the reason Mr. Yuuko was able to get in touch with Lady Yae and Her Excellency, the General, and build good relationships with them, is purely because of his personal charm?"
After speaking, Kamisato Ayato laughed again:
"However, his cooking is indeed remarkable. After tasting his dishes these past few days, I can barely eat the food made by the Kamisato Clan's chef anymore…"
"I reckon Her Excellency, the General, and Lady Yae became acquainted with him largely because of this."
Hearing her brother praise Yuuko, Kamisato Ayaka also nodded:
"Yes, Mr. Yuuko is indeed a very excellent person, and he doesn't care about my status. It's truly rare for someone to treat me with such a normal attitude."
At this moment, a faint smile appeared on Kamisato Ayaka's face.
The Demoiselle of the Kamisato Clan, who had no friends, rarely showed such a smile.
At least Kamisato Ayato, as her brother, had never seen his sister smile like this before.
Seeing this, Kamisato Ayato pondered for a moment before saying with uncertainty:
"Ayaka, you really…"
"Really what?" Kamisato Ayaka looked puzzled.
Kamisato Ayato glanced at his sister again, then shook his head: "No, nothing."
After speaking, Kamisato Ayato then said meaningfully:
"All in all, Ayaka, you must work hard. You have many rivals, and they are all formidable people."
"?" Kamisato Ayaka tilted her head, not understanding what her brother meant.
Kamisato Ayato did not explain, but smiled:
"When we go to Watatsumi Island later, Ayaka, don't worry. I will handle the Kamisato Clan's affairs."
Hearing this, Kamisato Ayaka lowered her head:
"Brother, you've worked hard all this time. Without your support, the Kamisato Clan would probably have declined long ago."
Kamisato Ayato waved his hand helplessly: "Don't say things like you're getting married. It's making me feel complicated too."
...Inazuma City, still the familiar house.
Ever since finishing all the complex work ahead of schedule, Yae Miko, that scum woman, shamelessly ran to Yuuko's house again for a free meal.
In the living room, Yae Miko slowly stretched:
"Haa~ After a few days of hard work, I've finally finished all my tasks~"
After speaking, Yae Miko chuckled mischievously again: "Emma, I've worked so hard, won't you praise me?"
Yuuko said helplessly: "Didn't you just dump the mess on Ayato to finish it so quickly, Miko?"
Yae Miko chuckled mischievously, not refuting.
After all, that was the truth.
"Speaking of which, the Irodori Festival is almost over, isn't it? When do you plan to depart, Emma?"
Hearing this question, Yuuko thought for a moment, then said:
"If nothing unexpected happens, it should be the day after tomorrow."
"Is that so, a bit early." Yae Miko smiled: "But it doesn't matter, as long as it's you, Emma, I'm available anytime~"
Why do I feel like you're making a suggestive remark... Yuuko said helplessly:
"So, Miko, since you're also coming along, have you made your preparations?"
"My body is always ready, always available~" Yae Miko said with alluring eyes, chuckling mischievously.
This scum woman was still the same, constantly making suggestive remarks whenever she had the chance.
He didn't know if she was joking or truly didn't consider Yuuko an outsider.
Just as Yuuko was about to retort, several knocks suddenly came from outside the house.
Hearing the knocking, Yuuko raised an eyebrow: "Who could it be at this hour?"
"Hehe, maybe it's Emma's fans. After all, Emma's new book has been incredibly popular lately," Yae Miko joked cheerfully.
"That's probably not possible. Not many readers should know my address," Yuuko said, getting up and walking towards the door.
When he opened the door, he found a purple-clad village girl standing outside.
It was the Archon of Inazuma.
Seeing this visitor, Yuuko was not surprised: "Is it Ei... or the General?"
The purple-clad village girl smiled and said: "It's me."
"Ah, it's Ei. What's wrong?"
"Nothing, it's just that you're about to leave, so I wanted to come and see." Raiden Ei glanced inside the house:
"Can you let me in first? Miko should be inside too, right?"
Yuuko thought for a moment, then invited Raiden Ei into the house.
They were old acquaintances anyway, so letting her in for a visit wasn't a big deal.
Meanwhile, Yae Miko, who had been chuckling mischievously in the living room, paused slightly when she saw that the visitor was Raiden Ei, then said helplessly:
"Ei, you're really getting less and less polite now, always coming to Emma's house and disturbing him."
Raiden Ei shook her head: "I'm not here as a guest today. I just wanted to talk to you two about something before you go to Watatsumi Island."
Hearing this, Yuuko smiled: "In any case, please sit. It's getting late now, so let's eat first before discussing anything."
Raiden Ei nodded: "Then I'll trouble you."
So, Yuuko went to the kitchen to prepare the meal.
And Raiden Ei and Yae Miko, the two good friends, sat at the table in the living room, silently looking at each other.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you so much for your support!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"