Harmony In the Morning

Following the resolution of the intense confrontation with Haruhime's father, Raiden let out a weary sigh. Her attention shifted gracefully toward the moon goddess, Tsukuyomi. The two deities exchanged gazes, hinting at a profound connection, one that seemed to extend past the immediate circumstances.

"Good to see you, Raiden," said Tsukuyomi, her voice carrying both relief and respect.

Raiden reciprocated with a nod, acknowledging the sentiment. "Likewise, Tsukuyomi."

Their direct interaction spoke volumes, echoing a shared history and mutual understanding that transcended any contemporary affairs.

"So, how were Amaterasu and the others? Were they all still busy?" Tsukuyomi redirected the conversation, steering it towards a different course.

Raiden's expression softened with reverence as she replied, "Yes, they've been in the middle of the ongoing war against monsters for the past few days. I may need to rejoin them soon."

"I see. Then I'll leave it to you without worry," Tsukuyomi acknowledged before she turned her attention toward me and my parents. "Farewell, everyone. It's nice knowing you tonight."

"Certainly, Lady Tsukuyomi. May your radiance illuminate the darkest of nights," my father's voice echoed with respect and reverence.

My mother also responded, her voice carrying a soothing warmth. "Undoubtedly, may your presence bless our respective paths, Goddess."

Tsukuyomi nodded in acceptance of my parents' words, and then she directed her attention to the children gathered behind her. "Alright, time to return home, kids."

"Understood!"

Mikoto and the other children complied and followed Tsukuyomi's lead, their faces reflecting a mix of relief and exhaustion after the tense ordeal. While they were leaving, I waved them goodbye, receiving the same gesture in return before vanishing from the clearing.

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After bidding farewell to Tsukuyomi and the group of children, a sense of peace settled over the clearing. The tension of the earlier confrontation dissipated like a mist under the evening moonlight, and the forest around us was like breathing a sigh of relief.

Also, as if responding to the calming of the atmosphere, the sun began its ascent, releasing hues of gold and pink across the mountains. The gentle warmth of the sunlight brushed over my skin, offering a soothing embrace after the tumultuous events of the night.

Turning my attention back to the clearing, I caught Raiden, Captain Sara, and Ayato engaging in a serious discussion. Their faces bore the weight of responsibility, their words carrying the gravity of the situation. Eventually, they broke away from their conversation and approached me and my parents.

"Mister and Miss Kamisato, your Excellency requests a meeting at your residence later in the afternoon," Captain Sara's tone of voice held a sense of urgency, though her behavior stayed composed.

Ayato's expression reflected earnestness as he added, "She wishes to discuss something of importance with both of you, Father and Mother."

A silent understanding passed between my parents, their expressions a mix of apprehension and resolve. However, given it was the thunder goddess making the request, refusal wasn't truly an option.

"We understand, we'll be there soon." my father responded, nodding decisively.

Mother echoed the sentiment, declaring, "Of course, we won't keep her waiting."

Acknowledging their compliance, Captain Sara instructed us to wait before heading back to Raiden. The tengu warrior exchanged a word with the goddess, their conversation covered in a veil of mystery.

Meanwhile, I diverted my attention to my parents who were beside me, and decided to atone for the commotion caused by our late-night escapade. They needed to know the impact of my actions and seek reconciliation within our family.

"Father, Mother, I'm sorry," my voice filled with sincerity and regret as I began.

My mother glanced at me, looking rather confused. "What for?"

"For all of the trouble and concern I've caused," I confessed, feeling responsible for the mess. "I didn't expect things to escalate ever since I left home."

My father's expression softened, placing his hand on my head. "It's fine, Ayaka. Your apology has been forgiven."

Hearing his acceptance, relief washed over me, knowing that despite the chaos, my parents remained steadfast in their support and understanding. 

Afterward, Ayato rested his hand on my head as well, reassuring me amidst the uncertainty. "You sure quite a handful, my beloved sister. If it weren't for Her Excellency, you might find yourself in quite a predicament."

Annoyed yet oddly comforted by his sudden gesture, I swatted his hand away with a playful shove. "Oh, cut it out, brother. You're being annoying," I remarked, unable to suppress the small smile that tugged at my lips.

Ayato chuckled in response, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Don't be like that, Ayaka. I am just looking out for you. That's what big brothers do."

With a roll of my eyes and a faint giggle, I conceded at his antics, knowing that, deep down, his concern was genuine. It reminded me of my previous life with Kaori, where such sibling dynamics were all too familiar.

Eventually, Raiden and Captain Sara approached us, marking the conclusion of their talk. The thunder goddess looked at each of us before pausing at me, her gaze holding something I couldn't quite decipher.

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Within Raiden's lone left eye dwelled a profound emotion, suggesting some concealed truths and unspoken concerns about matters yet unknown to us.

After what felt like an eternity, the goddess diverted her focus away from me and redirected toward my parents. Though her demeanor remained stoic and unperturbed, a subtle turmoil seemed to simmer beneath the surface.

"Your Excellency, delighted to make your acquaintance," my father addressed Raiden with a respectful nod, acknowledging her presence with a mixture of reverence and anticipation.

The voice of the thunder goddess carried a weight that matched the gravity of her gaze as she spoke, "I appreciate your acceptance of the meeting for this afternoon, mortals. There are matters of importance that require your attention."

"But of course, we are at your service, Your Excellency," replied my father, his tone reflecting both readiness and deference.

Mother added her assent, her voice carrying a gentle determination. "Indeed, we are inclined to assist in any way we can."

Raiden nodded in acknowledgment before turning her attention back to me. "And as for you, young mortal, I must discuss something important with you as well."

I was taken aback and felt apprehensive upon hearing her address me directly. The weight of her words hung in the air, a prelude to a conversation that promised to unravel some secrets.

"What is it, Lady Raiden?" I inquired, my voice betraying a mix of curiosity and trepidation.

The goddess's lone eye bore into mine, holding a depth that appeared to penetrate through the layers of my being. "You'll find out as soon as we meet at your residence. This clearing is not the place for this significant revelation."

Understanding the seriousness of her words, I nodded silently, readying myself for whatever disclosures awaited me in the comfort of my home.

In response to my compliance, the thunder goddess turned away, leaving us with one more message, "Prepare yourselves, everyone. I'll be seeing you later."

"Yes, Your Excellency. We'll be waiting for your arrival," both of my parents echoed in unison, their voices tinged with a mixture of reverence and apprehension.

With those words, Raiden and Captain Sara departed, their strong presence lingering in the clearing, casting a veil of tension over the impending meeting. While uncertainty and tension obscured our minds, my parents instructed me and my brother to depart as well, leaving the empty and quiet clearing behind us.

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Upon reaching our residence, my parents wasted no time in making preparations. My father swiftly instructed our household attendants to ready the meeting hall, a space reserved for formal gatherings and discussions of importance.

The attendants moved with practiced efficiency, arranging luxurious cushions on the tatami floor, ensuring the room was impeccably clean, and lighting fragrant incense to set a serene ambiance befitting the arrival of a deity.

Meanwhile, my mother handled the arrangement of the refreshments, ensuring that various delicacies awaited our divine guest. Her attention to detail reflected her desire to extend the utmost hospitality to Raiden, the goddess whose existence required reverence and respect.

As for my brother and me, we did our best to assist in any way we could, albeit with slightly less expertise. First, we helped gather fresh flowers from my private garden, decorating the meeting room with their vibrant colors and sweet fragrance. Then I seized the opportunity to introduce a few treats from my past life, passing them off as new recipes to add an element of surprise to the offerings.

By the time our preparations reached completion, the meeting hall radiated an atmosphere of tranquility and refinement, organized to welcome the thunder goddess with the utmost respect and honor.

"Master Akihito, the visitors have arrived," announced one of the housekeepers, signaling the imminent appearance of our esteemed guests.

With a final glance around the meticulously prepared room, my family and I exchanged nods before proceeding to greet Raiden and her entourage.