Chapter 23

As Bai Luo had anticipated, the rumors about his relationship with Kujou Sara spread like wildfire throughout Inazuma City overnight.

Even the elderly who rarely ventured out of the city's outskirts had heard some of the gossip.

At first, people treated it as mere hearsay.

After all, it was hard to imagine the stern and impartial Kujou Sara being romantically involved with anyone.

The residents of Inazuma couldn't even picture the usually stoic Kujou Sara standing meekly beside a man.

Even though many people in the town streets and Hanamizaka had seen Kujou Sara standing next to a stranger, it didn't necessarily mean anything.

Until...

Someone from Uyuu Restaurant accidentally let slip a few details.

For instance, Kujou Sara had once affectionately eaten tri-colored dango handed to her by that man.

Everyone in Inazuma knew that Kujou Sara disliked sweets.

Additionally, the head of the Kujou family, Kujou Takayuki, had hosted a banquet at Uyuu Restaurant that very evening, reportedly to entertain that man.

Unfortunately, the man seemed to have stood Kujou Sara up.

Many initially thought Kujou Takayuki would be furious at such disrespect.

But instead, Kujou Takayuki smiled warmly and even remarked that young people could be a bit willful at times.

Wait... what?

The stern Kujou Takayuki had shown such a side?

Could it be...?

This almost fatherly attitude toward the man made more and more people believe the rumors.

In truth, if someone had simply asked Kujou Sara herself, the rumors could have been easily dispelled.

However, Kujou Sara's reputation for being strict and impartial meant that few dared to approach her about it.

Some didn't even dare mention it in her presence.

The only ones who knew the truth, the Kujou family, had been explicitly ordered by Kujou Takayuki to keep quiet.

In fact, Kujou Takayuki was even more eager than Bai Luo to see this rumor spread. If the two really ended up together... he, as a "traitor" who had allied with the Fatui, stood to gain significant benefits.

When he had taken in Kujou Sara all those years ago, it wasn't out of compassion.

Humans didn't care for youkai, after all.

Even if the tengu were benevolent spirits that protected the mountains, humans wouldn't show them any pity.

His primary motive had been to use this tengu, who possessed a Vision, to create more advantages for him within the Shogunate.

And he had bet correctly.

Kujou Sara had performed exceptionally well, even becoming a trusted aide to the Raiden Shogun.

The Kujou family had also gained considerable influence as a result.

Now, he needed Kujou Sara to create new benefits for him.

He didn't even consider what would happen to his innocent adopted daughter if his conspiracy with the Fatui were exposed.

In recent years, the Raiden Shogun had become increasingly merciless.

While the rumors continued to spread, something else was happening far from Inazuma City.

...

Across Inazuma's territory, most matters that didn't reach the Raiden Shogun's attention were handled by the Tri-Commission.

The Tri-Commission's authority was divided among three families, known as the Three Commissions: the Yashiro Commission, the Tenryou Commission, and the Kanjou Commission.

The families that held these positions were the Kamisato, Kujou, and Hiiragi clans.

They were the three most prominent families in Inazuma, known to all.

And Kamisato Ayaka, the eldest daughter of the Kamisato Clan, was the renowned "White Heron Princess."

When asked why she was called the White Heron Princess, the people of Inazuma had various explanations.

"Because Lady Ayaka is as elegant and pure as a white heron. Just look at her delicate beauty and her graceful speech. Doesn't she deserve the title of princess?"

"Lady Ayaka, despite her noble status, is always polite and kind to us. She has a benevolent heart and is always willing to lend a hand. Did you know? It was she who pushed to take in Thoma, a commoner, despite opposition."

Opinions varied, but no one could pinpoint the exact origin of the title "White Heron Princess."

However, it was clear that she was deeply beloved by the people.

Although she was the face of the Kamisato Clan, she wasn't the one in charge of its affairs.

As the famous White Heron Princess, she primarily appeared in public to uphold the Kamisato Clan's image.

With her dignified, graceful, and courteous demeanor, Kamisato Ayaka had secured a place for herself in various social settings.

Whether negotiating with potential partners or dealing with troublesome nobles, she always conducted herself impeccably.

As for political matters, they were entirely handled by the current head of the Kamisato Clan, Kamisato Ayato, Ayaka's older brother.

When no one was around, Kamisato Ayaka finally let down her guard and allowed herself a rare moment of relaxation.

Walking along the corridors of the Kamisato Estate, she didn't forget to arrange the snacks on her tray neatly.

These were treats she had made in her spare time.

Normally, Thoma would be the one to taste and evaluate her creations.

But Thoma had been sent away by her brother on a mission, and she was afraid her cooking might poison the servants.

So...

"Brother, I made some snacks. Would you like to try them?"

Entering the study where Kamisato Ayato was handling official business, Kamisato Ayaka closed the door behind her and spoke softly.

The hand holding Ayato's brush visibly trembled.

"Ah, Ayaka. Come in, have a seat."

Glancing at the snacks on his sister's tray, Kamisato Ayato felt a mix of apprehension and panic.

It wasn't that Kamisato Ayaka was a bad cook.

When it came to normal dishes, she was quite capable.

But the young lady had a tendency to experiment, creating strange concoctions.

Sometimes, she even managed to blow up the kitchen.

Normally, this wouldn't be a problem, as Thoma could handle even the most charred creations.

But Thoma had been sent to Ritou to gather intelligence and hadn't returned yet.

Could it be...?

"Brother, what's this..."

Placing the snacks on a small table nearby, Kamisato Ayaka's attention was quickly drawn to a list of names on the desk.

Seeing something had caught his sister's interest, Kamisato Ayato decided to seize the opportunity.

"Have you heard of Master Masakatsu?"

Casually sliding the list toward his sister, Kamisato Ayato asked.

Even though his sister had previously stated she wouldn't involve herself in political matters, he still shared certain things with her.

As her brother, he was well aware of her talents in certain areas.

"The craftsman from Hanamizaka?"

Taking out her folding fan and gently covering her mouth, Kamisato Ayaka responded with a hint of curiosity.

The fan, typically used for cooling, had become a symbol of grace and restraint among the nobility.

Kamisato Ayaka had mastered its use, even incorporating it into her combat techniques.

The White Heron Princess's dance was undoubtedly beautiful, but beneath that elegance lay a cold, wintry edge.

"Exactly, the craftsman from Hanamizaka. I've obtained some interesting things from him."