chapter 18

Chapter 18: Kamisato Ayato Can't Hold Back

"Yes... I misspoke!"

Kujo Sara quickly acknowledged her error. While she was fiercely loyal to General Raiden and devoted to Inazuma, she was ultimately a warrior—trained to lead troops into battle, not to serve others.

Compared to Kamisato Ayaka, the elegant "White Heron Princess," Sara's rough demeanor made her less suited for such a delicate role. Attempting to replace Ayaka in serving the gods might even backfire.

Yet, not being able to see General Raiden left Sara deeply unsettled.

"Also, from now on," Yae Miko added, "ensure meals are delivered to the two gods and the girl from the Kamisato family."

Although Su Ran might not need to eat, Kamisato Ayaka certainly did. Yae Miko doubted that the strange god would bother to take care of her needs.

"I understand!"

A spark of hope lit up in Kujo Sara's heart. Perhaps this was her chance to catch a glimpse of the General or, at the very least, ensure Ayaka's safety.

But Yae Miko, noticing her thoughts, quickly issued a stern warning.

"Remember, place the meals at the door of the top floor. Do not enter under any circumstances. If you do, and invoke the wrath of the gods, your entire Kujo family will pay the price."

It was rare for Yae Miko to speak so harshly, but these were exceptional times. With General Raiden's destruction, panic could easily spread if word got out. Inazuma was already on the brink of chaos—any further unrest could lead to disaster.

Sara, though frustrated, knew better than to defy orders. Yae Miko's authority was absolute, especially in the absence of the General.

---

Meanwhile, Yae Miko was burdened with a far greater concern: repairing Raiden Shogun's puppet.

Five hundred years ago, countless rare materials had been used to create the doll capable of carrying the Electro Archon's Gnosis. Thankfully, some of those materials were still stored at Narukami Shrine. If she acted quickly, there might still be a chance to restore the General.

As Yae Miko made her way back to the shrine, a familiar figure appeared in her path.

"Lady Yae," Kamisato Ayato called out, his tone calm but edged with urgency. "I heard my sister went with you to the castle tower to meet the gods."

The head of the Kamisato family, Kamisato Ayato, was known for his composure. But upon learning that Ayaka had followed Yae Miko to face the strange god in the castle tower, he could no longer remain still.

After General Raiden's defeat and subsequent silence, no one knew whether she was dead or alive. For Ayaka to put herself in such a dangerous position… it was unbearable.

Unfortunately, Ayato's journey from the Kamisato Estate to Inazuma Castle had taken too long. By the time he arrived, Yae Miko had already left the castle tower, and Ayaka was nowhere to be seen.

"Oh~ There's no helping it," Yae Miko said with a sly smile. "That little girl is quite charming to the Lord God, so she stayed behind. I must admit, I envy her."

"Ayaka… stayed inside?"

Ayato's gaze turned toward the towering castle. His first instinct was to rush inside, but he forced himself to stay calm. If he acted recklessly, it could jeopardize not only Ayaka's safety but all of Inazuma.

Yae Miko, noticing his inner turmoil, smirked.

"Look at it this way: if your sister can earn the favor of the gods, perhaps the Kamisato family's predicament will finally be resolved."

Her words stung. Ayato clenched his fists but remained silent.

"My sister is just an ordinary person," he finally said. "How could she possibly attract the attention of the gods?"

For once, Ayato had to admit that Yae Miko, as cunning and beautiful as she was, might be more captivating than Ayaka. Surely the gods wouldn't favor a mere mortal like his sister.

But Yae Miko only smiled enigmatically.

Her silence made Ayato uneasy. Could it be true?

"Speaking of which," Yae Miko added, her tone light but teasing, "the god even praised Ayaka's beauty. That's a compliment even I, the great Yae Miko, have never received."

Ayato froze, her words hitting him like a hammer.

Yae Miko's laughter echoed as she walked away, leaving Ayato standing in silent frustration.

---

Back at the shrine, Yae Miko's thoughts returned to her urgent task. The materials to repair the General's puppet were scarce, and time was of the essence. If the General wasn't restored soon, Inazuma's fragile peace could shatter.

But in the back of her mind, she couldn't help but be amused. Watching Ayato's composed facade crack, even for a moment, had been a small but satisfying distraction from the weight of her responsibilities.