Chapter 85

"This necklace can protect you at any time," Akio said. "Even against the attacks of an Archon, it can withstand three hits." 

"Against anything below an Archon, it can protect you for an hour," Akio continued. "As long as the Blazing Stone's shield is activated, whether by your will or not, I'll be able to sense your location and rush to your side immediately." 

"Huh?" ×2 

Not only Yoimiya, but even Kamisato Ayaka was shocked. When Akio had given her the necklace, he hadn't explained its true value. Who knew it was such a precious protective artifact! 

"Isn't this too valuable?" Yoimiya asked, and Kamisato Ayaka nodded in agreement. They hadn't given Akio anything of comparable worth, and they couldn't afford anything equivalent to the Blazing Stone. 

"Aren't you two my most precious treasures?" Akio said with a smile, looking at them. "These things aren't that valuable. They can't compare to the weight you hold in my heart." 

"Akio~" The two of them were deeply moved, their eyes misty as they gazed at him. Every move he made was so captivating! 

… 

At the Kamisato Estate. 

Kamisato Ayato found Thoma and asked with a dark expression, "Thoma, do you know where Ayaka went?" 

"Uh, if I remember correctly, the young lady went to see Miss Yoimiya yesterday," Thoma said, scratching his head. 

"Ugh!" Kamisato Ayato was visibly frustrated. Ever since his sister started dating Akio, she was rarely home! Although she was of marriageable age, this was too much! She wasn't even married yet! 

"My lord, if I may, you shouldn't be so upset," Thoma said, stretching lazily. "Since being with Akio, the young lady's mood has clearly improved. Isn't that what you wanted?" 

"Besides, you've often told me that you don't want the young lady to get too involved in the family's political affairs. Once she's in too deep, it'll be hard for her to get out," Thoma consoled. "But now you can rest easy. Akio is about to become a deity, Inazuma's new god. With him by her side, she has the strongest support. I doubt anyone would dare to have ill intentions toward the woman of a god." 

"That's all true! But it still makes me uncomfortable!" Kamisato Ayato said with a pained expression. He was usually a very composed person, but the thought of his sister smiling sweetly in another man's arms made him uneasy. 

"My lord, the young lady has grown up. It's time to let go," Thoma said, patting Kamisato Ayato's shoulder. Although Thoma was the housekeeper, he and Kamisato Ayato were good friends, and they didn't stand on ceremony. 

"If you ask me, it's time for you to find a wife too," Thoma said. "Having a capable woman to help you manage the family affairs wouldn't be bad, would it?" 

"That's easy to say, but I'm not ready yet," Kamisato Ayato shook his head. "Inazuma is in turmoil, the nation is tense, and the Kamisato Clan is in a precarious position. If someone with ill intentions tries to cause trouble, I'm afraid…" 

"We haven't betrayed the nation or colluded with the enemy. What do we have to fear? As the saying goes in Liyue, 'A straight foot is not afraid of a crooked shoe,'" Thoma said. "The only thing we've done is supply food to Watatsumi Island, and that was personally approved by Akio. Not only is it not a bad thing, it's a great achievement." 

"If you ask me, the ones who should be worried are the Tenryou Commission and the Kanjou Commission. According to our intelligence, they've been dealing with the Fatui and are suspected of treason." 

"Why don't we just tell Akio?" Thoma suggested. "That way, we can stop them from ruining Inazuma." 

"No, no," Kamisato Ayato shook his head. "We don't have concrete evidence yet. The Tenryou and Kanjou Commissions have covered their tracks too well! The Shuumatsuban hasn't been able to infiltrate them!" 

"If we hand this over to Akio without evidence, even he won't have enough reason to deal with those two commissions," Kamisato Ayato analyzed. "Not only would they not be brought to justice, but it might also damage Akio's impression of us." 

"I don't mind, but I can't let this affect Ayaka," Kamisato Ayato took a deep breath. Sometimes, caution was good, but in this situation, Kamisato Ayato had to think dozens of steps ahead with every move he made. He couldn't afford to make a mistake. 

"That's true," Thoma nodded. "Oh, by the way, my lord, did you know that Akio recently removed Hiiragi Shinsuke from the Kanjou Commission?" 

"Huh? I didn't know that. When did this happen?" Kamisato Ayato was surprised. The Kanjou Commission had been so wary of the Yashiro Commission that the Shuumatsuban couldn't even get into Ritou. 

"I have some connections in Ritou," Thoma said. "The merchants there told me." 

"A few days ago, it seems Miss Hiiragi Chisato invited Akio to the Kanjou Commission as a guest," Thoma explained. "During the banquet, Hiiragi Shinsuke must have angered Akio somehow. After Akio left, I heard that half of Hiiragi Shinsuke's face and one of his arms were crippled. He's still recovering." 

"Oh?" Kamisato Ayato's interest was piqued. "Didn't you meet Akio when we were transporting the grain? Didn't you tell him about the current grain prices?" 

"It seems Akio must have learned about the disgusting things the Kanjou Commission has been up to," Kamisato Ayato mused, stroking his chin. "But do you think Akio directly crippled him because he offended him?" 

"I know that guy. He's always been arrogant, abusing his power and acting like a local tyrant. He's forgotten his place," Kamisato Ayato said with a cold smile. "He must have said something disrespectful, right?" 

"He got what he deserved," Kamisato Ayato sneered. "It's a pity he wasn't killed!" 

"If Akio knew about his crimes and reported them to the Shogun," Thoma also sneered, "he'd be executed a hundred times over." 

"Their day will come," Kamisato Ayato said dismissively. "Poisoning the people and harming the nation's foundation—how many lives do they think they have to spare?" 

"Thoma, continue supplying grain to Watatsumi Island at the normal price," Kamisato Ayato instructed. "The next time you go, spread the word that it's Akio who allowed the grain supply. Also, gather more information about the current sentiments of the people on Watatsumi Island." 

"If they're well-fed and know who's behind this kindness, there shouldn't be many who want to rebel." 

"Got it!" Thoma nodded. "Though there might still be some with other ideas…" 

"They're just a mob. Without a god, they can't cause any real trouble," Kamisato Ayato waved his hand dismissively. He hoped those people would have some self-awareness and be careful of the divine blade. 

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