The next morning, Akio woke up feeling refreshed and stretched lazily. He turned to look at Yae Miko, who was still sound asleep. Her stunning face still carried a faint blush—last night had been wild!
"Well, well, had a good time last night?" Kitsune Saiguu's teasing voice came from beside him as soon as he stepped out the door.
Akio looked over to see Kitsune Saiguu sitting in a chair, smoking, and grinning mischievously at him.
"Of course," Akio replied without a hint of embarrassment. He walked over and sat down beside her.
"You've got a strong body, little man," Kitsune Saiguu remarked, eyeing Akio's muscular chest visible through his pajamas. She reached out and poked him.
"Are you a pervert?" Akio asked, eyeing her warily. Did she just touch him?
"Hehehe," Kitsune Saiguu chuckled, sounding like a shameless flirt.
"Kitsune Saiguu, what are you doing to my man?" Yae Miko's voice rang out. "If you like Akio, just say so. He'll take you in tonight."
"Too fast, too fast!" Kitsune Saiguu quickly shook her head. While she did have a soft spot for Akio, the idea of giving herself to him so quickly still made her hesitate.
"See, Akio? She's just a heartless woman who plays with people's feelings," Yae Miko said, trying to stir the pot.
"Hey, hey, Miko, don't go ruining our relationship," Kitsune Saiguu glared at Yae Miko. This little fox was truly devious.
"Oh, by the way, I almost forgot something," Kitsune Saiguu suddenly remembered, turning to Akio and Yae Miko.
"The Tenshukaku just sent word. A mortal with an Electro Vision has challenged Ei to a duel before the throne," Kitsune Saiguu explained.
"Tomorrow morning, he'll face the current General of the Tenryou Commission, Kujou Sara, in front of the Statue of the Omnipresent God."
"Ei has invited Akio to watch the duel."
"A duel before the throne?" Akio rubbed his chin. It must be Kaedehara Kazuha's friend, the brave soul who sacrificed himself to resist the Vision Hunt Decree.
"Alright, I'll be there tomorrow," Akio nodded. "I'd like to see the courage of a mortal who dares to face a god."
"Mortals are as insignificant as ants, yet he dares to stand before a god. Such willpower is truly commendable," Yae Miko said, sounding surprised.
"Akio, I'll go with you tomorrow."
"Then let's all go together," Kitsune Saiguu agreed. She, too, was curious about what could give a mortal the courage to face a god.
"Lord Akio!" At that moment, Kuki Miyuki approached, addressing Akio.
"Miyuki, what is it?" Akio asked.
"Lord Akio, Thoma, the housekeeper of the Kamisato family, has requested an audience with you," Miyuki explained. "He also mentioned that the Kamisato family would like to invite you as a guest."
"Oh? The Kamisato family?" Akio was taken aback. They're already reaching out this quickly?
"That Kamisato boy sure is quick with his intelligence gathering," Yae Miko said with a hint of annoyance.
"Miyuki, did this Thoma mention who specifically is inviting Akio?" Yae Miko asked.
"No," Miyuki shook her head.
"Hmph!" Yae Miko snorted lightly, turning to Akio. "Akio, if it's Kamisato Ayato, don't trust him too much. He may seem gentle and kind on the surface, but who knows what he's scheming behind the scenes."
"Don't worry," Akio nodded and stood up. "Since the Kamisato family is paying a visit, it wouldn't be proper for me, as the Great Divine Official, to refuse. I'll go."
"Alright," Yae Miko nodded.
"Miyuki, let's go," Akio said, following Miyuki to the reception room.
Along the way, Miyuki kept sneaking glances at Akio.
"Miyuki, if you want to look, just do it openly," Akio said, amused.
"Mmm~" Miyuki, realizing she'd been caught, blushed furiously and quickened her pace without saying a word.
Soon, they arrived outside the reception room.
"Lord Akio, we're here. Thoma is inside," Miyuki whispered.
"Alright, you can go now," Akio said, pinching Miyuki's cheek before pushing the door open and walking in.
"Huh?" Miyuki touched the spot where Akio had pinched her, feeling dazed. That was such an intimate gesture from Lord Akio.
Wah~ Lord Akio pinched my cheek! I'm never washing my face again! Miyuki's mind was in a whirl, so much so that she didn't even hear Kano Nana calling her from nearby.
Unaware of the deep impression he'd left on Miyuki, Akio now focused on the blond young man in front of him.
"You're Thoma?" Akio asked, sizing up the housekeeper whom even Kujou Sara had praised.
"You must be Lord Akio," Thoma stood up and bowed respectfully. "I apologize for the sudden visit. I hope you can forgive my rudeness."
"I heard the Kamisato family wanted to see me?" Akio asked as he sat down.
"Yes," Thoma nodded.
"Who exactly wants to see me? Kamisato Ayato or Kamisato Ayaka?" Akio asked calmly.
"It's Lady Ayaka. She wishes to invite you to a private dinner," Thoma explained. "Would you be available today? Lady Ayaka has already prepared the feast and hopes you'll honor her with your presence."
Akio was puzzled. Why was it Kamisato Ayaka? He had expected Kamisato Ayato to test him and had even prepared to show the Kamisato family a glimpse of his divine power to deter any schemes.
Kamisato Ayato was known for his cunning, orchestrating events across Inazuma.
In the game, he and Yae Miko had plotted together to manipulate the entire nation.
However, Akio despised being manipulated.
He had planned to demonstrate his divine might to ensure Ayato wouldn't try to scheme against him. But he hadn't expected Kamisato Ayaka to invite him privately. Now, he was curious to see what this was all about.
"Alright," Akio nodded. "In that case, where is Lady Ayaka?"
"She's already prepared everything at the Kamisato Estate," Thoma said quickly, surprised that Akio had agreed.
"Below Chinju Forest?" Akio nodded. "Let's go then."
"Lord Akio, this way," Thoma began to lead, but Akio stopped him.
Thoma looked at Akio, confused.
"This will take too long. We'll go directly," Akio said as golden spatial energy enveloped Thoma, and the two disappeared.
In the next moment, Thoma was shocked to find himself and Akio standing outside the Kamisato Estate.
This is terrifying! Such power! Thoma stared at Akio in awe.
"Just a little trick," Akio said with a faint smile.
"Who goes there!" The Kamisato guards, seeing the two appear out of nowhere, immediately raised their weapons in alarm.
"It's me, Thoma!" Thoma quickly stepped forward. "Lower your weapons! This is the Great Divine Official of the Grand Narukami Shrine! Show some respect!"
A/n - 50 Powerstones for one extra chapter :)