"I've always disliked people playing tricks on me," Akio said calmly. "I don't want to get involved in the power games between your commissions, and I don't want him dragging me into them."
"Otherwise…" Akio didn't finish the sentence, but the implication was clear.
"I… I understand," Ayaka nodded with difficulty. The pressure emanating from Akio was overwhelming. She had once met the Shogun, and the oppressive aura he exuded now felt eerily similar.
"I believe your brother is a smart man and will make the right choice," Akio suddenly withdrew all his imposing presence.
"Now, Ayaka, is there anything else you wanted to discuss?" Akio asked.
"Yes," Ayaka quickly nodded. She had many things she wanted to ask Akio.
…
The two of them chatted in the reception room until noon, discussing various topics, including their views on Inazuma and some personal matters.
During the conversation, Ayaka gradually let go of her nervousness. She learned that Akio was also a deity, which explained why Lady Yae had directly appointed him as the Great Divine Official.
Moreover, as they talked, she realized that Akio was truly a gentle person.
"My lady, the banquet is ready," Thoma's voice came from outside.
"Perfect, I'm a bit hungry," Akio nodded.
"Then, Lord Akio, let's go eat," Ayaka stood up and followed Akio as they walked out together.
As expected of the Kamisato family, the banquet was of the highest standard, with an abundance of delicacies from land and sea.
"Is this sake?" After sitting down, Akio took a sip of the wine. It was bland and not to his liking.
"Huh? Does it not suit your taste?" Ayaka thought for a moment, then gritted her teeth and called Thoma over. "Thoma, take the sake away. I remember my brother has some fine liquor in the wine cellar. Bring it out."
"Ah? My lady…" Thoma was momentarily stunned, then his expression turned strange. If Akio wanted to drink strong liquor, Ayaka would have to accompany him. But the young lady had never drunk strong liquor before! With such a high alcohol content, if she got drunk, wouldn't the head of the family kill him when he returned?
"It's fine, Thoma. Go get it," Ayaka said firmly.
"Alright, Lord Akio, please wait a moment," Thoma said with a pained expression, then went to fetch the wine.
Before long, Thoma returned with the fine liquor. Ayaka took it and poured a glass for Akio.
"Hmm~ This aroma is rich. It's good wine!" Akio nodded. As expected of Kamisato Ayato's private collection.
"Since Lord Akio likes it, Thoma, prepare four bottles for him," Ayaka said.
"???" Thoma was on the verge of tears. He had just brought five bottles. My lady, the head of the family only has five bottles left! If you give away four, won't he be furious?
"Cough, cough…" Ayaka imitated Akio and took a sip of the strong liquor. Instantly, the spicy taste filled her mouth, making her cough.
"Ayaka, have you never drunk liquor before?" Akio asked.
"Lord Akio, please don't laugh. I've had sake before, but this is my first time drinking such strong liquor," Ayaka said, her fair cheeks now tinged with a faint blush, likely due to the alcohol.
"Ayaka, you don't have to force yourself. You can stick to sake," Akio said.
"It's fine, Lord Akio," Ayaka shook her head firmly. "There's always a first time for everything. I need to learn to accept these things."
"Alright then," hearing Ayaka's determination, Akio didn't try to dissuade her. In fact, he was curious to see what Ayaka would be like when drunk.
As they ate and chatted, Ayaka ended up drinking quite a bit. Her alcohol tolerance wasn't bad; most girls wouldn't be able to handle this much.
"Ayaka, you're a bit drunk," Akio looked at the young lady before him. Her fair skin had turned a delicate pink from the alcohol, and because she felt hot, she had undone the first button of her collar.
Her snow-white collarbone was exquisitely delicate, making one want to kiss it. Her beautiful face now wore a tipsy expression.
"Lord Akio~ I'm fine, just a little dizzy," Ayaka shook her head stubbornly.
"Hmm, Ayaka, do you know what's a common trait of drunk people?" Akio smiled.
"Huh? Wh… what trait?" Ayaka opened her watery eyes wide, curious.
"It's exactly what you're doing now—being stubborn," Akio laughed. A drunk Ayaka was really adorable!
"Ah?" Ayaka quickly waved her hand. "Lord Akio! You're so mean! I'm not drunk!"
"Mhm, mhm! Yes, yes! You're not drunk, just a little dizzy," Akio nodded with a smile.
"I can still drink!" The competitive young lady poured herself another glass and then… downed it in one go!
"…" Akio's mouth twitched slightly. Wow, Ayaka was really letting loose.
"Lord Akio, look! I finished it. I'm not drunk," Ayaka swayed slightly as she held up her empty glass, speaking proudly.
"Impressive!" Akio nodded in acknowledgment.
"Hehehe," Ayaka giggled.
Oh no, she was really out of it now. She was even starting to giggle foolishly.
Checking the time, Akio said, "It's getting late, Ayaka. Thank you for your hospitality today. I'll take my leave now."
"Huh? You're leaving already?" Ayaka, who had never felt so relaxed before, said with a hint of reluctance, "Then let me see you off."
With that, Ayaka stood up unsteadily.
"Ayaka, maybe you should rest. I can leave on my own," Akio advised.
"No, no! I have to see you off," Ayaka insisted firmly.
"Alright," Akio couldn't dissuade her. He picked up the fine liquor to take back for Yae Miko to try the Kamisato family's collection.
After walking a few steps, Ayaka's drunkenness hit her hard. Her legs gave way, and she stumbled toward Akio.
"!" Akio quickly caught Ayaka before she could fall.
The two of them were now face to face, and Akio could feel Ayaka's warm, alcohol-laced breath.
"…"
"…"
Ayaka stared blankly at the incredibly handsome face before her, her breathing gradually quickening. She had never felt such a warm embrace before, and Akio perfectly matched the image she had once fantasized about.
Akio was also stunned, looking at the beauty in his arms. How could he not like Kamisato Ayaka? In his past life, he had been a huge fan of hers.
Now, the woman he had once dreamed of was in his arms, and her drunken state added a unique charm that made Akio's heart tremble.
The atmosphere between them instantly heated up.
"Mmm~" Ayaka actually closed her eyes, and her small hands quietly reached up to Akio's waist.
"!" Seeing the beauty in his arms so willing, Akio, also feeling the effects of the alcohol, slowly leaned down.
A/n - 100 Powerstones guys plz