"Lord Akio, I… I'm a bit tongue-tied right now, and I might not express myself well, but I want to say that I like you, I really like you," Kamisato Ayaka said, her eyes glistening like water.
"I originally wanted to tell you later, but my heart told me I didn't want to wait any longer."
She took Akio's hand and placed it on her warm chest. "Actually, I don't understand it myself. It was our first meeting, but my heart gave me this thumping hint. If I hadn't held it back, it would have promised you a thousand stars."
"I've read in light novels that love at first sight isn't real, but today I want to refute that. It turns out that love at first sight truly exists. I've seen the stars and the waves, the moonlight and the sunset. But even a fraction of their beauty pales in comparison to your smile," Ayaka poured out her heart, her tone becoming lighter.
"It's a bit cold, isn't it? It seems the night breeze is more eager to embrace you than I am. Please come closer, don't let the breeze take advantage."
Akio hadn't expected Ayaka to muster the courage to say such touching words. Not responding to the girl's feelings would make him a bad man! He pulled the emotional girl into his arms.
"Mmm~" As she was embraced, Ayaka's perfect face filled with contentment. He had responded to her feelings.
"!!!"
Just as Ayaka confessed and the two embraced, two figures outside witnessed everything.
"Huff… huff…" Kamisato Ayato's expression was on the verge of collapsing. His precious cabbage had been taken by a pig—a divine pig, no less!
Thoma, seeing Ayato's clenched jaw, patted his shoulder and comforted him, "Master, don't look! Lady Ayaka and Lord Akio are clearly in love, and Lord Akio is the new god. Lady Ayaka will be happy."
"Stop peeking, or Lady Ayaka might get angry with you," Thoma said, pulling Ayato away.
The two walked a short distance from the Kamisato Estate. Feeling the cool moonlight on his face, Ayato could no longer contain his grief and frustration. He let out a mournful cry, "No~"
…
After a long while, Akio gently released Ayaka.
Ayaka's eyes were soft and tender. For a young girl experiencing her first love, being able to fall into the arms of the one she loved was an immense happiness.
"Dear Akio," the girl called out sweetly, her voice like honey, making Akio's heart feel warm.
Their hands were tightly clasped, and their hearts were gradually drawing closer. Just as the atmosphere was heating up…
A loud clatter came from nearby, as if something had fallen.
Akio's gaze shifted. It was Kaedehara Kazuha. He had been so shocked by Ayaka's confession that he accidentally knocked over a bottle in the room.
Following Akio's gaze, Ayaka's expression suddenly turned pale. She had been so engrossed that she had forgotten the Kamisato family was harboring a wanted criminal.
If Akio found out, wouldn't it be a disaster? Given Akio's actions, he was undoubtedly on the Shogun's side. If he discovered Kazuha, Kazuha would be arrested, and what would happen to her relationship with Akio?
"Akio, it's probably just a small object that fell. It's nothing. I'll have a servant clean it up later. I'm a bit hungry, let's go eat," Ayaka said, forcing a smile as she held Akio's hand.
"Alright," Akio nodded. "But before that, Ayaka, wait a moment."
With that, Akio reached out, and with a surprised cry, Kazuha was pulled out of the room by a golden energy hand.
"!" He had discovered him! Ayaka's face turned pale as she watched Kazuha struggle against the restraints. She didn't dare imagine the consequences, but at this moment, she couldn't speak.
"Well, isn't this the wanted criminal who stole a Vision in front of the Shogun?" Akio said with a light laugh. "No wonder the Tenryou Commission couldn't find you. Turns out you were being sheltered by the Yashiro Commission."
"Since you've discovered me, do as you will. Kill me or punish me, I'm at your mercy," Kazuha said, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. Indeed, before a god, he was far too weak.
"You're a man of courage," Akio praised. "Now, I ask you, do you hold any resentment toward the Shogun for killing your friend?"
Hearing Akio's words, Kazuha clenched his fists. He shook his head and said, "I don't know!"
Having just experienced the death of his friend, he hadn't had time to think. Perhaps he wasn't as detached as he seemed, and he still blamed the Raiden Shogun for his friend's death.
"Ayaka, tell me honestly. How did the Yashiro Commission plan to handle Kaedehara Kazuha?" Akio suddenly turned to Ayaka and asked.
"I'm sorry… Akio, we… we planned to have him leave Inazuma with the Crux Fleet," Ayaka said, lowering her head. She didn't dare lie to Akio.
"As the Yashiro Commission, you've openly sheltered a wanted criminal. I'd like to ask your brother if he knows the consequences of this being discovered," Akio said, gently patting Ayaka's head, his tone cold.
Fortunately, it was he who had discovered this. If Kujou Sara had found out and reported it to the Shogun, the Yashiro Commission would be stripped of its authority, and no one would escape punishment.
Ayato had been working tirelessly to maintain the Kamisato family's peace, but he hadn't been careful in this matter?
"This is entirely my fault. Please, Lord Akio, do not punish others for my actions," Kazuha said through gritted teeth. "I am willing to go to Tenshukaku and confess my crimes. Please spare the Kamisato family."
"When did I say I would punish you?" Akio's calm voice came through. Ayaka and Kazuha looked at him in shock. This was Inazuma's new god. Would he really ignore such a crime?
"To be honest, I also think the Shogun's Sakoku Decree is problematic, but I have no reason to change her will," Akio explained with a faint smile. "You are her people. It's up to you to prove her will wrong."
"Human will may be small, but as your friend said, when the will of many gathers, there is a chance to overcome the will of a god," Akio said. "You and your friend are the first step in resisting the Shogun's will, representing the awakening of human will."
"So, I'll give you a chance. Let me see how far human will can go," Akio said, releasing Kazuha. "Let me see if you can bring a new dawn to Inazuma."
"Thank you, Lord Akio!" Kazuha said, overjoyed, and quickly bowed in gratitude.
A/n - 300 Powerstones for one extra chapter :)