"Come on, I know you too well," Kenzaburou said, shaking his head.
"You should let it go, Shinjuku. I'm not saying this as just a friend," Kenzaburou sighed. He was well aware of Shinjuku's feelings for Hiiragi Chisato.
"First of all, we're just lowly guards of the Kanjou Commission. Akio? He's Inazuma's new deity. The Divine Coronation Ceremony is about to take place. He's on par with the Shogun," Kenzaburou explained.
"We're just mortals. We shouldn't even think about competing with a god. Otherwise, even our deaths would go unnoticed."
"I'm not trying to compete. Even without Lord Akio, I probably wouldn't have the courage to confess my feelings to the young lady," Shinjuku nodded. He was just a minor official in the Kanjou Commission. What right did he have to express his feelings to the daughter of the Hiiragi clan?
"As long as you understand. Some things are beyond our reach," Kenzaburou nodded. He didn't want his friend to get caught up in something dangerous, or even life-threatening. After all, as the daughter of the Kanjou Commission, Chisato's every move was watched by countless people.
These were all powerful figures. If Shinjuku got involved, he'd be devoured without a trace.
"I know," Shinjuku nodded. He understood all too well.
...
"Young lady, Lord Akio! We've arrived at the Kanjou Commission," Shinjuku called out as the carriage came to a halt.
Chisato, who had been chatting happily with Akio, quickly said, "Lord Akio, we're here. Please, come."
"Alright," Akio nodded.
Chisato stepped out first and held the carriage curtain open for Akio.
As Akio stepped out, he looked at the opulent Kanjou Commission building and couldn't help but sneer inwardly.
The people of Ritou who saw Chisato holding the curtain for Akio were shocked. This was the daughter of the Kanjou Commission! Who was this man in the carriage to receive such treatment?
As Chisato led Akio into the Kanjou Commission, she stopped a maid and asked, "Is my father here?"
"Miss, the master left early this morning and hasn't returned yet," the maid replied.
"I see. Go prepare the highest standard banquet. I'm hosting a most distinguished guest," Chisato instructed.
"Understood, miss," the maid nodded and hurried off to make the arrangements.
"Chisato, why don't you show me around the Kanjou Commission?" Akio suggested.
"Of course, Lord Akio. This way, please," Chisato led Akio on a tour of the entire Kanjou Commission.
Not long after, a white-haired figure hurried into the building.
It was Hiiragi Shinsuke. He had been in Ritou to oversee the collection of fees when a servant rushed to inform him that his daughter had brought a young man home. He had hurried back immediately.
"Where's Chisato?" Shinsuke grabbed a maid and asked.
"Master, the young lady just finished showing the guest around the Kanjou Commission. They seem to be... in her room now," the maid quickly replied. "The banquet is ready. The young lady is preparing to host the guest."
"..." Shinsuke took a deep breath. Bringing a man into her private chambers? What was this foolish girl thinking?
He quickly made his way to Chisato's room. Hearing her cheerful laughter from inside, his face darkened further.
Knock knock knock. Shinsuke rapped on the door.
"Who is it?" Chisato's voice called out.
"Chisato, it's me," Shinsuke said, trying to suppress his anger.
"Ah! Father," Chisato quickly got up and opened the door.
"Father, weren't you out?" Chisato asked in surprise.
"If I hadn't come back, you'd have embarrassed yourself," Shinsuke glared at Chisato and stepped inside. "Where is this boy? I'd like to see who's so bold as to enter my daughter's room."
When he saw Akio, the familiar attire and face made Shinsuke freeze. He had seen Akio before—the young man who had sat beside the Shogun during the duel before the throne.
Moreover, Shinsuke knew that this young man was about to become Inazuma's new deity. He had been planning how to invite Akio over these past few days.
"Oh? From the tone of the Kanjou Commissioner, it seems I've been too bold in entering your daughter's room. Should I expect to be beaten to death?" Akio took a sip of tea and asked calmly.
"Haha... Lord Akio, you jest. How would I dare..." Shinsuke wiped the sweat from his forehead and forced a smile.
"Your presence here brings great honor to the Kanjou Commission," Shinsuke quickly added.
"Great honor? Hmph..." Akio sneered but said nothing more.
"Ah, Lord Akio, the maid just informed me that the banquet is ready. It's late, and you must be hungry. Let's go eat," Chisato quickly intervened, trying to lighten the mood.
Akio nodded and stood up, following Chisato out. Chisato gestured for Shinsuke to follow as well.
It had to be admitted—the Kanjou Commission was indeed wealthy. The highest standard banquet was a lavish spread, with delicacies from land and sea covering the entire table. It was extravagance at its finest.
"Lord Akio, thank you for gracing the Kanjou Commission with your presence. I'd like to propose a toast," Shinsuke raised his glass and smiled at Akio.
"I came to the Kanjou Commission at Chisato's invitation. The Kanjou Commission itself doesn't have the face to make me grace it with my presence," Akio didn't hold back in his disdain for Shinsuke. Faced with such a scoundrel, he saw no reason to be polite. Besides, did a god need to show respect to a mortal?
"..." Shinsuke's hand holding the glass froze, and a flicker of anger crossed his face.
"Ah, it's all the same," Chisato quickly interjected, trying to smooth things over. "Let's eat. There's no need for so many formalities. Lord Akio is my friend. We don't need to stand on ceremony."
Akio paid no attention to Shinsuke's feelings. He ate and chatted with Chisato, leaving Shinsuke on the sidelines. Chisato gave her father an apologetic look.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Shinsuke adjusted his emotions and said to Akio, "Lord Akio... you're about to ascend to godhood. The Tri-Commission is the administrative body under the gods. We hope to receive your guidance in the future."
"The Kanjou Commission will stand with you."
"Hiiragi Shinsuke, don't try to cozy up to me," Akio didn't even look at Shinsuke, his tone cold. "I'll make it clear to you. Aside from Chisato, I have no fondness for the Kanjou Commission. You have no right to stand with me."
When Chisato heard Akio say he liked her, she was initially overjoyed. But she was puzzled as to why Akio harbored such animosity toward the Kanjou Commission.
"Lord Akio, the Kanjou Commission oversees Inazuma's diplomacy and economy. We are the lifeblood of the nation. We can provide significant support in helping you establish your footing," Shinsuke said, forcing a smile despite the anger burning inside him.
A/N: Enjoying the story? Read 40+ chapters ahead on Patreon! Your support helps: Patreon.com/nneol
and two extra chapter at 100 Powerstones