…Tsubaki?
Who is that?
Hearing Ayaka's words, she couldn't help but search her memories, recalling the days she spent with Kayo and the acquaintances mentioned back then—but the name brought no recollection. In other words… Ayaka's mother had never spoken of this person before. Not only Ayaka—even she herself found the name unfamiliar.
"So even the Shogun does not know… Mother never once mentioned this name to us."
Seeing Ayaka's faintly bewildered expression, the Shogun sighed softly in understanding.
"This 'Tsubaki'… what of her? Why are you looking for her?"
She turned slightly, asking curiously.
"Actually… a few days ago, I found one of Mother's old notebooks among some keepsakes. Inside were many of her daily notes."
Ayaka slowly unfolded the folding fan in her hand. Instead of hiding her face behind it, she held it delicately before her, her fingers brushing over the camellia pattern painted on its surface.
Her fingertips came to rest upon a petal, and she raised her gaze to meet the Shogun's eyes.
"In it, there was a name I had never heard before—but it appeared so frequently, it was impossible not to take notice."
"That name… was it this 'Tsubaki'?"
She asked softly.
"Yes…" Ayaka replied in a quiet voice.
"I see… so that's why you were looking through the Kamisato family's old photo albums—to try and recognize her?"
"Yes. Although my parents have long passed away, my brother and I still remember most of the people who once associated with them."
"But this Miss Tsubaki—I truly have no impression of her. I thought perhaps if I looked through our old photo albums, I might find a face I didn't recognize… and maybe that would be her."
As she explained, Ayaka once again flipped gently through the album before them. The delicate rustle of turning pages filled the air between them.
"…You care about her that much?"
If you find her, then what? Lowering her gaze to watch the fair, slender hand turning the pages, the Shogun looked again toward the girl's face.
"Yes… I actually wish to meet her."
Ayaka answered softly. After all, this was one of her mother's old friends—she wondered how that person was doing now.
"The notebook said… this Miss Tsubaki was someone Mother valued deeply. She had a strong personality, and loved to have fun."
Strong personality… loved fun?
The Shogun frowned slightly. Why did that sound so familiar?
Come to think of it… wasn't Kamisato Kayo herself that kind of person? The Shogun thought with mixed feelings.
Though she had always been serious in official matters, in private Kayo had been a mischievous and playful soul. They had known each other even before Ayaka was born, and the Shogun remembered her temperament well—similar to Ayaka's, yet far more mischievous… even with a little devilish streak.
"But… I've already gone through this album several times. I can name most of the people in it. While there are indeed some I don't recognize, they're all men. And 'Tsubaki' is generally a woman's name."
Ayaka frowned slightly in frustration.
"Could it be a man in disguise?" the Shogun asked.
"Well… that's possible, I suppose. But even so, such a thing would be rather rare, don't you think, Shogun?"
"…Indeed."
That made sense. There was no reason for anyone to go to such lengths—unless this Tsubaki had been Kayo's confidant, a secret friend she had never mentioned to others. But… why would she keep it a secret?
"Other than that… is there any other clue?" she asked, growing intrigued herself.
"…There is one more, something quite direct. The notebook actually listed her address. But before meeting her, I prefer to gather what information I can in advance. It's just… my habit."
Ayaka gave her a small, slightly embarrassed smile.
"…Occupational hazard~?" the Shogun asked, suppressing a chuckle.
"Hehe… you could say that. Forgive me for letting you see such a side of me."
Ayaka hid her blushing face behind her fan, her smile tinged with sweetness.
"It's fine… I have my own," the Shogun replied, brushing a lock of her violet hair between her fingers.
Indeed—after all, handling Inazuma's affairs day after day, it was only natural to develop a few peculiar habits. Like how her first instinct upon meeting someone new was to read their mind—or how, before reading a newspaper or any kind of document, she always had to neatly stack the pages together first.
"Pfft… well, the feeling is mutual. In such cases, it's always best to meet directly—hmm, perhaps we should also bring a few gifts for the occasion."
As she said this, Ayaka glanced meaningfully at the violet-haired beauty beside her, a charming smile tugging at her lips before she continued,
"So then… might I trouble the Shogun to accompany me on this little trip~?"
"Phew… are you asking me to go incognito?" she asked with a faint sigh.
"Indeed~"
"You had this planned from the start, didn't you?" The Shogun half-lidded her eyes in playful suspicion.
"Hehe… have I been found out~?"
Ayaka giggled mischievously, covering her face behind her fan.
"Phew… I really can't refuse you," the Shogun murmured fondly, gently brushing a fingertip across the girl's nose.
Then she stood, reaching for the violet oil-paper parasol resting on the tatami. She opened it gracefully, resting the handle lightly against her shoulder—like an ethereal goddess descending to the mortal realm. Her beautiful violet eyes shimmered with a crystalline, dreamy glow filled with tenderness.
"Very well… besides, it was with this very vessel that I raised you, wasn't it?"
"!"
Ayaka's cheeks flushed softly, her smile blooming with happiness. She rose to her feet and drew close, looping her arm around the Shogun's, looking up at her with a gentle grin.
"Then shall we go, Shogun~?"
"Mm… yes, let's."
The moment Ayaka's arm slipped around hers, the Shogun stiffened slightly—caught off guard for just an instant. Her usually composed face softened, a hint of confusion flickering across it, her eyes narrowing faintly as though shy.
She took a small step outward to create a little distance, but Ayaka seemed to sense it immediately and leaned closer again, closing the gap once more.
The Shogun was a head taller than Ayaka; standing side by side, they made an elegant pair. With only a slight tilt of her head, Ayaka could easily rest against the Shogun's slender neck.
Phew… really now… this child is far more forward in such matters than she is.
The Shogun felt a few loose strands of Ayaka's hair brushing lightly against her neck, tickling her skin and sending a shiver down her spine. She instinctively wanted to move away, but, thinking of Ayaka's feelings, she stayed still. Forget it… perhaps it wasn't intentional.
A few minutes later, the two slipped on their shoes and left the Kamisato Estate, stepping side by side into the lively streets of Hanamizaka.
At first, Ayaka remained affectionately linked to her arm, but once outside, she quietly let go—after all, it wouldn't do to draw attention. Besides, she could tell that the woman beside her was adorably… a little flustered.
Most of the townsfolk's gazes naturally turned toward them—some on Ayaka, others on the unfamiliar beauty walking beside her. They didn't know she was the Raiden Shogun herself, but her breathtaking beauty was unmistakable. To see someone matching the White Heron Princess in elegance was a rare sight indeed. Many likely assumed she was Ayaka's close friend—a noble lady of the Shogunate, perhaps a daughter of some high official.
Well… in a way, that wasn't entirely wrong. The Shogun was, after all, the daughter of Beelzebul—Raiden Ei's child.
Phew… the whole point of wearing casual attire had been to avoid attention… yet somehow, they stood out even more now.
She glanced sideways at Ayaka, who, clearly, had no intention of dressing inconspicuously in the first place.
In truth, Ayaka had no need for casual attire—she often went out like this. The townsfolk she passed would always greet her kindly, and she would respond to each one in turn, never facing any trouble. The Shogun, however… though she wore plain clothes, her beauty was far too striking. Ayaka worried that people might begin to notice.
"Oh my, it's Miss Kamisato!"
One of the passing townsfolk spotted Ayaka and, clearly excited, waved at her.
Ayaka smiled politely in return, inclining her head gently.
The man seemed not to recognize the woman at her side, so after greeting Ayaka, he hurried on. The Shogun watched his retreating back and shook her head helplessly.
"Ah, it's the White Heron Princess! Are you entertaining a guest today?"
Another woman passing by called out cheerfully, glancing curiously at the beauty beneath the parasol.
"Mm…"
Ayaka responded softly through her nose, while the Shogun offered a courteous nod for appearance's sake.
"Oh dear, Miss Kamisato is still working? You must be so busy!"
Hearing another voice from the side, Ayaka turned politely and nodded once more.
"You've worked hard as well," she replied, her tone elegant and refined.
"Y-yes, thank you!"
The man practically lit up with joy at being greeted by the White Heron Princess herself; the fatigue of his day's labor seemed to vanish like magic. To be acknowledged by one's idol—how rare and precious a moment!
It was about two in the afternoon, and Hanamizaka's shopping streets were bustling with people. The storefronts were lively and crowded. Beyond these few interactions, many more citizens stopped to greet Ayaka.
Meanwhile, the Shogun observed the girl's graceful manners and calm composure, the way she interacted with everyone so naturally. It made sense—after all, the Yashiro Commission was responsible for Inazuma's cultural affairs, and communication with the people was essential. To Ayaka, such things must have felt as natural as breathing.
However, the young lady beside her suddenly seemed to take notice of something by the roadside, halting her steps.
"?"
The Shogun also stopped and followed her gaze. Before them stood what appeared to be a festival advertisement.
The signboard was painted in bright, cheerful colors, almost cartoonish in its depiction.
"…"
Ayaka's icy-blue eyes lingered on the sign's text. She rested her chin lightly upon her folded fan, as if deep in thought.
Seeing her expression, the Shogun glanced at the advertisement as well. Her violet eyes lowered slightly before she spoke.
"Now that I think about it… there's a similar festival being held near Kannazuka these days."
She mentioned it as if gently reminding Ayaka.
"Yes, phew…"
Ayaka sighed softly.
"Whenever festival season comes, Inazuma's people always take part—but at the same time, it also means more challenges in maintaining public order."
Since festivals were organized by the Yashiro Commission, the responsibility for public safety also fell upon them. They had to assign large numbers of personnel to manage the festivities, as well as oversee the hosting duties—it was exhausting work indeed.
"So, while festivals are joyous and lively, phew… for us, they are also a great burden," Ayaka admitted with a small smile. Not that she disliked them—it was part of her duty, something she'd long grown accustomed to after years of service.
"Ah… forgive me. I was so caught up thinking about work that I must have bored you, Shogun-sama."
Realizing she had been voicing her work troubles before the Shogun, Ayaka flushed slightly in embarrassment.
"It's quite alright. Seeing you so devoted to your duties… this one feels truly comforted," the Shogun replied softly, shaking her head.
"Shogun-sama…"
Ayaka's lips curved into a gentle, relieved smile.
"But… what about you?"
"Hmm?"
"Would you like to go? To the festival?"
The Shogun lifted her gaze, meeting Ayaka's eyes as she spoke. Her voice was calm and low, yet carried a hint of warmth. Perhaps it was her imagination, but she thought she had seen a glimmer of longing in the girl's eyes moments ago—that was why she asked.
"I…"
Ayaka froze for a moment, her gaze lowering, her expression growing complicated. Only a faint sound escaped her lips.
"You needn't mind my position. For now, I am merely an ordinary woman—not the 'Raiden Shogun.' Besides… once a festival passes, who knows when the next one will come?"
"…"
Hearing the woman's soft, tender voice before her, Ayaka felt as though she had returned to the days of her childhood—back when that same person had cared for her so gently, like a loving mother. Her fingers brushed lightly over the folding fan in her hands, and an unbidden smile of quiet happiness curved her lips.
"If you are interested, Ayaka, then I shall accompany you. Though I've never attended a festival myself," said the Shogun softly.
—With those words from you, Shogun-sama… I'm already content.
Ayaka lifted her gaze toward the woman before her, smiling faintly.
"Shogun-sama overpraises me. While I am curious about the festival, it's not to the extent that I must go and see it for myself. Besides, we still have important matters to attend to right now."
After speaking, Ayaka took a few light steps forward before stopping and turning back to her with a sweet smile.
"But… once our task is done, if there's still time, would Shogun-sama be willing to accompany me to the festival?"
Of course, in her heart, Ayaka had no intention of missing such a precious chance to walk beside this woman. Impossible! Kamisato Ayaka was not the kind to waste such an opportunity.
"Phew… somehow, I feel like I've spoken too soon—and ended up at a disadvantage," the Shogun sighed playfully, stepping up beside her.
"Pfft… then, what is your answer~?" Ayaka giggled softly, teasing her in return.
"…I'll wait for you," the Shogun replied fondly, her tone filled with warmth. It was as good as a promise.
"Then… let's return to the matter at hand."
Ayaka pointed toward a small shop across the street.
"Actually, the place I meant to visit is that one."
The shop was Ogura Textiles & Kimonos, the largest clothing store in Hanamizaka. It sold all manner of kimono fabrics and full outfits. Its owner, Okura Mio, was well known throughout the area.
The building was made of gray-blue tiles, its interior floors polished wood. The walls bore elegant camellia patterns, and the racks and counters were lined with bolts of cloth in every shade and texture imaginable.
"New designs available! Come have a look!"
Hearing approaching footsteps, Okura Mio called out automatically. But when she saw the two women who entered, her eyes widened in surprise.
Miss Kamisato's presence was already enough to draw attention—but the woman beside her was an absolute beauty. One glance at the kimono she wore was enough to tell it was of the highest quality, the craftsmanship exquisite. It even reminded her of the style worn by the Shogun herself, though with subtle differences.
"Oh my, Miss Kamisato—and this lady, how should I address you, my lady?"
Instinctively, she added the honorific "my lady," for everything about the woman before her—her aura, her appearance—spoke of nobility. The two of them together made a stunning pair.
"I am her—Miss Kamisato's…"
The Shogun hesitated, thinking how best to describe her relationship with Ayaka. She even deliberately changed her phrasing to match how others addressed her as "Miss Kamisato."
"She is my childhood friend and dearest companion," Ayaka interjected quickly.
"?"
The Shogun blinked, taken aback.
Childhood… friend?
"She is! You and Miss Kamisato truly look perfect together—indeed, it's said that beautiful people attract beautiful friends!" Okura Mio said with a warm laugh.
"…You flatter me," the Shogun replied softly. Though she found such compliments excessive, she accepted them gracefully. As a puppet, she had never cared for her own beauty—but since this was the form given to her by Ei, she would cherish it nonetheless.
"Hehe… and what would such distinguished guests like yourselves be seeking today? Fabric, or perhaps a custom-made kimono?" Okura asked, smoothly returning to business.
"I have a clothing design I'd like you to look at," Ayaka said, nodding gently. She reached into the pocket of her dress and pulled out a neatly folded piece of paper, handing it to the shopkeeper.
"This is…?" the Shogun murmured softly, curious. When had she taken that out?
"(I picked it up earlier, just in case…)," Ayaka whispered to her, hiding her smile behind her fan.
"Wow…" Okura Mio gasped as she unfolded the design.
"What do you think of it?" Ayaka asked softly, tapping her lips lightly with the fan, her icy-blue eyes studying the woman before her.
"This is an excellent design!" Okura said, clearly impressed. "Miss Kamisato, are you hoping to have this outfit made?"
"Yes… would that be possible?"
"Of course~!"
"Then, I'll leave it in your hands," Ayaka replied with a polite nod and her characteristic grace.