Okura stared down at the design draft in her hands, clearly excited, yet after a moment her expression turned complicated—perhaps even slightly dejected.
"…Is there a problem?"
The Shogun, ever perceptive, immediately noticed her change in demeanor and asked softly.
"?"
Ayaka, hearing the Shogun's gentle voice, looked up curiously at Okura. She had been lost in thought just moments ago and hadn't noticed the shopkeeper's reaction. Only after the Shogun spoke did she realize that Okura seemed somewhat troubled.
"Is something the matter?" Ayaka asked as well.
"Well… it's an honor to have you order a custom piece from our humble Ogura Textiles & Kimonos, truly. However… there is a small complication."
Ah, as expected—just as Ayaka thought, Okura now looked a little embarrassed. These two were far too observant; Okura herself hadn't even realized her expression had betrayed her thoughts.
"To make the clothing you desire, we'll need silk woven from Silk Flowers. Most silk in Inazuma is imported from Liyue Harbor, but at present…"
Of course. Ayaka had already guessed the reason—and so had the Shogun.
"You both know… Inazuma remains under the Sakoku Decree."
"..." ×2
The two women exchanged a knowing glance.
"To be frank… the textile industry has been hit quite hard. It's nearly impossible to import high-grade fabrics now, so…"
"…You're saying we'll need to provide our own material?" the Shogun asked, and Ayaka turned her gaze toward Okura as well.
"Yes… exactly so. I beg your understanding, ladies." Okura bowed politely to both.
"The fabric you mentioned—this silk made from Silk Flowers—that's the one, correct?" the Shogun confirmed.
"That's right. As long as you can acquire that fabric, I'll be able to craft the garment for you," Okura replied with certainty.
"…"
Ayaka fell into quiet thought.
"But where could we possibly obtain such material?" she murmured. Even Ogura Textiles & Kimonos didn't have any in stock—so where else in Inazuma could one find such fine cloth? Still, if the shopkeeper could mention it, she must know of some lead. It wouldn't hurt to ask.
"Do you happen to know where that fabric might be found?"
As expected of the Shogun—she truly understood her. The moment Ayaka began pondering silently, the woman beside her voiced the very question she'd wanted to ask.
"Yes… you might try the International Trade Association. They have more trade channels than we do. After all…"
Lowering her voice slightly, Okura added meaningfully, "They deal with merchants from all across the continent."
"Hehe… understood."
Ayaka immediately caught the implication, smiling softly in reply.
"However… the price may be rather steep. But under such extraordinary circumstances, I suppose being able to buy what you need at all is already a blessing."
It seemed they would need to pay the International Trade Association a visit, then.
"We understand. Thank you for your guidance," Ayaka said politely, nodding.
Then, as though remembering something, she suddenly stepped lightly toward Okura and gently took her arm, drawing her aside.
"…Miss Kamisato?" Okura blinked in surprise, letting herself be led away. Was this something that needed to be said privately?
"Before we go, I have a small request…" Ayaka whispered, as if to keep it from the Shogun's ears.
"Of course—please, go ahead," Okura replied readily, sensing the confidentiality of the matter.
Ayaka nodded, motioning for her to lean closer. As Okura did so, Ayaka glanced briefly toward the Shogun standing by the door, who was watching them with mild curiosity.
"(Once we acquire the fabric, I'd like you to make a second outfit—using my childhood friend here as the model.)," Ayaka murmured quietly by her ear, shielding her lips with her fan.
Then, from her sleeve, she pulled out a neatly folded slip of paper and discreetly handed it to Okura.
"These are her measurements. I'm counting on you."
"Hehe… understood, Miss Kamisato. Leave it to me," Okura replied with a knowing smile, immediately understanding why Ayaka had kept this from the violet-haired beauty.
"Thank you," Ayaka said, winking playfully before returning to the Shogun's side.
"Phew… and what was that you felt the need to whisper behind my back?" the Shogun asked, arching a delicate brow.
"You'll find out soon enough," Ayaka said with a mysterious smile, covering her lips with her fan.
"You… you're not planning to trick me, are you?"
The Shogun asked warily, her feet even shifting back half a step without her realizing it.
"Pfft… how could that be? Please don't overthink it," Ayaka replied with a playful, indulgent smile, gently pulling her back again. The slightly timid look on the Shogun's face was simply too adorable!
"Highly suspicious…"
The Shogun half-lidded her violet eyes as she was drawn back by Ayaka's hand, her skeptical expression only making her seem even cuter in Ayaka's eyes.
"Alright then~ let's get back to business, shall we? Shall we try our luck at the International Trade Association?" Ayaka asked brightly.
"Phew… very well," the Shogun sighed softly, finally agreeing. Though she still felt a twinge of unease, the matter at hand took priority.
The International Trade Association on Ritou was an alliance of foreign merchants—non-Inazuman traders who had come together out of necessity. Since Inazuma's local guilds treated them with a certain level of exclusion, they had formed this association to support one another, ensuring both protection and cooperation in trade. Yet, being under the jurisdiction of the Kanjou Commission—one of the Three Commissions—they often found themselves oppressed or heavily taxed, making their business far from easy.
But the two women hadn't come to discuss politics—they were here for fabric.
Ritou lay on the opposite side of Narukami Island from Inazuma City, a small yet bustling harbor. Patrols of Kanjou Commission soldiers were stationed throughout the area, with particularly dense numbers near the International Trade Association itself.
"This is the International Trade Association," Ayaka said as they arrived at the entrance, its wooden gate carved with the emblem of a soaring hawk. Yet there was no sign of the association's president, Kurisu.
"You know this… president?" the Shogun asked.
"I've met him a few times before, but we're not especially close," Ayaka replied, glancing around. Soon, she spotted a familiar figure at the top of a nearby staircase—a man who seemed rather dejected.
"There he is. Let's go, Shogun-sama," she said, gesturing lightly.
"Mm…"
As usual, the Shogun followed at her side, letting Ayaka take the lead in matters like these. After all, this was Ayaka's area of expertise. Still, part of her wondered if her presence might be a burden.
In truth, Ayaka had never once thought so. Quite the opposite—she was overjoyed. After all… wasn't this, in a way, a little outing with the Shogun herself?
At that moment, President Kurisu was in utter distress. The International Trade Association had always been under heavy pressure from the Kanjou Commission, and now another problem had arisen—wolves in front, tigers behind. Despair was beginning to set in.
"Ahhh… what am I supposed to do now?"
He paced anxiously back and forth across the landing above the stairs near the Association's courtyard, his black round hat tilted askew as he muttered to himself.
Tap, tap… ×2
Suddenly, he heard multiple footsteps behind him—light ones, clearly not belonging to men.
"Mr. Kurisu, are you alright?"
The next moment, a familiar, refined voice reached his ears. He froze, then turned quickly in surprise.
"…Are you alright?"
Seeing his dazed expression, Ayaka spoke again.
"Ah… oh! You're Lady Kamisato—Miss Ayaka, aren't you?!"
Of course! The White Heron Princess herself… and the woman beside her, though unfamiliar, must surely be her companion. The two looked so perfectly matched.
"Good afternoon," Ayaka greeted politely, nodding slightly.
"Ah, and this lady is…?" he asked, glancing at the elegant woman under the parasol.
"She is my friend, who has kindly accompanied me today," Ayaka replied, casting a brief, knowing look at the Shogun.
"…Forgive the intrusion," the Shogun said calmly, though she gave Ayaka a subtle, mildly reproachful glance for not warning her beforehand. Still, she kept her tone gentle and reserved as she greeted him.
"Ah—no, no, it's quite alright!" Kurisu said hastily, waving his hands. From her graceful bearing and refined presence, he assumed she must be some noblewoman of the Shogunate—a highborn lady fit to walk beside the White Heron Princess herself.
"Why are you pacing like this? Has something happened?"
The Shogun's cool, even voice carried their shared curiosity. The man had been pacing restlessly since they arrived, clearly troubled by something.
Ayaka, too, turned her gaze toward him.
"I… I… ahhh!!!" Kurisu stammered for a moment before releasing a long, defeated sigh, as though trying to exhale all his anxiety at once.
Ayaka smiled softly, lightly tapping her folded fan against her hand. The delicate pata sound drew his attention.
"Would you care to tell us what happened?" she asked kindly.
"Ah… it's embarrassing to say, but our Association's cargo was robbed—by bandits!" Kurisu admitted with a heavy sigh, his voice tinged with frustration.
"…What was stolen?" Ayaka asked calmly.
"A shipment of… high-grade silk."
"..." ×2
The two women exchanged glances, immediately understanding the significance.
"Please, continue," Ayaka prompted gently.
"Ah… a few years ago, we imported a large quantity of silk from Liyue. It's been stored in our warehouse ever since. Recently, I heard that the clothing shops in Inazuma City have nearly sold out of their silks, so I figured it was time to bring ours out and make a decent profit. But then… ahhh!"
Kurisu sighed again, his voice full of despair.
"Do you know where these bandits went?"
The Shogun asked in a voice both calm and commanding, the faint edge of authority slipping through.
"They intercepted our shipment and fled straight into the woods. I don't know their exact whereabouts. I wanted to report it, but… you know how it is. Foreign merchants like us aren't treated kindly. The Kanjou Commission refuses to help, even mocks us—they probably hope we suffer losses! Miss Kamisato, what should I do?!"
Kurisu now sounded almost desperate, as though he had finally found someone willing to listen.
However—
"Although I personally disapprove of how the Kanjou Commission conducts itself, Mr. Kurisu, remember—you are in Inazuma. Please mind your words. Walls have ears," Ayaka cautioned, raising her fan to her lips, her icy-blue eyes narrowing slightly as she offered both warning and advice.
"Ah—my apologies! I got carried away complaining—" Kurisu said, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly.
"Is what you said true?"
The Shogun's voice cut through the air, calm yet imbued with quiet authority. The tone was not one that invited doubt—it demanded truth. Kurisu froze, stunned for a moment.
"Eh? Ah—yes, yes, of course, my lady! Heaven forbid I make up such a story! It's all true, I swear—"
He glanced nervously around them, then lowered his voice further.
"The Kanjou Commission's oppression isn't anything new… they treat us like slaves, truly. If not for this closed-nation policy… we would have left long ago."
Kurisu sighed deeply, the sound heavy with grief. He missed his homeland of Fontaine dearly—but there was no way to return.
"…"
The Shogun's violet eyes grew slightly colder as she lowered her gaze in thought.
Could it be… the Shogun intends to intervene? Ayaka wondered, her fan pausing mid-motion as she studied the woman beside her.
"If the Kanjou Commission were to cease their oppression from now on," the Shogun said at last, "would your Association continue doing business in Inazuma?"
Kurisu blinked, startled by the question, then sighed again.
"Ah… to be honest, my lady, if that were truly possible, the International Trade Association would be eternally grateful! We're merchants—trade is our livelihood. We bring goods from overseas to build fair relations with Inazuma, to prosper together. But reality has been… cruel."
He clutched his head, his face twisted in frustration. They were being squeezed dry by unfair taxes and harassment. Their trade couldn't go forward or back. They couldn't even return home. It was suffocating.
"Is that the truth?" the Shogun asked, her tone level but authoritative.
"As true as I stand here, my lady," Kurisu swore fervently.
"Very well," the Shogun said quietly. "From this day forth, I shall issue a decree to the Kanjou Commission. They are forbidden from oppressing you any longer. Trade between you and Inazuma's merchants must be conducted fairly, without coercion or exploitation. Should any violate this command… they will face military punishment."
Her words were calm, yet they carried the weight of absolute power. The Kanjou Commission's corruption had long been on her mind—this was as good a chance as any to rein them in.
"M-My lady!!"
Before he could blurt out his excitement too loudly, Ayaka quickly raised a finger to her lips. "Shh~"
Kurisu froze, realizing he had nearly shouted. He wiped the sweat from his brow, his knees trembling slightly. The woman before him had just changed everything for him—for all of them.
"This time… are you satisfied?" the Shogun asked mildly, turning her gaze toward him.
"Satisfied? Of course I'm satisfied! My lady, you are our savior!" Kurisu cried, falling to his knees in gratitude, tears welling in his eyes. Just one sentence from her, and it felt like salvation—the rain after a long drought.
But then… someone with the power to command the Kanjou Commission directly—could this woman possibly be—? No, no, impossible! She couldn't be the Shogun. Surely not.
"Phew… there's no need for that," the Shogun said softly, sighing as she lifted a hand in dismissal. She disliked seeing people kneel before her—unless they were enemies or wrongdoers.
"Mr. Kurisu, please rise. My companion here does not care for such formalities," Ayaka said, stepping forward to help him up personally. In moments like this, she was content to act as the Shogun's attendant.
"Ah… thank you, both of you, truly! My lady, Miss Kamisato—should the Association ever be of service to you, you need only ask! Whatever you require, it's yours—free of charge!" Kurisu said earnestly, moved nearly to tears.
"That won't be necessary. Business should always be conducted fairly. You reside in Inazuma now, and ensuring your right to trade lawfully is the Shogunate's duty. There's no need for such repayment," the Shogun said, shaking her head lightly.
"Indeed. Were such favoritism to become known, it would not only be unfair to others but might also put you in a difficult position… don't you think?" Ayaka added gently, her smile carrying both warmth and wisdom.
"Ah—of course, of course. You two truly are angels," Kurisu said, bowing deeply once again.
"And about your shipment of silk—we can help you recover it," Ayaka said calmly.
"Wh-what? Truly? Am I dreaming?" Kurisu exclaimed, nearly fainting on the spot.
"Hehe… it's true," Ayaka reassured him. "However, we must ask that you keep this matter private. Can you promise that?"
"Of course! You have my word! But…"
He hesitated, glancing at them both, about to ask whether this might cause them any trouble—but quickly realized that for women of their standing, there was little in Inazuma that could pose a risk.
"Rest assured," Ayaka said with a small smile. "As the eldest daughter of the Kamisato family, such matters are well within my right to handle."
And as for the Shogun… well, needless to say.
She saw through his unspoken worry and reassured him with an elegant nod.
"In the end, Mr. Kurisu, one can never be certain when hardship will strike—or who will offer a helping hand. So please, be cautious in the future," Ayaka said, exchanging a brief, knowing glance with the Shogun.
"Now then… please tell us the time, location, and appearance of the bandits who stole your cargo."
"Yes, of course! Thank you, truly! It was about two hours ago—the location was—"
...