Blub blub~!
Before her eyes, the tea boiled endlessly. The fragrant aroma of the freshly brewed leaves filled the grand hall of Tenshukaku, drifting all around and gently slipping into their senses.
At that moment, Ei, who was kneeling on the opposite side of the desk reviewing documents, paused upon catching the scent of tea. She lifted her gaze toward her daughter, who was quietly preparing tea nearby.
"...?"
Sensing the gaze on her back, the Shogun slowly turned her head, meeting Ei's eyes with a puzzled expression.
"...Nothing."
Ei slightly shook her head as if brushing off her own thoughts.
"It's almost ready."
Assuming her mother was simply impatient, the Shogun spoke softly to reassure her.
"Mm..."
Ei didn't object. She nodded gently and lowered her gaze once more, resuming her work, her pen gliding over the parchment while her cheek rested lightly against her hand.
Click...
Turning off the heat, the Shogun carefully lifted the pot by its handle. Placing the tea set neatly on the tray, she carried it over to Ei's side. Kneeling gracefully beside her, she placed the tray on the desk with practiced quietness. Each tea utensil was arranged with precision in its proper place.
Lifting the teapot slightly, she adjusted her sleeve before aligning the spout with the cup. The soft trickle of water followed, the soothing sound blending with the faint fragrance of tea as the steaming liquid filled the delicate porcelain.
Clink.
After pouring for Ei, she filled her own cup as well and set the pot down. With both hands, she gently lifted her cup and placed it on her lap.
"..."
Throughout the process, Ei quietly watched her every movement—fluid and serene—before her lips curved into a tender smile filled with affection and pride.
"...What is it?"
Noticing the look on Ei's face, the Shogun tilted her head in confusion.
"Nothing. I was just thinking… you've become quite remarkable."
Ei spoke softly, her tone warm.
"Pfft..."
The Shogun couldn't help but laugh.
"?"
Ei blinked, tilting her head in mild puzzlement. The simple gesture made her look unexpectedly cute.
"Heh... thanks to you, of course.///"
Her cheeks flushed slightly as she looked back at her mother, her voice shy but filled with affection.
"!///"
Ei's face reddened in surprise. She instinctively brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, unable to suppress the smile blooming at her lips.
Was this... the first time she'd ever blushed because of her daughter? The feeling was strange yet pleasant—warm and unfamiliar.
"Y-you're blushing too! Honestly...///"
The Shogun's own embarrassment deepened when she noticed her mother's flushed cheeks. Her tone carried a hint of playful reproach.
"Eh? Can't I blush?"
Ei looked genuinely bewildered, her expression innocent.
"...Do mothers... blush at their children?"
The Shogun tilted her head slightly, her tone uncertain.
"...Can't they?"
Ei's eyes flickered faintly, a brief shadow passing through them as she replied quietly.
"It's not that they can't... I just... hmm... it feels strange, that's all."
Lowering her gaze, the Shogun avoided Ei's eyes as she murmured softly.
"I see... hmm."
Hearing that, Ei felt a pang of loss in her heart.
(A mother... can't?)
She questioned herself inwardly, startled by her own thoughts. Her hand moved to her temple, pressing gently as if to dispel the dangerous idea. What was she even thinking?
"Ei... are you feeling unwell?"
Seeing her mother's subtle distress, the Shogun leaned in with concern, lightly taking Ei's hand—a gesture warm and tender as sunlight.
"No... perhaps I'm just tired. I've been handling too many documents lately."
Ei recovered quickly, smiling reassuringly. It was clearly an excuse—but the Shogun didn't press the matter further.
Sigh... Her daughter's gentle, instinctive kindness was like a slow poison—seeping into her heart little by little, leaving her powerless to resist it.
Clatter~!
Just then, the great doors of Tenshukaku creaked open. A member of the Okuzumeshuu entered, stepping into the hall and kneeling respectfully before them.
"Shogun-sama."
The subordinate raised his head to address the figure seated formally behind the desk—the Shogun herself.
"...What is it?"
The Shogun rested her cheek lightly against the back of her hand, her voice calm and composed as she asked,
"What is it?"
"Lady Kamisato requests an audience," the subordinate replied.
"Is it Ayaka? Let her in."
At the sound of Ayaka's name, the Shogun's eyes lit up, her tone brightening noticeably.
"..."
Ei, seated nearby, caught her daughter's subtle reaction. A trace of jealousy flickered in her eyes.
Though she had told herself not to get jealous, hearing her daughter speak so eagerly of another still made her uneasy. Was her company not enough anymore?
Still, she could only sigh inwardly. As much as she wanted to complain, she couldn't actually do anything about it. And besides, she genuinely liked Ayaka. Her daughter being so well-liked was a good thing—a mother's pride, even. But realizing her own jealousy made her feel childish. That wouldn't do at all.
"As you command."
The Okuzumeshuu subordinate bowed and departed from the hall.
A few moments later… the doors opened again. A familiar, graceful figure stepped inside—the icy beauty herself, as pristine as freshly fallen snow. Upon seeing the Shogun seated above, Ayaka's eyes brightened. Her light steps carried her forward until she reached the foot of the dais.
"Shogun-sama," Ayaka greeted softly, bowing deeply.
"No need for formality. Come up."
The Shogun gestured for her to approach, placing her still-warm teacup down on the table in invitation. She wanted to rise, but since Ei was still beside her, she remained seated.
"Thank you, Shogun-sama."
Ayaka smiled gracefully and ascended the steps with quiet poise.
"Phew…"
Now that they were no longer alone, Ei slowly straightened her back and returned to her usual seated posture.
"Ah—Lady Ei, my apologies."
Ayaka stopped mid-step when she saw Ei. She quickly bowed again in respect. They had met several times before—enough for a sense of familiarity—but seeing her here unexpectedly still surprised her for a moment.
"It's fine," Ei said with a small wave of her hand. "I was merely… appreciating the moment."
"How refined of you, Lady Ei," Ayaka replied with a polite smile.
"..."
The Shogun gave Ei a blank look, causing Ei to grow slightly awkward.
"Ahem. Sit beside the Shogun," Ei said after clearing her throat softly.
"Ah… thank you, Lady Ei."
A faint blush colored Ayaka's cheeks as she accepted. She gracefully knelt beside the Shogun, smoothing her skirt as she sat. Her shoulder brushed lightly against the Shogun's, and the toes of her white stockings shifted shyly beneath her.
"Think nothing of it," the Shogun replied calmly. She didn't react much to Ayaka's closeness—it didn't bother her anymore. She'd long since grown used to it. So long as Ayaka didn't cross the line… though, this little white heron had a habit of doing just that.
With that thought, she gently poured tea for the girl beside her.
"Ah—please, you shouldn't~" Ayaka protested softly, flustered as she tried to stop her.
"Why not? You're a guest here today. Serving tea to a guest is only proper etiquette."
She placed the cup before Ayaka with quiet finality.
"...Thank you. You're too kind."
Ayaka smiled warmly and accepted the cup, taking a light sip. The warmth spread from her lips to her heart—how could she refuse a gesture filled with such affection?
Ei, seated across from them, watched the pair silently. They looked like a young couple sharing tea. Her gaze softened, but the distance between them suddenly felt… too far. So she stood up and sat down again—this time beside the Shogun's left side.
Now, with one woman on each side, the Shogun found herself neatly "sandwiched" between them.
"...(Don't squeeze.)"
Feeling the pressure from both sides, the Shogun muttered quietly, glancing toward her mother in mild exasperation.
"(...This spot has good feng shui.)," Ei replied casually, eyes closed in feigned serenity.
"..."
Honestly, the contrast between Ayaka's cool touch and Ei's warm presence made it hard to relax. The Shogun had no choice but to take a slow sip of tea, letting the cup's rim hide her face.
She dared not move—she really dared not move~!
"Ayaka," Ei spoke suddenly.
"Yes, Lady Ei?" Ayaka set down her cup and leaned forward slightly to listen.
"I noticed you brought a package with you. What might that be?" Ei's gaze shifted to the neatly wrapped bundle resting beside Ayaka—it looked rather like a gift box. Perhaps… sweets?
"...?"
The Shogun, hearing this, also turned her head curiously.
"Ah, yes. This is… clothing I had custom-made for Shogun-sama," Ayaka explained after a brief pause. She placed the bundle on her lap and untied it carefully, revealing its contents—a beautiful, brand-new outfit, just as she had said.
"Yes, this is… the outfit I had custom-made for Shogun-sama."
"Oh… clothing, then. You shouldn't have gone to such trouble."
Though Ei was slightly disappointed it wasn't sweets, she still smiled warmly at the young girl before her. After all, it was a gift for her daughter—something that made her heart swell with quiet pride as a mother.
"It's nothing, Lady Ei. This is something I wanted to do," Ayaka replied quickly, her tone polite and earnest.
"..."
The Shogun said nothing, knowing there was no point in refusing. The gift had already been prepared, and truthfully, she was deeply touched by Ayaka's thoughtfulness.
"In that case… Shogun, why don't you go to your room and try it on?" Ei suggested, turning toward her daughter.
"...Right now?"
The Shogun blinked, visibly caught off guard.
"Of course. Ayaka went to such effort to have it made—don't disappoint her enthusiasm," Ei said gently, the words carrying the calm authority of a mother. She took a small sip from her still-warm tea.
"Ah, there's no need! If Shogun-sama doesn't wish to change, I—"
"Ayaka, why don't you go with her?" Ei interrupted smoothly, her tone playful. "You designed the outfit, so you should help her with it. Besides, you came here to see her today, didn't you?"
"Eh?///... I—"
Ayaka froze for a moment, her cheeks immediately turning pink. Her icy-blue eyes flickered with shy light as she cast a quick glance toward the Shogun.
"Ei…"
The Shogun gave her mother a helpless look.
"Go on~ Be good," Ei said, her voice lilting with amusement as she gestured toward the chamber behind them.
"...Phew."
The Shogun sighed quietly. There was no point in resisting—after all, when her mother gave an order, she obeyed.
"Let's go…," she murmured softly, giving Ayaka's hand a gentle tug beneath the table.
"...Yes," Ayaka replied in a whisper, nodding obediently. She hugged the bundle close and rose, allowing the Shogun to lead her by the hand toward the room beyond the large folding screen embroidered with the threefold tomoe—their private chamber.
"..."
Now, only Ei remained in the hall. Watching their joined hands disappear behind the screen, she turned her gaze to the tea cup on the table. The half-finished tea reflected her face faintly upon its surface—her lips curved in a small, wistful smile.
Sss~
She lifted the cup again, taking a slow sip. The taste lingered as her violet eyes grew distant, lost in thought.
It had already been several days since the two of them had returned to Teyvat. The events that had transpired still felt surreal. When they had returned, the tea cup she'd left behind before their departure was still warm—as if time itself had barely moved.
Had only a few seconds passed here? Or a few minutes? Even during their first journey, what felt like seven days there had been less than half a day here.
Musou Isshin… her sister's blade. What mysterious power did it truly hold?
Meanwhile, within the Shogun's bedchamber—
Clatter~
A delicate hand slowly slipped the lavender robe down from the Shogun's shoulders, revealing soft, pale skin beneath. The faint scent of her fragrance drifted through the air, brushing against Ayaka's senses like an intoxicating breeze.
"..."
The cool-haired girl froze momentarily, the subtle fragrance making her heart flutter. Her gaze softened, her eyes dazed as she looked at the reflection in the mirror before them.
In the mirror, the image of the two women stood—one before the other. The Shogun stood silently, obediently allowing Ayaka to assist her in undressing. Her fair cheeks were tinged with a delicate blush, yet she made no move to resist.
"I can undress myself…"
The Shogun spoke softly, a hint of awkwardness in her voice.
"There's no need for Shogun-sama to trouble herself," Ayaka replied gently, her tone both respectful and tender.
After speaking, Ayaka moved her hands again, slipping the kimono further down the Shogun's right shoulder. A moment later, the sash around her waist loosened, and the fabric fell away—revealing the soft, radiant glow of her skin beneath.
"///"
Flustered, the Shogun quickly crossed her arms over her chest, trying to cover herself in a way that was both modest and endearing.
"Shogun-sama, you're not wearing an inner layer?"
Ayaka's sharp eyes immediately noticed the absence of the thin violet undergarment that usually lay against her skin.
"Ei unlocked my body's temperature senses earlier," the Shogun explained, her face slightly red. "If I wear too much, it feels hot… so I took it off."
She spoke shyly, pressing an arm against her chest. Ei had told her it would help her 'feel reality' again, though at the time, she had found the idea rather embarrassing.
"Pfft… I see," Ayaka chuckled softly. With the sash undone, the kimono hung loosely, the short hem beneath no longer held in shape, draping softly over her thighs.
"Is Shogun-sama feeling shy~?" Ayaka teased playfully, wrapping her arms around the Shogun's waist from behind. Her soft lips brushed gently against the warmth of the Shogun's neck as she murmured against her skin.
"!"
The contact made the Shogun's body tremble slightly.
"No… it's just… I can dress myself, you don't need to—"
Her voice faltered as she looked away from the mirror. Her posture grew even more bashful, shoulders tightening and knees instinctively drawing closer together.
"This is something I want to do, Shogun-sama," Ayaka said softly, pulling back just enough to meet her eyes through the mirror.
"Haah… you always…"
The Shogun sighed with gentle helplessness, her tone both indulgent and fond. Even so, she didn't resist. That very tolerance only made Ayaka's heart stir with a quiet, daring affection.
"Hehe, please sit down, Shogun-sama," Ayaka said with a mischievous smile.
The Shogun complied, kneeling gracefully on the tatami. Now, without her stockings, the lines of her exquisite legs glowed faintly beneath the loose folds of her kimono. The mirror reflected her blushing face, her gaze flickering away shyly as she focused instead on Ayaka's movements.
"..."
Ayaka sat opposite her, carefully folding the discarded garments and placing them neatly beside her. Her movements were smooth and elegant—like those of a gentle, well-trained wife. The Shogun couldn't help but think: She even folds clothes better than Mother does. Ei never remembered to do that—she always had to remind her.
"Achoo~ Hm? What's this?"
Outside, Ei suddenly sneezed, frowning in mild confusion before calmly returning to her tea.
After tidying up, Ayaka brought the opened bundle onto her lap and began taking out the garments inside—pieces of deep brown fabric with intricate details.
"You made all these?"
The Shogun asked as she watched the garments unfold before her eyes.
"Yes," Ayaka nodded. "The kimono I originally commissioned from Miss Ogura… I canceled it. I replaced it with this."
She held up the elegant new outfit, displaying it proudly.
"...Why cancel it?" the Shogun asked curiously. "Traditional kimono suits me best, doesn't it?"
"While kimono certainly look beautiful on you," Ayaka explained, "I felt that wearing the same style repeatedly was too limiting. So I decided to break tradition—and have a foreign-style outfit made for you as private wear."
Foreign clothing? Something unlike Inazuma's traditional attire? The Shogun's curiosity was piqued. Judging by the color, it seemed to be a deep brown dress—something entirely new to her.