What exactly did Ayaka mean by "different from Inazuma's clothing"? At first, the Shogun didn't quite understand. But once she saw her reflection in the mirror, everything became clear.
"How is it, Shogun-sama~?"
Ayaka tied the final ribbon at her waist, stepped back, and admired the purple-haired beauty before her through the mirror—radiant in a completely new style.
"..."
The Shogun was speechless. She stared at her reflection, dazed, her eyes tracing the intricate details of the outfit.
The ensemble was exquisite. The upper half was a floral-patterned dress of deep brown and violet hues. Her once-bare shoulders were now covered by a black butterfly collar, neatly tied beneath her throat, seamlessly connecting to the main dress.
Below the elegant neckline, the bodice wrapped gracefully around her chest and tapered into a cinched waist bound by soft ribbons. The skirt resembled a Western-style dress, though with subtle traces of Inazuman influence. Knee-length and decorated with brown gentian motifs, it featured a small slit on the left side that revealed her thigh and the lavender inner layer beneath. The back hem extended slightly longer, creating a flowing, elegant contrast.
As if knowing her fondness for quiet excursions, Ayaka had even included a small pale-gray pouch at her waist—a charming touch.
Her legs were wrapped in mismatched black stockings: the right in a full thigh-high, hidden beneath the skirt's edge; the left, a shorter calf-length stockings that left a teasing expanse of smooth thigh visible through the slit. The asymmetry gave her legs an elegant allure—carefully and beautifully designed.
Throughout, Ayaka gently took her hand and helped her slip on a pair of black silk gloves. The soft material embraced her slender fingers, making them appear even more delicate.
"Doesn't it suit you perfectly~?" Ayaka asked, a hint of pride in her tone as she saw the Shogun's quiet amazement.
"Mm… it fits well, but… can I really pull this off?"
Her violet eyes lingered on her reflection, a trace of doubt in her voice. The outfit's style was completely unlike her usual traditional attire—it even changed her aura.
"Of course you can. It's perfect—because it was made just for you," Ayaka said warmly. Standing behind her, she rested her hands on the Shogun's shoulders and gazed at her reflection with affectionate eyes. Then she reached into her skirt pocket and retrieved a matching hair ornament.
Sensing her movement, the Shogun obediently removed her old fan-shaped hairpin, allowing Ayaka to replace it.
The new accessory was a white bellflower adorned with a soft brown ribbon, while the previous fan-shaped ornament was exchanged for one marked with the pale-gold crest of Electro.
"Also… your hair should be tied up," Ayaka added gently.
"Then tie it while I sit," the Shogun replied softly, kneeling on the tatami so that Ayaka wouldn't have to stand too long. Ayaka smiled fondly at her considerate gesture and sat down behind her, combing through the long, smooth strands with serene grace.
"Shogun-sama, is it just me, or has your hair gotten shorter?" Ayaka asked, pausing mid-motion as she noticed the difference.
"...It always dragged on the floor, so I trimmed it a little," the Shogun explained, her tone calm but her heart skipping for a moment.
"You should really have a hairdresser do that for you~ If you cut it yourself, it might not turn out even," Ayaka replied, not prying further but offering the advice kindly.
"...Understood. I'll be more careful next time," the Shogun said quietly, nodding in acknowledgment.
"Pfft… I wasn't scolding you," Ayaka laughed softly, teasing her beloved god with gentle affection.
"You… weren't?" the Shogun asked blankly, her expression so adorably confused that the girl behind her felt her heart melt all over again.
"Of course not~ Ayaka only wishes to cherish you more," she said softly.
After finishing the braid, Ayaka wrapped her arms gently around the Shogun's neck from behind. Her cheek pressed lovingly against the other's, her voice tender and full of affection.
"Mm!"
The sudden embrace made the Shogun stiffen immediately. Her hands folded together on her lap, shoulders drawn in, her violet eyes wide with surprise—like a startled, timid creature.
"...Shogun-sama."
"...What is it?" she asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper as Ayaka's breath brushed against her ear.
"...May I kiss you?"
The moment those words left Ayaka's lips, the Shogun felt the arms around her neck tighten just slightly. Through the mirror, the ice-blue eyes of the girl behind her met her own, filled with emotion.
"..."
She froze for a heartbeat before slowly turning her head toward Ayaka.
"...May I, Shogun-sama?"
Now Ayaka wasn't looking at the mirror either—they faced one another directly, eyes locked together. Violet met icy blue, both glimmering with quiet intensity.
"...The corner of my mouth///"
The Shogun turned away, her cheeks flushed as she murmured softly.
"...Mm///"
Ayaka's face turned pink as well. Hearing the permission, even if modest, filled her heart with joy. It didn't matter if it was her lips or merely the corner of her mouth—she was content with either. She would never force it. She understood that the Shogun wasn't hers alone; she had accepted that long ago.
Chu~
Ayaka gently placed a hand over the Shogun's eyes and leaned forward, her soft cherry blossom lips brushing tenderly against the corner of her mouth. The kiss lingered—gentle, warm, and reluctant to end.
"Mm...~"
The Shogun's eyes grew hazy, her hands rising weakly to push Ayaka away—but the girl refused to let go, lost in the moment.
Why… why did she feel this way? She was a puppet. She shouldn't feel these things, these human sensations…
Her heart fluttered wildly, confused and flustered. She wanted to push back but didn't dare use strength, afraid of hurting Ayaka—afraid of hurting her heart. Not understanding love, she could only stay still and quietly accept the affection. That quiet acceptance made Ayaka's feelings overflow all the more.
The Shogun found herself pressed gently against the tatami, her face flushed as Ayaka's kiss deepened. Her stockinged legs, once tense, slowly relaxed. Her toes curled faintly against the floor, the stockings stretching with the motion.
The kiss, though passionate, lasted only a few seconds—
"Mm… Ei… Ei's still outside."
Her eyes shimmered faintly with moisture as she exhaled the words softly, her voice weak and breathy.
"..."
At last, Ayaka drew back, her lips parting reluctantly. Her forehead was slightly damp with sweat, her ice-blue eyes still clouded with desire.
"...Are you all right?" the Shogun asked gently, still catching her breath.
"(Shakes head.)"
Ayaka trembled slightly at the sound of that concern. Guilt immediately welled up in her chest. What am I doing?! she thought, horrified at herself.
"I'm sorry, Shogun-sama... I was too forward."
She sat up slowly, bowing her head low, her bangs falling to hide her eyes. Her voice trembled faintly.
"Haa..."
The Shogun didn't seem angry at all. Instead, her gaze softened with quiet sorrow. Supporting herself with one hand, she sat sideways on the floor, her new skirt draping beautifully like a half-bloomed flower upon the tatami.
"It's all right… If anything, I should be the one apologizing," she said softly.
"...?"
Ayaka looked up, her eyes wide.
"This body… does not yet understand the emotions you all feel. Love… is that what it's called? I still don't comprehend it. Was what you just did… a form of love?"
"Shogun-sama..." Ayaka's heart ached deeply at her words.
"Haa… if that's so, then it is I who should apologize—for wasting your love," the Shogun said quietly.
Thump~
Ayaka immediately embraced her again, unable to hold back the wave of emotion that surged through her. The Shogun trembled slightly in her arms, then relaxed, accepting the embrace without resistance.
"It's all right, Shogun-sama... As long as you know that we love you, that's enough. You don't have to understand right now—just accept our love. That's all I ask, my divine lady."
Hearing her muffled voice, the Shogun smiled faintly, gently patting Ayaka's back.
"What are you saying? I'm not that heartless," she murmured with a small pout. Everyone who cared for her—she cherished them all in return. Otherwise, how could she claim to have a heart at all?
"Hehe… that's true," Ayaka replied softly, laughing through the last of her tears.
"All right then~ The outfit you chose is beautiful. Shall we go show Ei?"
"Yes… let's," Ayaka said, wiping away the lingering tears before meeting the Shogun's eyes with a smile.
Clatter~
Hearing the sound of the bedroom door opening again, Ei immediately set down her teacup and turned her head. Stepping out before her was a stunning violet-haired beauty, adorned in an elegant new outfit. Her steps were soft and cautious, her face tinged with a faint, alluring blush.
Tap, tap~
The delicate sound of stockinged feet approached until the Shogun stopped before her mother. Ei's gaze traveled slowly—from her daughter's feet, up her calves, thighs, torso, and finally to her face. She took in every detail.
And then… she froze. Completely captivated, she sat in stunned silence for quite some time.
"How is it?" the Shogun asked softly, folding her arms over her chest while her legs remained slightly pressed together in shy composure. "Does it suit me?"
"..."
Ei remained frozen, still lost in thought.
"Pfft…"
Ayaka, watching from the side, instantly understood—Ei was mesmerized. She couldn't help but feel a tiny spark of pride. After all, she had commissioned this outfit herself.
"Stop staring and say something already!///"
Flustered, the Shogun lightly tapped Ei's knee with her foot to snap her out of it.
"!! …Ah, yes. It looks wonderful," Ei replied hastily, brushing her bangs aside in embarrassment. She seemed momentarily at a loss for words—her answer came far too quickly, sounding almost dismissive.
"...That's it?" the Shogun frowned slightly, her tone laced with mock annoyance.
"...Beautiful," Ei tried again, struggling for words.
"...(Stares~)"
The Shogun silently fixed her gaze on her, her eyes filled with quiet reproach.
"Uhm… very, very fitting for you," Ei finally added, clearing her throat as she rose to her feet. She stepped closer, running her hand gently over the fabric of the outfit, feeling its texture.
"As the saying goes—'A Buddha needs gold, and a person needs attire.' The colors, the design, the entire aesthetic—everything suits you perfectly."
Her hand moved from the Shogun's collar to her cheek, her expression softening into a tender smile, as if hoping to reassure her. And though she spoke lightly, her words were sincere—this outfit truly did suit her daughter. Perfectly. Perhaps even better than she had imagined.
"...Truly?" the Shogun asked quietly, her expression easing as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Of course. When have I ever lied to you? Isn't that right, Ayaka?" Ei turned toward the girl standing nearby, seeking backup.
"Yes, Lady Ei is absolutely right. Shogun-sama, please rest assured," Ayaka said warmly, smiling radiantly.
"Haa… since both of you say so, I suppose I can relax," the Shogun murmured, finally letting out a soft breath of relief.
"As expected of you, Ayaka. Your sense of fashion is truly exceptional," Ei said with a nod of admiration toward the young noblewoman.
"Hehe… you flatter me, Lady Ei. This is simply something I've long wanted to do. I've always dreamed of gifting Shogun-sama a new outfit—and today, I finally could."
Ayaka bowed politely, her gentle blue eyes softening as she looked at the woman beside her. Her slender hand rested affectionately on the Shogun's shoulder, tracing light circles upon the fabric.
"Well then, now that you're dressed, shall we sit?"
The Shogun smoothed her skirt and knelt gracefully before the low table once more, lifting a teacup to subtly hide the warmth still coloring her face.
"Hehe…" ×2
Ei and Ayaka exchanged a knowing glance before both let out quiet, indulgent chuckles. They then sat down beside her, one on each side, just as before.
Ayaka took a sip of tea, then as if suddenly remembering something, reached into the pocket of her skirt and pulled out the red string that had once been tied around the Shogun's left ankle.
"Shogun-sama, please give me your hand for a moment," she said softly, her voice gentle as silk.
"?"
The Shogun gave Ayaka a puzzled look, but when she noticed the red string in her hands, she immediately understood and obediently extended her left hand.
"It was originally tied around your ankle, but since red doesn't match your black stockings, I decided to tie it on your wrist instead."
Though the Shogun wore black silk gloves, the placement suited her better. With her previous kimono, the red string had matched—one outfit paired with dark violet stockings, another with white—but with this new attire, the red stood out too sharply. Weighing her options, Ayaka had decided this was best.
"...Thank you," the Shogun said softly, her voice polite.
"Pfft, thank me? For what~?"
Ayaka puffed her cheeks slightly and playfully pinched the soft flesh of the Shogun's palm. The Shogun chuckled lightly and made a motion to pinch back.
"Ahem~"
Suddenly, Ei cleared her throat.
"..." ×2
Both girls instantly froze in place.
"The tea's good, isn't it?" Ei said casually, sipping from her cup with deliberate calm. She felt like an outsider watching a pair of lovebirds flirt—her own daughter, no less! How could she just leave her mother sitting aside like this?!
"Mm, it's delicious. You—"
"The Shogun brewed it," Ei interrupted smoothly.
"Oh… but you instructed—"
"She did all the work."
"...I-I see…" Ayaka replied awkwardly.
"She can't brew tea properly anyway. Even if she tries, it's undrinkable—no, completely unfit for drinking," the Shogun said flatly, betraying her mother without hesitation.
"!"
Pinch~
Ei retaliated by giving her daughter's thigh a firm squeeze.
"!"
Slap~!
The Shogun flinched, face flushing red as she swatted Ei's hand away.
"Sh-Shogun-sama…"
Ayaka, having witnessed the small exchange, instinctively spoke in gentle protest.
"You're on my side—why are you defending her?" the Shogun asked, clearly displeased.
"Eh… um… Lady Ei—"
"Ayaka~? Think carefully. Whose side are you on~?" Ei's narrowed eyes glimmered playfully, though her tone carried a teasingly dangerous edge.
"U-uh…"
Ayaka froze, caught in the middle. Supporting Ei might upset the Shogun; siding with the Shogun risked offending her "mother-in-law." After a long, tense pause, she made her choice.
Thump~!
"!!"
She suddenly threw her arms around the Shogun, shielding her protectively, and looked straight at Ei.
"I'm sorry, Lady Ei… but please, if you must—pinch my leg instead!"
Her clear, elegant voice rang out with such sincerity that Ei was momentarily stunned.
"Pfft…"
The Shogun, caught in Ayaka's arms, couldn't help but laugh, her violet eyes glimmering with mischief as she cast a triumphant glance at her mother.
"...(Speechless.)"
Ei sighed, closing her eyes briefly. Honestly, this outcome had been obvious from the start. Kamisato Ayaka had always stood by her daughter's side—and that was precisely why Ei liked her. It was understandable.
"...Thank you, Ayaka," the Shogun said softly, looking up at the icy-haired girl holding her. Her eyes shimmered with quiet gratitude. Even if this had begun as playful teasing, Ayaka's choice had truly touched her.
"...Mm///"
Ayaka's cheeks turned pink as she met the Shogun's gaze. Gently, she stroked her beloved's cheek as though handling something precious beyond measure.
"Shogun, refill the tea," Ei interrupted suddenly.
"...Go yourself," the Shogun replied flatly, shooting her a look.
"I can't. It'll taste bad," Ei said matter-of-factly, crossing her arms with a haughty air, eyes closed.
"..."
Rolling her eyes, the Shogun reluctantly slipped out of Ayaka's arms, stood up, and took her mother's cup to refill it. She walked toward the kettle and began heating more water.
"Oh, right…" she murmured suddenly, as if remembering something.
"?" ×2
Both Ayaka and Ei turned their attention toward her.
"What news is there from Watatsumi Island lately?" she asked idly while tending to the tea.
"If you mean recent developments, it seems they're seeking peace talks with us," Ayaka replied immediately—her position in the Yashiro Commission made such information easy to obtain.
"..."
The Shogun paused, glancing back at her.
"Is that information accurate?"
"Yes, completely confirmed. The representative for the Shogunate will be the Tenryou Commission—Lady Kujou Sara, with the Yashiro Commission assisting from the sidelines," Ayaka explained clearly.
"And the representative from Watatsumi Island?" the Shogun asked, setting down the newly brewed tea before Ei and refilling her cup.
"Sangonomiya Kokomi," Ayaka answered.