Looking at Raiden Ei in his arms, Akio held her tightly. Even the most supreme and terrifying thunder in the heavens could feel weary at times.
Fortunately, Akio's arrival gave her someone to rely on, rather than walking the path of leading Inazuma alone, as she had done before.
After a while, Raiden Ei slowly sat up, frowning. "Akio, there's something poking me."
"Didn't the Shogun read about this in those romance novels?" Akio raised an eyebrow. Leaving aside his own physical condition, who could remain calm with a goddess as voluptuous, sexy, and enchanting as Raiden Ei sitting in their lap?
Laughable. It's not like he was in some saintly state.
"Hmm?" Raiden Ei thought for a moment, recalling the romance novels the Shogun had read.
"Oh, you mean this is what happens when men and women…" Raiden Ei was about to say it, but Akio covered her mouth.
"Let's talk about it in detail tonight in the room. We can't say such things openly now!,"
"Oh, then I'll come find you tonight. If you like this, I'll make you happy," Raiden Ei said without a hint of shyness—or perhaps she simply didn't know what shyness was.
"But you'll have to teach me! I don't understand these things," Raiden Ei added.
"Of course, no problem," Akio said with a mischievous smile. By now, he was quite experienced, wasn't he?
"Here, Ei, open your mouth. Have some tri-colored dango," Akio, in high spirits, picked up a skewer of tri-colored dango and fed it to his adorable Ei.
…
At the Naganohara Fireworks shop in Inazuma City, Yoimiya was surrounded by piles of fireworks. She was nervous—these were her preparations for a romantic gesture for Lord Akio!
But she wasn't looking at the fireworks now. Instead, she was staring at the door, waiting for someone.
Soon, a figure pushed the door open.
"Ayaka!" Seeing the figure, Yoimiya jumped up in excitement and ran over.
"Yoimiya, why did you call me here today?" Kamisato Ayaka had planned to visit the Grand Narukami Shrine to see Akio today, but Yoimiya's letter had called her here instead.
"Well, Ayaka, there's something I want to ask you," Yoimiya said, her face flushed with shyness, her hands fidgeting nervously.
"Huh? What is it? Go ahead," Kamisato Ayaka looked at Yoimiya curiously. Her usually lively friend was acting so bashful today.
"It's just… Ayaka, are you… dating Lord Akio?" Yoimiya mustered up the courage to ask.
"Yes… Huh? Yoimiya, how did you know?" Kamisato Ayaka's face turned red.
"Well… I also… like Lord Akio," Yoimiya said softly, her head lowered. "The Guuji told me."
"I see," Kamisato Ayaka nodded thoughtfully. Seeing Yoimiya's expression, she stepped forward and took Yoimiya's hand.
"Ayaka…" Yoimiya looked up in surprise. As expected of a noble lady, her hands were so smooth and soft… Wait, no, they were discussing Lord Akio now.
"I know, Yoimiya. I'm not surprised at all," Kamisato Ayaka said with a gentle smile.
"Lord Akio is so kind and so strong. It's no surprise that you like him," Kamisato Ayaka said. "Besides, Yoimiya, you're so amazing. I know Lord Akio would like you too."
"Ayaka… I'm a bit worried. I think Lord Akio might have misunderstood me," Yoimiya said with a troubled expression.
"Can you tell me about it?" Kamisato Ayaka led Yoimiya to sit down and asked softly.
"It's just… I might have been too enthusiastic, and Lord Akio might have misunderstood. He thinks my enthusiasm might just be friendship, and that I'm like this with everyone…" Yoimiya sighed. "But really, my feelings for Lord Akio aren't ordinary! And I'll keep my boundaries! I won't let others get too close to me. In all my life, only Lord Akio has held me and been so close to me."
"I know," Kamisato Ayaka had known Yoimiya for a long time. She knew what kind of person Yoimiya was. Yoimiya wasn't the type to be frivolous.
"Ayaka, can I ask you how you found the courage to confess to Lord Akio?" Yoimiya pulled Kamisato Ayaka into her room.
"It was the day before Lord Akio left for Liyue," Kamisato Ayaka said shyly. "You know it was my birthday a few days ago. I had planned to invite Lord Akio over for my birthday, and I wasn't sure if I'd have the courage to confess to him."
"But that day, Lord Akio suddenly came to me and asked me what I had decided. At first, I didn't dare to answer, but when I saw the disappointment in his eyes, I couldn't help it. I just confessed," Kamisato Ayaka whispered. "My mind went blank, and my mouth just blurted it out! But thankfully, Lord Akio accepted me. I was so nervous at the time."
"And, Yoimiya, I'll tell you a secret," Kamisato Ayaka leaned in and whispered. "Actually, the first time I met Lord Akio, we… kissed by accident."
"What?!" Yoimiya's eyes widened. "You kissed the first time you met?"
"Shh~ Yoimiya, keep your voice down. It's so embarrassing if others hear," Kamisato Ayaka covered Yoimiya's mouth.
"Sorry, sorry~" Yoimiya said softly. "What happened?"
"Well… I was a bit drunk at the time, and I stumbled and fell into Lord Akio's arms. We couldn't help it and… kissed," Kamisato Ayaka said shyly.
"That time? I remember," Yoimiya thought for a moment. Wasn't that during the Duel Before the Throne?
"Hehe, if I were Lord Akio, with a tipsy beauty in my arms, I'd kiss her too," Yoimiya teased with a grin. "By the way, Ayaka, what does kissing feel like?"
"If you want to know, go kiss Lord Akio yourself! Why ask me? It's so embarrassing," Kamisato Ayaka pushed Yoimiya lightly.
"I… I'm just too nervous. Besides, confessing takes time," Yoimiya said, her face slightly red. "Good Ayaka, just tell me~ I'll treat you to the best hot spring later."
"Alright, alright, I'll tell you," Kamisato Ayaka nodded. "It's nice. It feels sweet~ But we haven't kissed much since then…"
A/N: Enjoying the story? Read 40+ chapters ahead on Patreon! Your support helps: Patreon.com/nneol