Fingers Crossed [Hiatus]

Deliver

After finishing his monday paperwork, Ayato rakes a hand through his hair and took a deep breath. It is one of the less stressful part of his job, but today seems to be an exception. Ayato has never signed this many divorce papers in his life, and most of them are caused by unstable monetary condition. He could understand their reason, but rising the divorce rate by 150 percent in a week is a little bit too much.

The Vision Hunt decree might not affect the non-allogenes, but isolating the country gives more trouble than it looks. If this continue, it might bring incorrigible damage to Inazuma. But as the Commissioner, Ayato couldn't do much to change the decree. He must not show any opposition against the Shogun, including his orders to the Shuumatshuban. The only thing he could do now is his paperwork and keep the Commission away from crumbling.

"Lord Ayato, pardon me for disturbing you."

Ayato glanced at his knocked doors before he stands to slide it open and saw Furuta, one of the Estate's resident, bowing at him in greetings. The elder looks guilty, but he wouldn't possibly scold her for disrupting his work. He returned her greeting with a calm nod before answering her "Yes? What is it?"

"There are Retainers who are waiting for you. They said it is urgent."

"Tell them I'll be right there." He commanded and Furuta bows before she went to inform the Retainers.

Ayato returned his pen case and important papers from his chaotic desk into the drawers. And after he finished clearing, Ayato straightens the edge of his grey kimono to meet his guests in the common room.

The Retainers are a group who Ayato owes the most. They helped him to secure his position as the Commissioner after his father passed away. Even until now, they still aid him to strengthen his position as the Yashiro Commissioner. They work under Thoma's supervision, but since their boss is in hiding, they could report straight to Ayato. Especially when it's an urgent matter.

The Retainers are still in their formal attire when Ayato saw them, which is the standard samurai outfit. Ayato felt underdressed but he knows they wouldn't mind. They already sat and chat to each other while waiting for Ayato.

"Good evening." Ayato greeted them with a smile and they bows in return "I'm sorry if I made you wait."

"Don't worry, my Lord. It is us who is supposed to ask for apology to disturb you beyond work hours. As Furuta might already said, we have urgent matter to discuss."

Ayato took his seat in front of them, and seeing their tight face and grim aura, he knows this cannot be good.

"Of course, I'm all ears."

One of the retainers gaze at Ayato with an assessing look "How is the Commission doing? All good?"

What, is this some condition monitoring or some sort?

"We are doing well, but as you know, under the decree, the Commission has been through some difficulties." Ayato explains calmly "But you don't need to worry, we can handle this."

"And what about the donation programme?" The Retainer raised his voice "I heard it has been draining the Commission resources."

"We are doing our best. To adjust with the limited resources, we decreased the donation by half-"

"Then what next?" the Retainer scoffed "Cut it to quarters?"

Ayato leans forward to them and he fold his arms neatly on the table "What are you trying to tell me here? Surely you didn't come here just to criticize my programme and works."

The Retainers look to each other, then one of them returns to face Ayato "Look, we are trying to help the clan. You might not like this plan, but it will bring you a lot of advantages if this plan worked out."