Taking over the Abyss

37- Ya Boy Kamisato

The journey to the Kamisato estate was uneventful. At most, you had to deal with Thoma apologizing for the hassle and taking the long way to avoid getting caught by some wandering mobs. Thoma seemed completely used to both the long route and the casual mention of needing to avoid some monsters. You weren't sure how to feel about that, but you were at least a little bit impressed by how nonchalant he was about it.

Regardless, the worst thing that happened was Itto getting some pollen from the whacky glowing blue flowers in the Chinju forest all over his face, and then sneezing. Thoma ushered the two of along quickly to avoid the things lurking in the forest from getting too curious about the noise. Before you knew it, the dirt road turned into a more civilized looking stone path, complete with a random soldier patrolling back and forth.

Thoma led the two of you into the outer gate walls of the estate, all the while keeping a bright smile on his face. He was adorable! He deserved better than what he ended up getting. Itto slowed down to marvel at the sight, excited thoughts of holding some sort of tournament here written clearly on his face. You felt like you were somehow intruding as you stepped onto the well cared for hardwood flooring.

Those feelings faded entirely when Itto kicked off some dirt from his sandals straight onto it. Thoma stopped at the little table area and gestured towards it, the same bright smile on his face, "Itto, why don't you wait here? I can go and make you some tea, or anything else you'd like."

Itto raised an eyebrow suspiciously, crossing his arms over his chest, "Hah? I came here to ensure that this place wasn't trying to scam foreigners, and to meet the cool butler. So far, neither goal has been accomplished."

Thoma leaned forwards and cupped a hand around his mouth to whisper semi-loudly, "It's about the civil war."

"Ooooh," Itto cringed. He turned and gave you a rough pat on the shoulder, an apologetic look on his face, "Yeah, I'mma have to sit this one out. Sorry."

"Don't worry about it," you said. You understood without it needing to be said, he couldn't do anything without the entire oni race getting judged for whichever choice he made in the end. "We can have another Onikabuto battle when I get let out, if you feel like sticking around."

Itto made a show of it, but you could sorta tell that he was going to stay. He shrugged and began to smile again, "Sure, why not? Don't expect to get lucky twice in a row though, that victory was just a fluke."

You gave Itto a smug smile before hurrying along with Thoma, who quickly ushered you inside of the estate. It was much bigger now, since it wasn't just a glorified hallway with little closets. There were actually other rooms and whatnot. When the two of you arrived at an important looking door, Thoma stopped and gently knocked on it with his knuckles.

After a moment, you heard a refined sounding voice call out, "Come in."

Thoma opened the door and stepped inside, gesturing that you follow him. You took a moment before realizing that you just ended up in the interior part of the in-game estate anyway. After going around the beautifully painted shoji, Thoma gave a short bow. You did the same just to be polite.

Thoma gestured to you, "I brought her here like you asked, my lord."

"Thank you, Thoma," Ayato said, not bothering to look up as he continued to write. For a moment, he briefly glanced up at you, like he already forgot you were there, "You may take a seat. Thoma, I'd like to discuss things privately with our honored guest."

"Yes, my lord," Thoma bowed again, then quickly turned to leave. Before he was out of view, he gave you a subtle smile of encouragement. Once the door to the room had closed, you slowly trudged over to sit down at the table in front of Ayato. You weren't sure what to do with your legs, opting to go for ye olde criss-cross applesauce instead of the more traditional way Ayato was sitting.