𝐌𝐈𝐃𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 • k. ayato

13

☄. *. ⋆

"Lady Ayaka, I do thank you for inviting me to join you," said [Y/N] with a rather awkward smile on her face. She has never been to a tea party, or on an outing with other ladies, so to have met Ayaka right outside her chamber's doors was a great surprise. It was an even greater surprise when she suggested drinking tea out in the garden.

"Please, no need to be so formal," Ayaka spoke with tenderness in her voice.

The food was presented on the finest compilation of the Kamisato estate's silver trays and bowls. It was as delicate as the floral arrangements [Y/N]'s mother used to make. Everything looked delicious and refined, much to [Y/N]'s pleasure.

Ayaka took a sip of the tea which was presented to them by the servants, "I am rather forlorn that we have not interacted much before. My brother seems to be enamoured by the madam, so perhaps that is why he keeps stealing you away whenever I wish to talk to you," she laughed at her own remark. It has been a while since she could relax under the sun.

[Y/N] smiled, "Ah, you say not to be so formal yet you call me madam so willingly."

"Oh my, I hadn't realized," Ayaka covered her mouth, "Apologies If I made you uncomfortable."

[Y/N] shook her head with a delicate smile on her face, "No, no. You have done no such thing. But please, be at ease."

"Yes, I will try. We are family, after all," Ayaka said with a tone full of affection.

Family—she said. This made [Y/N]'s heart pound relentlessly. They were Indeed family. A happy one, at that. She had not felt this warm and safe in a very long time. Such a burden had been lifted off her shoulders ever since she came here. Although their beginnings weren't ideal, she was elated to be part of the Kamisato's.

Ayaka could see transparent stars in [Y/N]'s eyes, the tender blush coating her cheeks, and the devoted smile on her face. She was so different from the rumours.

"I think I understand now why my brother likes you so," Ayaka spoke up.

At this, [Y/N] lifted her eyes from the cup to look at the bluenette, "Pardon?"

"Please, do not take this the wrong way, but there are many unsightly whispers about the Kamiyama's, and so, when I first heard that my brother and you were going to get married, I was rather reluctant to welcome you. Neither did you seem very happy about being here, and I do not blame you, but It was hard to shield my mind from all that I have heard about you. Therefore, when my brother and you had gotten so close, I wished to find out for myself why he is so happy to be with you. All I can do is apologize to you for all of my suspicions and judgment. It was wrong of me to assume you were someone gossip had made you out to be."

She held her head low, her face rid of the tender smile.

What Ayaka said is true. There are many rumours regarding [Y/N], which was why so many clans were against this marriage, against the Kamiyama's gaining even more influence and connections. The world of nobles was an awful one, but she never understood why people were so adamant about tainting the Kamiyama's name.

"Why do you apologize? I hold nothing against you, dear. Albeit you were unwilling, you nevertheless showed me kindness and patience. I'll never forget your hospitality," said the madam as she reached out her hand to hold Ayaka's.

She truly had nothing against the young lady of the Kamisato's.

Ayaka was a quiet girl, a thoughtful girl. But, you were never quite sure what was going on inside that pretty little head of hers. That made her so intriguing.

"Hehe, my goodness, you're truly too kind," Ayaka beamed with pure happiness, "I hope you have a happy life here with us."

"I shall. Every second I spend here is so lovely."

They both laughed in delight. Ayaka was truly happy that Ayato had such a charming lady by his side, and even more so, she was cheery that Kamiyama [Y/N] was her sister-in-law.

"Ah, could I inquire about something to you?" Asked [Y/N], suddenly sounding worried.

Ayaka nodded instantly, "Please do. I'll help with whatever I can."

[Y/N] sighed, cheeks reddening, "It is about the commissioner..."

"Oh? My brother? Ah, was he rude to you?"

"No, no, It's nothing like that. He has been nothing but kind to me," replied the madam, trying to keep the words 'apart from the fact that he was untruthful and poisoned me,' from coming out of her mouth, "Rather, I am worried about him."

"Why so? Brother Ayato seems to be in such good spirits lately. I do doubt there is any need for concern," said Ayaka, giggling at the image of Ayato smiling heartily in her mind.

[Y/N] began fumbling with her fingers, growing rather embarrassed, "Well, I am well aware that the duty of being a commissioner is not easy, but I do worry for his health as he rarely finishes work before midnight, even with all of his secretaries helping him. And so, I wonder if there is any way I could assist him? I would question him myself, but I find myself reluctant."

Ayaka clasped her hands, "Oh, was that it? Normally I leave Thoma to such matters since I'm often working outside of the estate, so I'm not too sure, but... I think if my brother took on in-person assignments accompanied by you, instead of focusing on paperwork, he would feel less tired. After all, you two could work together while at the same time spending time with each other. It would be much more enjoyable."

A blush rose to [Y/N]'s face. She was transfixed by such information.

"Mmm, why would he enjoy working more with me? Seems rather unlikely, does it not?" She was so quick to say these words, averting her eyes away from Ayaka.

"You two get along splendidly, and my brother... well, do trust me. He would like nothing more than to spend more time with you. You two don't get to see each other very often, do you?"

The madam shook her head, still processing Ayaka's words. She would certainly try, but it was still embarrassing. She simply hoped that Ayato would look kindly upon her suggestion.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in leisurely chatter about things of little importance. It was a pleasurable day spent getting closer to the young lady. Not to mention the tea. It was a sweet surprise, and she knew that Ayaka had exquisite taste when it came to pleasantries.

But when Thoma stepped into the garden, the good mood of [Y/N] soon turned sour.

"Madam, the young heir of the Kamiyama's, your brother is here to see you."

☄. *. ⋆