ver·i·si·mil·i·tude / vərəsəˈmiləˌt(y)o͞od/ noun
the appearance of being true or real.
Not all dreams are strong enough to create ambitions. Yet, Teyvat's skies will always have a place for those who dream beyond the veil. So dream on, dear one and...
I figured that since today is Ayato's birthday and that this is a more Ayato-centered chapter, that I'd be nice and release this chapter a day early for you all!
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The Kamisato Estate hadn't changed much the last time I'd seen it in the past. It may have been updated perhaps, but the structure and layout of the outside features were still relatively the same. Thoma led me through the stone path and onto the wooden deck connected to the main building of the estate. The two guards stationed at the door nod at Thoma as he opened the door for me.
"Just wait right here for a moment while I go inform my Lord of your arrival." Thoma tells me after he closes the door behind us. I gave him a nod showing that I heard and understood him. I stood in the entry admiring the architecture and interior design inside the building. Everything here is so different compared to Mondstadt and Liyue. Footsteps entered my hearing and I turned, spotting Thoma returning to me. Where is the Yashiro Commissioner? Why did Thoma return by himself?
"Is everything okay, Thoma?" I ask, not realizing that another has joined us.
"Greetings, Oracle Knight. I am delighted to make your acquaintance." A male voice suddenly spoke up. I blinked in surprise and looked around. The voice had come from behind the screen in front of Thoma and I.
"This is just a time-honored tradition within the Yashiro Commission. Please don't feel offended by it." Thoma whispers to me after seeing the confused expression on my face. I gave Thoma a silent "oh" and nodded.
"Hello... I'm assuming you must be the Yashiro Commissioner, correct?" I asked toward the screen. I waited for his response, and I didn't have to wait long. The one who spoke behind the screen reveals himself, shocking Thoma beside me. If I had to describe how the Yashiro Commission's Commissioner looked in person, I would say he looked like a prince straight out of the fairytales my mother used to read to me when I was younger. He doesn't say anything as the man strides elegantly in my direction, the draping sleeves of his white suit swaying as he moved ever so closer. Once he's before me, he takes my right hand and lifts it to his lips, placing a light kiss upon my skin.
"Kamisato Ayato, head of the Kamisato Clan." He introduces and my brain short-circuits for a moment as I try to find the right words to say. I wasn't expecting him to greet me like this. Is this just a custom amongst the noble? Or something else. Who am I kidding... It's just a simple kiss on the top of the hand. There really isn't much to be read into here... right?
"(Y-)ahem, (Y/N) (L/N), Oracle Knight of the Knights of Favonius." Ayato's lilac eyes sweep over me as he releases his hold on my hand.
"Let's discuss further in my office." He turns to Thoma.
"Thoma, please prepare some tea for our guest here." Thoma bows his head, his expression hidden from my view because of it.
"Of course, my Lord! I'll get on that right away." He immediately makes himself scarce, leaving me behind with the head of the clan. I reached out for Thoma, as something felt off about his interaction with Ayato. Only, my hand hovered listlessly in the air before I lowered it with a small frown. Maybe he's just not feeling like himself? Or maybe this is just what Thoma is used to? It's been years since we'd last seen each other, so surely there are changes to be had. Ayato silently watches the interaction before he turns, glancing over his shoulder at me.
