An Aide /Kamisato Ayato/

11~ Effortlessly

TW: slight mention of patriarchy.

As the (hair color)ed lock owner took another long stride along the corridors of the estate, when dawn had yet come to persevere the sky, Shu slid the door open, finding (Name) walking past by. "Hm? Oh my," she spoke, quickly capturing (Name)'s attention.

The younger maiden brought the candle to light the darkness, revealing Shu'd stepped out of the room with the same smile cunning of a fox—one that never failed to coil up people's anger. At least, that's the sensation tingling in (Name)'s chest.

"(Name)," the name slipped off her lips effortlessly, while the woman taking a step towards (Name) as if she didn't do those... things to her. "I missed you very much, my dear niece. Whatever should I do to have you back?" Shu chimed in, the trail of her voice ended with a tone like a melody. "You know I love you, right?"

The younger maiden's body stiffened much to her displease. Taking a step forward would end (Name) with the desire to get Shu away, yet taking a step back would only satisfy Shu's ego. "Mistress Shu—"

"No, no, my dear," Shu cut her off, shaking her head in disapproval. "Aunt Shu," she corrected. "Using the word Mistress is too much, don't you think? Would you really consider me as someone who's no longer part of the (Last Name) clan?"

Even if her methods weren't one a (L/n) would claim, she's the only one taking care of her family currently. "You know why I hate being called Mistress, (Name). We're both women, aren't we?"

(Name) didn't move an inch, only letting Shu speak—revealing her motive now. Yet, why now?

"As soon as we get married, our clan's name will be stripped off from us. Even if we're about to drown in luxury, would it really be worth it if we're an outsider to a man's family while no longer being part of our own?" the older lady snaked her words into (Name)'s ears—all her words had been truthful, none spoke deception as (Name) knew well how it was.

"However, using the methods as you are using—"

"What do you know of my methods? Being wedded off when I was as young as when you called off your engagement with Lord Kamisato, forced to bear a child  even when I'd just entered my golden age, all while being left with nothing but you! If it hadn't been my sacrifice, the (L/n) would've crumbled long ago. We're nothing but a tool to our family."

(Name) knew of her aunt's story already, how she was the one to save the (L/n)'s financial situation from crumbling—though, all credits went to Shu's father. As young as a child not yet known to the world outside, admiration once grew when she heard of her story. "My sister—your mother, fell into a loop of never ending..." Shu's voice traced lower, reluctant to say; and none came out from her lips.

Shu's steps had always been light—yet, they're lighter now as (Name) didn't notice just how smoothly she took a step towards her, hands already holding the younger maiden's arms. "Oh, my beautiful niece. Your father loved to brag about you, yet he never once held you. While your mother was enduring and fighting to give birth, he was the one getting praised. If we work together—both of us, we'll get revenge on the Kamisato you hate so much for all of their deeds, and both of us will show we, ladies, can rule better than men."

Hearing her invitation, (Name) held back a wince—unsure how to proceed.

"..."

A crash of conflict hit her chest like a boulder. Shu's words might be right. Her desire had always been the same: holding a grudge to release it—that's one thing she had known of her yearning.

To let out her anger and blame on the Kamisato for driving her mother into a state where she constantly fell into despair, completely alone. To surpass the comments telling her to get married and start a family, while the other telling her to remain single for the rest of her life to lead the (L/n) clan. After all, if she were to get married, who would take over the clan?