A year ago...
"Have as much fill as you wish, Ayaka," a deep voice one with reverence sounded in the quiet room, scent of sweet stirred with spice altogether could leave one's taste to a tasteless bud.
In other words, it's unsightly to see the content of the dining hotpot.
(The content of the hotpot is censored to protect audiences' comfortability.)
Ayaka chuckled slightly, taking notice of the content within the hotpot—how the (censored) stirred together with (censored). Meanwhile Thoma had long surpassed the urge to back out from the mini game, praying to Archons to save his stomach from the pain the two siblings put him through.
Meanwhile, Ayato found contentment in seeing the looks of his retainer's face, a hint of pride sticking to his chest as he gazed at the hotpot's fillings.
Of course, he was tempted to put (censored) into the pot—however, his turn was over.
"So, uh... Milord," Thoma spoke, deciding to melt the silence of the two people who were unaware of their choices in this pot. "Yes, Thoma?" Ayato responded, lifting his gaze to meet Thoma.
"Have you met with the Yama family? I've heard of their plans to marry their daughter with you," the blonde man spoke, catching Ayaka's attention in the process. "Oh, yes. I remember hearing that as well. Ayato, you met the Yama family this morning, didn't you? How did it go?" A gleaming curiosity was written over her face, projecting enthusiasm to hear her brother's meeting with the Yama family.
The spoken man only reverberated a chuckle, finding amusement in his dear family—including Thoma—'s faces filled with bundles of curiosities. Given the circumstances of Ayato's own reluctance in showing interest in getting married, it's understandable the two of them would be quite interested in knowing his answer.
"Yes, I've met them. They proposed to wed off their daughter to me in exchange for our family to be their backups. But I rejected the offer. Imagine the uproar chaos it'll cause if I accept their proposal," he answered. Ayaka hummed, taking in his words carefully to construct a better understanding. "It's quite unfortunate for the Yama family then. Given the rumor of their daughter holding affections for you."
Meanwhile, the retainer still contained an affable smile—nodding his head to show agreement. Yet, silence fell upon them soon after the conversation ended just like that—it'd always been like this.
Every conversation about marriages was always left with silence.
The two knew the chaos if Ayato announced his interest in marriage, how the Inazuma would be lining up their daughters in front of Ayato's doorstep. Not to mention, he prioritized his family over any other affairs, working his way up to stabilize the Kamisato's social standings, and now strived for Inazuma.
Yet... There was another reason.
And the only other reason someone else knew was his retainer—Thoma.
Thoma's emerald gaze fell anywhere but the pot—refusing to land even his peripheral vision on it. "Milord, I respect all of the decisions you've taken for us. But, sometimes I wish you find the right person," he confessed.
Ayaka could only exchange glances between the two men, unable to comprehend the sudden loom of atmosphere. Yet, she understood one thing: a well wishes for the head of the family.
"Yes, Ayato," she agreed. "You must find someone that can fill your missing piece. We, humans, have our own loneliness after all."
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An Aide /Kamisato Ayato/
Fanfiction"All within this estate is yours-from the facilities, down to the staffs一they're yours to use. Use us for as long as you need." Running water, a warm building, people to serve. "I don't need them. All I need is a place to hide for the meantime. Al...
