The Head Lord and the Rat Thief {Kamisato Ayato FanFiction}

Chapter 13 ~ The Bet and the Sakura Story

Chapter 13 ~ The Bet and the Sakura Story

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       The next day, Caiome cleaned the terraces, practiced with Mizuki, cleaned the dojo, then went alone to Ayaka's salon to repeat the same etiquette rules as yesterday, using the same method: Ayaka pretending to be a guest whom Caiome had to enchant with words and smiles. Ayaka even promised Caiome that until she did everything perfectly, she wouldn't let her leave. This would delay her responsibilities, and they might even stay until midnight if needed, just so Caiome wouldn't make any mistakes during the banquet.

       All right, Caiome probably understood the importance of the banquet. After all, that was the purpose of the Yashiro Commission, to preserve and evolve culture. And cultural exchange was crucial for promoting their own culture, which could mean closing international industrial deals. Maybe Caiome also understood the importance of the delegation from Snezhnaya, given that Snezhnaya was renowned for the furs they made, their quality and beauty that could be used by the people of Inazuma through the winter.

       "You're anxious, aren't you?" Caiome said, resting her cheek in her palm, interrupting Ayaka's discourse on femininity in lifting the tea cup from the table. By doing so, Caiome had already violated some of Ayaka's rules—she didn't have a straight back, her shoulders weren't pulled back, her chin wasn't lifted, and she didn't smile. She interrupted Ayaka and spoke without being asked.

       "About what?" Ayaka asked, curious nevertheless.

       "About everything," Caiome said.

       Ayaka opened her fan suddenly, starting to flutter it very slowly under her nose. "I'm sorry, I have no idea what you could be referring to, Miss."

       "That's why I always said your brother is more fun. At least he tries."

       "I don't wish to address topics unrelated to the banquet the day after tomorrow. Now, let's return to the tea ceremony tradition."

       "I don't care," Caiome said.

       "Miss Caiome—"

       "The banquet. Important. Don't mess it up. I get it," she said quickly. "You can drop all your scenarios. I don't care about them now, and probably not then. My role is to dance and eat nicely."

        "In that case," Ayaka said coldly, raising her chin, "I think you should assist the orchestra."

        Caiome frowned at her. "That's not what you want me to do," she said.

        "In fact, that is the only thing I would like you to do right now."

        "No, it's not. You want me to apologize. You want me to apologize for stealing from you, for taking your jewelry, and for taking advantage of your kindness and naivety. You want me to bow before you, just like everyone else does."

       Ayaka stopped her fan abruptly, closing it and adopting that serious expression that Caiome wanted to see.

       Finally.

       "I don't desire that," Ayaka said. "I am perfectly aware that you have regret regarding your actions. So I won't ask the impossible from someone who doesn't know this morality. Let's let things go as Ayato decided, and after the banquet is over, we can go our separate ways, even though we live in the same residence for now."

       Caiome leaned back in her palms.

       "So you're anxious. And you think too much. And you're trying to avoid talking about it for fear of what you might say."