Omniscius II [Genshin Impact]

67: The Frostflake Heron's Whispers

The servants at the Kamisato Estate were troubled. Since the re-establishment of the Sakoku Decree a few days ago, they've barely seen the Lady Kamisato leave the estate.

It was usually one of two things: either she was at the courtyard, swinging her sword ceaselessly and relentlessly, or she was in her room, never calling for any servants or making a fuss.

The Lord Kamisato himself was rarely home in the past few days, but none was in the position to ask about his whereabouts. So long as he returned safely, that's all that mattered to the household.

Thoma was working harder than usual. He was the only one able to walk into Ayaka's quarters, so he would be the one to see the Shirasagi's true state.

She was often in a daze, sitting by the open windows and staring out at the sea where the storms serving the Shogun's will continued to roll.

She'd absentmindedly practice her calligraphy, writing poems that never painted a picture nor made rhymes. She'd read her collection of Mondstadt romance novels, clutching the book unconsciously.

Only when she was out in the courtyard would the fierce look in her eyes return, each swing was poised but also a little more forceful. As if she was striking something she could not see.

She swung her blade one, two, three hundred times. Only Thoma could gently call for her, snapping her back to reality.

"My lady, you're training clothes are all sweaty and dusty... Come, change into newer garments. I'll get you some cake if you'd like," Thoma smiled, trying his best to cheer the Lady Kamisato.

"Oh...Thank you, Thoma," Ayaka looked into the distance wistfully, her gaze faltering, "But I'm in no mood for sweets."

It was a horrible reality. It was a reality where Ayaka couldn't enjoy her favorite food without losing appetite. It was a reality where Inazuma was in chaos once more.

It was a reality where the woman she looked up to became an enemy of the nation. Ayaka's lips trembled.

"This reality...It was horrible."

"M-My lady...?" Thoma called softly, worryingly. Ayaka sniffed, pulling herself together to smile at Thoma, "Yes?"

"You... don't have to pretend like this. It's quite painful for me to look at," Thoma sighed, "I understand your despair, but there's no need to pretend to be fine if you're not."

"Your words are kind, Thoma. But I am the Shirasagi Himegimi," Ayaka gripped her blade, "How I carry myself is how the citizens of Inazuma will carry themselves."

Such was the responsibility placed upon her by her title. Inazuma's princess, the image of Inazuma, a role model of the citizens... It goes on and on, and Ayaka cannot stop it.

It was her calling–one she could not escape.

She pressed her lips and swiped again, a little too forceful that it willed the winds to follow suit. Thoma's gazed at her pitifully before leaving, knowing that this is how Ayaka expresses herself without the need for people.

Because the people who knew exactly how to comfort her...were no longer by her side. Ayaka gritted her teeth.

How? How could have this happened? Was it all an illusion? Ayaka bit her lip and sliced against the wind, Was this the peaceful life you wished for me? Was this it?

Crystalline beads fell from Ayaka's face as she swung her blade, none able to tell whether they were sweat or tears.

The servants were troubled as usual the next day. The Lady Kamisato continued her acts of isolation, showing no signs of her former self.