-

The Kamisato Estate was as pristine as ever, its gardens carefully maintained and its walkways lined with delicate lanterns. Despite the tension in Inazuma, the estate itself remained a place of order and refinement.

Yoshika walked slightly ahead of the group, knowing the way well. She had met Kamisato Ayato on previous visits-formal conversations, brief exchanges. He was polite, calculating, and always a step ahead.

As they reached the entrance, a Yashiro Commission attendant bowed deeply. "Lord Kamisato is expecting you."

Furina raised an eyebrow. "Well, that was suspiciously convenient."

Yae Miko smirked. "Ayato always knows more than he lets on."

Inside, Ayato stood near a low table, a tea set prepared in front of him. He was as composed as ever, his elegant robes flowing as he turned to greet them. "Welcome to the Kamisato Estate." His eyes lingered on Yoshika before he gestured for them to sit.

Once they had settled, Ayato poured tea with practiced grace. "Lady Guuji's message was quite... intriguing. She seems to believe you require access to restricted texts."

Yoshika didn't hesitate. "We believe Celestia is involved in the attack on the harbor. The texts might help us understand what's coming."

Ayato tapped his fingers lightly against the table. "A bold theory. And if you are correct, then Inazuma is already at risk."

Furina leaned forward dramatically. "Then surely you must allow us access! It is for the greater good, after all."

Ayato's lips curled into a polite smile. "You misunderstand, Lady Furina. I am not denying your request. But access to the archives requires... reciprocity."

Arlecchino's expression darkened. "A favor."

Ayato inclined his head slightly. "A small one. There is a diplomatic matter that requires delicate handling-one that would benefit from the presence of certain influential figures." His gaze drifted toward Yoshika and Furina.

Yoshika exhaled. "What do you need?"

Ayato's smile never wavered. "A formal banquet is being held for a delegation from Snezhnaya. I need representatives from Fontaine and Snezhnaya to attend. Your presence would ensure smooth negotiations."

Furina's eyes widened. "A banquet? Ah, how delightfully dramatic! I accept!"

Yoshika, however, remained wary. "And who is leading the delegation?"

Ayato's expression turned unreadable. "Pulcinella."

A heavy silence followed.

Arlecchino's grip on her teacup tightened just slightly.

Neuvillette finally spoke. "That complicates things."

Ayato nodded. "Indeed. But that is the price of entry to the archives. Do we have an agreement?"

Yoshika exchanged glances with the others before sighing. "Fine. We'll attend."

Ayato's smile deepened. "Excellent. Then let us prepare for an evening of diplomacy."

-
𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝖨 𝗇𝖾𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗈 𝗌𝗅𝖾𝖾𝗉😔 𝖺𝗅𝗌𝗈 𝗂𝗆 𝗃𝗎𝗌𝗍 𝗀𝗈𝗇𝗇𝖺 𝗉𝗎𝗍 𝗋𝖺𝗇𝖽𝗈𝗆 𝗌𝖼𝖾𝗇𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝖾𝗒𝗏𝖺𝗍 𝖼𝗎𝗓 𝗒𝖾𝖺 𝗂𝗆 𝗅𝖺𝗓𝗒