After the Yashiro Commission and the members of the Kamisato Clan dispersed, Yae Miko, watching from a distance, wore a mischievous smile.
Just now, Ayaka had looked quite fragile and delicate, seemingly easy to tease. This display of weakness was exactly what Miko wanted. She had already thought of some "interesting" things to do.
Morning in Inazuma City was never quiet. Many shops opened early, and farmers and fishermen went about their business. But today was exceptionally lively because a piece of news was spreading into every nook and cranny of Inazuma.
"Our Shirasagi Himegimi has someone in her heart!"
"This morning, the Eldest Miss of the Kamisato Clan held a farewell ceremony for Lord Ye Xi. She actually gave him her beloved dance fan as a token of her feelings!"
"Lady Ayaka made a promise to Lord Ye Xi that she would only ever dance for him alone!"
"Lord Ye Xi gave Lady Ayaka a jade flute in return! They exchanged tokens of love!"
"Shirasagi Himegimi and the Successor of Narukami have secretly pledged their lives to one another. This story is bound to become another household legend in our Inazuma!"
Many didn't know exactly what had happened, but upon waking up, they found this story filling the streets and alleys. Everyone offered their heartfelt blessings to Ayaka!
Some were moved to sighs of admiration.
"They really are a match made in heaven!"
"I'm so envious of Lady Ayaka; this story is far too romantic!"
"Exchanging keepsakes this is the dream of every young maiden!"
"For Shirasagi Himegimi to be with Lord Ye Xi is truly a match of equals, a match ordained by fate!"
Amidst the envy, many began to speculate.
"This must be the Raiden Shogun's intention! I heard that when Lord Ye Xi left, even the thunderstorms over the sea ceased!"
"So it was the Raiden Shogun's order? Damn it, I was planning to go to the Kamisato Estate to propose marriage myself!"
"Who would dare defy the Raiden Shogun's decree? That would be seeking death!"
"..."
The events of the morning, whether by design or accident, spread throughout Inazuma. Some people took any wind of news as a downpour, adding their own embellishments.
What was originally an exchange of farewell gifts turned into an engagement. After passing through a few more mouths, the engagement became a marriage. Finally, it morphed into a completely different version.
"Eldest Miss... the word outside is that Lord Ye Xi has long since moved into the Kamisato Estate and has been... living with you for quite some time"
The servant reporting the news bowed his head, not daring to look up.
Hearing this, Ayaka's face flushed crimson. "How could it have spread like this...?"
Living with Ye Xi? That was something she wouldn't even dare to imagine.
On the other side of the estate, Ayato was laughing so hard he could barely catch his breath.
"To think a simple error would be passed around until it became this!"
"This is truly the power of a rumor!"
"This is excellent!"
"With this, no one will dare provoke my Kamisato Clan easily!"
"The family's development will surely be smooth sailing from now on!"
Ayato set down his scrolls and sighed in relief. He hadn't expected that simply letting a bit of news slip would cause so many major families to proactively clear the way for the Kamisato Clan. Those rivals who had once caused all sorts of trouble were now keeping their distance.
And all of this was simply because of Ye Xi's reputation!
Out at sea, The Alcor cut through the waves!
Like a long blade slicing through water, it cleaved the ocean, leaving a trail of white foam in its wake.
On deck, sailors carried cargo while others adjusted the sails according to the wind. They chatted and joked as they worked, but their conversation never strayed far from two words—Ye Xi.
"Big Sister, it's been a while. Your drinking is as hearty as ever."
Ye Xi set down his wine cup, though he couldn't help but grumble inwardly.
This isn't a cup, it's clearly a bowl!
Drinking like this, even a drunkard would be flat on their back...
In his previous life, he wasn't exactly the type to never touch a drop of alcohol. Because of work and social obligations, he would go out for a drink occasionally. Sometimes after work, he'd even share a few glasses with female colleagues.
But he was always someone who stopped once he felt a slight buzz. The glasses used in bars usually looked like they held a lot, but their actual capacity was tiny. They were nothing like Beidou's "military-style" drinking habit.
Beidou laughed heartily, picking up the wine jug to refill Ye Xi's bowl. "You're still the same as always never drinking your fill!"
The First Mate and the sailors sitting nearby twitched their lips.
In The Crux, it was always the brothers pouring drinks for the Big Sister. Who else had the status to have the Big Sister pour for them? The man before them, Ye Xi, was likely the only one!
The Big Sister's actions today had completely shattered their understanding of her. No one would have expected her to have such a side. She treated Ye Xi like her own blood brother!
"Brother Ye Xi, I'm the First Mate of this ship. Just call me Lao Zhao."
Lao Zhao raised his wine bowl as he spoke. Ye Xi's expression stiffened for a moment. However, Lao Zhao's next words, "I'll finish mine, you drink as you please," made him sigh in relief.
After a round of toasts, Lao Zhao asked with a chuckle, "Brother Ye Xi, we rarely hear the Big Sister mention you. I wonder how the two of you first met?"
At this question, everyone's attention shifted toward them. Even the sailors working nearby pricked up their ears, listening intently.
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