"Feng Yi, it might seem strange to you, but I can truly understand my mother's actions. In fact... in truth, I have a similar side to myself...
When I read the notebook, I felt almost lost, as if my own thoughts had been seen through and written down..."
Kamisato Ayaka walked to the riverbank, gazing at the shimmering water, revealing a long-hidden secret to another for the first time.
"After Mother married my father, she served as the matriarch of the Kamisato household, managing all affairs. As Yashiro Commissioner, her status was quite esteemed, requiring her to attend to a vast number of matters. Moreover, every action she took represented the Kamisato clan, and people were always watching her. In such circumstances, she must not have had much time to pursue her own desires..."
"After my parents passed away, my brother and I took over everything in the Kamisato family. The many difficulties we encountered during that time might be hard for outsiders to imagine...
Whenever I faced a problem, I would always wonder: Did Mother do this back then? How would she have handled such a situation?
Perhaps it's been too long since I last saw her? Unknowingly, my memories have almost entirely faded, leaving only the image of my mother as dignified and noble..."
Feng Yi looked at Kamisato Ayaka, who was reminiscing about her mother, and felt a deep connection. He stepped forward, gently embracing her slender waist and drawing her into his arms, offering her a warm and solid chest to lean on.
Kamisato Ayaka did not resist. She wrapped her arms around Feng Yi as well, feeling the urge to confide in someone about the emotions she had accumulated over the years.
"But... this is not right. When I saw this notebook, I realized... she was just like me. No matter what responsibilities we bear, we are all just ordinary people...
We like beautiful kimonos, want to try the cuisine of every region, and long to see sceneries we've never witnessed..."
"Perhaps you will laugh at me for being immature when you hear this, but... I truly have these thoughts too. Not as Kamisato Ayaka, but as an ordinary girl living my life..."
Kamisato Ayaka looked at Feng Yi with a wry smile. If she could, she too would cast aside her heavy responsibilities and travel the world like Feng Yi.
"Ayaka, why would I laugh at you? Everyone has their own struggles. In my eyes, you are not the young lady of the Kamisato clan, but a strong girl who cries, laughs, and strives for her ideals. Before me, you can shed all your burdens and be your true self, without regard for your status as a Kamisato lady..."
Feng Yi gently spoke, holding Kamisato Ayaka's small hand.
"Feng Yi, meeting you... I feel incredibly fortunate. I'm so glad you can be tolerant of my willfulness..."
Kamisato Ayaka looked at Feng Yi with moist eyes. She felt she was far luckier than her mother in this regard.
"Likewise, meeting you is my greatest fortune!"
As Feng Yi spoke, he gently kissed Kamisato Ayaka's soft, plump lips, causing her to blush with shyness.
However, perhaps due to prior experience, Kamisato Ayaka quickly recovered and actively kissed him back.
"Feng Yi, Mother wrote in her notebook that she always wanted to attend the local festivals in Inazuma. She said that on clear nights, she could glimpse the festival lights from home. I've seen them too! They are so lively, with many people, and the lights in the lanterns are so bright they illuminate a large part of the night sky. Sometimes, we even have to worry about public order there..."
Closing her eyes and leaning gently in Feng Yi's embrace, enjoying the rare tranquility, Kamisato Ayaka spoke slowly.
"However, given our status, it might not be appropriate to suddenly attend a festival, especially during my parents' era when the relationship between the Yashiro Commissioner and the people was not so close... Even if no one restricted us, people would likely cast curious glances if Yashiro Commissioners suddenly appeared in the crowd, wondering what we were there to do.
Mother said she didn't want to make others feel constrained, and she wanted everyone to enjoy the joy and freedom of the festival to the fullest. She didn't want to disturb anyone, and she didn't have much leisure time, so she never went..."
"I see. To be in a position is to fulfill its duties. Restrictions of status are like a great mountain in the hearts of many, insurmountable... So, the design drawing on that paper is the outfit she planned to wear to the festival?"
Feng Yi sighed. The reverence ordinary people held for official positions was deeply ingrained.
"Yes, during festivals, foreign cuisines are sometimes sold, which she also longed to try. It might sound presumptuous, but... I never imagined my mother had such a girlish side, hahaha...
I'm beginning to understand that Mother and I are exactly alike in some ways. The challenges she faced are the same ones I will face. She entrusted her unfulfilled desires to 'Tsubaki,' and I... have already made up my mind!"
At this point, Kamisato Ayaka looked up at Feng Yi, her eyes filled with hope.
"I think, if it were you, you would surely forgive my human nature... so... I want to invite you to attend the festival with me, can you?"
"Of course, I'd be delighted to accept this invitation! And, isn't there an outfit prepared for the festival here? Ayaka, you can change into it too!"
Feng Yi smiled. Wasn't he here today precisely to accompany Kamisato Ayaka to the festival?
"Eh? Feng Yi, you mean this one?"
Kamisato Ayaka was taken aback and lifted the custom-made garment she was holding.
Feng Yi said nothing, only nodding with a smile.
"That's a great idea! This way, I can carry my mother's aspirations and fulfill two wishes at once!"
Kamisato Ayaka quickly realized that she could seize this opportunity to fulfill her mother's wish as well, marveling at Feng Yi's cleverness.
"Then what are you waiting for? Quickly change into this outfit!"
"Here... here?"
"Of course!"
Hearing Feng Yi say that, Kamisato Ayaka's cheeks flushed. They hadn't yet crossed the final hurdle of their relationship, and before any deeper intimacy, she felt very shy about changing clothes in front of Feng Yi.
"What are you thinking? Of course, I'll turn around!"
Feng Yi gently pinched Kamisato Ayaka's soft, tender cheek, interrupting her wandering thoughts.