20 Commendation and Reprehension

As the second Jinshin Mushi was shattered into smithereens, it crumbled into dust, leaving another sizable crystallized stone. The shore went silent as the fleeing fishermen watched the fall of the monsters in awe.

"She did it. She saved us from the monsters."

Soon, they began cheering, their voices echoing with gratitude and relief. Standing amidst the remnants of her vanquished foes, Ayaka felt a swell of pride mixed with exhaustion. She sheathed her katana and approached the fishermen.

"Is everyone here alright? Are any of you injured?"

Still in disbelief at the swift victory, the fishermen looked up at Ayaka with wide eyes. One of them, an old man with salt-streaked hair, stepped forward, his voice trembling with gratitude.

"We're all unharmed, thanks to you, young lady. We owe you our lives."

Ayaka nodded, her expression humble yet determined. "I'm glad to hear that. If this happens again, please don't hesitate to call us for help."

The old man nodded fervently, his eyes shimmering with respect. "Of course, we won't forget what you've done for us. You're a true hero."

"A hero, you say? It's a bit embarrassing to call me that," Ayaka replied with a modest smile, her cheeks tinted with a blush. "I simply did what needed to be done to protect everyone."

The fishermen continued to express their gratitude, offering the young lady words of honor and appreciation. Despite her reluctance to accept the title of hero, she couldn't deny the warmth that swelled within her chest at their heartfelt appreciation.

"Lady Ayaka, what should we do with these magic stones?"

Suddenly, Thoma approached the group while carrying the two sizable crystalized entities called magic stones. It was said that these objects are the core of monsters, which Familia members collect in exchange for money.

Ayaka looked at the stones silently before deciding, "Give them to the fishermen."

The fishermen exchanged bewildered glances before the old man spoke up, "But young lady, these magic stones are extremely valuable. We couldn't possibly accept them."

Hearing their panicked cries, Ayaka smiled softly.

"I know they're valuable, but consider them as compensation for the trouble those monsters had caused. Besides, I only came here for the safety of the people, not wealth."

"Oh dear, thank you so much, young lady. We're forever grateful for your kindness."

Touched by her generosity, the fishermen agreed in unison, accepting the magic stones with grateful hearts. However, they felt bad for Ayaka to leave empty-handed, so they wanted to give something in return.

"Please, young lady," the old man insisted, "allow us to offer you our highest quality of fish as a token of our appreciation. It may not be much, but it comes from the bottom of our hearts."

Ayaka's eyes softened at their sincerity. "Thank you, that would be wonderful. Your gratitude is more than enough for me."

With a warm smile, she and Thoma bid farewell to the fishermen, their cheers following them as she made her way back home.

-------------------------------------------------

As they made their way through the residence, Thoma couldn't shake the feeling of awe and admiration for Ayaka's actions. He had always known her to be courageous, but witnessing her give up the magic stones to the fishermen reaffirmed just how selfless and compassionate she truly was.

Walking beside her, Thoma stole glances at the young lady, admiring her humble demeanor despite the praise and gratitude of the villagers. She moved with calm confidence, her eyes reflecting a sense of fulfillment that came from helping others.

"So, Lady Ayaka," Thoma finally spoke up, breaking the silence between them. "I have to say, what you did back there, it was something. Giving up those magic stones to those fishermen like that, it was... inspiring."

Ayaka glanced at her servant, a soft smile playing on her lips. "It was nothing. I couldn't care less about gaining wealth. Besides, my brother was doing all the finances for the clan."

Thoma nodded, understanding Ayaka's perspective. He respected her humility and her focus on what truly mattered, the well-being of their community. 

"Still, not many would have made the same choice. You're truly remarkable, Milady."

 Touched by her servant's words of admiration, Ayaka's smile widened.

"Thank you, Thoma. Those commendations mean a lot to me."

"You're welcome, Milady. It's what I do best."

"For that, I'd like to treat you something with those fish we just received."

Hearing Ayaka's statement, Thoma couldn't help but wonder what she had in mind with the basket of fish he was carrying on his shoulder.

"Treat me, Milady? Does that mean you have a new recipe?"

Ayaka's eyes sparkled with excitement as she uttered her response.

"Indeed, it is something I've been wanting to try. I call it sushi."

"Sushi? What's that?"

Thoma's curiosity was piqued as Ayaka began to explain the culinary delight. She described it as a newly invented dish, made with vinegared rice, fresh fish, and other ingredients, all expertly crafted into bite-sized pieces.

Ayaka's enthusiasm for sharing this new experience with Thoma was evident, and he found himself eager to taste this unfamiliar delicacy.

"Wow, that sounds appetizing, Lady Ayaka. I can't wait to try it myself."

"Fufufu, I knew you would say that. Now, come on, the sun is about to set. I don't want my brother to see me come home late."

"Understood."

With renewed energy and shared anticipation for the culinary adventure ahead, Ayaka and Thoma continued their journey home. The promise of making sushi added a delightful twist to their evening.

However, as they arrived at the entrance of the Kamisato estate, a tall blue-haired man was standing with his arms crossed. His expression conveyed disappointment, not pleased by the sight of his sister and servant returning with a basket of fish.

"Oh, hello there, big brother."

"Master Ayato?! Didn't know you already arrived from your business trip."

The blue-haired man is none other than Kamisato Ayato, the new head of the Kamisato clan and older brother of Kamisato Ayaka.

-------------------------------------------

Tension hung heavy in the air as Ayato shifted his gaze between his younger sister and their only servant before closing his eyes and uttering his words.

"You two, come to my office now."

With a sense of gravity in his tone, Ayato turned around and strode purposefully towards the estate. Ayaka and Thoma exchanged tense glances before silently following him, their steps heavy with anticipation.

As they entered the office, the atmosphere was palpably tense. Ayato sat in front of his low desk, his expression stern yet unreadable. Ayaka and Thoma stood before him, awaiting his judgment with a mixture of anxiety and respect.

"Sit down," Ayato commanded, gesturing to the two cushions in front of them. Ayaka and Thoma complied, their hearts pounding with uncertainty.

Once they were seated, he continued, his voice measured and controlled.

"I trust that your excursion was not merely for leisure. What business brought you outside the estate at this hour?"

Ayaka exchanged a glance with Thoma, silently communicating before she responded, her expression composed.

"We received a distress call from the fishing port, brother," she explained calmly. "A pair of Jinshin Mushi threatened the fishermen, so I fought them to ensure their safety."

Ayato's brows furrowed slightly at the mention of fighting the monsters. "I see. And how did she handle the situation, Thoma?"

Thoma hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "Lady Ayaka showed excellent sword skill and the use of the magical fan, Master Ayato. She dispatched the monsters with efficient speed and precision."

"Good, but she did not use her magic, did she?" Ayato inquired, his tone betraying a hint of concern.

"No, Master Ayato. She relied solely on her swordsmanship and the fan," Thoma confirmed.

Ayato nodded thoughtfully, his gaze shifting back to his sister. "I see. While I commend your bravery, Ayaka, you have to remember not to use your magic. We can't afford to let you lose yourself like last time."

"I know that, brother. You don't have to remind me to not use-"

"Yes, that magic! Don't even try mentioning it!"

Ayato's panicked voice resonated throughout the room, causing Ayaka to fall silent. Thoma exchanged worried glances with her, sensing the underlying tension in Ayato's words.

"Brother, are you alright? You seem restless," Ayaka asked, concern evident in her voice.

Ayato took a deep breath, visibly struggling to regain his composure. After a moment, he spoke, his voice quieter but no less intense.

"It's nothing, Ayaka. Just... be careful not to say it, alright? We can't afford any more risks."

Though his words were meant to reassure, Ayaka couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Ayato's concern than he was letting on. But before she could press further, Ayato changed the topic of their discussion.

"Anyway, may I ask why you and Thoma were carrying a basket of fish?"

The two shared a knowing nod, silently conveying their decision to keep the sushi-making plan to themselves for now. She then turned back to Ayato, her expression neutral.

"We received the fish as a token of appreciation from the fishermen we helped, brother. It's nothing more than a gesture of gratitude."

Ayato regarded them both with a scrutinizing gaze, feeling something was missing.

"How about the magic stones? Were you supposed to get a sizable chunk of those for killing each of the Jinshin Mushi?"

"Oh, those? We give them to the fishermen."

Hearing Ayaka's response, Ayato couldn't help but widen his eyes in surprise.

"What?! Both of them?!"

"Yup, I told the fishermen to keep the magic stones as compensation for the damages done by the monsters."

Her words hung in the air as Ayato pinched the bridge of his nose while trying to understand his sister's decision. He took a deep breath before trying to reason with her.

"Ayaka, you know that a single sizable magic stone is enough to pay for all the damages at the fishing port, right?"

"Yes..."

"Then why you didn't take the other chunk instead of this basket of fish?" Ayato pressed, his voice tinged with frustration.

Listening to his brother's question, Ayaka's expression darkened as she muttered her answer.

"All I wanted is to help people, that's all. It's not about money that matters, it's their safety. I didn't know you'd be disappointed and-"

She continued to mumble as the light in her eyes vanished and cold air began to permeate the room. Ayato soon realized his mistake and tried to reconsider his words.

"Wait, I take it back. You did a good thing, Ayaka. Right, Thoma?"

"Y-yes, Master Ayato. Giving those magic stones to the fishermen is honorable."

Even though they tried to commend Ayaka, she was still sulking in front of them. Seeing this, they tried another method to cheer her up.

"Thoma, you both have plans with those fish, correct?"

"Of course, Lady Ayaka wanted to treat me with her new recipe. It's called Sushi."

Upon hearing the mention of sushi, the light in Ayaka's eyes finally returned, and she looked at Thoma with a pout on her face.

"I told you to not tell brother about it, even though it's a nod."

Both Ayato and Thoma smiled wearily at her reaction but they felt relieved when she finally stopped sulking. They apologized and then praised her even more.

As the tension in the room dissipated, Ayaka's spirits lifted, and they proceeded to discuss their plans for the evening, looking forward to enjoying the sushi together as a celebration of their accomplishments.

However, Ayato reached to his sleeve and turned to his sister.

"I almost forgot, you have a letter, Ayaka."

"Who's it from, brother?"

"It's your friend from Orario, Gonjourno Kaguya."