6 Troubled Thoughts Amidst the Deception

Upon returning home, the grandeur of our ancestral home greeted us with its imposing yet comforting architecture, serving as a testament to the lasting legacy of our lineage.

As we walked through the ornate halls adorned with paintings narrating the storied history of our clan, anticipation bubbled within me, eager to share the day's events with our family.

Guided by my brother's confident stride, we navigated through the ornate halls adorned with paintings depicting the illustrious history of our clan.

In the main living room, we were welcomed by the warmth of the sunken hearth awaited us, casting a warm glow over the surroundings. Seated by the fire was our mother, her peaceful presence a source of comfort amidst the bustling household.

"Welcome back, my darlings," she greeted us, setting aside the book she was reading to give us her full attention.

Father soon joined us, his dignified demeanor commanding attention as he entered the room. His eyes held a hint of curiosity, eager to hear about my first day at school.

"How was your first day, Ayaka?" he inquired, his voice tinged with pride.

I exchanged a glance with Ayato, his supportive gaze encouraging me to recount everything that happened to our parents. Starting from the beginning, I told about the encounter with a girl named Gojouno Kaguya, the valiant friend who stood up against an arrogant classmate on my behalf.

"Oh my, Kaguya seems like a true friend," Mother remarked, her eyes reflecting warmth and approval. "It's reassuring to know you have such loyal companionship."

Father nodded in agreement, his voice tinged with a hint of sternness as he remarked, "Yeah, but that boy. Kunikuzushi was it? His pretentious behavior was utterly unacceptable. We shall discuss this matter with the school administration tomorrow."

"I don't think that would be necessary, Father," reassured Ayato, trying to appease the anger of our old man towards my rude classmate.

"Oh? And why is that?" our father sternly asked, raising his eyebrow. "Such demeanor cannot go unchecked, Ayato."

My brother explained to our father that Kunikuzushi would face punishment from a goddess named Raiden. This was not only because of his behavior, but also because he deceived the deity into interrogating me and Kaguya due to some misleading lie. 

After we explained the situation, our parents exchanged a surprised and uneasy look. It was evident that the involvement of a divine figure had added complexity to the situation.

"I see," Father murmured thoughtfully. "We'll trust your judgment, Ayato. However, if this kind of incident continues, we may need to take further action."

"Of course, that would be a wise decision to ensure my sister's safety," Ayato acknowledged, resolving the issue.

However, our mother wore a puzzled expression, indicating that something wasn't bothering her. Curious, I asked, "Mother, what's wrong?"

"Ah, it's not a big deal. I just found it a bit odd that the boy was able to deceive the goddess without being caught," she explained, highlighting the peculiarity of my story.

Her observation provoked a sense of unease within me. How could someone like Kunikuzushi be able to mislead a goddess? Couldn't they see through his lie or something? The thoughts lingered in my mind, casting a shadow over the otherwise peaceful atmosphere of our home.

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After a while, my family and I gathered together to have dinner. The dining hall had a warm and friendly atmosphere, with lanterns giving a cozy feel to the room. Our skilled household servants prepared a delicious meal, filling the air with mouth-watering aromas that teased our senses.

Seated at the table were not only my immediate family but also Lady Miko, Captain Sara, and Shinobu, who had become familiar figures in our household routine. Their presence added an extra layer of warmth and camaraderie to our gatherings, bridging the gap between duty and familiarity.

While we enjoyed the delicious food and engaged in lively conversation, my mind remained preoccupied with the notion of someone deceiving a deity. The thought kept on gnawing at the edges of my consciousness, leaving an unsettling feeling wavering within me amidst the laughter and chatter.

"Ayaka, is something the matter? You seem troubled," my mother inquired, her voice gentle yet concerned, breaking through the lively atmosphere with her perceptive observation.

Everyone paused their conversations, their attention shifting toward me as I wrestled with the troubling thoughts swirling in my mind. Feeling the weight of their collective gaze, I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself before speaking.

"I can't shake off the feeling of unease about Kunikuzushi's capacity to deceive a goddess," I confessed, my voice tinged with apprehension. "It is somewhat unsettling to think that such trickery could occur so effortlessly."

A hushed silence fell over the dining hall as my family and our esteemed guests absorbed my words. Ayato briefed Lady Miko, Captain Sara, and Shinobu about what occurred earlier, their expressions reflecting a shared concern.

"Oh my, that is quite a troubling matter," Lady Miko muttered, her voice carrying a tinge of solemnity. "Deceiving Raiden was no easy task, even how subtle it was." 

Captain Sara nodded in agreement, narrowing her brows. "Indeed, her excellency was known for her keen perception and divine judgment. For someone to successfully fool her is close to impossible."

"Considering that deception is one of that boy's primary skills, it could pose a significant risk to Lady Ayaka in school," Shinobu stated with a mix of concern and analytical scrutiny in her tone. "To ensure her safety, I suggest keeping a close watch on her at all times."

My family nodded at her proposal, the gravity of the situation sinking in as we realized the potential danger lurking within the shadows of delusion. It was apparent that I needed to remain vigilant and stay close to my peers in the face of this unpredictable threat.

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Later that night, as I retreated to the sanctuary of my room, a sense of calm enveloped me. The soft glow of a traditional paper lantern bathed the space in a warm light, creating a serene ambiance that eased the weight of the day's events.

Settling onto my futon, I found myself unable to shake the troubling thoughts that lingered from earlier. The realization that someone within the school could possess such deceitful abilities gnawed at the edges of my consciousness, casting a shadow over the tranquility of the night.

Curling up beneath the covers, I pondered the implications of Kunikuzushi's actions. The idea that such deception could exist within the confines of our school was mortifying, to say the least. It served as a stark reminder of the precarious balance between trust and betrayal that defined our world.

As I lay there, I could hear the soft rustle of the night breeze whispering through the sliding doors, creating a soothing melody amidst the silence of the night. Moments like this were my escape from the turmoil that often accompanied the daylight hours.

"May the goddess intervene swiftly," I whispered into the evening, my words a silent plea for resolution and peace amidst the uncertainty that loomed on the horizon.

With that, I surrendered to the embrace of sleep, expecting tomorrow to bring clearnessand understanding in the wake of today's tumultuous events.

Tap... tap...

That is until I heard soft tapping noises from the sliding door, alerting me to an unexpected presence outside. I assumed it to be one of my family members or our esteemed guests knocking, but it was the middle of the night, and the sound was coming from the door that led to the backyard.

Curiosity overcoming my weariness, I approached the sliding door and carefully slid it open, revealing the moonlit night and my private garden. As I stepped over the threshold, I noticed a small figure peeking through the estate's wall.

"Who's there?" I inquired, my voice a cautious whisper.

The figure lifted her head, revealing a young girl with a black ponytail hairstyle and wore tattered Japanese clothing. She looked at me curiously, with a mix of interest and tension.

Intrigued by her unexpected presence, I felt compelled to find out more about her. But before I could utter another word, the girl hesitantly spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Wanna play?"