Chapter Text
Inazuma had finally settled. No longer were the winds of war blowing through the streets but instead a gentle winter breeze cooling down Gorou’s brow. Himself and her excellency were visiting Inazuma city. Their trip was for important meetings surrounding product trade in and out of Inazuma. It was a long time coming and the shogun herself agreed that Inazuma should start the tedious process of reopening the borders to outsiders.
Representatives from the Kamisato, Kujuo and, of course, Sangonomiya clan were all going to be present and Gorou hoped tensions between them weren’t as stifling as during the war. Co-operation between all clans should be beneficial for all and Kokomi agreed that the time for division was over, the time for unity had finally begun.
“I think this is the right location.” Kokomi spoke, her soft voice interrupting Gorou’s internal monologue.
“The Kamisato estate,” he agreed. They handed over their papers to the guard on duty and after he was satisfied they made their way to the front entrance.
The estate was grand but not too visible in the evening light, it was past eight o’clock and the winter sky was twinkling with a spattering of stars. Gorou observed the white sand in the courtyard that felt soft beneath his feet. It reminded him of home, he felt a long way from Watatsumi island. Kokomi had convinced him to accompany her, suggesting he needed rest and to “have fun”. Which was slight hypocrisy because her excellency herself also found it difficult to relax. The traveler was also in Inazuma but departing for Liyue tomorrow. Kokomi insisted they both see him off, she seemed to have a soft spot for him.
“Gorou this way.” Kokomo’s voice chimed into his thoughts once again.
She covered her chuckle with gloves fingers, “your mind seems to be far away general Gorou.”
“I’m just thinking about our meeting with the traveler tomorrow your excellency.”
“You can call me Kokomi, General Gorou as you are technically on leave.”
“Sorry your ex- Kokomi”
Gorou bit his lip at Kokomo’s giggle. This would get a bit of getting used to.
The door in front of them creaked open and they were greeted by a tall blonde man with a pony tail and a pleased expression.
“Hello!” The man bowed out of politeness and the duo did the same.
“You must be Lady Sangonomiya and General Gorou please please come in. My name is Thoma I am the house keeper at the Kamisato estate and assistant to both Ayato and Ayaka Kamisato. Would you like some tea?”
“Yes please, tea would be lovely.” Kokomi spoke on his behalf but Gorou didn’t mind.
Thoma guided them through to a private dining room and slid the door shut. Gorou studied the various paintings and weapons on the walls around him. A large Katana sat behind the dining table engraved with swirling waves.
Thoma served them tea and chatted to them about their journey here. A flash of red caught his attention and he noticed the Pyro vision Thoma was wearing. A vision bearing housekeeper? Very interesting. Gorou suspected Thoma had a more important role than he was letting on.
“-Also since you are both staying here for a few months you’ll be just in time to catch the Sakura festival. It’s arranged every spring by Ayaka herself and she takes the job very seriously, that’s one of her main duties and the festival is always a hit!”
Gorou had never been to a festival, he always seemed to have to much on his plate with the resistance or accompanying Kokomi to military briefings.
Thoma continued, “There’s lots of fun activities and food. Like tri-coloured dango that’s one of my Lord’s favourite sweets.”
Gorou’s ears twitched at the description Thoma gave of the dessert. Three separate mochi-like milk sweets all different flavours. Gorou had an infamous sweet tooth which was often a running joke with the troops on Watatsumi. He realised his tail was maybe wagging a bit too hard under the table. Kokomi had realised and took that as his verdict.
“I think that sounds like an enjoyable experience, please put myself and Gorou on the list for attendees.”
Thoma nodded, “Of course my lady.”
The rest of the tea passed by pleasantly with idle chat between mostly Thoma and Kokomi. The hour had grown later and the pot had been finished so Thoma showed them both to their respective rooms.
Gorou bid Kokomi goodnight and collapsed onto his mattress. The bed was big enough to fit at least three people, or maybe just three Gorous. He observed the room, a window to his left covered with wooden slatted blinds, a wooden wardrobe, a writing desk and chair, and various wall hangings all in blueish tones. The wooden floor and furniture was all Otogi wood. It was nice more lavish than he was used to but that was a nice change.
Gorou rolled over and shut his eyes. It was important he was well rested. He would be seeing Aether off to Liyue tomorrow at seven o’clock sharp. His eye life felt heavy and he allowed himself to close them and drifted off into a comfortable slumber.