— The Season of Himawari: Chapter Three
PAIRING Kamisato Ayato x reader (no use of gendered terms)
TAGS (heavy) angst, romance, bittersweet, canon divergence, possibly unrequited love, yearning, childhood friends, second person, mondstadter reader, gunnhildr reader
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The tide was low as the afternoon summer sun blessed the shores of Ritou with its golden light. Kamisato Ayato stands restlessly under the blazing sun, holding a parasol as an attempt to block the sun’s rays. A futile attempt, it was. The summer heat was too unforgiving.
Thoma comes running to the Commissioner, his forehead traced with beads of sweat. Kamisato Ayato’s eyes land on the drink in his retainer’s hand—his favorite beverage in the entire world: milk tea!
“My lord. ” Thoma hands out the drink and straw, to which Kamisato Ayato accepts with much excitement.
“Thank you, Thoma.” Kamisato Ayato stabs the lid with the draw, proceeding to take a sip of the delicious beverage. “Just what I needed.”
Thoma nods, his gaze drifting to the scenery before him. The port is unusually lively today—more so than the day the borders opened up to the outside world. Lined across the docks were ships adorned with many motifs and ornaments. Their colorful flags wave in the wind, each of them representing companies or nations. The sailors were as loud as ever, embarking from one cargo to another as the merchants and secretariats oversee the exchange of goods. The seagulls circle above, their cries drowning the ocean waves and chatter of the people.
“Truly, I never thought Ritou’s port could be this busy,” Thoma mutters, watching the endless stream of people and cargo pass before him. “It’s…a good thing.”
The festivities that once drew attention to the Land of Eternity have now come to an end. One by one, the dignitaries of foreign nations now prepare to follow the winds home, and, unfortunately, their desks stacked with unattended documents. Among them was Liang Zhenyu.
Speaking of the devil, Kamisato Ayato catches the old Liyuean surrounded by his retainers and crew. Seemingly occupied with overseeing the souvenirs he planned to bring home. As though sensing the Commissioner’s attention, Liang Zhenyu glances over his shoulder, a grin settling across his aged features as he catches Kamisato Ayato’s gaze.
In an instant, a small, defeated sigh escaped Kamisato Ayato.
Immediately after exchanging parting words with his retainers, Liang Zhenyu excuses himself and approaches the young Kamisato head.
“Commissioner! What brings you down to the port?” Liang Zhenyu calls out as he approaches.
Kamisato Ayato offers a polite smile. “I am merely here to bid my farewell to the friends of our nation.”
Liang Zhenyu lets out a chuckle. “What a shame,” he sarcastically remarks. “Here I thought you had come to personally tell me you’d change your mind.” He adds, “Is my daughter truly not to your liking?”
“It appears my work has transformed me into a rather stubborn man despite my youth.”
A laugh escapes the Liyuean. “My, and here I thought this rigid Commissioner is unaccustomed to self-deprecation.”
Liang Zhenyu’s gaze falls to the Mondstadter besides Kamisato Ayato—Thoma. They exchange a quick nod of acknowledgment before he turns back to the Commissioner. “I hear I’ll be seeing you in Mondstadt, Commissioner?” Liang Zhenyu mentions.
And, for a moment, Kamisato Ayato’s expression softens. The courteous, polite smile that graced his lips carefully slips away. Instead, replaced by something more genuine. It's a small smile—subtle enough to be missed by some passers-by.
Liang Zhenyu's grin widened. “Perfect.” “Though, I am curious. How did you manage to get an invite instead of the Hiiragis?”
A tint of mischief overcame Kamisato Ayato. “The same way your stay was overseen by the Kamisatos, Lord Zhenyu.”
Once more, the Liyuean laughs–not at the absurdity, but at the underlying meaning. Kamisato Ayato replied with a smile, though without its previous warmth, as he fell into flashbacks, triggered by Liang Zhenyu’s seemingly innocent question.
Kamisato Ayato played dirty.
Truthfully, garnering the approval from the Shogun’s council has been no simple feat.
It is certainly unseen for a Commissioner of Public Affairs attending as Inazuman’s foreign delegate for an international event. Traditionally, matters of foreign affairs were entrusted to the members of the Hiiragi Clan—in extension, the Kanjou Commission. To have a Kamisato, more or less the Commissioner of the Yashiro Commission, shouldering such responsibilities is simply unheard of.
Yet, Kamisato Ayato managed.
You see, the Hiiragi Clan had yet to fully recover from its scandal. Their dealings with the Fatui are still scorned by the public and—to some extent—by the Raiden Shogun.
And so, Kamisato Ayato did what any shrewd politician would do: he capitalized on the opportunity before him. Some might argue that he was no better than the traitorous Kanjou scums, plotting to tip the balance of the Tri-commissions for selfish gain. Others might even liken him to the scums who once profited off the decline of the Yashiro Commission and Kamisato Clan during its ailing times. The association left a bitter taste on the Commissioner’s tongue. The Hiiragi Clan’s weakened state allowed the Kamisato Head to “temporarily” absorb greater responsibility of the Kanjou Commission to the Yashiro Commission.
Though he garnered the respect of seasoned politicians within the council, not all were pleased. Hiiragi Chisato, the proxy head of the Hiiragi clan, simply walked out in silent protest after the decision was made.
He recalls his meeting with the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine after the council meeting. Her voice carried a venomous amusement that thinly veiled her disapproval.
“Was it worth it, Commissioner?”
Kamisato Ayato merely smiled in response.
Yae Miko scoffed. “You played foul, Ayato.”
It was a fair assessment, to say the least.
Kamisato is a mere man. A man who would do anything for the privilege of basking in the sun beside you.
Snapped from his daze, Kamisato Ayato felt a light tap against his shoulder. It was Thoma. Kamisato Ayato stares at him before Thoma nods towards the Liyuen. Swiftly, he mouthed a quick "thank you" before returning his attention to Liang Zhenyu.
One of Liang Zhenyu’s retainers approached the man moments earlier, informing him that his ship was prepared to sail. The old man nods in acknowledgment before turning his gaze back to Kamisato Ayato. “It appears it is time for me to bid my farewell, Commissioner.”
Kamisato Ayato nods, “Thank you for gracing my homeland with your visit, Lord Liang Zhenyu.”
A satisfied smile tugged at the corners of Liang Zhenyu’s lips. “My journey has been nothing but delightful,” he replied. “You have my gratitude for your hospitality. For me, and for my men as well.”
With that, the two men exchanged bows of respect before Liang Zhenyu finally boarded his ship.
For one final farewell, Liang Zhenyu waved at Kamisato Ayato from his boat as he whispered to the wind, “See you in Mondstadt, Commissioner.”
“May the winds forever sway in your favor.”
As the sun falls below the horizon and the evening cicadas sing their midnight chorus, Kamisato Ayato and Thoma make their way back to the Kamisato estate in utter silence.
Yet, Kamisato Ayato’s mind was anything but quiet.
Instead, a sophisticated tapestry of questions weaved itself within his mind, like a chaotic melody constructed by instruments with the sole purpose of terror, absolute and unadulterated terror.
Why had you sent invitations to Liang Zhenyu and his daughter, but not him?
Why had Thoma’s letter borne your signature, but his a Ragnvindr’s?
Why hadn’t you written to him?
It was irrational–childish, too, to say the least. For a man of his stature to dwell on a reply from you.
But could he truly help it?
Years had passed without a single word from you. Not a letter. Not a message. Not even the briefest acknowledgment that you continue to plague his mind. Nothing. Literally, and genuinely nothing.
But, did Kamisato Ayato write? He wrote like a man possessed! He wrote to you for months, years, days, even. The Sakoku Decree had only made matters worse for him. He smuggled his letters out of Inazuma; He begged escaping citizens to try to reach you. It was an unreasonable request. After all, how could a mere commoner be granted the audience to meet you–the heir apparent of the great Gunnhildr family? But Kamisato Ayato was desperate. A mere word was all he needed.
Yet, a reply had never passed through the ports of Ritou, and much less the gates of his estate.
The isolation of his nation, sealing itself away from the rest of the world, separated you from him. And, it killed him. Opportunities to learn how you’ve been became scarce. Heck, Thoma was a Godsend during these darkest times. But, even then, it was not enough.
So, Kamisato Ayato settled for scraps of you.
Be it a passing remark from a merchant, a short tale by a traveler, or a rumor carried by the winds, he gathered fragments of your life from strangers you barely knew. Yet somehow, all the aching he experienced then is nothing compared to the silence you are currently gracing him.
Breaking the silence, a dark, low chuckle escapes the lips of the Kamisato head, catching his retainer off guard. “My lord?” Thoma utters, his voice laced with concern. Kamisato Ayato paid him no mind for at that moment--
Kamisato Ayato decided to take matters into his own hands.
The summers of Mondstadt are warm, yet gentle. The winds carry a chill breeze of Dragonspine down to the Moon City, sparing the children of freedom from the relentlessness of the sun’s heat. But now, the sun had long since retreated beyond the horizon. In its place, the moon reigned over the sky. The time for slumber has come.
Yet, amidst the countless homes darkened by the night, one estate stubbornly remained awake. Nestled below the hills of Windwail Highland’s Dawn Winery, the Ragnvindr’s grand manor still carried the glow of the warm candlelight–particularly, in the study of the Ragnvindr Head.
Tonight, Diluc Ragnvindr had failed to commit to his usual nightly duties in the city. Instead, he finds himself rather disheveled and trapped behind his mahogany desk, surrounded by a mountain of unforgiving documents. His hair is untied, its fiery red locks hanging freely across his shoulders as his gaze locks onto the fifth budget paper of the day.
This behavior of his is strange–to say the least.
A knight he was and a vigilante he is, Diluc Ragnvindr was never a man of paperwork. Rather, he was a man of action. However, every time he entertained the thought of slipping away from his study to diligently adhere to his duties in the city, the image of an infuriated Gunnhildr childhood friend would surface in his mind. That image alone was enough to extinguish the man’s attempts at escape.
With a sigh of resignation, he returns his attention to the documents laid before him.
Amidst his displeasure, a sharp knock broke through the silence. Diluc Ragnvindr set down his quill, lifting his gaze toward the grand oak door.
The door swings open to reveal Elzer, the Ragnvindr’s most trusted butler, with a letter wrestling neatly in his hold. He closes the door, a light click echoing in the study. Meeting Diluc Ragnvindr’s gaze, he gently places a hand over his chest, offering a bow of respect.
“Good evening, Master Diluc.”
Diluc nods, “Good evening, Elzer.”
Elzer, the ever observant man he is, took the pleasantries as a permission to proceed. Carefully, Elzer crossed the room and extended the letter toward Diluc Ragnvindr.
“The list of foreign dignitaries, my lord.”
Diluc Ragnvindr hummed as he accepted the envelope. “Thank you, Elzer.”
“It is my pleasure.” Elzer bows one last time before excusing himself, leaving the Ragnvindr alone in his study.
Without a word, Diluc reached for the dagger resting on his desk. The dagger is extensively intricate, but worn. It possesses a short, silver blade that tapers sharply to a fine point, and its center is adorned with bright, polished ruby deep-red gemstones. The vintage gold and bronze embellishments frame the quillon like a vine wrapping around its body.
It had been a gift from you years ago–your present for his 16th birthday, to be exact. He rarely spared the object much thought, yet he had never replaced it despite its condition.
With practiced precision, he slid the blade beneath the wax seal and parted it cleanly. Setting the envelope aside, he carefully withdrew the folded sheet within and unfolded it. Almost immediately, a familiar fragrance drifted into the air.
The fragrance of cecilias.
Had you visited his garden before passing the letter to Elzer?
Raising a hand, he ran his fingers through his hair, the sternness in his expression easing a bit.
After a moment, he returned his attention to the document. His eyes moved methodically over the page, skimming over names, titles, and affiliations. Several names stood out.
Liang Zhenyu of Liyue and Ivan Petrovich of Snezhnaya.
A scowl found itself on Diluc Ragnvindr’s features. Of course, as if the Fatui would refuse to capitalize on your neutrality. Suppressing another sigh, Diluc Ragnvindr continued reading, finally reaching the list of delegates from Inazuma.
Diluc Ragnvindr recognizes the name. He had heard it countless times before. Every autumn, after returning from Inazuma, you would speak of a man with icy, lavender-blue hair, and eyes as clear as the sea. His name so frequently graced your lips that Diluc Ragnvindr felt no need to see it written upon the page to recognize it.
His name stood innocently on the page.
In an instant, a memory surfaced unbidden in Diluc Ragnvindr's mind, recalling the way your voice filled his study. You had been sitting by the window that evening, idly playing your Anemo Vision in your hands as the setting sun painted the room in gold. Your gaze locked onto his Cecilia garden below. "A burdened man like him shouldn't concern himself with my little plays," you had said.
Play. Diluc Ragnvindr thought. To you, this international festival hosted by both the Gunnhildrs and Ragnvindrs is a mere play to you. It is your entertainment and pastime, as if this event didn’t involve nearly every important figure in Teyvat.
Diluc Ragnvindr glanced up from his desk. "What makes you think he won't cross the sea?" he asked, though a trace of irritation slipped into his otherwise even tone. "You wrote him an invitation bearing my name instead of yours."
A quiet laugh escaped you. "Jealous?"
"Don't flatter yourself."
The response came so quickly that it only encouraged your amusement. You sighed dramatically, leaning back in your chair. "Gods, not a single person in this manor knows how to take a joke!" Then, after a brief pause, you turned to your childhood friend. "Well, it's simple,” you continued.
Diluc Ragnvindr’s breath hitched, his gaze capturing your being. You sat against the light, but the shadows casting your face could not hide your soulless gaze. The sun’s rays failed to share their blessing on your features.
"I made sure it would be that way." You uttered.
The words hung heavily in the air.
“What do you mean by that?” He whispered.
A small smile tugged at your lips. Pathetic. It was pathetic–that was the only word he could think of to describe that smile.
Regardless, you offered no explanation for your words.
Instead, you rose from your position and excused yourself from the study. “Till next time, Diluc,” were your parting words before the door clicked shut behind you. You left so quickly, Diluc Ragnvindr merely remained where he was, left with nothing but your cryptic words and that haunting expression burning into his memory.
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SYNOPSIS In a festive night of the Inazuman summer, Kamisato Ayato recalls the foreign noble who once carried the wind wherever they'd go. Haunted by memory, he holds onto your last letter to him, yearning for the day you finally fulfilled your end of your promise.
Lowkey, I think the current setup of the reader is too cruel. MHMM, but one could argue that is the reader's charm. ALSO! new POV unlocked: Diluc! I'm not planning on writing a reader POV any time soon^^ It's so fun to write in the characters' POV.
My apologies for the late update TT. Truth be told, chapter 2 of the series has been up on AO3 for quite some time now. I unfortunately neglected my Tumblr...But! I have returned. Though, updates will remain slow.
@potabletable @nicotinxx | kindly comment or request/ask if you wish to be a part of the taglist.
