After a long two-week business trip, Ayato finally returned home, his steps soft but purposeful as he entered the grand estate. Waiting for him near the entrance was Thoma, his trusted servant and loyal friend.

"Welcome back, my lord," Thoma said with a warm smile, bowing slightly before straightening up. "It’s good to see you again. By the way, there's someone here with Lady Ayaka. They're outside playing in the garden."

Ayato raised an eyebrow, a flicker of curiosity passing through his usually composed expression. "Is that so?" he mused, his voice calm but intrigued.

He glanced out towards the garden, where the sound of laughter reached his ears. With a nod to Thoma, Ayato strode across the estate grounds, following the joyful noises until the sight of his sister, Ayaka, came into view. She was laughing with a young guest, their figures silhouetted against the late afternoon sun. For a moment, Ayato stood at a distance, observing, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

The weight of his long journey seemed to ease slightly as he watched the scene, the carefree atmosphere a stark contrast to the world of politics he had just returned from.

Taking a deep breath, Ayato approached, his presence commanding but gentle as always. "Ayaka," he called softly, causing both her and the visitor to turn around. "It seems I've missed some excitement while I was away."