After Jiang Yan's comforting words, little Ayato finally regained his confidence.
Meanwhile, the opening ceremony hosted by the Yashiro Commission on stage was also nearing its conclusion.
"Then now, I officially announce…"
The head of the Kamisato Clan stood on stage and declared loudly:
"The Irodori Festival has officially begun!"
The moment his words fell, countless fireworks shot into the sky all around Inazuma City, bursting into dazzling colors.
Jiang Yan and the others all looked up toward the sky. Watching the constantly blooming fireworks, smiles unconsciously appeared on their faces.
The little ones also lifted their heads to stare at the heavens, their eyes filled with delighted wonder.
Compared to the fireworks Yoimiya had set off with them earlier—
The fireworks before them were clearly far more numerous.
Though the designs were mostly similar, making it obvious they had been mass-produced.
Still, the overwhelming spectacle of countless fireworks blooming simultaneously across the sky was something the children were experiencing for the very first time.
With the fireworks illuminating the night—
Inazuma's Irodori Festival had officially begun!
The streets became crowded with bustling citizens.
All kinds of food stalls and festival games lined the roads, while Jiang Yan strolled leisurely through the streets with Ganyu, Makoto, and the others.
Ayaka and Ayato led Ningguang and the little girls around to enjoy the various festival activities.
Which honestly saved Jiang Yan a lot of trouble—he no longer had to keep watch over the children himself.
"Speaking of which, we've been away from Liyue for so long already. Do you think Rex Lapis might…"
Walking along the street, Ganyu looked somewhat worried about the situation back in Liyue.
"What's there to worry about?"
Jiang Yan chuckled.
"Even though that old fossil Morax likes slacking off all day, when it comes to management, aside from spending money recklessly, there's honestly nothing much to criticize."
"That's true."
Ganyu nodded in agreement, finally relaxing.
…
As fireworks continued to bloom across the night sky, everyone gathered together for dinner.
The Kamisato family, Jiang Yan, and all the girls sat together around the table, making the atmosphere especially lively.
The little ones had bowls full of food in front of them, and whenever they ate something delicious, they happily swung their little legs while sitting in their chairs.
The head of the Kamisato Clan even brought out Inazuma's specialty sakura wine and invited Jiang Yan and the others to try it.
Naturally, Jiang Yan didn't refuse.
After all, what kind of festival would it be without a little good alcohol?
The Kamisato Clan head filled Jiang Yan's cup to the brim. Jiang Yan raised it and took a light sip.
Honestly speaking, it was pretty good.
Just a bit mild.
If Liyue's alcohol was overbearing and fiery—burning the throat like raging flames with every gulp—
Then Inazuma's sake was far gentler and smoother.
Different brewing methods naturally led to differences in flavor.
Still, Jiang Yan felt the sakura wine was quite enjoyable.
Though mild in strength, it left a long lingering aftertaste.
After several rounds of drinks, the gathering gradually approached its end.
The little ones had all played incredibly hard tonight and eaten a huge amount of delicious food.
Their little bellies were now round and bulging from overeating.
Meanwhile, the adults chatted endlessly, gossiping and sharing amusing stories.
Honestly, Jiang Yan had always wondered why women seemed to have an endless supply of conversation topics.
After dinner, since the children had eaten far too much and were feeling stuffed, Jiang Yan decided to take them for a walk around the streets.
Today really had been a wonderful day.
Thinking back on everything that happened, Jiang Yan felt genuinely happy.
At the very least, he had thoroughly enjoyed himself.
And the children's performances had made him quite proud too.
Speaking of which…
Didn't he say earlier that he wanted to give Sara a bow?
Jiang Yan raised an eyebrow before extending his hand.
The Space Stone on the back of his right hand glowed.
Moments later, a radiant bow appeared in his hand.
Jiang Yan carefully examined the weapon before him—the Skyward Harp—which he had received from Barbatos but had barely looked at since.
The bow was primarily bronze in color, with wind-element light adorning its frame.
Its bowstring was formed from four strings intertwined together, containing the power of sky and wind.
And this bow had one especially obvious characteristic.
Jiang Yan weighed it lightly in his hand, surprise flickering through his eyes.
This bow lacked the heaviness normally associated with weapons.
Instead, it possessed a kind of indescribable lightness.
Light—but not flimsy or insubstantial.
By channeling elemental energy into it, one could even adjust the bow's size and power.
Whether in functionality or overall characteristics, this weapon suited little Sara perfectly.
It might even bring her tremendous improvement.
Putting away his thoughts, Jiang Yan walked over to Sara with the Skyward Harp in hand.
"Little one, come take a look. Do you like this bow?"
Sara had originally been walking hand-in-hand with Ningguang and the others ahead of him.
Hearing Jiang Yan's voice, she subconsciously turned around.
And the moment she saw the bow in his hand—
She froze.
Having used bows her entire life, she immediately recognized that the weapon Jiang Yan held was no ordinary item.
It was leagues beyond the bows she had seen during the archery competition earlier.
One could say that from the very first glance, Sara had already fallen in love with it.
Five-star weapons were no ordinary objects.
Regardless of their type, they held a fatal allure for their users.
"B-Big Brother… are you really giving this bow to me? Really?"
Sara's voice trembled slightly.
Her watery eyes stared fixedly at the glowing bow as she repeatedly questioned him, afraid she had misheard.
Her nervous yet expectant little expression made Jiang Yan burst into laughter.
Squatting down, he gently rubbed her little head and said:
"Of course, little one."
"You heard correctly. As long as you like it, this bow is yours."
As he spoke, Jiang Yan handed the Skyward Harp over to her.
"Thank you, Big Brother Jiang Yan! I love it!"
Sara accepted the Skyward Harp and immediately jumped up in excitement.
It was obvious how much she adored the weapon.
She hugged it tightly to her chest, unwilling to let go even for a moment.
Trying to draw the bowstring, the joy in Sara's heart only deepened further.
Because the bow felt incredibly smooth and natural to use.
It was the best bow she had ever held.
Sara secretly resolved herself to maintain it carefully from now on. She absolutely couldn't allow it to become damaged.
Most importantly—
This was a gift from Big Brother Jiang Yan.
She had to treasure it properly!
Watching Sara's adorably excited reaction after receiving her new weapon, Jiang Yan couldn't help but rub her little head affectionately.
Suddenly, however, he noticed that Ayaka beside them seemed somewhat unhappy.
The little girl stood behind the others with puffed cheeks, secretly wiping away tears so nobody would notice.
She looked pitiful enough to tug at anyone's heart.
"What's wrong, little Ayaka?"
Jiang Yan asked in confusion.
Ayaka's sadness definitely wasn't because of the weapon.
After all, Jiang Yan had previously intended to give her the Skyward Blade, but she had refused.
So there had to be another reason.
The other little girls also noticed Ayaka's strange behavior after Jiang Yan pointed it out and immediately became concerned.
Faced with Jiang Yan's question and everyone's attention, Ayaka finally spoke in a pitiful little voice:
"After tonight… the Irodori Festival will end."
"And everyone will go back to Liyue…"
"Ayaka… Ayaka doesn't want everyone to leave…"
Ayaka also wanted to follow Jiang Yan and the others back to Liyue.
But there were too many responsibilities at home, along with her studies, making it impossible for her to leave Inazuma anytime soon.
So the thought of Jiang Yan and the others departing made her uncontrollably sad.
"You silly girl."
Seeing Ayaka's tearful expression, Jiang Yan smiled helplessly and gently rubbed her little head.
"Liyue is our home after all. We can't stay here forever."
"And whenever little Ayaka wants, she can always come to Liyue to visit Big Brother Jiang Yan."
"There will always be a place for little Ayaka in my home."
Ayaka naturally understood what Jiang Yan meant.
So she looked up at him and said softly:
"Ayaka knows all that…"
Then she paused before continuing:
"But before Big Brother leaves… can Ayaka make one little request?"
Grabbing Jiang Yan's sleeve, Ayaka looked at him with shining watery eyes.
"Hm? What request?"
Jiang Yan asked with a smile.
"Um… Ayaka wants Big Brother and Ningguang and everyone else to sleep at my house tonight."
"Okay? You're leaving tomorrow… Ayaka doesn't want to part with everyone yet."
Hearing the child's adorable request, Jiang Yan suddenly laughed.
"Of course. Big Brother Jiang Yan can agree to that request."
"But you'll have to ask Ningguang and the others yourself."
The moment Jiang Yan agreed, Ayaka's eyes instantly lit up.
"Okay!"
She immediately ran over to Ningguang and the others and began talking excitedly.
As for Ayaka's request, the four little girls naturally agreed immediately, just like Jiang Yan had.
And so, Jiang Yan and the four little ones decided to stay overnight at the Kamisato residence.
Meanwhile, Ganyu, Makoto, and the others would return to Tenshukaku to rest.
After all, tonight was meant to be Ayaka's farewell gathering with Jiang Yan and the children, so they chose not to intrude.
Night.
Kamisato Estate.
Inside Ayaka's room, Ayaka, Jiang Yan, and the four little girls all gathered together.
Ayaka moved over a tiny stool and sat beside Jiang Yan with Ningguang and the others.
Looking up at the moon outside the window, she gently swung her little legs.
Even if they were doing absolutely nothing right now, as long as Jiang Yan was beside her, Ayaka felt everything was perfect.
But this happiness wouldn't last long.
Tomorrow, Jiang Yan and the others would return to Liyue.
Thinking of this, Ayaka became sad again.
In the past, she had always wished for the next day to arrive sooner.
Because every new day meant she was one day closer to seeing Big Brother Jiang Yan again.
But now—
She wished time would move slower.
Ideally, it would stop at this very moment forever.
For the first time, she truly didn't want tomorrow to arrive.
Seeming to notice Ayaka's reluctance, Jiang Yan gently rubbed her little head and said softly:
"There's no need to be this sad, little Ayaka."
"Even if we separate for a while, we'll still meet again someday, won't we?"
Hearing Jiang Yan comfort her, Ayaka nodded.
"Mhm. Ayaka knows."
"Ayaka will grow up quickly, and then she'll stay by Big Brother Jiang Yan's side every single day."
She spoke as though making an important vow.
Jiang Yan smiled.
"You silly girl."
Naturally, a child like Ayaka didn't yet understand the deeper meaning behind those words.
And Jiang Yan certainly didn't think much of it either, merely treating it as innocent childish talk.
Time did not slow down just because Ayaka wished it would.
Before long, unable to resist her sleepiness, Ayaka fell asleep in Jiang Yan's arms.
As though afraid she would wake up and no longer see him, the little girl clung tightly to Jiang Yan's clothes even while asleep, refusing to let go.
What a clingy little thing.
Jiang Yan didn't mind at all and simply let her hold onto him.
Carefully, he stood up while carrying the sleeping Ayaka, making sure not to wake her.
After gently placing her onto the bed and tucking her in—
He turned toward the other children, signaling that it was time for them to go to sleep too.
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