"Mother?" your jaw slightly dropped as you watched your mother stride into the Yashiro headquarters. She was elegantly dressed, as always, with a lavish navy blue outfit with gold pins holding up her hair, accompanied by silver earrings and heels (material gworl mama pt.2)

You quickly stood up, adjusting your outfit. "Where were you yesterday?" she asked, looking you up and down. "I was worried something had happened to you,"

"I was jus-"

"Never mind that darling, I've come because of more important matters," she said, clapping her hands as she motioned for the maids she brought with her to come in.

You watched dumbfounded as maids and tailors strode in, fully equipped with clothes, makeup, and mirrors.

"What the-" you were cut off as the tailor came up and started taking your measurements.

"Today's the day of the Asagao ball, we have absolutely no time to waste!" your mother ordered the maids, a firm expression on her face.

You deflated at the mention of those words. You had forgotten about the ball and all the dread came flooding back to you.

"Commissioner, could you please excuse us for a while?" your mother smiled at Ayato, gesturing towards the door. "We have quite a bit of work to do before the ball!"

"Of course, I'll be waiting outside," he chuckled, making his way out.

"Wait, don't leave me here!" you grabbed Ayato's sleeve, desperation in your eyes. The cluster of maids doing your hair and fixing your outfit practically squandered you.

You saw an amused smile in his eyes as he took your hand and gently kissed it. "Have fun, my love," he said, walking out the door after that.

As much as you wanted to yell at him for finding your situation amusing, you couldn't help but feel flustered at the lingering touch of his lips on your hand. You quickly brought yourself back to your senses, remembering how it was just a show for the public.

"Hurry up, we haven't got all day!" your mother exclaimed, hovering over the maids as they did your hair. You felt strangely sad as they took out the low ponytail Ayato had done and put your hair into an intricate style.

.

.

.

1 very exhausting hour later, you looked at yourself in the mirror. As much as you hated it, you had to admire the work the maids had done. You couldn't even recognize yourself and you looked like the very definition of elegant nobility.

You were wearing a lavish silk dress and your hair was in a simple style that emphasized your best features. Your mother gazed at you, her hands clasped together as she smiled. "You look lovely, Y/N," she said, pulling you into a hug.

After gently hugging her back, you straightened your outfit out and went to find Ayato. He was talking to Thoma at the front of the Estate, dressed in his usual elegant suit, covered in indigo and gold.

"Y/N, you look great!" Thoma said, heading towards you while waving.

"Are you ready?" Ayato asked, his usual expression remaining unchanged as he turned to look at you. You couldn't help but feel a little sad at his lack of reaction, but brushed it aside.

"Ready as I'll ever be," you said, doing your best to put on a convincing smile. Ayato nodded, and as he made his way outside the Estate you swore you saw a light shade of pink tinging his cheeks.

Chuckling to yourself, you caught up to Ayato and prepared yourself for the long night ahead of you.

'Let's see how this goes,' you thought, bracing yourself as you and Ayato headed for the Asagao ball.

.

.

.

The bright lights and loud chatter of the guests overwhelmed you as you entered the grand ballroom. There were dazzling chandeliers hanging over the numerous tables with silk tablecloths and vases of flowers. The floor was so shiny you could see your reflection in it.

(It basically looks smth like this y'all. Imagine there are a bunch of nobles there <3)

You tensed at all the commotion around you but were surprised when Ayato gently took your hand and led you to the corner. "Are you alright?" he asked, reaching out to fix a strand of your hair that had come loose.

You had been anxious the entire way here but you had to admit it all disappeared when you saw Ayato's calm smile. "I'm fine," you grinned in response.

"Yashiro Commissioner Sir!" you heard a booming voice nearing you and Ayato. Turning to look at who approached you, a small frown appeared on your face.

It was Chitose Sato. (This person is completely made up by me, he doesn't exist in genshin) He was a well-known noble, famous for his family's silk industry....and for being extremely flirtatious. You had only heard rumors of the many young hearts he had broken from the maids at your Estate.

"Chitose, how have you been?" Ayato asked, greeting him with a neutral smile. 

"I've been wel- oh? Who is this enchanting lady?" he asked, catching sight of you.

"I am Y/N, it's a pleasure to meet you," you said, a reluctant smile forming on your face. This man was untrustworthy on all levels and there was no way you would be swayed by him.

"Would you honor me with a dance, my lady?" he asked, taking your hand and kissing it as he smiled up at you. Disgust filled every cell of your body and you did your best to cover your revulsion with a brighter smile.

You were about to decline when Ayato shoved Chitose's hand away from yours. 

"Keep your hands off of my wife," 

-x-

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