(3RD POV)
[And after the problem with Kurisu has been solved. Thoma left the trio and walks away towards Narukami Island by himself. Thoma has set them a test to leave Ritou by their own power. And...]
Soldier: "Stop there! Present your Travel Permits!"
[But when they reaches the border, they were stopped by a soldier that guards the border.]
Paimon: "Sorry, but we've really gotta get to Narukami Island, it's kinda urgent..."
Kobayashi: "If you don't have a Travel Permit, this is as far as you'll get. Those are the rules."
[The trio sighed and walk away from the border. They were stucked in Ritou for too long.]
Paimon: "Huh... as expected. Lumine, Slime's Lover... You two gotta think of something. How do we get out of Ritou?"
[Both Lumine and Musashi tries to think a way to leave Ritou. Until...
Musashi: "I wonder if the Kanjou Commission has heard of us..."
Paimon: "Are you saying... we should go and meet with the Kanjou Commissioner?"
Musashi: "Yep. I guess this is the only way."
[Lumine nods as she agrees with Musashi's idea. Paimon also nods her head.]
Paimon: "...Guess it can't hurt to try. Even if Paimon has a few choice words to say about his subordinates... Who knows - maybe he's our biggest fan! Hee-hee."
(Opening Song : Zanya Genshou - Spiral Radder ft. LICCA)
[As the theme song starts, the screen shows the Island Of Inazuma. Then, it changes into the trio stands on Ritou's port, Kujou Sara walks with her guards around the city, Yae Miko smokes with her smoking pipe and finally Raiden Shogun meditate in The Plane of Euthymia.]
Machigaeta mama datte aruku no wa tokui datta
[Musashi clashed and slays some of Kairagi around the Village with blood on her katana.]
Kaketa mama datte gomakashishi waratte ita.
[Lumine finished killing numerous Abyss Mage and left their corpses under clear water.]
Tarinakutte Oginatte todokanakute
[Kazuha plays the leaf flute on the ship, Thoma leans on the wall near the entrance of Kamisato Estate, Kamisato appears with a fan that covers the bottom half of her face.]
Daremo ga kitto miushinatte.
[In Watatsumi Island, Sangonomiya Kokomi along with Gorou prepares the troops to fight.]
Iki zurasa no riyuu wo shiru
[Kujou Sara along with Shogunate Army kneel before the almighty Raiden Shogun.]
Kokoro wa mada tsuzuku ka?
[Soldier corpses in battleground, Scaramouche is standing and smiling evilly at Fatui Compound near Watatsumi Island.]
Hitoiki de tsuranuku tame ni wa Sukoshi kurushii darou
[Makoto drowns into the sea of petals. The Cherry Blossoms blooms on Sacred Sakura Tree. And Miko raised her short staff to the sky.]
Yuruse, ippo warera ga yuku koto wo
[Musashi's eyes glows green (left) and gold (right) while Ei's eyes glows purple as they clashed.]
Umareru toki o
[Lumine fights the Shogunate Army along with Rebel Troops led by Kokomi and Gorou.]
Mi wo kogashite yaki kiretemo
[Kazuha and Beidou helps the rebel troops to fend off the Shogunate Army.]
Michi dake wa tsuzuiteiru
[Aether, accompanied by Abyss Mages and Abyss Herald, sits on the throne as he smiles wickedly.]
Sono utsukushisa mo awaremi mo,
[Kujou Sara shots the lightning arrows to the sky, causing a thunder rain. Lumine runs and evades those thunder and tries to attack Kujou Sara.]
Taiga ni kieru dakara
[Ayaka Kamisato prays for the safety of her friends, especially Musashi.]
Nokorikasu yoseatsume
[Musashi's outfit changes into pale blue kimono with a spider lily motif, with ragged black scarves tied onto her upper arms.]
Mada susunde ike, susunde ike
[Both Musashi and Ei readies their weapon. Ei unleashed her Musou No Hitotachi.]
Yoru o koete.
[Musashi used her one-time only Noble Phantasm Tsumukari Murasama!]
[In the end, the screen shows Musashi clashed with Ei at the upper part of the screen, while Lumine lead the rebel army on the bottom left screen and Kujou Sara lead Shogunate Army on the bottom right screen. And it shows Genshin Impact : Shattered Void in the middle.]
-------------------- Chapter 43 -------------------
(Still 3RD POV)
Musashi: (So, this is Kanjou Commision's Headquarters.)
[The trio finally arrived at the entrance of Kanjou Commision's HQ. Musashi seems amazed a little. But there, they were halted by a guard that stands in front of the castle.]
Guard: "Halt! This is the Kanjou Commissioner's Office. No trespassers!"
Paimon: "We're here to see, uh... y'know, um... the Kanjou Commissioner!"
Guard: "The Kanjou Commissioner seldom entertains outlanders. Leave, now or we'll be forced to-"
????: "Ah... Wait, wait, wait..."
[But then, an old man with gray kimono with a black hakama (trousers) and a red haori (jacket worn over a kimono), approaches the trio.]
Guard: "Oh! Commissioner!"
Musashi: (Wait... What?)
Hiiragi Shinsuke: "These three are honored guests from afar, no need to give them the usual spiel. Come on in, let's see what we can do for you."
[As Hiiragi Shinsuke invites the trio, Paimon snuck her tongue to the guard.]
Paimon: "Hmph! Did you get all that, mister!?"
Guard: "M-My sincere apologies."
[The trio graciously accepts the invitation. Then, the trio talks to him.]
Hiiragi Shinsuke: "I am Hiiragi Shinsuke, Kanjou Commissioner and head of the Hiiragi Clan. It's an honor to meet you both."
[The trio smiles as they greet Shinsuke.]
Lumine: "I, too, am honored to meet you."
Musashi: "Hey there."
Paimon: "Nice to meet you, Sir! So, the reason we wanted to come and see you was because-"
[Shinsuke chuckles as he cuts Paimon's words.]
Hiiragi Shinsuke: "Alright, alright, all in good time. Three travelers renowned far and wide have shown up to see me, and I should very much like to make their acquaintance! Let's not limit this to business only."
Paimon: "Hee-hee, so what you're saying is, we really are pretty famous, huh?"
Hiiragi Shinsuke: "Absolutely. How many other people in the world have what it takes to knock the wind out of Stormterror's sails and put the Overlord of the Vortex back under the sea, eh?"
Paimon: "Exactly! Paimon thinks you make an excellent point."
Hiiragi Shinsuke: "And... I hear you also foiled a Fatui plot in Liyue Harbor, even beat one of their harbingers in a duel. Is that true?"
Paimon: "Whoa! You heard about that, too? Yup, it's true, alright!"
[Both Lumine and Musashi knew Shinsuke is planning something. Paimon tilts her head in confusion because of Shinsuke's sly smile.]
Paimon: "Something wrong?"
Hiiragi Shinsuke: "Hehe, no, no, no. I'm simply awestruck by you both, is all."
[And... both of them decide to play along for now.]
Lumine: "You're too kind."
Musashi: "Ultimately, they still got their way."
Hiiragi Shinsuke: "...Ritou is greatly honored to have you visit us. One other thing I heard about you is your great zeal for helping other people. This makes me wonder... whether you might be so kind as to render your assistance to the Kanjou Commission?"
Paimon: "Sure, no problem! Whatever you need - right, Lumine, Slime's Lover!?"
[Both of them just nods.]
Lumine: "Time to run some errands again?"
Musashi: "Well... This is my forte."
Hiiragi Shinsuke: "Excellent. Well, then..."
[Shinsuke tries to think about his request, and...]
Hiiragi Shinsuke: "You must know the Qingxin? A flower, grows on the mountaintops in Liyue."
Paimon: "Yup, we've picked a few of those before. So, uh... you want us to go back to Liyue?"
Hiiragi Shinsuke: "Yes. Bring me 300 Qingxin, would you? Freshly picked, I mean."
[Instantly, the trio sweatdropped on the spot.]
Paimon: "...Uh, did Paimon hear that wrong?"
Lumine: "Well... I think you might be a couple orders of magnitude off?"
Musashi: "And after all, They don't stay fresh after they're picked."
[Hiiragi seems unamazed. But then... He seems got another thing to say.]
Hiiragi Shinsuke: "Hmm? Too much trouble, is it? Hmm... I see. Then how about this... We have a few items that need delivering, perhaps you could help with that?"
[Paimon nods her head as she thought it would be easy. But...]
Paimon: "That sounds much more like it."
Hiiragi Shinsuke: "709 letters, to be precise."
[Again, the trio sweatdropped on the spot because of Shinsuke's ridiculous request.]
Paimon: "Hey! What gives? How come you don't have people to do that already!?"
Hiiragi Shinsuke: "Terribly sorry, we're just a little short on people lately..."
Paimon: "What sort of an explanation is that!?"
[As they speak to Hiiragi Shinsuke, an unfamiliar lady appears not far behind Shinsuke. She carefully exchanges glances with Musashi and Lumine...]
Musashi/Lumine: "...."
Paimon: "Traveler, what're we gonna do? Should we really help this guy?"
Musashi: "We'll consider it."
[Shinsuke just keep his sly smile as he nods his head.]
Hiiragi Shinsuke: "That's the spirit! Don't keep me waiting too long, now, hehe..."
Paimon: "You're seriously considering taking this job? The terms are ridiculous..."
[The trio knows something is wrong there. As they are leaving the Kanjou Commissioner's Office, they were stopped by a messenger.]
Shinnojou: "Halt, you two."
[And... the duo already knew this would happen.]
Lumine: "Just as I expected."
Musashi: "Yep... Saw this coming."
[Paimon scratches her head as she didn't what the heck is going on.]
Paimon: "Huh? What did we do?"
Shinnojou: "Miss Hiiragi has a letter for you. She insists that you read it immediately."
Paimon: "A letter? Quick, let Paimon see!"
[Paimon receives that letter. And then, the messenger bows his head and left. Then, Paimon opens the letter...]
"Dear Traveler,
Would that I could convey this message to you in person.
I apologize for the hasty means by which this letter has come to you, and I hope that it hasn't left you feeling perplexed or perturbed in any way.
This is my first time extending an invitation to an unknown outlander, after all.
It is no mere coincidence that our paths have crossed.
Therefore,
I hope that you would be so courteous as to meet me tonight, under the glow of resplendent moonlight."
Please do not fret about retainers and bodyguards, I will ensure that their attention shall be elsewhere.
I look forward to the pleasure of your company."
[The trio looks at the content of that letter.]
Paimon: "So this means... she wants you to secretly meet her at night? But you didn't seem surprised at all by this... What's going on?"
Lumine: "Well... We shared a glance."
Paimon: "Huh? Have you been up to something behind Paimon's back?"
[Musashi just chuckled. But in her heart, she is pissed.]
Musashi: "That bastard Shinsuke has no intention of letting us leave."
Paimon: "Paimon knew something just didn't seem right about him! Hmm... let's ask her tonight and see what she has to say."
[The trio nods. They all agreed to meet that girl tonight.]
(3 hours later... 18.00.)
[Three hours passed. And now, the trio decides to meet that girl near the border. As they approach the area near the border... They saw that girl waves her hand.]
Musashi: "Ah! There she is!"
Hiiragi Chisato: "Ah, you've finally arrived... Allow me to introduce myself, I am Hiiragi Chisato. This is... technically the second time we have met. It's a pleasure to see you again."
[Paimon seems awed by the beauty of Chisato. Both Lumine and Musashi nods their head with smile.]
Paimon: "Wow, she's the daughter of the Hiiragi Clan alright..."
Lumine: "The pleasure is mine."
Musashi: "I'm delighted to see you again."
Hiiragi Chisato: "N-No need to be so formal - I've long marveled at your accomplishments... and at last we have the chance to meet."
Paimon: "Is it Paimon, or does something seem a bit off here?"
[Chisato sighed as she tries to discuss something with them.]
Hiiragi Chisato: "The reason why I wanted to secretly meet you here is... Well, I feared that I might never have another opportunity to discuss this with you..."
Paimon: "D-Discuss what?"
Hiiragi Chisato: "Ahem... I should like to ask for your help with... delivering a letter."
*PLAK!*
[Musashi slaps her own forehead in frustration. Lumine and Paimon also sweatdropped on the spot.]
Lumine: "I'm leaving!"
Paimon: "Ugh, like father, like daughter! Couldn't you be more original?"
Hiiragi Chisato: "N-No! You misunderstand me - please... allow me to explain."
[Chisato manages to stops the trio from going away and leaving her alone. She sighed in relief.]
Hiiragi Chisato: "I was hoping that you could deliver a letter to Narukami Island in my stead. It is to be given to Kujou Kamaji of the Tenryou Commission. My father has always forbidden me from communicating with him. He knows that there are prospects for my marriage that would better serve him politically. But my heart is with Kamaji. There is no one who would dare defy my father's will on Ritou, but you are outlanders - outlanders seeking to get to Narukami Island. It would be regrettable to let such an opportunity pass..."
[And, this is the reason why Shinsuke keeps the trio in Ritou.]
Paimon: "Ah, Paimon gets the whole picture now..."
Hiiragi Chisato: "Of course, in doing so, I will also do everything in my power to help you leave Ritou. That is my promise."
[The trio think for a moment. And they agree to help Chisato with her problem.]
Lumine: "Seems like a reasonable deal."
Musashi: "Well... We don't have any other options..."
Hiiragi Chisato: "To be perfectly honest... as long as you remain in Inazuma, my father will have no intention of letting you leave Ritou."
[Paimon nods as she already knew Shinsuke's evil intention.]
Paimon: "Yeah, we figured as much. It was pretty obvious he was just trying to hold us up here."
Hiiragi Chisato: "I secretly overheard a conversation between my father and a very arrogant-sounding woman just a few days ago. They seemed to be discussing how to keep you here on Ritou. In fact, it was the first time I had ever heard my father speak so respectfully to someone who wasn't the shogun."
Lumine: "An arrogant-sounding woman..."
[And... Musashi knows well... who is that "arrogant-sounding woman".]
Musashi: (It seemed that stupid old woman really couldn't wait to get a hole in her chest.)
[Chisato has plans to help the trio, and to help herself.]
Hiiragi Chisato: "We don't have much time. I'll tell you my plans to help you off the island. It just so happens that a shipment of goods is..."
[Hiiragi Chisato tells the trio about her plans. The trio nods as they agreed.]
Hiiragi Chisato: "Very well, I'll be waiting for you at the border. I'm counting on you to deliver my letter."
[As they decides to go with Chisato's plan. The four of them decides to go to the border, in order to leave Ritou. And there... They saw two guards is guarding the cargo. And...]
Hiiragi Chisato: "Hold on please... These goods are being sent to... Watatsumi Island?"
[Both of them shocked when they were looking at Chisato. They bow their head and...]
Shinnojou: "My lady! This is an unexpected honor. You are correct, these goods have been repeatedly requested by the Kanjou Commissioner. We must be certain that they reach Watatsumi Island intact."
Kenzaburou: "Is there something wrong, Lady Hiiragi?"
Hiiragi Chisato: "No, as you were. My father simply has some concerns of the shipment's safety, and has ordered that myself and an additional qualified escort be dispatched to ensure safe transport of the goods."
[A guard named Kenzaburou seems hesitates for a bit.]
Kenzaburou: "My lady, you aren't suggesting that you intend to escort the shipment personally, are you? There's certainly no need for you to trouble yourself with such a matter, and as for this "qualified escort"..."
[The trio just smiles at Kenzaburou.]
Lumine: "We look forward to working with you."
[Chisato chuckles silently. But then, she looks serious again towards Shinnojou and Kenzaburou.]
Hiiragi Chisato: "Please, do not cause us any further delay. If memory serves me right, my father has already asserted that this shipment must arrive on time. I'm certain punishment will be duly dispensed if it fails to do so."
Kenzaburou: "Yes, of course my lady. I-It's just that... Well, we don't know who this-"
Hiiragi Chisato: "Now, need I remind you of the penalty if anything were to happen to me en route? I'm sure you are all quite familiar with my father's temperament. Do you really presume that you can fully guarantee my safety on your own?"
[Paimon whispers to Lumine and Musashi after she saw Chisato's sudden strictness.]
Paimon: "Boy, Chisato can talk the talk, they don't stand a chance..."
[And as expected, Shinnojou cannot fight Chisato's order.]
Shinnojou: "A-Ah, yes my lady. Very well then... I-It's an honor to have you accompanying us. Your safety is our highest priority."
[Kenzaburou shocked when Shinnojou blatantly agree with Chisato's order.]
Kenzaburou: "Shinnojou! You can't really be agreeing to this!?"
Shinnojou: "Well, the request is from Lady Hiiragi herself. It is our duty to serve her in the utmost capacity."
Kenzaburou: "Yes, but... that's not the problem here..."
[Chisato and the trio chuckles.]
Hiiragi Chisato: "Well then, if we're through here, I suggest we set off at once. Dawdling will only allow potential thieves more time to prepare, no?"
Kenzaburou: "Y-Yes, my lady. You heard her, there's no time to lose!"
(Two and half hours later...)
[They all walked to deliver the cargo. And amazingly, their delivery was without any problems at all. And now they were almost in front of a small village.]
Shinnojou: "Whew, we can take refuge in the village up ahead. How are you faring, my lady?"
Hiiragi Chisato: "I'm perfectly alright. You may stop here. The road to Narukami Island is just over there."
[Chisato looks at the trio with pleased face.]
Hiiragi Chisato: "In my letter, I've requested Kamaji to grant you a special Travel Permit from the Tenryou Commission. Consider it a token of my appreciation."
[The trio feels thankful for Chisato's help. They vow to repay her someday.]
Lumine: "Thank you, Chisato."
Musashi: "Please be careful."
[At the same time, Shinnojou and Kenzaburou overhear Chisato's conversation with the trio.]
Shinnojou: "My lady...?"
Kenzaburou: "Huh! So that's how it is. I had a feeling something was amiss, but Shinnojou, you..."
Shinnojou: "No, Lady Hiiragi would never hide anything from us, I'm sure of it. But who is this "Kamaji" you speak of, my lady?"
[Chisato sighed a bit. But... She decides to tell the truth.]
Hiiragi Chisato: "I'm not afraid to say that... he's the one I love."
Shinnojou: "The one... you love?"
Kenzaburou: "Shinnojou... Did you honestly think that...?"
Shinnojou: "What!? N-No, I uh... ahem! I was clarifying, that's all. I would never in my wildest dreams, uh... ahem!"
[Musashi chuckles silently. Silently enough not to be noticed by the others.]
Musashi: (Well... I guess this Shinnojou guy loves Chisato, huh?)
[At the same time, Makoto and Guizhong also laughed softly.]
Makoto: "Hehe~ Oh yeah..."
Guizhong: "His eyes can't fool me. This Shinnojou truly admires and loves Chisato so much."
[Chisato feels touched by Kenzaburou and Shinnojou's loyalty, mostly from Shinnojou.]
Hiiragi Chisato: "You two needn't worry. Please, forget that this ever happened. If my father catches word of it, I alone will be held accountable."
Kenzaburou: "Yes, of course. As you wish, my lady."
Paimon: "But what will happen if your actions here are discovered, Chisato?"
[Chisato shakes her head. She smiles softly as she feels nothing will go wrong.]
Hiiragi Chisato: "Don't fret, my father has always been one to spoil me. The worst he'd do is sentence me to half a day without food, or something to that effect."
Paimon: "Huh, Paimon never suspected a guy like him could have a soft side..."
Musashi: "Uh-huh."
Lumine: "Same here."
[Chisato chuckles again. But for now... It's time for them to say goodbye.]
Hiiragi Chisato: "I wish you a safe journey. I'm sure we will meet again."
Paimon: "Bye Chisato!"
Musashi: "See ya later!"
[The trio waves their hand to Chisato as they walk away. As for the crying Shinnojou and the confused Kenzaburou...]
Kenzaburou: "Come now! Quit your staring and let's get moving. We've got goods to shift."
Shinnojou: "Al-Alright..."
[Now, Musashi, Lumine and Paimon can continue their journey without any problems.]
Paimon: "Whew, we're finally on our own way again! I suppose it's time we find Thoma. Now where did he say he would meet us again... Right, Komore Teahouse!"
Musashi: "Okay! Let us be off!"
Lumine: "Yeah!"
[Lumine grabs Musashi's hand and they starts running, followed by Paimon.]
(1 hour later...)
[After one hour of walking... The trio finally arrived at the Narukami Island. And now, they are at Tenryou, where they can see so many people and building around.]
Musashi: "So, this is Tenryou, the crowdest part of Narukami Island, huh?"
Lumine: "Maybe we could say.. This is the main land of Inazuma."
[The trio seems awed by this, especially Musashi.]
Musashi: (This... kinda remind me of Edo Period.)
[But, Paimon cuts in and grabs the map.]
Paimon: "We can enjoy this later! For now, let us go and find Thoma at Komore Teahouse!"
Musashi/Lumine: "OOOHHH!"
[The trio agreed with Paimon, and they continues to walk... Until they found...]
Musashi: "Is that the place?"
[Musashi points his finger at the fancy building on the side of the city.]
Paimon: "According to the letter, this should be the place."
Lumine: "In that case, let's go-"
????: "Halt!"
[Before the trio go in, they were stopped by a shop assistant named Kozue.]
Kozue: "Sorry, we don't serve the general public. I'm afraid you'll have to leave."
Paimon: "Wait! We're not the general public..."
Kozue: "Well then... you must be a couple of wandering outlanders that snuck into the nation... judging by your attire."
Paimon: "Are our clothes really so— oh! Uh... What Paimon means to say is—"
[Musashi sighed and nudged Lumine's arm, signaling her to give Kozue the Invitation Letter.]
Lumine: "Here's our Invitation Letter."
[Lumine gives that letter to Kozue. Kozue read the letter intently, and...]
Kozue: "Hmm, the Yashiro Commission's seal... this must be from Mr. Thoma. It seems there's more to you than meets the eye. In which case, welcome to the Komore Teahouse, a safe haven for the Yashiro Commission."
Paimon: "Well, that sounds more like it."
[The trio say thanks to Kozue and walk inside the Teahouse. And inside...]
Paimon: "Well, now that we're here, where's Thoma? Paimon doesn't see him anywhere, do you think he forgot his promise to meet us?"
????: "Who forgot their promise? I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about me!"
[All of a sudden, A dog squats on the counter, and it is at this moment that they hear Thoma's voice...]
Musashi: "Huh?"
Paimon: "Wh—Wh—What!? Is that dog talking to us!?"
????: "Hahaha, relax, no need to look so surprised. I take it this is the first time you've seen me in this form?"
Lumine: "So you're a... dog? Where did the human-looking Thoma go?
????: "Huh, so you didn't see anything like this when you were in Liyue Harbor?"
Paimon: "Ah, now that you mention it, this does suddenly seem less out of the ordinary..."
[Musashi just laughed as it cause confusion to Lumine and Paimon.]
Musashi: "Hahaha! I know a dog when I see one. Okay, Thoma! Get the hell out of there before i go in and drag you out, buddy!"
[And... they hear a laughter from inside.]
Thoma: "Hahaha. Alright, alright, I've had my fun."
[Thoma walks out from behind the counter...]
Musashi: "Hehe~ Told ya."
Paimon: "Hey! You're this close to getting an ugly nickname, mister!"
Thoma: "Hehe~ I've had some time to kill, given that I've been waiting here for you for so long... as was the case in Ritou... So, I came up with this little fun greeting for when you arrived. But, in all seriousness, I would like to apologize about that little "test" you went through earlier. Though it was quite necessary... It helped us determine whether or not to bring you before Miss Kamisato, and whether you had the courage to face the lightning alongside us."
[Thoma laughed. But Paimon snuck out her tongue as she feels annoyed.]
Paimon: "Hmph. Don't think that Paimon's gonna forgive you just because you're getting all serious now!"
Thoma: "Haha... Sorry, did I overdo it? My apologies."
Lumine: "So... How did we do in our "test"?"
[Musashi fall in thought after Thoma said a certain words.]
Musashi: (The courage to face the lightning...?)
Makoto: "Could it be-"
[On the other hand, Thoma chuckled and tries to tell his reason.]
Thoma: "Let me just say this, you've often found yourself skirting "the rules" from the very beginning, haven't you? Naturally, this is due to your unwavering and resolute determination."
[Thoma sighed in sadness. As he remembers that time...]
Thoma: "A long time ago, we had a friend who was much the same... but when the lightning struck..."
Lumine: "You mean Kazuha's friend..."
Musashi: "The one who died in a duel before the throne..."
[Thoma nods his head.]
Thoma: Ah, so you've heard of his story. Well... His light still burns all the more brightly..."
[The trio feels sad as they remember Kazuha's story about his long late friend. But, for Lumine... It is not a time to fall in sadness.]
Lumine: "So... Will we be allowed to meet the Shirasagi Himegimi?"
Thoma: "Yes, of course. I will bring you to the Kamisato residence, where the Yashiro Commission is located."
[But then, Thoma remembers something important that need to be showed to the trio.]
Thoma: "But before that, there is one other place I was hoping you both would accompany me to."
Paimon: "Oh? Where?"
Thoma: "I would like you to come with me to the Statue of the Omnipresent God. It's still under construction now, but you can already see it from practically anywhere on Narukami Island."
Musashi: "In that case... Lead the way, Thoma."
[As they agreed, the trio and Thoma left Komore Teahouse and walks towards the Statue of the Omnipresent God. And when they got there... Makoto feels sad when she looks at that giant statue.]
Makoto: "....."
Paimon: "This area sure feels gloomy. People probably don't come here often, do they? Huh, are Paimon's eyes playing tricks, or are there things embedded in the statue...?"
Thoma: "Visions."
[They all, expect Paimon can see it clearly... Visions embedded in the wings of that statue.]
Paimon: "Visions! You mean all the Visions that are collected from the Vision Hunt Decree are put into this statue!?"
Thoma: "So you've already heard of the Vision Hunt Decree."
Musashi: "Why did the shogun issue the Vision Hunt Decree?"
[Thoma sighed... He tries to explain everything that happened in Inazuma before the trio arrival.]
Thoma: "Before I try to explain, I should perhaps remind you first that Mondstadt is the City of Freedom, and Liyue is the City of Contracts... As for Inazuma... It's known as the Nation of Eternity. The Raiden Shogun is both the nation's most powerful ruler, and its deity. The "eternity" in question... is her endless and unchanging will to rule over Inazuma. As such, she relies on the Tri-Commission to regulate the nation's affairs, and the Sakoku Decree to limit the people's movement. The shogun wishes to keep Inazuma in stasis, allowing the stream of time to flow from one end to the other without disturbing it, for all time."
[Hearing Thoma's explanation, Makoto couldn't help but wonder.]
Makoto: "Why did you changed so much, Ei? Did my death... Affect you that much...? To make you become like right now...?"
[On the other hand, Paimon and the others tries to understand what Thoma just said.]
Paimon: "Seems like every god has their own will..."
Thoma: "Of course, this is my own limited understanding. As for the reason behind the recent Vision Hunt Decree... Perhaps the shogun believes that Visions grant people the power to change, and that her eternity doesn't allow for such instability to exist. Whatever the case, the fact is that the Raiden Shogun has dispatched the Tenryou Commission to scour the nation for Visions, embedding each one in this statue... and this Statue of the Omnipresent God can be seen as Inazuma's symbol of eternity."
[Paimon scratches her hair as she still doesn't fully understand about Raiden Shogun's personality.]
Paimon: "But if that's the case, wouldn't you say that the Raiden Shogun is being... I don't know, selfish"
Thoma: "Haha, only outlanders such as yourselves would ever dare speak out so directly against the Raiden Shogun. And yet... I agree. The Vision Hunt Decree is something that simply should not exist, and Miss Kamisato has been committed to fighting it since the day it was announced."
Paimon: Huh? (Traveler), are you okay? You look like your mind is elsewhere.
[As Musashi and Lumine touch the statue, many voices and sounds rush into their ears. And they let go.]
Musashi: "What the heck..?"
Lumine: "What was that... sound just now?"
[Thoma and Paimon are confused after Lumine said "sound".]
Thoma: "Sound? What sound? I didn't hear anything... did something happen?"
Paimon: "Yeah, you touched the statue, and then... and then what?"
Musashi: "I... could hear the sound of... people's aspirations."
Thoma: "What? Aspirations?"
[Thoma fall in thought for a moment. And he seems got a conclusion.]
Thoma: "Hmm... That would seem to confirm the saying. Have you heard it before? That when a person's ambition reaches a certain strength, the gods look upon them with favor. That is where Visions come from... In other words, a person's Vision represents their ambition."
Thoma: "So, if what you just said is true... Then the ambitions of these people are stronger than I imagined."
[And... the trio knows what Thoma meant.]
Lumine: "So... A Vision symbolizes ambition, and not power..."
[Thoma nods and smiles. He feels this is the right time.]
Thoma: "Alright. Time for the next stop on our tour of Narukami Island: the Kamisato residence."
Paimon: "Whew, finally!"
(And then... 2 hours later...)
(Kamisato Estate)
[They walk a long way... from the city to the other side of Narukami Island. And after two hours of walking... they finally arrived.]
Musashi: "Hello, Kamisato Estate~"
[And without wasting time, they swiftly go inside.]
Paimon: "So this is the kind of place where the big shots of Inazuma live, huh? Paimon kinda expected it to be... snazzier."
Musashi: "It's hard to top the Jade Chamber."
Lumine: "And... It's hard to top the Dawn Winery."
[Thoma chuckled and welcomes the trio to Kamisato Estate.]
Thoma: "Welcome, at last, to the Kamisato residence, honored guests. Miss Kamisato is delighted to finally meet you."
Paimon: "Is this the Shirasagi Himegimi you keep going on about? So, uh, where's she at?"
????: "Ahem..."
[The trio hears a voice... behind the curtain.]
Paimon: "Oh... uh, behind the screen?"
Thoma: "Yes, haha, as the daughter of the Yashiro Commission, this is how Miss Kamisato is accustomed to receiving guests. Consider it a time-honored tradition within the Yashiro Commission. Forgive me if this is an unwelcome surprise."
Lumine: "I think I understand."
[All of a sudden, Musashi sits crossed-legged, causing the others confused by her action.]
Lumine: "Uh... Musashi?"
Paimon: "Oi, Slime's Lover! What are you doing?"
[Musashi just chuckled as she blushed.]
Musashi: "Ahaha~ Sorry! This is because of my habit of sitting politely when I see people of high rank."
[In fact, Shirasagi Himegimi named Ayaka Kamisato herself was shocked by how polite Musashi is. But then, she cleared her throat and starts talking.]
Kamisato Ayaka: "Please forgive my lack of courtesy for receiving you in this fashion... especially following such a long and wearisome journey over the sea. I have awaited your arrival with great anticipation, and Thoma assures me that you do indeed possess the power to change the tide of the times."
[They all looked at Thoma, who just chuckled. But then, Ayaka continues to talk.]
Kamisato Ayaka: "At present in Inazuma, in the name of the Vision Hunt Decree, the people's aspirations are being senselessly trampled underfoot. Though the Yashiro Commission serves the shogun, it is the people with whom we share close bonds, given the contact we are required to have with them in the performance of our duties. A commission's power rises and falls with the trust of their people. Thus, we cannot remain indifferent to this situation without also remaining indifferent to our own fate. Travelers, lend us your power, and we can—"
[Lumine glares at the curtain that hides Ayaka's face.]
Lumine: "I'm just here to meet the Raiden Shogun. I did not come to start a rebellion."
Kamisato Ayaka: "Oh..."
[Thoma sighed.]
Thoma: "See, milady, it's just like I said... this will take us nowhere..."
Lumine: "I'm going to leave now."
[Lumine starts walking away.]
Kamisato Ayaka: "No, please... wait! Please... Don't-"
*GRAB!*
[All of a sudden, Musashi grabs Lumine's hand without looking at her.]
Lumine: "M-Musashi!?"
[But, Musashi's focus is towards at the curtain that stands between her and Ayaka.]
Musashi: "Hime-sama.."
Kamisato Ayaka: "Y-Yes?"
[Musashi sighed, but she still keep her composure as she keeps holding Lumine's hand.]
Musashi: "We are here... not to starts a rebellion."
Kamisato Ayaka: "...."
Musashi: "But, i know... That you need our help."
[Ayaka herself fell silent as Musashi continues to talk.]
Musashi: "We will not help to start the rebellion against Raiden Shogun. But, we will help your problem."
Kamisato Ayaka: "...."
Musashi: "In exchange... Help us to have an audiance with the Shogun."
[Lumine and Paimon shocked by Musashi's offer. In fact, Ayaka herself seems speechless after hearing Musashi's offers to help. And...]
Kamisato Ayaka: "In that case... I will introduce you to the Raiden Shogun, on one condition... You must fulfill three small wishes on my behalf."
Paimon: "What are your wishes?"
Kamisato Ayaka: "They pertain to three whose Visions were taken from them... Perhaps once you've met them, you will understand..."
[The trio listens while Kamisato Ayaka tells the story of the three Visionless people...]
Paimon: "A warrior who guards a village, a former samurai who helped carry out the Vision Hunt Decree, and a swordmaster determined to become the best in the world... Does Paimon got that right?"
Kamisato Ayaka: "Correct. Please do all you can to help them. I will await your return here."
[At first, Lumine feels doubtful to help Ayaka. But when she looks at Lumine, who nods at her. She smiles and accept.]
Lumine: "I will do as you wish."
[Ayaka and Thoma sighed in relief.]
Kamisato Ayaka: "Hehe... Then, you have my gratitude."
Thoma: "I'm sure you'll do great."
[Musashi stands up and smile.]
Musashi: "It's already late. We can starts tomorrow."
Paimon: "Oh yeah! Paimon forgot it's already night time!"
Lumine: "Then, we should-"
[Ayaka chuckles, and...]
Kamisato Ayaka: "Thoma, lead our guests to our guest's bedroom."
Thoma: "As you command, My Lady."
[Thoma lead Musashi, Lumine and Paimon to go to guests's bedroom. Musashi glanced back for a second towards the curtain, and...]
Musashi: "Just wait for the good news, okay? I won't let you down, Hime-sama."
[Musashi bows and walks outside, leaving Ayaka by herself. She could saw her smile despite it blurry due to the curtain. She blushed...]
Kamisato Ayaka: "That smile... So sincere."
[She keeps blushing as she smiles, covering the bottom part of her face with her fan.]
Kamisato Ayaka: "Musashi Miyamoto... Perhaps she is the one... that could end this conflict."
-------------- End Of Chapter 43 -------------
[A/N : That's the end of Chapter 43 of Genshin Impact : Shattered Void. In this chapter, The trio tries to find out a way to leave Ritou. And thanks to the help from Hiiragi Chisato, they finally found a way to leave Ritou and continue on towards Narukami Island. And they meet Thoma at Komore Teahouse. And then, Thoma brings them to Kamisato Estate to meet Shirasagi Himegimi named Ayaka Kamisato. Musashi offers to help Ayaka in exchange for an audiance with Raiden Shogun. What will happen next? Find out at the next chapter of Genshin Impact : Shattered Void. You can vote the story if you like it, and you can ask me anything you want through comment.]
[P.S : Musashi's Current Relationship :
1. Lumine : Lovers
2. Paimon : Best Friend
3. Raiden Makoto : Best Friend
4. Guizhong : Best Friend
5. Dainsleif : Acquaintance
(Mondstadt)
6. Venti : Crush (Both Sides)
7. Jean : Crush (Both Sides)
8. Lisa : Crush (One-Sided Love)
9. Amber : Crush (One-Sided Love)
10. Kaeya : Friend
11. Diluc : Best Friend
12. Eula : Rival & Crush (Both Sides)
13. Sucrose : Crush (One-Sided Love)
14. Razor : Friend
15. Klee : Big Sister & Little Sister Relationship
16. Noelle : Friend / Role Model
17. Mona : Crush (One-Sided Love)
18. Fischl & Oz : Friend
19. Albedo : Friend
20. Rosaria : Vigilant
21. Barbara : Friend
22. Bennett : Friend
(Liyue)
23. Keqing : Lovers
24. Ganyu : Crush (One-Sided Love)
25. Yanfei : Crush (One-Sided Love)
26. Xiangling : Best Friend
27. Xiao : Best Friend
28. Ningguang : Friend
29. Wang Yuanji : Crush (One-Sided Love)
30. Zhongli : Teacher & Student
31. Xingcai : Friend
32. Qiqi : Big Sister and Little Sister Relationship
33. Baizhu : Acquaintance
34. Xingqiu : Friend
35. Beidou : Friend
(Inazuma)
36. Ayaka : Acquaintances (?)
37. Kazuha : Friend
38. Thoma : Friend
(Fatui-Snezhnaya)
39. Childe : Distrust
40. La Signora : Arch-Enemy
41. Arlecchino : Fre-enemy (?)
(Abyss Order)
42. Aether : Arch-Enemy
(That's all, folks! KeysOfVoid out!)