(3RD POV)
[Fourteen days passed since The Vision Hunt Decree has been abolished. Ten days passed since the final battle between Musashi and Raiden Ei for the fate of Inazuma.]
Musashi: "Hmm~ Hmm~" 🎶
Lumine: "La~ La~ La~" 🎶
[And speaking of the trio, they just finish their today's comissions. They were humming around as they rest at the food stall.]
Musashi: "Ten Days..."
Lumine: "Of Commissions..."
Paimon: "Making us rich!"
[Musashi treats both Lumine and Paimon a plate of dangos. Sure enough, both of them like it. And...]
Paimon: "You know... It's been two weeks since the Shogun abolish the Vision Hunt Decree."
Musashi: "Uh-huh... And the people are extremely happy with that."
[The trio looks around... The atmosphere of the city has really changed a lot. The residents of the city of Inazuma are really happy and happy, in contrast to the situation when they arrived in Inazuma almost half a year ago.]
Musashi: "You know... I wonder, how is Ei doing right now?"
Lumine: "We haven't heard from her since that day. And Yae Miko never notify us about her."
[Paimon eats her dango. At the same time, she got an idea.]
Paimon: "In that case... How about we visit her?"
Musashi: "Ah... Good idea. But i think it will not be that easy, Paimon."
[Lumine nods as she agrees at Paimon's idea. She still eats her dango.]
Lumine: "I think Paimon's idea is good. After all, Ei already consider us as her friends."
Musashi: "If you say so, Lumine. In that case, we'll visit her after our snack time."
[And... The trio agree to visit Ei after their meal is done.]
(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 52 -------------------
(Still 3RD POV)
[The trio are on their way to visit Raiden Ei inside her castle. When they reaches the Stwtue of The Omnipresent God, they saw Thoma is talking to two of his friends.]
Thoma: "If the Tenryou Commission won't assist in dealing with the thunderstorm, the consequences could be catastrophic."
Kujou Kamaji: "It's not that we're unwilling to do our part. We just don't have any spare hands right now. I hope you can understand."
Ippei: "Exactly. So let's keep the discussion going, and see if we can find a solution."
[Curious, the trio approaches Thoma and his friend to find out what the heck is going on.]
Musashi: "Yo, Thoma! What's going on?"
Thoma: "Ah, hello you three. We were just talking about what an impact you've made in Inazuma."
Lumine: "Oh~ What a coincidence."
[Thoma's friends looks at Musashi, Lumine and Paimon. They both know who the trio are. They politely greets them.]
Kujou Kamaji: "Greetings. Thank you both again for delivering Miss Hiiragi's letter that time."
Ippei: "Ah, so they're friends of yours. I'm Master Kamaji's servant. Call me Ippei!"
[The trio gives them a warmful smile and nods their head. But...]
Musashi: "So... Sounds like you guys are having some trouble?"
[Thoma giggles nervously. Even Kamaji and Ippei scratches their hair nervously.]
Thoma: "Well, the Tri-Commission's work used to consist of gathering information for the Shogun and carrying out any duties she assigned. But recently, she announced that she wishes to spend some time in solitude and self-reflection. Since she is refusing to receive any visitors, there is no one to tell us what to do. We all understand if the Shogun needs some quiet time to gather her thoughts. The only problem is, in the meantime, the thunderstorm out at sea has been getting wilder."
Lumine: "And, I hear that storm represents the Shogun's will."
[Thoma nods his head. Kamaji and Ippei also nod their head.]
Thoma: "Yup, that's the one, and in all the time it's been there, the storm has never changed in shape or size. But now, it seems to be drawing closer to Inazuma."
Paimon: "What!? So her will's changed and she wants to destroy Inazuma now? Or is this her way of trying to get revenge on us?"
[All of them, except Musashi, sweatdropped on the spot. Lumine also giggles nervously after hearing Paimon's stupid words.]
Lumine: "But that... Would be a little childish."
Paimon: "Oh, yeah, you're right. If she really wanted to get revenge on us, she could just strike us with lightning right here... Which would also be pretty scary!"
[But on the other hand, Musashi finds it funny. In fact, she already making her mocking smug towards the little pixie.]
Musashi: "Hehe~ In other words, You are really scared of her, huh?"
[And as expected, Paimon refuses to admit that she is scared of Raiden Shogun.]
Paimon: "Nuh-uh, she lost to us. Paimon's not scared, why would Paimon be scared! Paimon's just, y'know, a little... concerned that she might be angry. Yeah, that's all, just a little concerned."
[Thoma, Kamaji and Ippei just laughed softly. And...]
Thoma: "Haha, I don't think you need worry about that. The reason we're concerned is that we've never known the Almighty Shogun's will to falter before."
Kujou Kamaji: "Considering Liyue's god left not too long ago, it's hard not to take it as a bad sign. A lot of people now believe that the thunderstorm is getting wilder because the Almighty Shogun is having health problems. The fact that she won't see anyone right now makes us concerned that things are only going to get worse."
[In other words, all of the people of Inazuma are quite concern about the problem that could occur after the absence of the Shogun.]
Lumine: "That seems like a valid concern."
Musashi: "And i feel... There must be a reason for the change in the storm."
[Thoma smiles slightly as he agrees with Musashi and Lumine.]
Thoma: "Right. So, before rumors start spreading, Miss Kamisato got me to come here and discuss countermeasures with the Tenryou Commission. We need to make sure we're prepared to deal with the chaos if and when it arrives."
Kujou Kamaji: "Unfortunately, the reality is that the Tenryou Commission is facing huge internal instability at the moment. The Kujou Clan has lost control over the other clans."
Paimon: "Huh? Why is that?"
[Kamaji sighed deeply. His expression just turn sour.]
Kujou Kamaji: "The Kujou Clan is still awaiting the Shogun's trial for colluding with the Fatui and nearly destroying the whole of Inazuma. Everyone knows that a change of Commissioner is inevitable. It's just a matter of time before the Almighty Shogun hands down her decree."
Thoma: "To put it simply, no one will take orders from the Kujou Clan anymore, but there's still work that has to be done."
Ippei: "If Mr. Takayuki was in better health, there might be a way through. But now..."
[Kamaji sighed again. He totally feel guilty because of his weakness and unawareness.]
Kujou Kamaji: "My lack of ability is to blame. I failed to uncover the truth in time, and I failed to stop my father. And now, as acting head of the clan, I'm failing to quell the unrest."
Ippei: "Don't blame yourself, Master. You have to at least keep your chin up until your older brother returns. The Kujou Clan can't cope with any more instability in its current state."
[And thanks to Ippei's moral support, Kamaji rise his head proudly and hides his weakness.]
Kujou Kamaji: "Yes, you're right. Masahito has enough on his plate at the moment. I mustn't cause any more issues for him. Okay. Thoma, let's revisit this discussion in a few days. Right now, I need to go visit Takatsukasa Susumu, head of the Takatsukasa Clan. He is the only one capable of taking charge of the situation now."
[Thoma nods his head.]
Thoma: "Okay, no problem. A speedy resolution to the Tenryou Commission's internal issues is in our best interests as well."
[Ippei eagers to follow his master, but...]
Ippei: "I'll come with you, Master!"
Kujou Kamaji: "No need. I'll handle this by myself."
Ippei: "Oh okay... take care, then. Come back soon!"
[Kujou Kamaji left the scene. The trio seems fall in their own conversation about this problem.]
Paimon: "If you think about it, both the thunderstorm situation and the issue with the Tenryou Commission have been caused by the Shogun's decision to take some time off, right? If things carry on like this, people will start to panic..."
Musashi: "Uh... Maybe we could invite her out for a while, just like what we initially planned?"
[Ippei was quite shocked by the trio's idea about inviting Ei out.]
Ippei: "Huh? You can actually do that!?"
Paimon: "Don't know for sure, but we may as well try. Whether she takes us up on the offer or not will depend on what mood she's in..."
[And Thoma... seems agrees with that idea.]
Thoma: "Sounds like you guys know what to do. Shall I leave it up to you, then? Everyone's worrying about the Shogun's condition, but if people got to see her in person, it would put their fears to rest."
Lumine: "We'll try."
[Thoma feels grateful again because of the trio's help for the people of Inazuma.]
Thoma: "Thank you very much, you threw. I owe you all, again."
Paimon: "The way Paimon sees it, there's only one person who might have the chance to see the Shogun while she's isolating. Right?"
[And the trio knows... Where to go now.]
Musashi: "Yup!"
Lumine: "Yae Miko is the one we must seek!"
Paimon: "In thar case... Let's take a trip to the Grand Narukami Shrine!"
[The trio left the Omnipresent Statue and walks towards Grand Narukami Shrine to seek Yae Miko's help.]
(1 hour later...)
[And after one hour of walking... They finally arrived at Grand Narukami Shrine, where they can see Yae Miko is standing in front of Great Sakura Tree.]
Musashi: "Yo, Miko-chan!"
Yae Miko: "Oh my~ I wasn't expecting to receive VIP shrine visitors during down time. Hehe, so I suppose you all are here just to visit me?"
Musashi: "Yes, I was."
*PAT!* *PAT!*
[Yae Miko giggles as she pats Musashi's shoulder twice.]
Yae Miko: "What a smooth talker... though, your eyes do not lie as convincingly as your tongue. You came because you need my help, didn't you? Still, your answer has put me in a good mood, my little puppy."
[Paimon seems confused by how Yae Miko calls Musashi.]
Paimon: "Say, Miko... You just called Slime's Lover with "my little puppy". Why didn't you call her with the usual "My Lovely Servant" again?"
[Musashi, Lumine and Yae Miko just chuckle softly.]
Lumine: "It seems you totally forgot about it, Paimon."
Paimon: "Huh? What do you mean by that?"
Yae Miko: "In case you forgot... My Little Puppy is no longer my servant. But that doesn't mean i cannot talk to Musashi-chan like i always want to."
[Paimon totally remember about Musashi is no longer Yae Miko's servant. She blushed slightly in embarassment. And... For the problem...]
Yae Miko: "So, tell me. What is the matter?"
Paimon: "We heard that the Shogun decided to take a break, and since then the thunderstorm around Inazuma has gotten wilder. Rumor has it that the thunderstorm is affected by the Shogun's will. So people are worrying that something might be wrong with her."
Lumine: "In other words... The Tenryou Commission also needs her attention."
[Yae Miko just sighed slightly. Because she already knows about this problem.]
Yae Miko: "Alright. There's little purpose in keeping anything hidden from you, anyway. Since the battle, the Shogun has been greatly troubled and her temperament has changed drastically."
Paimon: "What!?"
[Musashi, Lumine and Paimon were really shocked by this revelation.]
Musashi: "Hold on... Her temperament has changed?"
Lumine: "That's... Hard to believe..."
Yae Miko: "Her power was already on the decline. Then Musashi-chan dealt her that fateful strike. The defeat was a heavy. It also didn't help that I forgot to bring her some Tricolor Dango and light novels when I went to see her... Oh, the poor thing. Without desserts and books to console herself with, she was so angry she quite simply lost it. Crying and ranting and raving... Oh, I could hardly bear to see her that way..."
[Instantly, the trio sweatdropped on the spot. All three of them almost got tricked by Yae Miko's blatant and ridiculous lie.]
Paimon: "You expect us to believe that a god would throw a temper tantrum over something like that!?"
Lumine: "We... don't believe you."
Musashi: "Not to mention... It's not beyond the realm of possibility."
[Yae Miko chuckles again after almost got the trio by her trick. And...]
Yae Miko: "Hehe~ Before you get too indignant, consider the fact that your concerns sound every bit as nonsensical to me as that blatant lie did to you. Ei seeks eternity. To her, mortal lives come and go in the blink of an eye. Of what consequence to her are mortal concerns for her wellbeing?"
Paimon: "You're saying she's fine, right?"
[Miko just nods her head and crossed her arms.]
Yae Miko: "I don't know the details. She said she wanted to rest, and I have nothing pressing that requires her attention. So there is no reason to disturb her. I have heard about the thunderstorm, though. As to the cause, it is not inconceivable that, as you suggest, her will has wavered somewhat."
[Yae Miko's answer really makes the trio wants to help Ei.]
Musashi: "In that case... All the more reason to check on her."
Yae Miko: "I am the only one in all of Inazuma who can visit her while she is resting. But tell me, why should this concern me? Why should I do this for you, when I already have everything one could ever want, and have seen everything one could ever wish to see?"
[Both Lumine and Musashi stares at each other for seconds. They both nods and...]
Lumine: "Do it for the people of Inazuma."
Musashi: "And do it for Ei-chan as well."
[Yae Miko chuckles after hearing both of their answer. But this time... with genuine smile.]
Yae Miko: "Haha. I like that answer."
[Miko shows a pass permit to the trio.]
Yae Miko: "Here is the Pass Permit. Show it to the Okuzumeshuu at the gate, and he will let you in. My question was in jest, but since you answered it in earnest, please stay true to your word. Oh, and don't forget to return the Pass Permit to me after you have finished with it."
[Miko gives that Pass Permit for the trio. She really eager for the trio to help Ei.]
Yae Miko: "She spends all her time alone. Having a visitor once in a while can't do any harm. As the one who shook Eternity, you are her potential for change."
Musashi: "Don't you worry, Miko! We'll help Ei!"
[After getting that Pass Permit from Yae Miko, the trio swiftly runs back to Shogun's castle to visit Ei.]
(Another 1 hour later...)
[As they reaches the castle, they were stopped by the guard that stands in front of the gate.]
Guard: "The Almighty Shogun has requested solitude. No visitors allowed."
Paimon: "We've got a Pass Permit from Miko."
Takeshi: "Don't be ridiculous. Lady Guuji never gives her Pass Permit to another person, not even esteemed travelers like yourselves. Guuji Yae is only authorized to hold that Pass Permit because of the trust that the Almighty Shogun places in her and her alone..."
[Swiftly, Musashi shows the pass permit that she got from Miko right into the guard's face. He widened his eyes after looking at that Pass Permit.]
Takeshi: "Wait... This is... authentic!?"
Lumine: "It'd be a little difficult to forge it."
Musashi: "Feel free to check with Miss Yae Miko."
[That head guard just checks that pass permit. Then, he just stands aside to let them go inside.]
Guard: "Understood. Then, as the Shogun has ordered, I must not stand in your way. Apologies, please proceed. Since the Shogun is resting at this time, please be especially respectful and make sure your behavior is impeccable."
[The trio nods and go inside. And when they all get inside... They saw Raiden Shogun is walking back and forth around that room.]
Paimon: "Look how she's pacing back and forth... Don't you think she looks a little anxious?"
Musashi: "Just relax... She won't bite..."
[The trio slowly walks forward. Raiden Shogun glares at the trio coldly, which caused Paimon shivered.]
Paimon: "EEEK!"
Raiden Shogun: "How did you get in? Trespassers are to be eliminated at once."
[Instantly, Paimon feels scared because of the cold attitude from the Shogun.]
Paimon: "Wait, no, it's us! Why are you treating us like we're your enemies!? We made amends, didn't we? Also, we got in by totally legitimate means!"
Raiden Shogun: "Denied. Use of force has been forbidden. Anyway. Be gone. Do not disturb my solitude."
[Both Musashi and Lumine feels confused by the sudden change of Raiden Shogun's attitude.]
Musashi: "Forbidden? Why?"
Lumine: "Is everything okay?"
Raiden Shogun: "That is of no concern. This is my recuperation state."
[And even Paimon starts to get confused. She scratches her hair in confusion and whispers to both Musashi and Lumine.]
Paimon: "Huh, Lumine Slime's Lover, what do you make of this? She's acting strange, huh?"
Musashi: "Do puppets really need rest and relaxation?"
Lumine: "In fact, has she ever been like this before?"
[The Shogun overhears their small conversation and answer it.]
Raiden Shogun: "This body has no need of rest. But I am an assistant to the one within. If she wishes to rest, I must follow her will."
Paimon: "P-Paimon gets it. So this is all Ei's doing... But why? Surely you going about your business doesn't interfere with the Plane of Euthymia? She's got plenty of space in there. Seems like it would be the perfect place for rest and relaxation."
[Raiden Shogun just keep her calm and cold attitude. But despite that, the trio knows something is wrong with her.]
Raiden Shogun: "I do as she wishes. I can say no more than this."
Lumine: "In that case... Why not put their minds at rest?"
Musashi: "You should know that Everyone is worried and wants to see you."
[The Shogun just shakes her head.]
Raiden Shogun: "I cannot. In my current state, even if I went out, I could do nothing. I am currently unwilling to deal with any business. I am also incapable of it."
Paimon: "Huh? What do you mean by that?"
[The Shogun just sighed and decides to not to look at them.]
Raiden Shogun: "...It has been forbidden. Please refrain from making me talk any further."
[Out of ideas, Paimon whispers at her friend's ear to find a solution.]
Paimon: "What should we do, Lumine, Slime's Lover? It feels like this conversation is going nowhere."
[But... Before they could talk...]
Ei: "Ah, it's you two. It's been a while. The Shogun can't do much at the moment. Come straight in and see me."
*WUSH!*
Musashi: "Eh?"
[And... They were absorbed into Plane Of Euthymia!]
Musashi/Lumine/Paimon: "AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!"
*BRUGH!*
[And, they landed right in front of Ei, not in a good way.]
Lumine: "Ow~"
Musashi: "Y-Yahallo, Ei-chan!"
[They all swiftly stands on their feet as they shoves away dust on their clothes.]
Paimon: "That was terrifying! Would it be so hard to give us a little warning first..."
Ei: "It's not your first time. I don't see what there is to be so alarmed about."
[Ei just smiles and feels a bit glad to see them, especially Musashi. At the same time, the trio seems confused about the Shogun.]
Paimon: "So, is the Shogun broken? Are you gonna get it fixed, or...?"
Ei: "Don't worry. The Shogun's not broken, I've just temporarily disabled many of her functions. Currently, the Shogun is unable to handle any business and cannot appear as me. So the easiest solution was to announce that I am resting."
[They all seems understand the whole problem with Raiden Shogun's change of attitude.]
Musashi: "That's what she meant by "forbidden"... So, it was all your doing."
Ei: "As I said, I need to think about Inazuma's Eternity. And thinking takes time. But the Shogun is still running based on her old rules. I can't allow her to make any more mistakes while I am working things out."
Paimon: "So... Have you tried turning it off and on again?"
[Ei shakes her head.]
Ei: "No. She was not created to ever be turned off. Furthermore, I had even predicted at the time that I may wish to modify the Shogun's operational rules at some point in the future. However, such changes would not be conducive to Eternity."
[Musashi scratches her hair. Among the trio, She feels bad for Ei's condition the most.]
Musashi: "You are so strict with yourself..."
Ei: "That's why the Shogun has a robust system to safeguard against modification. It's also to protect against unforeseen circumstances. For now, while I figure out the form that Eternity should take, it's more effective for me to temporarily disable some of the puppet's functions rather than attempt to modify her rules."
[The trio finally knows about the problem with the thunderstorm around Inazuma. But...]
Paimon: "Paimon gets it now. The thunderstorm's getting out of control because some of the Shogun's functions have been disabled."
Ei: "The thunderstorm is getting out of control? This is the first I've heard of it."
Paimon: "Huh? Okay, well, let us bring you up to speed..."
[The trio tell Ei about the storm and the chaos within the Tenryou Commission.]
Ei: "Hmm, I see. So the thunderstorm is drawing closer..."
Paimon: "You can fix it... right?"
Ei: "It's just a minor error. This kind of thing was bound to happen. A small modification to the Shogun should fix it."
[The trio sighed in relief and looking at Ei with confused face.]
Lumine: "...So everyone was worked up over nothing."
Musashi: "Seems a little arbitrary."
Ei: "Don't look at me like that. I've never had to tinker with the Shogun before, and she's very complicated. It's practically inevitable for something to go wrong when you start tweaking things. Yes, that's it. I'm not making excuses. It's the truth."
Paimon: "It's fine. Just as long as you can fix it is all."
[Musashi falls in thought for a moment... She tries to ask Ei about "that topic".]
Musashi: "So... Any progress on your thoughts about Eternity?"
Ei: "Not much. As before, I can see the way forward, yet there are still contradictions. But there is no urgency. To reach an ill-conceived verdict in haste, just for the sake of having reached one, would be a confusion of priorities."
[In that case... They will go with their plan.]
Musashi: "In that case... Come with us. Get a change of pace."
Lumine: "Musashi is right! How about we go for a walk?"
Ei: "Hmm?"
[Ei tilts her head in confusion. All three of them tries to explain.]
Paimon: "If everyone sees that the Shogun is in good health, it'll put all the speculation and rumors out there to rest! And who knows, a change of scenery might put you in a different mood and give you some fresh inspiration!"
Ei: "You mean... leave the Plane of Euthymia?"
[The trio nods their head at the same time.]
Musashi: "Yup! It might do everyone some good."
Ei: "Yes, you're right. After all, the Shogun is currently unable to take care of business on my behalf."
Lumine: "You haven't left in a long time, I'll bet?"
Ei: "It's unnecessary, as far as I'm concerned. But since you are inviting me... a change of pace might well be nice."
[Ei feels need a changes for a pace. She nods her head as she agrees to comes out.]
Ei: "Alright then. I'll come out for a while. Since the theme of the day is a change of pace, you can just call me Ei. I'm not a great fan of rigid titles."
Paimon: "What? But you're just Ei's consciousness, aren't you? Can consciousness actually leave this place?"
Ei: "I have my ways. I would never subject myself to imprisonment voluntarily."
[Paimon floats happily because their plans to get Ei out from Plane Of Euthymia worked perfectly.]
Paimon: "Great. Then there's nothing to worry about! Allow us to be your tour guides!"
Ei: "Tour guides? What's a tour guide?"
Paimon: "Someone to show you around the Inazuma of today and give you tips on where to eat and how to have fun! Alright, let's go go go!"
[Ei nods her head as she agrees. But...]
Ei: "But... I have a favor to ask."
Paimon: "What is it? We will grant you that favor you asked."
(5 minutes later...)
[And the favor that Ei asked the trio is...]
Musashi: "O-Oi, Ei-chan... You really want to do this?"
Ei: "I'm sorry... It's just, walking around while hugging and leaning on your arm... Making me feel happy and calm."
[Yep... Ei wants to hugs and leans on Musashi's arm during their walk. Paimon just giggles nervously.]
Paimon: "Uh... It seems Paimon made a small mistake here."
[As for Lumine...]
(A/N : This Art is Not Mine! All Credits Belongs to The Owner of This Art!)
Lumine: "Hmph!"
Musashi: "A-Ahaha~"
[As expected... Lumine pouts because of Ei's brave to leans on Musashi. And she also annoyed because Paimon is the one that accepts her favor.]
(A little while later...)
[The trio walks together with Ei to visit the marketplace of Inazuma. And of course... Ei won't let go Musashi's arm.]
Ei: "Oh, is this the marketplace? It's a far cry from how I remember it. The stores have changed, and so have the vendors... well, that's to be expected."
[As they walks... The people of Inazuma widened their eyes as they saw Ei is walking together with the trio around the marketplace.]
Ogura Mio: "It's... the Shogun!?"
Rie: "What is the Almighty Shogun doing here?"
Mikoshi Genichirou: "Isn't the Shogun sick? This is quite sudden..."
[The trio slightly chuckles as they saw the people's reaction. On the other hand, Ei feels bad a little.]
Ei: "I appear to have frightened the people."
Paimon: "Well, what did you expect? The Almighty Shogun makes an impromptu appearance in town. People are gonna freak out a bit."
Musashi: "It seems like a bit of an overreaction."
[Paimon and Lumine agree with Musashi's comment. At the same time, Lumine still confused about the people's reaction.]
Lumine: "Doesn't the Shogun normally patrol these parts?"
Ei: "Patrolling the streets is the Tenryou Commission's job. The Shogun has a lot of information to process and orders to give out. She doesn't have time to deal with it herself. Additionally, the Shogun has no need of recreation. There would be no need for her to come here just to pass the time or to relax."
[As they hearing Ei's small explanation, Paimon tries to think a little.]
Paimon: "So what do we do now? Should we go away for a while and make a more low-profile return later?"
Ei: "Why? It's not like I'm here to cause trouble. Let's just relax."
Paimon: "It was more the ordinary people that Paimon was worried about... Never mind. This definitely seems like your style, Ei."
[The peoples keeps whispering among themselves as they watch the trio accompany Ei on her tour of the streets. And...]
Ei: "People still use Mora in commercial transactions, I assume?"
Paimon: "Yep, same as ever. Just as shiny, and just as hypnotic! Wait a second. Ei... are you saying you don't have any Mora either?"
Ei: "Of course I don't. There is no need for commerce in the Plane of Euthymia. If I ever need something, I can simply have one of the Commissions bring it to me.... Wait, what do you mean, "either"?"
[The trio sweatdropped on the spot.]
Paimon: (Does...)
Lumine: (All Archon...)
Musashi: (Really That Broke!?)
[The tour still continues. As the four of them reaching the bridge...]
Ei: "Anyway, people seem to be behaving in a very orderly fashion. I don't see the liveliness you spoke of anywhere."
Paimon: "People aren't exactly gonna let their hair down in front of the Almighty Shogun..."
[They all keep going forward. As Ei look to her left, she seems intrigued by something.]
Ei: "Hmm? What is this stall selling? I don't believe I've ever seen this before."
[Ei and the trio approaches Tomoki's stall. And the owner named Tomoki seems nervous when he meets Ei in the flesh (in fact, he's kinda shocked to see Ei keep leans on Musashi's arm).]
Tomoki: "Sh-Shogun, I... excuse me..."
Ei: "It's alright, relax. I'm just here to look around. I'm having a change of pace today. Could you tell me about the items you are selling?"
Tomoki: "Of course! I've got all kinds of snacks here: Takoyaki, Dango... and, uh, Milk and so on."
[The four of them are kinda confused when Tomoki said he also sells all kinds of snacks and milk.]
Paimon: "Huh? Milk? Sounds kinda like the odd one out..."
Tomoki: "It might sound odd, but it is in fact my specialty. You see, many of the stores in town are already very well established. I couldn't compete with them no matter what I sell. So... my idea was to create some new combinations to give customers a novel experience. For example, my latest concoction is this Dango Milk."
[The four of them keep listening at Tomoki's explanation.]
Tomoki: "When the Dango are worked into a viscous form, they mix very nicely with the milk. The focus is not just the taste, but also the unique texture."
Ei: "Dango with Milk... hmm, I've never heard of it. What made you want to do this?"
[Tomoki startled when he was asked by Ei, which is funny for Musashi.]
Tomoki: "Ah, I'm sorry, Shogun! I've got no bone to pick with eternity!"
Ei: "I said relax, there's no need to go treading on eggshells. Do you really think the Eternity I pursue is something that can be shaken by Dango and Milk?"
Tomoki: (Huh? Why do I feel like... she's different than I expected? Not to mention... she's seems close with them, especially with the samurai one.)
[Tomoki shakes his head and try to sell his food.]
Tomoki: "Actually, it came to me by chance. A friend was catering once and made too many Dango, so they gave some to me. But there were more than I had use for. My Milk wasn't selling well at that time either, and both Dango and Milk have a short shelf life... So I thought I'd try mixing the two as I had nothing to lose. To my surprise, in the right proportion, it tasted superb."
[Ei seems interested with Tomoki's product.]
Ei: "A chance combination. Hmm, interesting. May I try this drink?"
Tomoki: "The Almighty Shogun wants to try!? Well, certainly! And you three should try it, too!"
[Ei, Paimon, Lumine and Musashi drink the Dango Milk slowly. And as expected... the four of them like it.]
Musashi: "Phew~ This fills a hole."
Lumine: "This is delicious!"
Ei: "Nice, it's sweet. The sensation is not so different from eating a dessert. A unique beverage indeed."
Paimon: "Yeah. It's definitely a drink, but it also feels like eating food."
Ei: "It's a little bit like... porridge? But the resemblance is only superficial... Anyway. I like it."
[Tomoki feels grateful when he hears the compliment from four of them.]
Tomoki: "I'm very glad you approve!"
Ei: "I imagine that an item as delicious as this Dango Milk must sell exceptionally well, no?"
Tomoki: "Heh, well... I won't lie to you. Sales are very average."
[Ei seems confused a bit. Tomoki giggles nervously.]
Ei: "Huh. So it's selling slowly? Why is that?"
Tomoki: "Because... most people aren't willing to give it a try. They think it's an unusual combination. Even though everyone who's tried it before rates it highly... I'm not saying the Almighty Shogun has unusual tastes! Please don't take it the wrong way!"
Ei: "Ah, I see. Well, that can be fixed. I'll just have the Yashiro Commission order a few hundred cups and go door-to-door delivering them."
[Instantly, Tomoki shocked by Ei's kindness.]
Tomoki: "No, no, no, Almighty Shogun, that's too much!"
Ei: "Is it? I just want them to try it. It would be a shame for them to miss out on Dango Milk."
Tomoki: "I, uh... haha."
[Musashi and Lumine chuckles by this funny conversation.]
Lumine: "So... you like sweet things?"
Ei: "Of course. I've heard that most humans like desserts, so it's not unusual that I should enjoy them too. Miko agrees with me on this."
[At the same time, Musashi tries to serve Ei with another bottle of Dango Milk.]
Musashi: "Do you want another cup?"
Ei: "Ooh, I would love... N-No, no need. That would be needlessly indulgent. Ahhhh. There's nothing like dessert for improving one's mood. Much more enjoyable than meditating alone all the time."
[After feeling good after tasting that delicious Dango Milk, Ei remembers about something.]
Ei: "By the way, Miko mentioned that she founded something called the Yae Publishing House to sell some sort of... light novels. She's always bragging to me about it, but it's difficult for me to really imagine without seeing the place for myself. Can you take me there?"
Paimon: "Sure. Let's go and have a look."
[After Musashi quietly pays Tomoki for the food, the trio accompanies Ei to go to Yae Publishing House. And when they got there...]
Kuroda: "Sh-Shogun? Almighty Shogun, what brings you to the Yae Publishing House? Do you have instructions for us?"
Ei: "No, not at all. Don't be so nervous, I'm just here to look around."
[The four of them was greeted by Kuroda, the store clerk of the Yae Publishing House.]
Kuroda: "Apologies, I still don't quite understand. Are you here to look into the management, or publishing regulations, or... fire safety measures?"
Paimon: "She just wants to browse your books."
[Kuroda feels confused a bit. The just smiles nervously.]
Kuroda: "The Almighty Shogun wishes to... read light novels?"
Ei: "Yes. Any recommendations?"
Kuroda: "Um... the Yae Publishing House's novels are mostly targeted at the general public, and the content is all kinds of strange... I'm not sure we have anything quite to the Almighty Shogun's taste..."
[Ei and the trio knows Kuroda is in panic and nervous. Ei tries to reassure him.]
Ei: "I'm just here to try something new. There's no fun in reading the same kind of thing over and over again. Relax, it's just words on a page, isn't it? What could I misunderstand, really?"
Kuroda: "In principle, you're absolutely right, it's just..."
[Paimon sighed and tries to cuts in. Both Lumine and Musashi also did the same thing.]
Paimon: "It'll be fine. If there's anything the Shogun doesn't understand, we'll explain to her!"
Lumine: "Don't be nervous."
Musashi: "In fact... The Almighty Shogun just wants to have a look."
[Kuroda takes a deep breath first. Then, he tries to give his best service for Ei and the trio.]
Kuroda: "Well, okay then. Please proceed to the bookshelf over there. It has all the latest best-sellers. There are some winning entries from the "This Novel Is Amazing!" competition. I have just finished compiling them into a saleable form. Don't take them too seriously. It's all just a bit of fun."
Ei: "Okay. Let's go then."
[All four of them walks towards the bookshelf beside the counter. Ei looks at those novels, and...]
Ei: "Huh... How can this be? Did I underestimate the caliber of this material? I know every individual word in these books' titles. So why is it that they make no sense to me in these particular combinations?"
[The trio silently giggles at Ei's cute reaction.]
Ei: "Take this one for example: "The Good Thing About Being Reincarnated as a Hilichurl Is That I Only Need to Eat Sunsettias to Become Stronger"... It's so long... Is it true that hilichurls grow stronger from eating Sunsettias? Surely it should be some sort of meat, at least?"
Paimon: "It's just a narrative device."
Ei: "What? "Narrative device"?"
[Musashi nods her head and smiles.]
Musashi: "It's imaginary. It's whatever the author wants it to be."
Ei: "So it's... made up? What's the point of that? Without being grounded in reality, how can the story be believable? Also, I'm fairly certain that hilichurls can't write stories. So does this author claim to be documenting hilichurl life from an outside perspective, perhaps?"
[Paimon starts scratches her hair nervously. Both Lumine and Musashi just smiles dryly.]
Paimon: "Paimon's starting to understand Kuroda's reservations right about now..."
Lumine: "Too modern, I guess."
Musashi: "Uh-huh... Fads have no place in eternity."
[Because of that... Paimon just got a simple solution.]
Paimon: "How about we choose for you? We can pick out some novels that are easier to understand and give you the scoop."
Ei: "Alright then. I believe myself to be relatively well-read, but with stories like these, I don't even know where to start... I have high hopes, though. This seems like Miko's style, so I'm sure the stories are very entertaining."
Paimon: "Alright. Leave it to us, we'll be back in a jiffy!"
(Some times later...)
[After a lot of time passed, Musashi, Lumine and Paimon tries to find a story that could impressed Ei. And...]
Ei: "The looks on your faces tell me you found some good stories."
Musashi: "I do."
[Musashi narrate "Shogun Almighty: Reborn as Raiden With Unlimited Power" for Ei, which it shocks both Lumine and Paimon.]
Paimon: "Hey! That's kinda-"
Ei: "It's okay. I find it quite interesting. I didn't realize that this was how ordinary people viewed the Shogun. She would never use the Musou no Hitotachi as frivolously as she does in the pages of this book. Nor would she ever use it as a means of venting emotions. In reality, the reason for drawing her blade determines which martial form to use and the degree of power with which to imbue it. Since there is such a great deal of difference between the story and the reality, I don't feel offended at all. On the contrary, I find the author's powers of imagination quite admirable. That said, I hear that Yae Publishing House's novels are all reviewed by Miko herself. Which means that the content of this book must have been approved by her... in fact, no. It may even have been her idea in the first place."
[Both Lumine and Paimon feels glad and sighed in relief since Ei is fond of the story that Musashi picked for her.]
Paimon: "So... What do you think of Yae Publishing House's light novels, Ei? Do you like the stories we picked?"
Ei: "What I take from these stories is not so much the content itself, but what they represent in terms of the effects of time upon Inazuma. Back when I decided to isolate myself in the Plane of Euthymia, there was no Yae Publishing House, and certainly no stories of this kind. In accordance with my wishes, the Shogun did her best to create an eternal nation. A nation that, in theory, should remain entirely unchanged over time. But the fact is that both the food and the stories have changed with time..."
[Ei never saw this before... The total change within time.]
Musashi: "It's human nature to seek change."
Lumine: "And... Change is inevitable."
Ei: "I disagree with your "point of view"... That's what I would say if we were still in the Plane of Euthymia. But the truth is right here in front of my eyes, and I can't deny it."
[Paimon nods her head. Today's plans have went smoothly.]
Paimon: "And that's exactly why we brought you out. To take a look around and get some fresh ideas. Sure, it's not the same as you remember, but one way or another, people are loving life in the present. That's gotta be a good thing, right?"
[Ei nods her head in gratitude.]
Ei: "Yes, you're right. I'm wary of any and all change, but I do not wish for my pursuit of Eternity to stop human lives from changing for the better. Thank you for inviting me out. This trip has been quite eye-opening for me."
[The trio just smiles at Ei. At the same time, Ei slightly blushed when she saw Musashi's smile.]
Musashi: "Don't mention it, Ei-chan. We're just out here to have some fun."
Ei: "This may be an everyday occurrence for you. But for me, this trip has been quite an occasion.
Ei: I've seen a lot and it's made me think a lot... I really can't praise it highly enough. I hope I will remember it for a long time to come."
[Lumine nods her head. She got an idea to keep this memories alive.]
Lumine: "Well, why don't we take a photo?"
Paimon: "Great idea! Ei's had a wonderful time, and a photo is the best way to remember it!"
[Lumine already take out her camera for today's event with Ei. Ei tilt her head in confusion.]
Ei: "Huh? "Take a photo"...? Once again, I'm faced with a combination of words that makes absolutely no sense to me."
Paimon: "It's okay. Come with us, we'll find a scenic spot and show you what we mean."
[The trio invites Ei to go to the best spot to take a picture. And... they found it.]
Ei: "So, uh, what are we supposed to be doing?"
Paimon: "We're taking a photo of you. Just leave the hard work to us, all you need to do is stand over there and strike a pose. Basically, a photo makes a visual record of you at this very moment in time, so it makes a great souvenir."
Ei: "Okay, so what exactly is "striking a pose"?"
[Musashi quietly giggles as she feels funny because of Ei's curious about camera and picture. Lumine tries to explain.]
Lumine: "The photo is a visual representation."
Ei: "Ah, I see. So in other words, I need to do some sort of visually agreeable action in front of you, right? The more I think about it, the more embarrassing it seems. How should I pose? Help me out here. It should look good but not too over the top. This isn't coming naturally to me at all."
[Musashi just giggles again. She got an idea.]
Musashi: "You know what...? How about we take a picture together? All four of us?"
Paimon: "Eh?"
Musashi: "I mean, we can use auto-take feauture with this camera."
[Lumine nods her head. She forgot about the auto-take features in her camera.]
Lumine: "Alright then! Let me set the camera first!"
[And... As Lumine sets the camera, Musashi stands beside Ei while Paimon floats in front of them.]
Ei: "So a photo is a visual representation... an impression, like casting a shadow... Fascinating. I'm learning a lot today. Let's get this underway."
Lumine: "Okay! 10 seconds!"
[Lumine runs fast and hugs Musashi's left arm.]
Musashi: "Eh!?"
Lumine: "Hehe~"
[Doesn't want to be left out... Ei also hugs Musashi's right arm.]
Musashi: "Not you too!"
Ei: "Like... this?"
Lumine: "Yeah! Like that!"
Paimon: "Okay!!"
*CLICK!!!*
[The photo has been taken. The picture of the four of them. They swiftly shows the picture to Ei.]
Ei: "Wow... this is astonishing. Is it some kind of magic? It seems to be... another copy of me? But she doesn't seem to be able to move or talk..."
Musashi: "Haha~ It's just a record."
Lumine: "It's not the real you."
[Ei tilts her head as she keeps looking at the picture.]
Ei: "I thought it would turn out poorly because I felt rather rigid. But it actually looks much more natural than I'd imagined. The pose is exactly the same and so is the scenery in the background... I can't imagine how it's achieved."
Paimon: "That's what makes it so special."
[And instead of understand instantly, Ei seems struggling to understand.]
Ei: "Hang on, I'm still struggling to understand this. I need you to explain it again... So the one in this photo... are you sure it isn't me? If it's not me, then why does she look exactly like me? And if she is me, then... who am I?"
[Paimon has lost for words because of Ei's questions.]
Paimon: "Uh... okay, way above Paimon's head- over to you-"
*BLETAK!*
Paimon: "ITTE!"
[All of a sudden, Musashi smacks Paimon's head and it leave a big lump on Paimon's head.]
Musashi: "If you don't know what to say... Just shup up, will ya?"
(A/N : Again... Like This!)
Paimon: "Huee~ So Mean!"
[Lumine just chuckled after Musashi smacks Paimon's head. Then, she tries to explain it to Ei.]
Lumine: "It's a little bit like you and the Shogun."
[Still have a lump in her head, Paimon gets into the conversation.]
Paimon: "Hey, that's right. Do you think the Shogun counts as you?"
Ei: "Of course I do. It was never my intention to place control of Inazuma into anybody else's hands."
Paimon: "So then, who does that make you, here and now?"
Ei: "Well I'm still me. There is no doubt about that."
Musashi: "That means... Your existence isn't singular."
[Instantly, Ei knows what the trio meant by that.]
Ei: "I think I understand. I am me. There is only one of me, but I can exist in many different forms. It's not important what form I exist in. The Shogun, for example, is one of my forms of existence. The question of whether or not she is me is not determined by any of her components."
Paimon: "In that case, this picture is one of your forms of existence, too."
[Ei starts smiling as she keeps looking at the picture of four of them.]
Ei: "Hmm. So even I, who seeks Eternity, am constantly changing my form of existence... Then, how can I ask Inazuma and everyone who lives here to remain unchanging?"
Musashi: "Inazuma will always be Inazuma."
Lumine: "And... Human beings will always be human."
[Ei sighed a little... But in a good way.]
Ei: "Everything I have encountered on this journey with you has been from beyond my existing sphere of knowledge. You've seen a lot of my ignorant side today. Maybe you can't tell, but all this has challenged my understanding of things. Based on what I have seen today, I am forced to accept that Inazuma is a completely different place from the one I remember. But it would be incorrect to conclude from this that the Inazuma of today is no longer Inazuma."
[The trio nods their head.]
Ei: "Both the Vision Hunt Decree and the Statue of the Omnipresent God were conceived as a means of bringing about Eternity. But if I were really getting closer to Eternity, none of this ever would have happened. Perhaps... perhaps I've been holding on to everything too tightly."
[The trio seems happy to hear Ei's explanation.]
Paimon: "Sounds to Paimon like Ei's figured things out! And that means that we've done a really great job as her guides!"
[They all feels all job well done. But...]
Ippei: "Master Kamaji! Master Kamaji!"
Paimon: "Hmm? Why's it getting so noisy down there? That sounded like Ippei. What could be the matter?"
[The four of them runs fast to meet Ippei, who seems panic about something.]
Paimon: "Hey, Ippei, what's the matter?"
Ippei: "Ah, it's you. I... Huh? Th-The Almighty Shogun!?"
[Ippei widened his eyes as he is looking at Ei right now.]
Ippei: "You must be looking for my master, Kujou Kamaji? I'm very sorry, he's not here at the moment. But if it pleases you, I will gladly deliver a message on your behalf?"
Ei: "It's okay, I'm not here to see him. We just heard you calling out, so we came to see what was going on."
[Ei's words makes Ippei back to his panic state. The trio tries to find out what is going on.]
Lumine: "Are you looking for your master?"
Ippei: "Yes. Master Kamaji still hasn't returned from the negotiations, and I'm starting to get worried. In fairness, he does have a habit of taking long walks and coming back late. It's perfectly possible that he just found somewhere he likes and lost track of time. But for some reason, today I'm particularly nervous."
[Hearing a name of Kujou really piques Ei's curiosity.]
Ei: "Kujou Kamaji... A descendant of the Kujou Clan, I presume."
Ippei: "That's right. Apologies, since the head of the clan is in poor health at the moment, and Master Masahito is rarely home, Master Kamaji is currently serving as representative of the Kujou Clan."
Ei: "I have heard that things are quite tumultuous within the Tenryou Commission at present. Does this have anything to do with Kujou Kamaji?"
[Ippei bows his head as he feels guilty for his master and his master's clan.]
Ippei: "Forgive us, Almighty Shogun. The Kujou Clan has failed in its duty. The Kujou Clan's reputation is damaged and its power over the Tenryou Commission is in decline. Plus you, um... ahem, you have yet to issue a verdict on the Commission's future... So, Master Kamaji decided to enter negotiations with the Takatsukasa Clan with a view of having them take over..."
[Turns out, the problem has gotten serious than before.]
Paimon: "Surely they would be discussing something like that at their headquarters, right? Why are you looking for them here?"
Ippei: "Actually, they decided to hold this one elsewhere. I'm a little confused as to why, to be honest, but I didn't feel it was my place to question the higher-ups. The meeting place is in the mountains near the Grand Narukami Shrine. I believe the Takatsukasa Clan have some kind of base there."
[Hearing Takatsukasa Clan's name... making Ei needs to solve this.]
Ei: "Takatsukasa... another familiar name. They have been faithfully serving the Kujou Clan all these years?"
Ippei: "Yes, yes. That's why Master Kamaji decided to discuss things with them. I understand they must have had a lot of ground to cover, but still, there's no way it should have gone on this long. I've searched all over the city. If he really hasn't returned yet, then..."
Lumine: "Maybe they haven't finished. Maybe something's happened."
[Ippei nods his head.]
Ippei: "Yeah, I thought of that possibility too... but someone of my rank can't just go venturing into Takatsukasa Clan territory like that.
Musashi: "We can go check things out for you."
[Ippei shakes his head as he doesn't want to trouble all four of them, especially Ei.]
Ippei: "No, no need. I'm probably just overthinking things. Besides, if they're still at it, they'll only blame me for interrupting the negotiations. I'm only a lowly servant, but Master Kamaji and I grew up together... It'd be terrible if anything ever happened to him. I'm not as smart as Master, so I can't really share his burdens. But the last thing I'd want would be for him to come to harm when I could've done something about it."
Paimon: "Hmm... what do you think, Almighty Shogun?"
[All of them is waiting for Ei's decision. Without hesitation, Ei decides to check it herself.]
Ei: "Let's go see what's happening. With me present, they are unlikely to blame you even if we do happen to interrupt the negotiations. Besides, this has only come about because I failed to make a timely decision. This issue started with me, and I shall be the one to finish it."
[After hearing Ei's decision, the trio decides to help and Ippei feels grateful.]
Musashi: "Nice! That's commitment, right there."
Lumine: "Awesome stuff!"
Ippei: "Thank you so much, Shogun! I'll keep looking around in the meantime, too! Let me mark out the location of the base for you. I hope everything goes smoothly!"
[The trio and Ei runs fast to find the secret base of Takatsukasa Clan.]
(2 hours later...)
[And after two hours of searching... they finally find the secret base at the foot of Mt. Yougou. And when they got inside...]
Paimon: "Whoa, look at how well-hidden this place is!"
Ei: I can't think of a reason anyone would want to build a structure like this deep in the mountains.
Musashi: "Maybe to escape disasters."
Lumine: "Or... Maybe to evade detection."
Ei: "I feel something that doesn't belong here... I sense danger."
Paimon: "Huh?"
[Ei just walks forward.]
Ei: "We should proceed with caution. The Kujou Clan descendant may well be in trouble."
Musashi: "We'll right behind you, Ei."
[Ei nods as she's on the lead. As they walks deeper and deeper, they found Kujou Kamaji is talking to Takatsukasa Susumu. Ei decides to intervene.]
Takatsukasa Susumu: "Almighty Shogun!"
Kujou Kamaji: "Sh-Shogun, what are you..."
Ei: "Descendant of the Takatsukasa Clan. Explain what is going on here."
[The leader of Takatsukasa Clan named Susumu tries to find an excuse to Ei.]
Takatsukasa Susumu: "Oh, we're just discussing some minor issues that have cropped up in the Tenryou Commission recently. Really, it's nothing worth the Almighty Shogun worrying about..."
Ei: "And these minor issues warranted the secluded location and the hiring of ronin and kairagi to keep guard?"
[Again, Master Susumu seems nervous. His stuttering words is making Musashi got angry by minutes.]
Takatsukasa Susumu: "W-W-Well, there's there's been a lot of turmoil lately. It was just out of security considerations, that's all..."
Ei: "Silence."
[Master Susumu got silenced by Ei's order. Then, she looks at Kamaji.]
Ei: "Descendant of the Kujou Clan. Your turn."
Kujou Kamaji: "Alright. I came here intending to negotiate, but it turned out all they were interested in was a written confession from the Kujou Clan."
Ei: "A written confession?"
Kujou Kamaji: "Yes. A statement acknowledging every crime committed by the Kujou Clan since the inception of the Vision Hunt Decree, including all the recent misconduct..."
[Swiftly, Master Susumu tries to cuts into their conversation.]
Takatsukasa Susumu: "All factual statements of course. Not a single one of them fabricated."
Kujou Kamaji: "I can't deny that. But it also emphasizes the Takatsukasa Clan's achievements throughout the document, claiming that they stood steadfast all along and fought back against the crisis... These are all falsehoods."
[And of course, Master Susumu feels offended by Kamaji's claims. He even points his finger at Kamaji.]
Takatsukasa Susumu: "Says who? Why, you two-faced...! You're going back on everything you said!"
Kujou Kamaji: "I'm just stating the facts. I'm sure the Almighty Shogun can discern the truth. All the Takatsukasa Clan is trying to do is make themselves look good, so they'll be first in line to replace the Kujou Clan! Why else would you push a false narrative in the written confession that paints your clan in a good light? And try to make me sign it under duress?"
[Master Susumu starts to feel infuriated. He cannot take this insult any longer.]
Takatsukasa Susumu: "What are you talking about? You're not under duress, we're just negotiating here! You've completely changed your tune!"
Ei: "I believe I now understand the situation."
Takatsukasa Susumu: "Don't listen to his nonsense. I'm sure you're well aware of the major failings of the Kujou Clan. Surely you of everyone knows - not a single word they say can be trusted!"
*CTIK!*
Takatsukasa Susumu: "Wha-"
[Musashi, who's been standing behind Ei all this time, has just slide her katana from it's sheath with her thumb... Enough to make Master Susumu scared.]
Paimon: (Whoa~)
[Both Lumine and Paimon impressed by Musashi. Paimon starts whispering at Lumine's ear.]
Paimon: ("Hey... Is it just Paimon... or Slime's Lover seems acting like Ei's bodyguard?")
Lumine: (I guess... she is.)
[Okay... Back to the main problem...]
Ei: "Hmph. You are quite mistaken if you think your dispute is of any interest to me. Descendant of the Takatsukasa Clan, you wish to become the new Tenryou Commissioner. Do I understand this correctly?"
[Ei's aura and strict words manages to put Master Susumu to his place.]
Takatsukasa Susumu: "Uh, well... y-yes, of course! It's the eternal pursuit of everyone in the Tenryou Commission to offer our lives in service of the Almighty Shogun!"
Ei: "Then the situation is not as complicated as you seem to have made it. After all, I am the one who appoints the Tenryou Commissioner. The process is quite simple: Anyone who can beat me in a duel becomes the new Commissioner."
[All of people inside that room are shocked...]
Takatsukasa Susumu: "Um, sorry... a duel with the Almighty Shogun?"
Ei: "The first Tenryou Commissioner demonstrated his will with the blade in his hand. That is why the title has been passed down within the Kujou Clan ever since. If you want me to appoint a new clan, then naturally, there must first be a new duel."
[Master Susumu starts to take a step backwards. He didn't dare to duel with Ei.]
Musashi: (Bunch of sissies...)
Ei: "Do you not know how to wield a blade...? Or do you simply doubt your abilities on account of your advanced age and declining physical condition? Here you are talking about offering your life, and yet you are too afraid to face my blade?"
[Master Susumu is really out of words. He feels scared.]
Takatsukasa Susumu: "Um... Well..."
Ei: "Well, never mind. What about one of you, then? Anyone who can defeat me, Takatsukasa or not, will be appointed the new Tenryou Commissioner."
[No one dares to utters a words...]
Ei: "Does not a single person dare to face me?"
[Raiden Ei is waiting... Musashi is also waiting... And...]
Kujou Kamaji: I... I will challenge you, Almighty Shogun!"
Paimon: "Whaaat!?"
[Kamaji's challenges shocked them all, except for Ei and Musashi. In fact, Musashi whistles in excitement.]
Musashi: "~🎶. Nice!"
Ei: "Descendant of the Kujou Clan. Regrettably, even if you win against me, it cannot atone for the wrongs committed under the Kujou name."
Kujou Kamaji: "I realize that. I don't stand a chance of winning against you anyway. I know full well that the mistakes my father made ought to spell the end of the Kujou Clan's legacy in the Tenryou Commission... Even when I was executing the Vision Hunt Decree, I had my doubts about my father's decisions. I knew that what I was doing was wrong."
[Kamaji clenches his fist in anger... He wants to rebuild his clan and cleans his family's name.]
Kujou Kamaji: "But that was as far as I went. I doubted, and I ruminated. I understood the situation perfectly well, but I took no action, and I didn't save a single person. I accept the Kujou Clan's decline as punishment for my deeds. I can't even say that I failed to prevent it... because in order to fail, you have to have at least tried."
Ei: "To be brutally honest... for someone of your strength, there is nothing you could have done even if you had tried."
[Kamaji sighed a bit. But his determination... didn't waver.]
Kujou Kamaji: "Yes... I'm too weak. My father ignores me, my elder brother can't help me, and I even need Ippei to set me straight at times... It's the way it's always been... But if nothing else, then right here, right now, in the Kujou Clan's final hours, it is I who represent the clan, like my father before me! His duties are now mine to perform! Just as the Shogun said, a forefather of mine once showed his will with his sword... Then please, let me, Kujou Kamaji, end the story of the Kujou Clan in the same way that it began! This is my last chance to do something!"
[Ei seems impressed by Kamaji's bravery.]
Ei: "This is patently meaningless. But I accept. Come forward... And Musashi..."
*SRING!*
[Know what to do... Musashi takes out her katana and points it to Master Susumu and his guardian.]
Musashi: "This fight is purely between Raiden Shogun and Kujou Kamaji! No one will interfere! Interfere... And i will cut anyone down in the name of Raiden Shogun."
[Musashi's action giving a total fear for Susumu and his guards, but also get respects from Ei and Kamaji. Lumine and Paimon just stands on the sidelines with Musashi.]
Ei: "The Kujou Clan's honor was forged with courage, tempered with integrity, and shines beyond life and death..."
[Ei is ready with her polearm.]
Ei: "Show me whether your blade... Can bear the weight of your name."
[Kamaji also stands ready for the fight.]
Kujou Kamaji: "Ready to learn, Almighty Shogun!"
*WUSH* *SWING!* *SWING!*
[Kamaji dashed and attacks Ei.]
Musashi: (He knows how to use it... But...)
Ei: "...."
*BUAGH!*
Kamaji: "Gah!"
[Ei punches Kamaji's back and he falls to the floor.]
Paimon: "Yikes!"
Musashi: (But... He is totally no match for Ei.)
[Kamaji gets back on his feet and holds his sword.]
Kujou Kamaji: "HYAAA!!!"
[As Kamaji goes forward, Ei's eyes glows. She swings her polearm, and...]
Musashi: (Wha-)
*BUAGH!*
Kujou Kamaji: "Ugh!"
*SWING!* *CTANG!*
[Ei swiftly swings her polearm again and did a hard attack on Kamaji. Kamaji manages to block it but he falls on his knees.]
Lumine: (Kamaji...)
Musashi: (For his family's sake... fascinating.)
[Kamaji wipes the blood on the tips of his mouth. He stands up again.]
Kujou Kamaji: "HAAA!!!"
*WUSH!* *SWING!* *SWING!*
[But...]
*BUAGH!*
Kujou Kamaji: "ARGH!"
*BUAGH!*
Kujou Kamaji: "GAH!"
[Kamaji got hit twice. His eyeglasses broken, and...]
Ei: "Hmph!"
*SWING!* *BRUAGH!*
[Ei tries to deliver a final blow, but Kamaji manages to block it... But alas, his grips got weakened and his sword was got out from his hand...]
Musashi: "...."
Lumine: "...."
*BLUGH!*
[Everyone there was surprised to see Ei's power. Kamaji has fallen.]
Musashi: (This... Is over.)
[But, Kamaji crawls to get his sword, which it's impressed Musashi and Ei.]
Musashi: (He got guts...)
Ei: "...."
[Kamaji weakly to stand up... His sight got blurry. He tries... to attack for the final time... But...]
Kujou Kamaji: "Ugh..."
*BRUGH!*
[Kujou Kamaji has fallen... He passed out beside Ei's position. Ei just looks at Kamaji with eyes of sadness.]
Ei: (Another anomaly in eternity... Nevertheless, it appears that the Kujou honor still courses through your veins...)
[The fight is over... Master Susumu cannot say a words.]
Ei: "Kujou Kamaji is wounded. Descendants of the Takatsukasa Clan, it is your responsibility to take care of him. You may not have the courage to challenge me, but I trust that you are capable of attending to a small matter such as this."
[Master Susumu just bows his head in fear of Ei.]
Takatsukasa Susumu: "Yes, of course. I apologize... I'm sorry. So, so sorry."
Ei: "I had heard that the Kujou Clan is no longer fit to shoulder the work of the Tenryou Commission. The search for a successor to the role of Tenryou Commissioner is indeed a matter of great urgency... However, following this duel, I have decided to postpone the Kujou Clan's punishment for the time being. In the meantime, I expect the Takatsukasa Clan to continue supporting the Kujou Clan as before."
[Master Susumu just nods his head in shame.]
Takatsukasa Susumu: "As you instruct, so it shall be done. We would not dare question the Almighty Shogun's will."
Ei: "Finally, if you still think you can copy the Fatui's strategy of providing me with deceptive information to produce flaws in my judgment... You will see me appear once again as I have done today - only next time, my blade will show no mercy."
[Then, Master Susumu bows to his knees, feels gratitude for Ei's mercy.]
Takatsukasa Susumu: "Understood. Thank you, Almighty Shogun, for your wisdom and mercy!"
Ei: "That will do. I will have the Okuzumeshuu continue the investigation from here."
[Ei just left that hidden base. Thw trio just follows her until they got out of the outpost.]
Paimon: "When it's time to deal with a situation, you're just like the Shogun. So strict."
Ei: "You think so? I thought I was rather accommodating. If it had been the Shogun... she would have decapitated Kujou Kamaji without a second thought."
[The trio sighed in relief as they feel glad for Kamaji's life.]
Lumine: "He was lucky."
Musashi: "Maybe that's what he was expecting."
Ei: "I do believe he was prepared for that outcome. I could see it in his eyes. The Kujou Clan has undergone a dramatic change from its glory days to its present decline. Kamaji is hardly a great heir to the Kujou name, but..."
[Ei looks back at the sky... She feels happy.]
Ei: "He has shown me how some things remain the same even as the world around them changes. I also have you to thank. The things we experienced out on the streets and the photo you took of me, they helped me come to this realization, too."
Paimon: "So what's next for the Kujou Clan? Will they get to carry on being in charge of the Tenryou Commission?"
[Ei shakes her head.]
Ei: "Not a chance. Even if their heir was someone who showed promise, their past mistakes cannot be erased. Still... I will give them a little more time. After all, they are not the only ones who have made mistakes. The Shogun does not make mistakes - she is incapable of doing so. But I, as Ei, would like to offer my apologies. I have much to contemplate in the days to come. But at least I can now see the way ahead."
Musashi: "So... Will you rule Inazuma directly?"
[Ei just nods her head, but...]
Ei: "I think I'll leave that to the Shogun. The greatest threat to eternity is still the erosion that comes with time. As I said, the Shogun has a robust system to protect her against modification. This is because I anticipated that I myself would change over time. But I've made up my mind. So I will do what needs to be done, no matter how difficult it is."
Ei: Mmm...
Ei: This has certainly been a memorable series of events.
Paimon: Absolutely! You sorted out the Tenryou Commission and the people in the city got to see a happy and healthy Shogun. All the awful rumors will disappear in no time.
Paimon: If you enjoyed your trip, we should get you out again some time!
Icon Dialogue Talk Next time, we'll bring you some souvenirs.
Icon Dialogue Talk Next time, we'll bring you some fun little trinkets.
Ei: "No need. There's no place for such things in my life. Also, please stop making it sound as if I somehow need the company."
[Ei sighed a bit... But at the same time, she feels the time is almost up.]
Ei: "Okay, I'm ready to head back now. My period of solitude will now continue, but it will not last too much longer. I will leave you humans to deal with any minor issues in the meantime."
[Ei walks away and left. Paimon waves her hands.]
Paimon: "Okay, see you next time! Considering a lot of what happened was pretty unexpected, things seemed to have worked out surprisingly well in the end. The only thing left to do is return the Pass Permit to Yae Miko!"
[But...]
Lumine: "Wait a second... Where's Musashi?"
Paimon: "Eh!?"
[But... as Lumine and Paimon talks about giving the Pass Permit back to Yae Miko... Musashi was nowhere to be seen.]
(And...)
Musashi: "Ei-chan!"
Ei: "Hmm?"
[Turns out... Musashi has just catches up with Ei.]
Ei: "Musashi? I thought you're still with Lumine and Paimon."
Musashi: "Nah... I think i decide to spend a bit more time with you."
[Ei tilts her head in confusion.]
Ei: "With me? But i need to go back to Plane Of Euthymia."
Musashi: "Come on, Ei-chan... Just a little more time, okay?"
[Ei sighed in defeat. She knows well that Musashi won't stop until Ei says yes.]
Ei: "Alright then... What do you want me to do now?"
Musashi: "Well... Spending time with me... An hour would be enough."
[Ei smiles and accepts Musashi's request. Then, Musashi grabs Ei's hand.]
Ei: "Wha-"
Musashi: "Hold on tight!"
*WUSH!*
[Musashi has just teleported with Ei. They arrived at the open plains near the castle.]
Ei: "You should inform me first before we teleport."
Musashi: "Ehe~"
Ei: "Ehe te Nandayo!?"
[But then, Ei looks around... She saw a sakura tree near their location.]
Musashi: "Let's rest..."
Ei: "....Yes."
[Ei just sits on the ground. And then, Musashi just lays her head on the top of Ei's laps.]
Ei: "M-Musashi!?"
Musashi: "Ah... Ei-chan's lap... it feels so nice."
[Ei blushed a little after being complimented by Musashi.]
Ei: "Y-You think so...?"
Musashi: "Uh-huh..."
(BGM : Memories Of School - Persona 3)
[But then... Ei can feels the wind breeze and saw the flying petals around them.]
Ei: "This wind feels so nice. It's been... A long time since i felt this years ago."
[Ei keeps looking at the sky, but her heart feels hurt a bit.]
Ei: "Back when i still enjoy this... with my fallen friends."
Musashi: "....."
[Ei looks at Musashi, who is keeping her smile at her.]
Ei: "After i fought you... After i fought Lumine... I finally began to understand... What it means to live again..."
[Musashi knows well... Since Makoto's death 500 years ago, Ei seems died on inside. At the same time, Makoto's spirit lingers around.]
Makoto: "....."
Musashi: "....."
[But then, Ei looks again at Musashi.]
Ei: "Thinking for yourself... Not running away... Accepting the inevitable... And all things eventually comes to an end... Every living thing will one day disappear... Only by accepting this can one discover what they truly want... What the meaning of their life will be..."
[Musashi can see the glance of sadness in Ei's face.]
Musashi: "....."
Ei: "I understand now why i was so tormented by my lack of strength. I wanted to fight... To protect... for my own reasons... I realized it... When our swords crossed path in Plane Of Euthymia."
[Ei's eyes seems teary as she keeps looking at Musashi.]
Ei: "And so... I made up my mind..."
Musashi: "Yeah?"
Ei: "I decided that i would continue to find Eternity... in a better way... And i would continue... to fight alongside you."
*CLICK!*
[Her tears falls to Musashi's tip of an eye. As it feels like... Musashi is also crying.]
Musashi: "Ei?"
Ei: "T-Thank you..."
[Musashi wipes the tears from Ei's eyes.]
Musashi: "Don't cry, Ei-chan... Everything will be okay."
[Ei just keep her smile despite her tears keeps falling.]
Ei: "You're right... What am i doing? I understand now. So, i should be happy."
[Musashi just keep smiling...]
Lumine: "MUSASHI~~"
Paimon: "OI! SLIME'S LOVER!!!"
[They both can heard Lumine and Paimon's voice headed to their way.]
Ei: "I also realize now... That i have a lot of friends as well."
[Ei and Musashi looks at the sky once again. The gentle sunlight and the wind breeze warms their body, causing Musashi's eyelids hard to be keep opened.]
Ei: "Thank you... For everything... My Beloved."
Musashi: "...."
Ei: "Rest now. I'll stay right here with you..."
[Musashi's eyes feels heavy... She keeps her smile for Ei.]
Musashi: "Glad... to hear you said... those words, Ei-chan."
[Musashi closed her eyes and went to sleep on Ei's laps. At the same time, Ei feels she was hugged by Makoto from behind.]
Makoto: (I'm glad... You have found the one that filled the hole inside your heart, Ei.)
[Ei opens her eyes... And looking at Musashi.]
Ei: (Don't you worry... Even if you cannot go back to your own world... Inazuma will always be your new home...)
*CHU~❤️*
[Ei kissed Musashi's forehead... As the petals flying around them...]
Ei: (And I will always welcome you... My Beloved...)
-------------- End Of Chapter 52 -------------
[A/N : That's the end of Chapter 52 of Genshin Impact : Shattered Void. In this chapter, Inazuma seems at peace, but the announcement about The Shogun not feeling well, kinda makes the trio curious about Ei's current condition. With the help from Yae Miko, the trio manages to visit Ei and takes her outside the Plane Of Euthymia for a change. At the same time, they found out the downfall of Kujou Clan and Ei decides to take matters into her own hand, which ended well. In the end... Musashi wants to spend a little more time with Ei and it's truly a meaningful moment for Ei herself. 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. Ei : Crush (One-Sided Love)
37. Ayaka : Lovers
38. Yae Miko : Crush (One-Sided Love)
39. Kokomi : Crush (One-Sided Love)
40. Yoimiya : Best Friend
41. Kazuha : Best Friend
42. Thoma : Best Friend
43. Kujou Sara : Acquaintances
44. Gorou : Best Friend
45. Sayu : Friend
(Fatui-Snezhnaya)
46. Childe : Distrust
47. Arlecchino : Fre-enemy (?)
48. Scaramouche : Enemy
(Abyss Order)
49. Aether : Arch-Enemy
(That's all, folks! KeysOfVoid out!)
(P.S : I know it's already late to say this... But... Two of my favorite characters cannot wait to say this to all of the readers.)
Musashi: "I, Musashi Miyamoto..."
Elysia: "And I... The Beautiful Miss Pink Elf, Elysia..."
[And myself... KeysOfVoid... The three of us represents all of the other characters of this and other stories... Wishing To Say...]
WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR 2024!!!!!