Would eternity truly bring happiness to her people?
If it were happiness, then why did even the Shogun oppose her?
"Your heart is restless."
The Shogun's voice suddenly echoed in Ei's mind.
Ei didn't respond.
The Shogun remained silent for a moment, then spoke softly:
"Eternity is what you wish to grant me. No matter what, I will help you see it through."
"Ei, just as before, you are truly the shadow, and I am your shadow."
"I am also you—the final barrier in the pursuit of eternity!"
Ei still did not answer. Upon reaching Inazuma Island, she immediately activated the ley lines to teleport back to Tenshukaku.
Kujou Sara was anxiously waiting outside.
She had heard that Ei had suddenly departed in a fit of rage, and it had left her deeply worried.
"Come in," Ei called softly.
Sara took a deep breath and pushed the door open.
Ei sat back in her original place, appearing as if she had never moved.
"Shogun-sama…"
Sara pressed her lips together, unsure how to begin.
But Ei had something to say.
She opened her eyes slightly, and Sara was startled. Those eyes, usually calm and indifferent, now carried the complexity of a roaring sea.
Purple light flickered, as though lightning was brewing within.
"End the war with the Resistance," Ei said.
"Send people to the remote islands. If the Traveler and the Raiden Shogun are spotted, report immediately."
A ceasefire?
Sara froze for a moment, a surge of relief washing over her.
Though she didn't know why the Shogun had called for a ceasefire, at least it meant no more lives would be lost in Inazuma.
Could it be that the Shogun had changed her mind?
Sara pressed her lips together and asked:
"Shogun-sama, what about the Vision Hunt Decree…?"
Ei remained silent, saying nothing further.
Her mind was in chaos; making any decision now seemed impossible.
Moreover, the Shogun couldn't allow herself to make a decision that violated eternity.
After waiting in silence, Sara sighed inwardly but spoke earnestly:
"I understand. I will call off this war as soon as possible."
"Also… should we capture the Traveler?"
Sara was not naive. Ei had left in a rage earlier and now returned speaking of Lumine and the Shogun.
It was likely that something had happened on the Traveler's side.
Ei parted her lips slightly. Her body's resistance to her own will was growing stronger.
A strange wave of regret washed over her.
Forcing herself to maintain control, she said in a low voice:
"N…No need."
"They return… summon them… to Tenshukaku immediately."
Struggling to speak, Kujou Sara began to notice something was wrong.
"Shogun-sama…"
Ei took a deep breath.
"I am fine. You may leave. For the next few days, I will be in seclusion. Do not see anyone. Even if I personally call for you… do not… come."
"Remember this!"
"Unless the Traveler and company return to Inazuma, nothing… whatsoever… should come to me!"
"Also, find a way to restore the livelihoods of the people of Inazuma as soon as possible."
After giving these instructions, Ei's strength to suppress the Shogun's consciousness was nearly spent.
Sara still felt uneasy.
"Shogun-sama…"
"Leave!"
Ei's voice was stern, cutting through any hesitation.
Sara flinched and quickly bowed her head, obeying.
As she pushed open the door, a thunderous barrier formed behind her.
Sara's eyes widened.
Ei… had sealed herself inside Tenshukaku!
Why?
Why, exactly?
Sara's mind swirled with unresolved questions.
After a moment of silence, she took a letter from her pocket.
On it, a single line of neatly written characters:
"For General Kujou's eyes only. Please visit the Kamisato household for a discussion."
"Respectfully, Kamisato Ayato, current head of the Kamisato Clan."
Sara glanced once more at the now completely silent Tenshukaku.
Resolutely, she folded the letter and strode out.
First, she would halt the flames of war in Inazuma. Then…
she would go to the Kamisato household to uncover the truth behind all this.
Liyue
Traveling at the speed of the great dragon, the group quickly reached Liyue Harbor and landed.
Flying was prohibited in the skies above Liyue Harbor; anyone who did so, regardless of status, would be considered to have declared war on Liyue.
This worked out perfectly for taking Shogun Ei on a tour of Liyue.
She could see firsthand the capital and power a world could bring to Liyue.
On the way, Ei quietly observed Sea Gazer.
Indeed, he had truly been revived—not a mere soul or fragment of consciousness.
He was a fully restored adeptus.
His strength had not diminished; anyone who didn't know of his death would think he had just returned to Liyue.
With that realization, Ei's last traces of worry vanished.
She glanced at the charm she carried; the fragments of consciousness were preserved intact.
Next… it was time to head toward Tianheng Mountain.
Sea Gazer sighed and waved lazily.
"Traveler, I must take my leave. The Archons should be in that other world now. Mr. Ryen seems not to have closed the door—just greet Píngzi and proceed directly."
Lumine smiled and nodded cheerfully.
"Thank you for helping us, Sea Gazer-sama."
Sea Gazer chuckled, shaking his head.
"It's nothing. Coincidentally, it also gives me a chance to get out and clear my mind!"
Lumine, curious, tilted her head.
"Are you still busy with the creation of the floating stones, Sea Gazer-sama?"
At the mention of this, Sea Gazer's expression visibly soured.
Immediately, he began to pour out his grievances…
~~----------------------
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