"Your Excellency, I've come to inquire about someone," Kujou Sara said, kneeling on one knee, her expression complex.
"Speak." The Raiden Shogun's cold voice echoed through Tenshukaku, sending a shiver down the tengu's spine.
"Yes, Your Excellency. Have you ever heard of someone named Kunikuzushi?"
"Kunikuzushi?" The Raiden Shogun closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, her pupils were filled with a purple glow.
Ding! The Raiden Shogun has been logged out by Ei!
After taking control, Ei stepped down from her seat and walked over to stand before Kujou Sara.
"Where did you hear the name Kunikuzushi?"
"Your Excellency, it's like this..."
Kujou Sara recounted her recent experiences to Ei. At first, Ei listened attentively, nodding occasionally. But when Kujou Sara mentioned that the person had silver hair, Ei was puzzled.
Had that child dyed his hair after leaving Inazuma? Or was the silver-haired youth just a disguise? As for the possibility of someone impersonating Scaramouche to kidnap Kujou Sara, Ei had considered it, but based on the tengu's description, it didn't seem like an imposter.
"Kunikuzushi is a puppet I created centuries ago. After I saw that he had developed self-awareness, I let him go. But I never expected him to resent me for abandoning him," Ei said, shaking her head with a hint of sorrow. She still felt some guilt toward Scaramouche, but now that he had threatened "Eternity," she could not stand idly by.
'I'll leave this matter to the Raiden Shogun.' Ei feared she might show mercy, so she decided to hand the matter over to her other puppet—the Raiden Shogun. This machine, created to help her achieve Eternity, was the most absolute enforcer when it came to threats against Eternity.
Ding! Ei has logged out...
Once back in control, the Raiden Shogun flexed her wrist and spoke indifferently, "Kujou Sara, I order you to reissue a warrant for Kunikuzushi's arrest across all of Teyvat. As for the appearance you described, it's likely a disguise. Come back later to collect a portrait of his true form."
"Yes, Your Excellency," Kujou Sara replied respectfully.
"Hmm." The Raiden Shogun nodded, about to dismiss Kujou Sara when she suddenly remembered something. "If anyone spots Kunikuzushi, do not act rashly. Send word to Tenshukaku, and I will personally handle his capture!"
...
Liyue, Abyss Order Headquarters.
"Hum hum hum, hum hum hum..." Aether sat comfortably on the throne that symbolized his status as the Abyss Prince, humming a little tune.
To his left and right stood a Cryo and a Pyro Abyss Lector. The Cryo Lector was responsible for chilling his wine and providing cool air, while the Pyro Lector, Enjou, was busy grilling Teyvat-style fried eggs and steak.
In front of Aether were two Electro Abyss Mages, their fluffy forms diligently massaging his feet while sending small electric currents to stimulate his acupressure points.
"Ah~ This is the life!" Aether downed a glass of chilled Dandelion Wine before slumping back into his throne, savoring the moment. "Enjou, hurry up with the steak! I'm starving!"
"Yes, Your Highness!" Hearing Aether's urge, Enjou worked faster, the sizzling sound of the steak filling the air as its aroma spread throughout the headquarters.
However, just then...
"Your Highness! Your Highness!" A Black Serpent Knight rushed in, his face filled with panic.
"What's got you so scared? You're embarrassing the Abyss! Speak slowly!" Aether glared at the knight, displeased with the commotion.
"It's... it's Her Highness! She's here!"
"Lumine's here?!" Aether jolted upright, immediately barking orders to his subordinates. "Quick, clean this place up!"
"Yes!" xN
The Abyss members sprang into action. The Hydro Abyss Mage cleaned the floor, the Abyss Lectors opened a portal to dispose of the grill and wine glasses, and the Anemo Samachurl summoned a strong gust of wind to disperse the lingering smells.
As for Aether himself... he pulled out a few rolls of bandages from his storage space and began wrapping them tightly around his head and body. "You two, help me out! The bandage's tangled at the back!"
"Yes!" The two Electro Abyss Mages fumbled to help their prince with the bandages. Once done, Aether plopped back onto his throne.
"Ouch.. Ouch.. Ouch..."
Lumine and Paimon, who had just entered the hall: ???
Seeing her brother in such a state, Lumine couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. She walked over and gently touched his cheek.
"Brother, are you feeling better?" Seeing Aether's pale face, Lumine couldn't help but feel a little resentful. 'Yun Fan, how could you let someone hurt my brother like this?' When I see you again, I'll make sure to teach you a lesson for my brother's sake!
"Cough, cough. Lumine, I might not make it," Aether said weakly, his voice trembling.
"No, brother, you'll be fine!" Lumine's eyes welled up with tears. This was the first time she had seen her brother in such a state. Could he really be leaving her?