With Plans A and B set, spanning centuries and requiring intricate coordination, Reisen Riou shelved thoughts of a Plan C—his energy was spent. Days passed without a chance to cozy up to Raiden Ei for Plan A. Instead, he advanced Plan B, pulling data on Inazuma's resource-scarce regions, notably Seirai Island and Watatsumi Island, from his archives. He compiled a report and, through his friend, the current Yashiro Commission head, submitted it, proposing collaboration with Sumeru's Amurta School to boost local production.
Lacking direct advisory rights—reserved for the Tri-Commission heads—he took the long route. Raiden Makoto, unimpressed, summoned him. "Stop dodging, Riou. Why the detour?"
"It's protocol, my lady. Big matters need proper channels," he said, bowing.
Makoto rolled her eyes. "I see through you. What's the plan?"
"Inazuma's issues—beyond faith disputes—stem from scarce resources. Sumeru and Liyue deal with petty Treasure Hoarders or rogue Gilded Brigades. Inazuma? Seirai and Watatsumi folk turn pirate en masse. Richer resources would curb piracy, boost taxes, and fund more Shogunate samurai."
Makoto frowned. "We can manage, but Sumeru?"
Reisen Riou smirked inwardly. Sumeru's scholars faced fierce competition since his and Banna's multi-layered paper framework sparked a thesis boom. Post-surge, topics dwindled. Inazuma's century-long ecological project would be a godsend for Amurta. "I'll write to Banna for confirmation," he said cautiously. "If they agree, we'll need a state letter."
"Naturally," Makoto agreed. A loving Archon, she'd never refuse her people's benefit.
…
Raiden Ei, eavesdropping, narrowed her eyes. Reisen Riou was scheming for the future, but why strengthen Inazuma? Danger ahead? She dismissed it—Inazuma had her and Makoto. What threat could arise? Still, his motives puzzled her.
Makoto, finishing paperwork, noted the recent workload spike. Her hands-on governance and Tri-Commission crackdown ousted corrupt officials, clearing bureaucracy but burdening her with green recruits and cautious veterans.
Ready for a break, she headed to the Yuna Clan's hot springs, teasing Reisen Riou first. "So, you and Ei—any progress?"
"W-What progress?" His papers nearly sparked with Electro.
"You held hands, didn't you? Hiding it?" Makoto grinned at his panic.
"My lady, there's nothing! Ei dragged me out of the Shogunate and vanished!" he protested. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't smitten—she was stunning, and he was no saint—but nothing happened!
"Sister, don't spread rumors," Ei said, appearing silently, her voice low.
Makoto laughed, pulling Ei to the Yuna hot springs, a divine gift from the Sustainer, unlike Ritou Shrine's slime-heated pools. As Makoto's attendant, Reisen Riou accessed lesser springs, sufficient for his rare breaks. The job's intensity—why past recorders fled to retirement—was brutal. Only Teyvat's supernatural endurance kept him going; mortals would've buckled in months.
Revived by the soak, he planned discreetly, then dressed and waited at the Yuna Clan's office by Makoto's exclusive spring, reserved for her but frequented by Ei, Yae Miko, and rarely Torachiyo.
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