Makoto's bath at the Yuna Clan's hot springs dragged on, punctuated by giggles. Reisen Riou, waiting outside, could almost visualize the scene through the echoes—Ei's figure noticeably fuller, Makoto's strikingly poised. Are they having fun as a treat? he wondered, then chided himself. Focus. He refined his plans, patching minor flaws and drafting a letter to Banna, confident the Amurta School's head would jump at the century-long ecological project to boost his faction's prestige.
Hearing movement, he stowed his papers. Makoto emerged, satisfied, followed by a flushed, unsteady Ei. What's this vibe? Reisen Riou thought, stunned by the suggestive air. The Yuna Clan staff averted their gazes, and he followed suit, pretending ignorance. Ignoring Makoto's teasing glance risked future wrath, so he helped Ei to rest, his mind briefly noting, So soft, before refocusing. Back at Tenshukaku, he resumed recording: Year XXXX, Month XX, Day XX, Lady Narukami handled [matter], resolved thusly, [Commission] to follow up.
He tasked an Okuzume to send his letter, stamped with Makoto's seal, ensuring swift delivery to Banna. At over seventy, Banna's lifespan, even with Rukkhadevata's blessings, was uncertain. Reisen Riou hoped he'd last a decade to launch the project, vital to avert Khaenri'ah's fallout, when aid from other nations might dry up, risking starvation in Inazuma.
Sumeru's reply came fast. Banna, after consulting Amurta's leaders, agreed, seeing a chance to showcase their expertise. Rukkhadevata approved, but demanded a feasibility plan and initial funding for five to ten years—200 to 300 scholars, costing 1 to 2.3 billion Mora, including 500 million for equipment and settling-in fees. Reisen Riou calculated frugally, 500 million could sustain them for five years, but he wasn't that ruthless.
Handing the budget and Sumeru's letter to Makoto, he advised, "Fund generously—cover food, lodging, and salaries. It seems like a loss, but stipulate the money stays in Inazuma to boost our economy. These elite scholars might reinvest in research. Sumeru's academics often prioritize studies over personal needs, even skimping on food. I admire that."
"Start with Narukami Island—Yougou Mountain's youkai are fed, thanks to my past efforts, but vast lands remain undeveloped. The Aranara region east of the Grand Narukami Shrine and outlying islands near Ritou are also untapped. Have scholars survey other islands like Seirai and Watatsumi for future development. Though short-staffed, we can loan Ritou's top farmers—my decades-trained elite—to assist initially, replacing them with regular farmers when the second batch arrives."
Makoto chuckled at his pained expression over losing his prized farmers but said nothing, ordering him to draft a state letter. He included a detailed plan, even outlining scholar accommodations. Makoto sent General Torachiyo to Sumeru with the letter and 500 million Mora for equipment and settling-in fees, tasking her to escort the scholars back.
With his role done, Makoto granted him a ten-day leave, assigning a hapless clerk as temporary recorder. Seizing the chance for Plan A, Reisen Riou lingered. "Lady Ei, I never thanked you for Thunderous Yougou Divine Machine. Since I'm on break, let me treat you to dessert."
"Oh? Sure," Ei agreed, sensing his intent and playing along.
Unbeknownst to them, Makoto, planning a spa day with Ei, overheard from a side door, smirking at the juicy gossip.
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