As for Ei, based on what she later said when pulling the Traveler into the Plane of Euthymia about being awakened from her eternal meditation, she's probably still meditating now. Whether Ei is awake or not, faced with the disparity in status between the two, the Traveler has an idea.
["I will—challenge you to a 'Duel Before the Throne'!"]
For this, Lucian drew an illustration: Lumine holding the Dull Blade, pointing it at Signora. The perspective shows Lumine's back, and due to the angle, with objects closer appearing larger, Lumine's Dull Blade seems as if it's pressed against Signora's neck. The phrase 'I will—challenge you to a 'Duel Before the Throne'!' is written on one side of the image, in a font style designed by Faruzan, perfectly matching the scene's atmosphere.
Readers were instantly fired up! Especially the people of Inazuma—Duels Before the Throne are solemn and sacred in their eyes, a martial contest held in the presence of the Shogun herself! The Inazumans were thrilled, having long found Signora insufferable. Does she even speak human words? Her mouth is so foul! Does being pretty make her special or something?
The people of Mondstadt were pleased too. That's what you get for attacking our Anemo Archon! Traveler, go give her a couple of slaps! The Shogun was also satisfied. I want to cut both of them down anyway, and a Duel Before the Throne gives me a reason.
[Raiden Shogun nods: "Hm."]
Everyone was satisfied. Who wasn't? First, rule out Signora, who just started reading the book in Snezhnaya. That leaves Kujou Sara. She was very dissatisfied, upset that she didn't challenge Signora to a Duel Before the Throne herself. It wasn't about whether she could win—it was about the necessity of fighting!
In the story, Signora is inherently a proud person, so naturally, she wouldn't refuse the Traveler's challenge.
[Signora: "Hehehe… Then let me deign to dance with you, until one of us reaches… the end of our life."]
["Here, I shall demonstrate the authority and elegance of a Harbinger, as you wish."]
Another illustration, this time for Signora—a close-up showcasing her beauty, labeled 'Fatui Harbinger, Eighth Seat—Signora.' In the image, Signora moves with elegant steps, her posture proud, her figure so striking it's worth drawing a blade over, though her foul mouth ruins it.
Regarding the battle between Signora and the Traveler, Lucian wrote it with great care. However, Rosalyne really wished Lucian hadn't been so thorough, as this essentially revealed her entire moveset to the world. Unlike Tartaglia, who's a combat genius, her techniques are relatively fixed. Even worse, Lucian didn't just write—he illustrated. He even drew the effects of Signora's moves, as if afraid others wouldn't understand. Not only her Cryo-element attacks but also those from her "Crimson Witch of Flame" form were all depicted.
[Signora, wielding her fiery whip, shouts somewhat hysterically, "Don't! Call! Me! A witch!!"]
Readers were puzzled. No one called her a witch, so why does she seem so triggered by the term?
[At the end, she murmurs as if to herself: "I never needed redemption… Never!"]
Readers were even more confused. Redemption? What redemption? We don't get it!
In the story, Signora is defeated by the Traveler, reverting from her "Crimson Witch of Flame" form to her usual self.
[Signora, shocked: "Your power…"]
Signora could clearly feel that the Traveler's strength had grown far beyond what it was before. Back in Mondstadt, the Traveler was just a small fry she could easily handle, so how had they become so powerful now?
In reality, Signora knows why. Having read the prophecy book, she knows that even without regaining their full strength, the Traveler is stronger than her. So, Rosalyne isn't surprised by her defeat—she knows she's no match for the Traveler. What she's more curious about is her fate and how the Traveler will deal with the Raiden Shogun. The Traveler is stronger than her, but considering that even the twins at their peak couldn't defeat the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles, the Traveler's full strength isn't that impressive. If that's the case for the Traveler at their peak, how can the current Traveler defeat the Electro Archon?
Then, Rosalyne sees an illustration: the Raiden Shogun draws her sword, gazing at Signora with an indifferent expression, slowly stepping forward. Signora orders the Shogun to stop, citing her status as a Snezhnayan diplomat. But in the Shogun's eyes, Signora's status means nothing—she's just an insignificant existence.
Another illustration: the Raiden Shogun stands behind Signora, her blade flourishing. Signora's figure is engulfed in lightning. Kujou Sara feels a surge of energy rush to her head, utterly exhilarated, her thoughts clear and satisfied.
Tartaglia furrows his brow slightly. Though he often bickers with Signora and finds her irritating, seeing a colleague meet such a tragic end isn't something he can laugh about. But in reality, Signora isn't dead, so he'll definitely mock her the next time they meet.
Venti remains silent. The Crimson Witch of Flame has finally been "burned out," reduced to "ashes."
"So, this was my original fate?" Rosalyne actually laughs. Seeing her own death, she feels no anger. "Shikikan…" Rosalyne falls silent, then regains her proud demeanor. "As expected, I still want to burn it all down."
But… since you're still useful to Her Majesty the Tsaritsa, I'll just burn your book, not you. Rosalyne claps her hands, brushing off the ashes, then casually picks up another copy of the book from nearby to continue reading.
[Raiden Shogun to the Traveler: "You are the enemy of Eternity…"]
The Traveler grips their sword tightly, warily watching the Raiden Shogun, though they're already somewhat exhausted from fighting Signora.
[Raiden Shogun continues: "But I acknowledge your honor as the victor."]
["Therefore… I permit you to leave the Tenshukaku standing."]
The Traveler breathes a sigh of relief but remains cautious, backing away from the Raiden Shogun's presence in a "reverse parking" manner. Only after exiting the Shogun's chamber and closing the door does the Traveler finally let their guard down. It's like playing a horror game—once the door is closed, the Traveler feels a bit safer, thinking the "monster" probably won't open it.
Then, the Traveler and Paimon head out of the Tenshukaku together. At this point, readers have a question: Is Kujou Sara still lying inside? What's going on? But the Traveler, physically and mentally drained, truly doesn't have the energy to worry about Kujou Sara anymore.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice · Rosalyne: About Lucian · Changed Opinion
"This guy… He's always scheming against me, but somehow I haven't lost out. Damn it, damn it! Damn it! That makes me even angrier!! I can't even find a reason to burn him!"