[Yae Miko laughed: "Hehe, then I have endless things to talk to you about. Oh, right, let me tell you about everything that's happened over these past few centuries."]
[Ei smiled as well: "Centuries' worth of events—how long will that take to tell?"]
Most readers saw this as just casual chatter between the two, but some sharp-eyed ones noticed something deeper.
The clever Furina realized that what started as Yae Miko persuading Ei to 'abandon' her current notion of eternity and 'step out' of the Oneiric Euthymia had now shifted to discussing what Ei would do after stepping out.
Furina might not excel in much else, but when it came to diplomacy and the charm of language, she was all too familiar.
Getting the Electro Archon to see her people's wishes, changing her mindset, and even offering her a way to save face—Yae Miko was no ordinary fox.
Furina was even starting to look forward to meeting Yae Miko and having a chat herself. She remembered the past five hundred years vividly, having watched countless operas and trials.
Though both were trying to 'find joy' in their own ways, their experiences over the past five centuries were entirely different. After all, Furina was only pretending to seek joy on the surface.
[Ei smiled: "Heh, hehe... Miko, I thought I'd never have the chance to meet you like this again."]
In Ei's mind, she had intended to remain in eternal seclusion, naturally assuming she'd never have the chance to speak face-to-face with Yae Miko like this.
Even if there were exchanges with Miko, they'd likely be relayed through others—or at most, through the Raiden Shogun while she continued her meditation.
As Miko had said, in Ei's view, as long as they never met again, their bond would remain frozen in the state it was when they parted.
[Ei: "Meeting you is a variable in eternity... a pleasant surprise, one might say."]
This was her answer to Yae Miko's earlier question. Ei was indeed happy to see her and truly could no longer bear the loneliness.
But one must note the special treatment Ei gave Miko.
Both were variables in her eternity, yet the Traveler was an enemy, while Yae Miko was a surprise.
This showed just how much Ei genuinely cared for Yae Miko in her heart, while her feelings toward the Traveler would need time to develop through future interactions.
[Yae Miko laughed: "Hehe, since you've admitted it so honestly, we can still be friends, you know?"]
[Ei, with a gentle smile and tone, said: "Such childish conversation."]
Lucian deliberately drew an illustration of Ei with a gentle smile, a stark contrast to her previous cold and imposing demeanor. This time, she exuded warmth—perhaps even a 'wifely' aura.
The people of Inazuma were stunned. Was their Shogun really this gentle?
They rarely saw the Shogun in person, let alone Ei herself.
Even when they did see the Shogun, it was usually at formal occasions, her expression always so indifferent.
When had they ever seen Ei with such a gentle, 'wifely' expression?
Though, to be fair, Ei only looked wifely—she was the type who had a 'wifely face' for no reason.
In the 'wifely world,' she'd be sitting at the same table as Atsuko Minase. A 'Thoughtless Meal' paired with 'Atsuko's Jam' would be a perfect match—even a sword demon would fall before them.
Coincidentally, their hairstyles and hair colors were remarkably similar.
Back to the story: Ei admitted defeat to Yae Miko's plan and decided to abolish the Vision Hunt Decree.
[Ei: "But regarding 'eternity' and whether this nation should move forward, I need to think more."]
In plain terms, Ei was saying: I've seen your will and wishes, I know I was wrong, and I can abolish the Vision Hunt Decree.
But I haven't decided whether to take a step forward, so the Sakoku Decree will remain in place for now.
It wouldn't be until the second part of the Raiden Shogun's Story Quest that Ei would fully 'grasp' eternity, awaken her true consciousness, and lift the Sakoku Decree.
For now, though, this was enough. For the people of Inazuma, this was already a fantastic outcome.
Getting the Narukami Ogosho to change her mind was miraculous enough. The Sakoku Decree could wait a bit longer.
Most Inazumans had never held hope of 'defeating' the Raiden Shogun. She was the Narukami, an invincible existence in their hearts.
No one believed in you, yet you proved yourself the most!
[Yae Miko sighed lightly, sharply commenting: "From start to finish, the childish one has always been you."]
Many agreed with this statement. The Raiden Shogun's mindset was indeed a bit like a child locking themselves in their room, hiding under the covers to cry, refusing to communicate with the outside world.
She didn't want anyone to see her in her moment of disgrace, even swearing never to smile again.
The difference was that other kids would come out after crying, but Raiden Ei stayed 'under the covers' for centuries. Truly a god pursuing 'eternity'—her stubbornness was unmatched.
Turning the page, the illustration showed the Raiden Shogun's back as she waved a hand, ordering her subordinates to abolish the Vision Hunt Decree.
Though only her back and profile were visible, readers felt that the Raiden Shogun seemed somewhat displeased.
This was because the Raiden Shogun was even more stubborn than Ei, and she hadn't been convinced yet.
If it weren't for Ei's internal directive and her judgment that ending the Vision Hunt Decree wouldn't affect eternity, she'd be fighting Ei right now.
Turning the page again, the scene showed Yae Miko under the Sacred Sakura, the trio who had reclaimed their wishes, Thoma who had finally regained his freedom, and the resistance army returning to Watatsumi Island.
And there was Kokomi, offering blessings for Teppei in front of his house, and Kazuha, paying respects at his friend's sword grave.
Teppei's feelings at this moment were complex. He wasn't dead yet, but he saw the shrine maiden praying for him...
It wasn't just because of that. More importantly, he had lost his purpose in an instant.
His wish was to obtain a Vision and stop the Vision Hunt Decree.
But he realized that stopping the Vision Hunt Decree didn't actually require him to do anything.
He still wanted to achieve greatness and be seen by others. Now, thanks to Lucian's book, the whole world had seen him.
Both wishes were fulfilled at once, leaving him without a goal.
After much thought, Teppei finally smiled: "It's... not bad, I guess?"
The current reality seemed far better than the future in the story. Since the Vision Hunt Decree would be stopped in the future, there was no need for him to rush for quick gains. He'd obediently follow Lady Kokomi's orders.
On the other side, at the Kamisato Estate, those who finished reading turned their gazes to Kazuha once more.
Kujou Sara was the first to speak: "After this is over, may I also pay my respects?"
The outcome of the duel before the throne held no fault in her eyes—both sides simply had different stances. Kujou Sara herself deeply respected her opponent.
Kazuha was slightly taken aback, not expecting Kujou Sara to make such a request. He nodded: "Of course."
In the past, Kazuha didn't like Kujou Sara, and even now, he couldn't say he did.
But he had indeed changed his view of her and was willing to let her pay respects at his friend's grave.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice · Raiden Ei: About Rosalyne
"Who?"