"Of course I will. However, allowing a misunderstanding to fester first might have a rather negative impact on you, Ei."
Facing Ei's skepticism, Miko appeared entirely self-righteous.
Then, she looked toward Makoto at her side, her face filled with anticipation. "Right? Mei."
Obviously, she wanted Makoto to back up the statement she had just made.
"Yes, that is indeed the case." Seeing the expectant Miko, Makoto nodded.
As the two chimed in one after another, Ei felt as though they were colluding.
However, regarding this situation, She did not say anything. Or rather, She actually hoped that Miko and Acheron were colluding to deceive Her.
Of course, by "deceive," She meant the revelation that Acheron was actually Makoto, and not any other kind of deception.
"Heavens, is that Her Excellency, the Shogun? And there are two Shoguns? What is going on?"
While the group stopped to converse, passersby began to whisper similar exclamations.
Firstly, they rarely saw the Shogun; secondly, they were actually seeing two Shoguns. Either fact alone was enough to surprise them greatly.
Moreover, unlike before, there were a great many people present this time.
"Ei, this time you..."
"Go and explain for me." Before Miko could finish speaking, Ei had already ordered her to go over and explain.
In truth, Miko wanted Ei to go explain it herself, but Ei wanted her to do it.
"This sort of thing..."
"Cut the chatter, Miko." Interrupting Miko again, Ei continued to insist she handle the explanation.
"Fine."
Seeing Ei like this, Miko, with a tone full of helplessness, walked toward the crowd not far away.
However, halfway there, she suddenly stopped.
"Mei, come with me."
Turning around, Miko beckoned to Makoto, who was still standing in place.
Ei: "???"
Not expecting Miko to plan on dragging Acheron along, Ei was curious about what she intended to do.
Originally, She intended for Miko to simply handle the explanation, but it seemed Miko wanted to stir up some trouble, causing Her to frown.
"What are you trying to do now? Miko." Knowing Miko was not one to save effort, Ei asked her directly what she wanted.
"To explain, of course. Ei, didn't you ask me to do this?"
"Do you want me to explain? Indeed." As if asking and answering herself, Makoto walked toward Miko.
But before She could walk far, Ei stopped Her. "Let Miko do it herself. You don't need to pay her any mind."
"Mm, then I shall ignore her."
Seeming to think it over, Makoto finally nodded and walked back.
"Hoh, why do I feel like I'm being isolated?" Regarding this turn of events, Miko wasn't surprised, merely muttering to herself.
"Do you want me to rush you again? Miko."
At this moment, Ei's tone clearly carried a hint of unkindness.
"No need, no need, Her Excellency, the Shogun. I'll finish it immediately!" As if suddenly receiving some sort of motivation, Miko quickly walked to the crowd and began to explain.
"It feels like the relationship between you two isn't like that of a god and a familiar, but rather like two friends."
While Ei watched Miko explaining in the distance, Makoto suddenly spoke up.
"Yes. After so many years, we are indeed friends."
Startled for a moment, obviously not expecting the other party to speak to Her, Ei nodded.
Acheron was right; right now, She and Miko were clearly friends, not simply a god and a familiar.
After that, Makoto did not say anything more, but simply looked around, though it was unclear what She was looking at.
"How long... have you known... um... Kaito? He gives me a very different feeling, completely unlike a human."
Watching Acheron, who kept looking around, Ei hesitated but finally asked this question.
Since the other party had just spoken a few sentences to Her, it should be fine for Her to ask some questions.
[How should I answer this question? Miss Mei.] Not expecting Ei to ask this, Makoto hurriedly asked Acheron how she should respond.
[Just say you've known him for a long time. Also, remember to address Kaito as Kai.] Acheron quickly provided an answer.
However, even so, during the time Makoto was consulting Acheron, Ei believed that Makoto was thinking about how to answer.
Mm...
Was my question too presumptuous?
Seeing Acheron in thought, Ei couldn't help but think this way.
She hadn't thought much before asking that question just now, but thinking about it now, She realized her question might have been a bit abrupt.
But having asked it, She couldn't very well say she wasn't asking anymore.
Moreover, She really wanted to know if the time Acheron and Kaito had known each other would match up with five hundred years.
"Kai? We have known each other for a long time, probably several hundred years." Just as Ei was thinking her question was a bit presumptuous, Makoto spoke.
After receiving Mei's answer, Makoto realized with hindsight that Ei probably wanted to determine if the time She had known Kaito exceeded five hundred years. So, She added the "probably several hundred years" to the answer Mei gave Her.
Ei: "!"
Several hundred years?!
It had to be said, this answer made Ei's expectant heart tremble.
"I... hm, what are you two doing?"
At this moment, Miko returned, staring back and forth between the two of them, as if trying to discern something.
"You have explained everything to the people?" Quickly reverting to her usual demeanor, Ei asked Miko.
"Of course. Otherwise, what if you hit me?"
Nodding vigorously, Miko seemed to look rather triumphant.
But even so, she still maintained a look of scrutiny toward the two.
There was no helping it; she was simply too curious about what these two had said while she was away.
"I hit you?" Looking baffled, Ei continued, "When did I ever say I was going to hit you? Or do you want me to hit you?"
"No, no, naturally I have no such desire."
Slipping behind Makoto in a flash, Miko shook her head like a rattle drum.
This Miko...
I wonder if she knows more about this matter?
Looking at Miko hiding behind Makoto, Ei couldn't help but think this way.
She felt that since Miko and Acheron had such a good relationship, Miko should understand some things that She did not know.
Therefore, She needed to find a time to question her properly.
No matter what, She had to confirm Acheron's identity.
Right...
That young man...
Thinking and thinking, Ei thought of Kaito again.
Although the other party kept indicating that he didn't know anything either, She felt that surely wasn't the case.
What exactly does he want?
With his image filling Her mind, Ei couldn't help but wonder.
____
New Story: ZZZ: Mr. Ethereal Does Not Want to See a Tragedy
🔥We're handing out that '30% bonus' that makes your wallet smile. 😄
✅ Get immediate access to 40 early chapters for all stories.
✅ Enjoy exclusive material and special announcements!
Help us unlock these community rewards:
🎯 100 Powerstones = +1 Bonus Chapter for everyone
🚀 140 MEMBERS = +5 extra chapters across ALL STORIES!
👻 P - Walnutchan