The Raiden Shogun had ruled Inazuma for over two thousand years.
Her image had always been the same.
How could such a god, after living so long, possibly be "pretending" to be a little child?
"Is she… sick?"
But after staring at the small girl more carefully, Yoimiya noticed something unusual.
Compared to an ordinary child, this one seemed far too delicate, almost frail.
And yet, despite her tiny size, her features were uniquely distinct— not the typical, cookie-cutter face of a child.
"My little Ei is perfectly healthy.
A bit of a recluse, maybe, but not a single flaw otherwise~"
When Kamisato Ayaka slowly approached, Su Ran turned to her with a teasing smile.
"If you don't believe me, you can ask Ayaka.
She can vouch for Little Ei's health."
Ayaka's lips pressed together, her expression helpless and strained— the kind that stirred sympathy just by looking at her.
"Eh? Really?"
Yoimiya asked, seeking confirmation.
"Yes… Lady… Ei truly is very healthy."
Ayaka nearly called her the Shogun, but the look in Su Ran's eyes forced her to hastily correct herself.
Even so, who would believe such a claim?
Who could imagine that the god who had ruled Inazuma for five centuries was herself only a puppet crafted by the true Archon?
Had she not witnessed the Shogun's reconstruction with her own eyes, Ayaka never would have believed it.
"So it's true?"
With Ayaka's confirmation, Yoimiya naturally believed as well.
Surely the dignified "White Heron Princess"
wouldn't joke about a child's health.
"But… you two actually know each other?"
Noticing Ayaka's helpless look toward Su Ran, Yoimiya was surprised.
Never before had she seen her friend make such an expression at a man.
Could this fellow have some powerful background?
"Allow me to introduce myself properly, Miss Yoimiya.
My name is Su Ran, and I am…"
He glanced at Ayaka.
"…Ayaka's suitor~"
Yoimiya: !!!
Kamisato Ayaka: …
If you want me dead, just say it outright!
Seeing her best friend's shocked face, Ayaka had no words.
If this was what the god desired, she could only let him speak as he pleased.
But what kind of absurd situation was this?
A so-called "suitor,"
yet she, the one being pursued, was forced to serve him instead!
Having a god as a suitor brought her no pride at all.
"But you…"
Yoimiya's eyes lingered on the tiny Shogun in his arms.
Pursuing the White Heron Princess while carrying a child?
Are you serious?
Ayaka was of a great clan.
How could she ever marry a man burdened with a child?
Unless…
The child wasn't really his.
"Are you doubting me, Miss Yoimiya?
Let me be clear: Little Ei is my child—my own flesh and blood."
After all, this puppet body of Ei's had been crafted by Su Ran himself.
Calling her his "biological child" wasn't exactly wrong.
From his arms, Raiden Ei jabbed him with an elbow.
She had lived thousands of years, and her only family was her sister.
This mere century-old mortal dared claim her as his daughter?
Utter nonsense!
"Mischief~"
Su Ran poked her soft cheek.
It was like pressing into jelly.
But to Yoimiya, the scene looked bizarre.
Already a father, yet shameless enough to court the White Heron Princess?
Was this man overconfident, or just plain ridiculous?
"Besides, Little Ei is so adorable—how could Ayaka not like her?"
Before Ayaka could react, Su Ran slipped the tiny Ei into her arms.
By the time she realized what was happening, it was far too late.
A bead of cold sweat trickled down Ayaka's cheek.
This small, fragile being in her embrace
felt heavier than a mountain.
No— far heavier than any mountain.
Was she "scalding hot"?
Utterly so.
Could Ayaka dare to drop her?
Even with a blade at her throat, she would not risk it.
If she let the Archon of Inazuma fall to the ground, her entire clan could never bear the blame.
"Yes… I like Lady Ei very much as well."
Ayaka forced her smile to look natural.
But inside, her heart pounded in terror.
Any mortal would be terrified to cradle a god.
Yet Raiden Ei herself didn't mind.
So what if she had a different "driver" for the moment?
As long as Ayaka kept the secret, she had no reason to object.
In fact, going from Su Ran's stiff arms to Ayaka's softer embrace, she found it rather pleasant.
Yoimiya studied Ayaka's expression closely.
A bit stiff, yes— but her hold on the little one was utterly sincere.
So she truly liked her.
Even if the little one was none other than the Shogun herself.
Which only made Yoimiya like her all the more.
"Um… can I hold her too?"
Her pleading eyes turned toward Su Ran.
"Of course. Just say the word to Ayaka.
As for Little Ei~ don't worry, she won't refuse you."
Ei shot him a withering glare.
If not for this being a public place, she'd have cut him down for such blasphemy.
"Better not," Ayaka said quickly.
"I think Lady Ei may prefer me a little more."
That burning look in Yoimiya's eyes made her uneasy.
She knew her friend's playful nature all too well.
If Yoimiya got her hands on the Shogun, she might try lifting her high or spinning her around.
That would be blasphemy!
If the Shogun grew displeased and punished Yoimiya… that would be disastrous.
So, as a true friend, Ayaka guarded the tiny Archon like a mother hen, shielding her from Yoimiya's eager hands.
"Not even a hug? Then… can I at least pinch her cheeks?
They look so squishy and cute!"
Denied a hug, Yoimiya tried to compromise.
Ayaka shook her head furiously.
Not even a touch!
Yoimiya's cheer dimmed.
Yet now she truly believed Su Ran's pursuit might succeed.
After all, Ayaka seemed far too fond of his child.
Kamisato Ayaka: I may not be your parent, but let me say it anyway—Yoimiya, this is for your own good!
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