"My goodness! Ei, who knew you could be this adorable!?"
Raiden Makoto scooped the tiny Raiden Ei into her arms.
Since childhood, the two sisters had relied only on each other— their bond deep, unshakeable.
But seeing Ei in such a small, soft form… Makoto unexpectedly felt a surge of maternal instinct.
Had it been anyone else holding her like this, Ei would never have tolerated it.
But this was Makoto.
So, just like when Su Ran once held her in that small form, Ei allowed herself to be embraced.
"What is this?"
Yae Miko, who had long grown used to tiny-Ei, was instead puzzled by the giant egg occupying the room.
Since when did the Tenshukaku have such a… thing?
Her surprised exclamation drew everyone's attention— Makoto, Ei, and Kamisato Ayaka all looked toward the enormous egg.
"That's the replicated shell of a Propagation Aeon Messenger."
"Messenger?"
Most people present had never heard the term.
But Ei had.
She had heard the stories of "Messengers"— existences who served the Aeons.
"I remember you said you were a Messenger too.
So the life-form inside this egg is on the same level as you?"
Ei's words shocked everyone present.
Su Ran's strength was already beyond dispute— they had all seen how he instantly killed the Old General.
If another being existed on his level… just how terrifying would it be?
"That's right.
Even as a replica, its stats and strength are fully restored.
Among Messengers there are differences in power, but our tier is the same."
Even if the creature looked horrifying, its rank was undeniable—
a true Messenger of Propagation.
Though among the brood, Su Ran found the Star-Devouring Broodlord Skaracabaz surprisingly aesthetic.
At least better-looking than the other bugs.
"Could I beat it?"
Ei asked quietly.
Compared to Su Ran, she was far weaker.
But if Messengers had power differences, she might at least beat one, right?
"No.
One hit from it is enough to wipe Teyvat from history."
Yae Miko, who had been curious enough to try poking the egg, immediately snatched her hand back.
This… this thing could erase Teyvat!?
"Messengers must be extremely rare, right?"
Makoto asked, still shocked.
She originally assumed someone like Su Ran was one of a kind.
Who would have imagined he'd leave once and return with another Messenger?
"For most Paths, Messengers are few.
Except Propagation.
But fortunately, the Aeon of Propagation is already dead.
Otherwise, we'd have far more to deal with."
The Cosmic Swarm Disaster had engulfed entire galaxies.
If Messengers were scarce, how could it have wiped out so much?
Tayzzyronth, the fallen Propagation Aeon, had sought kin after his species died out—
thus walking the Path of endless breeding.
He would never hesitate to bestow his gaze upon "family."
"Aeon…?
Is that like a god?
Like a demon god?"
The three Inazuman women asked together.
"Very strong.
All you need to know is— an Aeon could crush me just like I could crush a demon god."
Su Ran didn't bother explaining further, but the image was enough.
Someone of Su Ran's level— a being who erased a resurrected demon god with a snap was to an Aeon what a bug was to him.
Raiden Shogun, the witness to that event, knew better than anyone how terrifying that meant.
Ei, being her essence, understood too.
"I'll call someone.
We're all going together."
Liyue. On the Jade Chamber.
Ningguang had been enjoying a late-night bath when a knock sounded at the door.
"My apologies for disturbing your rest.
May I come in?
If not—just cough or something."
Hearing the voice, Ningguang reflexively shrank deeper under the water.
"A late-night visit… Is something urgent?"
Her reaction felt unnecessary, but propriety was propriety— especially when staying in someone else's place.
…Though the Jade Chamber technically wasn't hers anymore.
"There's been progress on the space station construction.
I'm taking a few people there for a look.
Since you're the station master I chose, you should see it as well."
Sleep?
Gone.
Instantly.
She remembered that "pie" he drew for her… It really hadn't been long since he promised it.
And already she could take a bite?
"Give me a moment—I'll change at once."
"Need help?"
Su Ran's voice outside the door sounded a bit too eager.
Ningguang's expression darkened.
Had it been anyone else, she might have teased them for fun.
But this man— was her benefactor.
And soon, her boss.
She did not dare tease recklessly.
One wrong move, and she might truly have to offer herself as compensation.
Though…
Once that thought crossed her mind—
Would that… actually be a loss?
If she made him take responsibility, then she wouldn't need to be some hired manager anymore.
She could be… the boss's wife.
Now that was a promotion worth taking.
"…Then I'll trouble you."
Su Ran outside the door froze.
Wait— wasn't he supposed to be the one teasing her?
Why did it suddenly feel like she was teasing him instead!?
"I imagine the space station must be far more attractive than I am, Lady Yae Miko of Narukami Shrine."
Ningguang's attention shifted to Yae Miko, who was practically plastered to the doorframe, observing her.
This fox… was someone she had to be careful of.
A woman who'd lived for centuries was not someone to underestimate.
"I'm simply curious.
What kind of woman could earn Su Ran's approval as the future station master?"
Yae Miko examined Ningguang up and down.
"Now that I've seen you…
Aside from some appearance, there's nothing particularly remarkable.
Don't tell me he chose you for your beauty?"
The yin-yang in her tone was not subtle.
Ningguang heard every layer of it.
"Yae Miko-mam, there's no need to belittle yourself.
Your looks are… adequate."
Yae Miko's eye twitched.
Oh?
So this one wasn't a soft persimmon.
She actually dared to bite back.
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