Ye Xi hadn't expected Kamisato Ayaka to suddenly say something like that.
This... this didn't feel right, did it?
How had the conversation shifted from him leaving Inazuma to the Kamisato Clan extending an olive branch?
Big Brother?
Kamisato Ayato?
That guy who loved drinking milk tea?
Was it possible he felt overwhelmed and wanted Ye Xi to come over and help out?
[Who would've thought things would develop like this.]
[That Ayato... could he be planning to use marriage as a tactic...?]
[How does someone like that even become the head of the clan?]
With these thoughts in mind, Ye Xi's brows furrowed slightly, a hint of irritation creeping into his tone. "Ayaka, you're the young lady of the Kamisato Clan, but you can't just think about everyone else all the time—you have to consider yourself too."
Kamisato Ayaka looked a bit surprised at his words.
She hadn't imagined he'd think that way, but it made her heart feel warm and fuzzy.
So Ye Xi cared about her this much, taking her feelings into account.
She was just about to explain when she heard Ye Xi's inner voice.
[If it weren't absolutely necessary to go to Mondstadt—for the sake of world order—I'd head straight to the Kamisato Clan and give that idiot clan head a piece of my mind!]
World order!?
A faint shock rippled through Kamisato Ayaka's heart.
She knew Ye Xi came from another world, even participating in creating this one like a divine overseer, granting life and order to all things.
Though she carried the blood of the Kamisato Clan and was nicknamed the White Heron Princess by the people, she constantly reminded herself that she was just an ordinary person.
If she caused Ye Xi to delay his affairs because of her, leading to the world's collapse... that would be unforgivable.
She fell silent, then softly said, "Xi, as... as a friend, I'll always watch over you and support you."
Ye Xi smiled at her words, and the surrounding world shifted, returning them to the previous tea pavilion.
They sat down once more, the tea still steaming warmly.
Though Kamisato Ayaka's expression didn't show it, Ye Xi could sense her mood was a little down.
And why wouldn't he? After all, he'd been involved in her character design project back then.
Out of excessive dedication to crafting the perfect role, he knew Kamisato Ayaka inside and out!
The world assumed that noble families lived lives of extravagance far beyond ordinary folk, and as the young lady of the Kamisato Clan, she must indulge in utmost luxury and freedom.
But that wasn't the case at all.
Sure, she studied flower arrangement and tea ceremony, savoring fine teas and admiring rare blooms, which cost a pretty penny—but these were all for learning noble etiquette, just the hobbies befitting a young lady.
Whatever people expected of Kamisato Ayaka, she did exactly that.
But that wasn't the real Kamisato Ayaka.
The true her was like any ordinary girl next door: she loved making sweets, scooping up goldfish by the pond, or hiding away to secretly read the latest novels from Yae Publishing House.
She'd even sneak into the kitchen late at night when hunger struck, avoiding the servants, humming a tune as she made herself a bowl of tea-soaked rice. Or during tea lessons, she'd furtively divine her love fortune from the shape of the tea leaves.
It was this girl—strong on the surface, yet sweet and sensible within—who captured everyone's hearts.
He remembered, in his previous life, he'd spent an entire month's salary on Kamisato Ayaka, maxing out her constellations and getting that glowing ring.
If there was a word for it, he'd call himself a true fan!
[On second thought, being able to come to this world I created after my sudden death, living alongside the characters I drew myself... maybe this is heaven's reward for me...]
Kamisato Ayaka's heart skipped a beat at the inner voice.
In Xi's eyes, being with her was heaven's reward?
A blush crept across the girl's cheeks.
After enjoying some tea and snacks, a disturbance came from outside the Small World.
"Young Lady, it's already noon—the clan head is still waiting for you to return and discuss family matters!"
The servant's urging shattered the tranquility.
A soft sigh from the girl followed.
"Times like these, so leisurely and peaceful... if only there could be a bit more... I'm so greedy."
There was a touch of self-reproach in Kamisato Ayaka's tone, but it was really filled with reluctance to part from Ye Xi.
She knew moments like this wouldn't come again.
Ye Xi was setting off on his journey, and who knew when he'd return to Inazuma.
By the time he did, things—and people—might have changed.
The thought of never again sharing elegant moments of poetry and flower-viewing with Ye Xi filled the girl with endless sorrow.
Disappointment was a contagious affliction.
Ye Xi fell silent for a moment, then murmured, "Tomorrow at dawn, I'll leave the island on the Crux Fleet's Alcor."
Kamisato Ayaka nodded obediently. "Xi, see you tomorrow."
With that, the girl offered a faint smile and left the Small World.
Her retreating figure looked especially lonely.
At noon, Ye Xi had a simple meal before picking up his lunchbox and leaving the Grand Narukami Shrine.
He descended the winding mountain path, passed through the Araumi Path, and took the side roads from Konda Village.
Following the trail, he crossed Chinju Forest, heading toward the Tenshukaku in Inazuma City.
Having been in Inazuma for three years, how could he leave with a light heart?
With a desire to take one last look at Inazuma, he strolled to the city's highest point—the Tenshukaku.
"Please do not linger near the Tenshukaku!"
A flagman warrior blocked the entrance, but upon recognizing Ye Xi's face, he quickly bowed his head. "It's Lord Ye Xi—forgive my insolence!"
Ye Xi nodded and entered the Tenshukaku.
As Ye Xi's figure receded, the guards whispered among themselves.
"Lord Ye Xi is here to see the Shogun again!"
"He's been in frequent contact with the Shogun lately. Could it be that the Shogun plans to abdicate her divine position?"
"Who knows? Lord Ye Xi is an enigma, but I've heard he doesn't approve of the Shogun's Vision Hunt Decree. Maybe they're discussing that."
"Only Lord Ye Xi could sway the Shogun's will..."
While the guards speculated, Ye Xi had already ascended to the Tenshukaku.
At the door stood the Raiden Shogun's personal guards—the Okiku Guards.
Seeing Ye Xi approach, they all dropped to one knee in loyalty.
"We greet Lord Ye Xi! The Shogun has been waiting!"
Ye Xi nodded slightly and entered the Tenshukaku with ease.
Soon, the Raiden Shogun's voice echoed from within.
The Okiku Guards resumed their posts outside.
They didn't understand why the Shogun valued an outsider so highly.
But their orders were clear: treat Ye Xi as if he were the Shogun herself.
To be an Okiku Guard required absolute, unwavering loyalty.
Whatever the Shogun decided, they would obey without question!
Inside, Ye Xi directly entered the Plane of Euthymia.
Only then did he notice that Yae Miko, who had mentioned taking a nap after breakfast, was there too.
Now it all made sense.
No wonder Yae Miko had that sly grin last night—she and Raiden Ei had planned this together, sisters in cahoots. Leaving Inazuma openly might take some maneuvering after all.
Sure enough, before Ye Xi could speak, Raiden Ei's emotionless voice rang out.
"Xi, I heard you're leaving Inazuma?"
"This puts me in a difficult spot."