Xia Zhen quickly finished her first bowl, and Ei immediately filled another for her.
Watching her sister eat with such contentment, Ei suddenly asked, "Haven't you noticed yet?"
Xia Zhen blinked. "Noticed what?"
"This seafood porridge is really thick, isn't it?"
"Mm. Sticky and smooth. You must've simmered it for a long time?"
"Nope. Only fifteen minutes."
"Huh?"
Xia Zhen glanced down at her bowl. On closer inspection, the rice grains hadn't bloomed open, still intact and distinct. Yet the porridge itself was unbelievably thick and creamy.
That texture… impossible from such a short simmer.
Wait. Thick, sticky…
A thought flashed in her mind, and she suddenly realized the answer.
"Don't tell me—you added Slime Condensate to this?"
"That's right!"
"But I remember our cousin never used Slime Condensate when he made porridge at home."
"That was my suggestion. Because you like it this way, don't you, sister?"
"…"
Xia Zhen fell silent, staring at her sister's calm face, though her eyes gleamed with anticipation, begging for praise.
Forcing a gentle smile, Xia Zhen said softly, "You're very thoughtful, Ei."
Ei's eyes lit up instantly. "As long as you like it."
If she had a tail like Diona, it'd be wagging furiously right now.
Five hundred years apart, and Ei was still this much of a sis-con.
Xia Zhen lowered her head and resumed eating.
She could already picture her future meals—no matter the dish, Ei would probably sneak Slime Condensate into it.
That sly little fox Miko… this had to be her doing. Who told her to convince Ei that I liked eating this stuff?
Afterwards, Ei recounted her entry into Xia Zhi's dream the previous night, as well as her battle with the Shogun. She never hid anything from her sister.
When she finished, Xia Zhen thought for a while, then said, "Come to think of it, I've only ever seen you. I haven't properly met the Shogun yet."
"Do you want to meet her, sister?"
"Yes. Considering how unique your bond is, I should meet her."
"Understood."
Ei closed her eyes. A moment later, she opened them again—her aura and gaze had shifted entirely.
Xia Zhen tilted her head, curious. "You're the Shogun now?"
The Shogun nodded calmly. "Yes. It's me."
A gentle smile spread across Xia Zhen's face. "Then this counts as our first meeting. I'm glad to meet you, Shogun."
The Shogun looked at her. A strange glimmer flickered deep in her eyes, but her voice remained even. "I'm glad to meet you as well, former Electro Archon."
Xia Zhen laughed lightly. "Former Archon? You're the same as Ei—my younger sister too. Just call me Zhen, or sister, that's fine."
The Shogun paused, then answered, "Very well, Zhen."
"You and Ei fought last night?"
"By the rules, it was merely a test. From now on, I remain her ally."
"You don't have to be so stiff. Try smiling once in a while."
"…."
"And after that, you fought our cousin too?"
"Yes. Mr. Xia is very strong. I wasn't his match."
"What do you mean, Mr. Xia? Ei and I both call him cousin. You can too."
"…."
After chatting for a while, the Shogun ceded control back to Ei.
"I'm full."
"Okay, sister. Then get back to work."
Ei dutifully cleared the bowls and pots, even taking the one she'd delivered yesterday. Seeing it empty, she felt overjoyed—proof her sister had truly enjoyed the sukiyaki.
Perfect! Tonight, I'll make another one for her.
"I'll be going now, sister."
"Mm."
At the doorway, Ei paused.
"Oh right, sister, will you come to the shrine for lunch today? Barbatos and the Dragon King will be there."
"Hah, they're old acquaintances. I'll skip. I still have a pile of documents here."
"Oh, okay. Cousin said he's making [Gods' Temptation] and I—"
"Cough, cough—"
"Sister?"
"Well, I suppose these reports can wait. Now that I think about it, Barbatos treated us to drinks in Mondstadt just the other day. Since we're in Inazuma now, as the host, it'd be rude if I didn't attend."
"You're right!"
"Mm. Go on ahead. I'll join you at noon."
"Yes, sister!"
Ei shut the door behind her and left Tenshukaku.
Alone, Xia Zhen stared at the door, her expression clouded with thought.
The Shogun's situation… didn't seem so simple.
---
Grand Narukami Shrine.
After touring Inazuma City with the others yesterday, Hanachirusato now wandered the shrine grounds alone.
She lingered at every corner.
This was the place Kitsune Saiguu had cherished most deeply. The place she remembered best.
And yet, wrapped in that familiarity was a heavy sense of estrangement.
This wasn't her home.
Hanachirusato couldn't put her feelings into words.
She crouched in a corner, brushing her fingers across the timeworn stones, before sighing softly.
Her mind replayed Xia Zhi's words from last night during Massage.
Fireworks… Even if only for a fleeting burst of brilliance, they were worth giving everything for.
Resolve kindled in her eyes.
She walked toward the main hall, spotting Xia Zhi nearby.
"Mr. Xia."
"Hanachirusato."
She hesitated, then gathered her courage. "Mr. Xia, there's something I'd like to ask you."
"Go ahead."
Hanachirusato looked up at him, speaking softly. "Qiqi told me about Magical Girls. I… want to become one too. Do you think I have a chance?"
Xia Zhi tilted his head, smiling. "Of course. I think you'd make a great Magical Girl."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Then… what must I do to become one?"
"You'll need to form a Contract with me."
"Become your familiar?"
"Not necessarily. Even ordinary followers can do it. The only difference is that their Transformation tool charges slower."
"Transformation tool… like Qiqi's pendant?"
"Exactly. But the form isn't fixed. Fischl's tool, for example, is the black eyepatch she wears. If you have a cherished accessory, give it to me and I'll turn it into your tool. If not, I'll design one for you."
"A cherished accessory…"
Hanachirusato lowered her gaze in thought. Then she removed the white fox mask she always wore.
"Mr. Xia, will this do?"
"A mask, huh? Interesting. Yes, that'll work."
"Then I'll leave it to you."
She held it out with both hands. Xia Zhi accepted it.
"Don't worry. I should have it ready by tomorrow. I'll return it then."
"All right."
He turned the fox mask over in his hands, then tucked it away.
"Oh, right—what element do you prefer?"
"Huh? I get to choose?"
"Of course. Beyond Teyvat's seven elements, I can also grant Light and Dark."
Hanachirusato was quiet for a moment, then whispered, "If possible… please grant me the power of lightning."
"Electro, is it? Understood. As you wish."
He nodded.
Hanachirusato carried the memories of Kitsune Saiguu. As an Inazuman, it was only natural she yearned for the power of thunder.
Much like how Noelle longed for the power of wind.
----
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