"We're all friends here, no need to be so formal."
Lu Chen glanced at the somewhat tense negotiation table and took the initiative to ease the mood.
"But just because you're close to me doesn't mean you can make outrageous demands. This concerns the future of both factions—I hope fairness will prevail."
Gorou nodded, his expression turning serious.
"Of course. But first, I need to confirm something. Lumine told me that the Raiden Shogun intends to end the Vision Hunt Decree—the source of all this conflict. Is that really true?"
"The Vision Hunt Decree and the Sakoku Decree will both be lifted soon. You can rest easy," Ei replied calmly.
With Raiden Shogun's direct assurance, Gorou let out a breath of relief, but followed up immediately.
"Then when will the Shogunate forces retreat?"
The Shogunate army was currently stationed in large numbers in Tatarasuna and the eastern side of Yashiori Island, effectively pressing against Watatsumi Island.
"Gorou, you know your side started the war first," Lu Chen said as he manipulated the Anemo element, casually playing with a dessert.
"And the Yashiori Island you're occupying isn't even part of Watatsumi's territory. Shouldn't your side be the one to withdraw?"
"If the Raiden Shogun hadn't been so stubborn, we never would've rebelled!" Gorou shot back, frowning.
The tension at the table spiked again. Paimon looked around nervously at everyone present.
"Rebelled, huh? But your methods weren't exactly noble, were they?" Lu Chen chuckled.
"Who destroyed the talisman on Yashiori Island? Now the whole place is infested with malevolent spirits, nearly barren, and the people have been displaced. You have to take responsibility for that."
Gorou fell silent.
Lumine hesitated and said, "But... it was only a small radical group within the resistance that destroyed the talisman..."
Lu Chen shifted his gaze to her.
"Even so, it was still the resistance that did it. That's a fact, isn't it?"
Lumine didn't respond.
Lu Chen smiled faintly. With his god's-eye view, he knew the full story.
It was Nathan, a radical officer under Sangonomiya's command, who secretly sent a team to destroy the talisman suppressing the remnants of the serpent god. As a result, the spirits spread across the island, driving out the Shogunate forces. From beginning to end, this was orchestrated by the Fatui.
Nathan was their mole—but Gorou and the others didn't know that yet. Lu Chen, however, could use this to steer the negotiations in his favor.
Ei looked at the assertive Lu Chen across the table with a hint of approval.
Withdrawal was acceptable—but they couldn't just keep giving ground. They held the upper hand now and had to maintain the initiative.
"We'll assist the Shogunate forces in resolving the issue with the spirits on Yashiori Island..." Gorou's tone had clearly softened.
"How exactly?" Lu Chen asked. "After we rescued you, you saw what happened at the Delusion Factory. Without me there, those spirits would've spread. Narukami Island is far, but this is close to your base. You saw the risk firsthand."
Gorou fell silent again.
Paimon cautiously leaned toward Lumine and whispered, "Lu Chen's really strong now... Are we getting totally outmatched? You're close to him—shouldn't you say something...?"
Lumine shook her head. The war was ending. The Vision Hunt Decree was ending. It was all decided. She was just an outsider here. Whether the resistance gained anything depended on Gorou and the others.
"I'll return and discuss the troop withdrawal with Lady Sangonomiya," Gorou finally said.
That put the matter on hold—for now. But Lu Chen smiled confidently.
"Sangonomiya Kokomi is smart. She knows what to do."
His goal was to get her forces to pull back to Watatsumi Island. He didn't believe Kokomi harbored any ambitions beyond that.
They moved on to other major topics—settling accounts with the Fatui, coordinating a response to the spirit crisis on Yashiori Island, and even...
A plan to assassinate Raiden Shogun.
Lumine's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"
Wasn't Raiden Shogun sitting right next to Lu Chen? What nonsense was he spouting?
Lu Chen casually popped the last bite of dessert into his mouth.
"Haven't you always wanted to assassinate the Raiden Shogun? You even bribed the city's guards for it. I'm just fulfilling your wish."
"I didn't know the person next to you was... actually the Raiden Shogun," Lumine said awkwardly.
Ei responded calmly, "This Raiden Shogun is not that Raiden Shogun."
Lumine looked even more confused.
Lu Chen chuckled at her puzzled expression.
"Anyway, your plan remains unchanged. Three days from now, at Tenshukaku."
"Huh???"
Lu Chen's smile deepened.
The Raiden Shogun currently residing in Tenshukaku had been programmed by Ei with a singular, unwavering belief: to eliminate all who defy 'eternity.'
Her power was no less than the real Raiden Shogun's. Remember, in the storyline, Ei and the puppet fought for 500 years in the Plane of Euthymia before reaching a conclusion—he didn't have that kind of time.
Not to mention, there was a real possibility the Fatui's two Harbingers might get involved.
That's why he brought Lumine—
To fight together.
Lu Chen needed top-tier combat strength. Lumine had once defeated a god, backed by countless beliefs. He had never underestimated her strength.
A Shogun of the Seven, a demigod, and an otherworldly traveler with limitless potential—only with this lineup did he feel assured of victory.
...
One day later.
Inazuma City, Uyuu Restaurant.
Yae Miko set down her half-eaten fried tofu, looking disgruntled as she turned to Lu Chen.
"This shop's cooking hasn't changed in decades. Their fried tofu still doesn't suit my taste. Why don't you give them a few tips?"
Lu Chen watched her daintily nibble her food, feeling a growing sense of urgency.
"Don't just eat. What about the task I gave you?"
"I've been swamped these past few days! You haven't seen me in forever and all you do is ask about work? Not even a hello?" Miko huffed.
Lu Chen could only offer a helpless smile.
"Lady Guuji, you've worked so hard... Shall I give you a leg massage?"
To his surprise, Miko immediately placed her pale, slender leg onto his lap. Lu Chen panicked and quickly looked around.
Ei wasn't present—due to her status, she remained with the Shogunate army outside the city. The nearby customers didn't seem to notice, except for the old owner, Okazaki Rikuto, whose faint smile vanished the moment Lu Chen glanced his way.
"You're the Guuji of the Grand Shrine, you know. Can't you be a little more mindful?"
Lu Chen gently pressed against her smooth leg, slowly easing it off.
"Hmph, boring!" Miko pulled her leg back and set down her food. Then she said,
"That boy from the Kamisato Clan owes me a favor—he doesn't get to say no. Don't worry. In two days, the Kamisato Clan will support you. They'll send the Shuumatsuban to suppress the other two clans. You go handle the Shogun in the Tenshukaku. Leave the rest to us."
"Perfect..." Lu Chen had expected Miko to handle it smoothly. Smiling, he looked at her, thinking of how to reward this fox.
"Let's go! Back to Grand Narukami Shrine. I'll make your favorite fried tofu!"
"Really!?"
Miko's eyes sparkled.