The three scholar representatives—Bai, Dainon, and Andre—were distinct. Bai led wealthy scholars from academic or merchant families. Dainon represented poorer scholars, children of small farmers or mercenaries, many from Sumeru's deserts. Andre, heading exchange students from Mondstadt, Snezhnaya, Fontaine, and Liyue, had the smallest, most diverse, and highest-quality group, with some rivaling the trio's academic prowess. All three, young formal scholars mentored by Great Sage Banna, were friends with strong organizational skills, making them ideal representatives. Post-Narukami Festival, they'd meet Raiden Makoto on behalf of the Amurta scholars.
As Makoto's procession passed, the scholars exhaled. "What was that pressure?" Bai asked. "I could barely breathe."
"Strong auras," Andre said. "In Mondstadt, I felt it from the Northwind Knight after a meeting. This was stronger—likely Inazuma's elite."
Dainon nearly griped about "martial brutes" but was stopped by Bai's glance at nearby samurai. "By Barbatos, Dainon, mind yourself," Andre whispered. "Inazuma's a martial state, not Sumeru," Bai added. "Curb your team. No one's saving you if you insult warriors here. The festival flaunts the Shogunate's might."
"What about the shrine maidens?" Dainon asked.
Bai sighed. "Didn't you study Inazuma? Shrine maidens are a special force under the Grand Narukami Shrine, nearly as strong as samurai, controlling Inazuma's spellcraft. Their leader, Yae Miko, rejected the Coven of Witches."
"Sorry, I only read Inazuma's research data, not sociology," Dainon admitted sheepishly.
"You're hopeless," Andre said. "Just talk less here."
The Narukami Festival, grander than usual, followed its traditional flow. Post-ceremony, Reisen Riou and others rushed back to work. Festivals sparked issues—the Yashiro Commission and Grand Narukami Shrine were swamped, while the Kanjou and Tenryou Commissions managed Ritou's venue and public order. The Tri-Commission heads stayed behind to govern, ensuring Inazuma didn't descend into chaos.
…
"You must be Bai, Dainon, and Andre. I'm Reisen Riou, Shogunate Recorder, or perhaps you know me as Hongmeng, Sumeru's 12th Honorary Scholar," Reisen Riou said, smirking.
"The one who revolutionized layered research and thesis standards with Banna!" Bai exclaimed.
"The same. Welcome to Inazuma. Let's meet Lady Narukami," he said, nodding to Okuzume escorts and leading the trio to Makoto.
"Lady Narukami, the scholar representatives," Reisen Riou announced, retreating to record, pulling paper from his sleeve.
"How are you adjusting?" Makoto asked.
Bai, after a glance with the others, replied, "No issues, my lady. Amurta scholars manage well."
"Your thoughts on the plan?"
"I specialize in soil optimization, so I'll survey other islands," Bai said. "Dainon improves crop environments, and Andre enhances crops themselves. We need Inazuma's top planters for local expertise."
Makoto glanced at Reisen Riou, who'd promised Ritou's farmers. "We've secured Ritou's elite farmers—near scholar-level in Inazuma cultivation, just unschooled," he said, head bowed.
Makoto nodded. "If they're as skilled as claimed, any issues?" she asked the scholars.
After a quick huddle, Bai said, "None, my lady."
"Then start soon. Prove our funds weren't wasted," Makoto urged, feeling the pressure for results.
The scholars were dismissed. "Is this feasible, Lord Riou?" Makoto asked.
He smiled. "My lady, Inazuma's agriculture, pastoralism, and fisheries have flaws. Even if these scholars aren't my equal, spotting obvious issues is easy. Deeper problems will emerge through time and practice."
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