[Paimon asked curiously, "What will happen to the Kujou Clan next? Is there a chance they could continue as the Tenryou Commissioner?"]
[Ei shook her head: "That's still not possible. Even if this successor has his merits, it cannot erase the mistakes made before."]
["But… let's give it some time. After all, they weren't the only ones who made mistakes."]
["The Shogun cannot be wrong, nor is she allowed to be. But as 'Ei,' I still wish to express my apologies."]
Though she couldn't say "red bean paste, sumimasen," Ei admitted her mistakes and wanted to make amends.
However, she wasn't going to govern personally. The task of governing would still fall to the Raiden Shogun, as time was the root of "wear." Ei feared that governing herself would affect Eternity due to "wear."
Those who've worked know that work indeed "wears" you down, leaving you reeking of the office.
So, it's better to leave the task to the Raiden Shogun, who works 24/7 without complaint, the innate holy body of work.
This was why Scaramouche was cast aside. His sister worked 24/7 without complaint, but him? He'd shed little pearls!
In the story, Ei felt great about this "date." Paimon took the chance to suggest inviting Ei out for another "date" next time.
[Ei: "There's no need. This isn't part of my life."]
["Besides, don't make it sound like I need companionship."]
Based on what readers currently knew about the Raiden Shogun, they felt she did indeed need companionship.
Rather, if she could receive a bit more care and love, she wouldn't be so reclusive.
They hoped the Traveler could see through the Shogun's "tsundere" nature and spend more time with her.
At the story's end, the Traveler shared this experience with Yae Miko.
[Yae Miko laughed without regard for her image: "Hehe, too amusing. The mighty Raiden Shogun, strolling through the city like a country bumpkin."]
Readers agreed—she was indeed a country bumpkin… though that was true, only Yae Miko would dare say it outright.
Regarding Yae Miko's comment, Raiden Ei saw it all.
"This Miko, always talking about me like this?" Ei sighed, helpless against this mischievous fox.
Inazuma's fox spirit was like that—those teased by her could do nothing about it.
"Lucian, is there a way to counter her just once?" Ei looked at Lucian.
Lucian pondered. Countering Yae Miko? It wasn't hard, but it wasn't easy either.
Yae Miko's boldness came from knowing Ei's personality too well. She knew how to tease at Ei's sensitive spots, provoking her without crossing the line.
She knew exactly what Ei's triggers were and how sensitive she was, always pushing her to the edge of losing it, then stopping just short of letting her vent.
This left Ei wanting to let out her emotions but feeling it wasn't worth it, only able to glare at her to express dissatisfaction.
So, she was always teased to the point of scratching her head, powerless against her.
To counter Yae Miko, the best way was to react in a way she didn't expect.
For example, if you're introverted and she expects you to be shy, she might tease you, whispering in your ear if you want to touch her tail.
An introvert, even if tempted, would hesitate to agree immediately. But in that moment of hesitation, she might laugh and run off, saying, "Dream on~"
So, the best approach? Don't hesitate, don't answer—just reach out and touch!
Though you'd likely get a beating afterward, wouldn't that counter Yae Miko?
'Strategist Lucian' shared his idea with Ei, who nodded. So that's how it's done?
"You've tried it?" Ei asked suspiciously. How did he know Yae Miko so well?
"No way!" Lucian quickly waved his hands. Yae Miko was everywhere—don't talk nonsense!
Lucian and Yae Miko got along well, but not to the point of casually touching her tail. It wasn't like Furina's ahoge.
Ei didn't dwell on it and continued reading the final bit of the book.
In the book, the Traveler mentioned the topic of dango milk, and Yae Miko's tone grew excited.
[Yae Miko, delighted beyond measure, raised her voice: "She absolutely loves that drink. Her heart must be blooming with joy."]
["Her subtext is, 'Hurry, open a shop in my Plane of Euthymia!'"]
Ei: "…"
Ei looked at Lucian again, explaining, "I never thought that."
Ei insisted that the pink fox's behavior shouldn't reflect on her "idol." What Yae Miko, that pink fox, said wasn't what she thought—really!
"Huh? Never?" Lucian feigned disappointment. "I thought you did, so I kept bringing you dango milk."
"If not, should I stop bringing it?"
Ei: "…"
My fault, my fault for trusting you too much. I forgot you're in cahoots with Yae Miko!
How did I forget that, whether it's "feeding" or "lecturing," besides Yae Miko, you're always there too!
I was so focused on countering Yae Miko that I forgot about you, huh?
"Fine, I did think it, but only for a moment," Ei admitted.
Lucian nodded, satisfied. "Then I'll bring you some next time."
"But this time, let's go buy it together."
The book was finished, and now it was time for their agreed-upon outing.
Ei nodded. She wouldn't go back on something they'd already agreed on.
But Ei was also curious. The story had already described what happened during the outing. What different things could they encounter now?
Even if the mortal world changed constantly, it wouldn't change in the time it took to read a book, right?
Attaching her consciousness to the Raiden Shogun, Lucian and Ei left the Tenshukaku together.
The most shocked were the Orobashi guards at the gate. They didn't have time to read books, so seeing the reclusive Raiden Shogun walk out with another person was beyond surprising.
Wait, something's off. When did this man go in?
They hadn't seen anyone enter, yet they saw someone leave. Was it a ghost?
Outside the Tenshukaku, the Traveler and Paimon were waiting for the two. When it came to having fun, they were the experts.
Lucian was responsible for inviting Ei out, but where to go was up to the Traveler and Paimon to lead.
After all, ever since Lucian arrived in Inazuma, he'd been holed up in the Kamisato Estate, completely clueless about Inazuma's layout.
In the game, Inazuma wasn't big, but in reality, even Inazuma City was vast, and Lucian didn't know the way.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice · Raiden Shogun: About Yae Miko
"Can't cut her down, can't outtalk her—troublesome."