In fact, from the very beginning of the story, when Ei drew her sword and slashed at the little dog, Kujou Sara was already excited.
Later, when she saw Ei comforting the Shogunate army soldiers, she had already shed tears.
Then, when she saw Ei personally brewing tea, she was so envious that she experienced cytorrhysis.
Finally, when she saw the Shogunate samurai say 'The eternal path is grand, Narukami eternal', and Her Excellency the Shogun responded with a promise, she couldn't take it anymore.
Why say finally? Because at that time, she was too excited and couldn't hold on much longer; it took her a long while to calm her emotions before continuing to read.
Later came the heavy hitters: the two generals fighting, the previous general appearing—every moment stimulating Kujou Sara's nerves.
Three Excellencies the Shogun!! Three!!
Kujou Sara still being awake while reading the story was already impressive enough. Try swapping her with Barbara seeing three Barbatos, and those three Barbatos even have different personalities with diverse choices.
Under such successive stimulations, it would be hard for her will not to elevate; if it didn't, she might really have fainted.
"Lucian, you've done well." Kujou Sara wiped the 'liquid' from her face—don't ask if it was tears or nosebleed; it's just 'liquid'.
She plastered the room full of several illustrations from the book, enjoying the happiness of being surrounded by 'three Excellencies the Shogun'.
Because it was Her Excellency the Shogun's story, Kujou Sara naturally bought more than one copy, and adding the books she bought before—not to mention the illustrations, even the books alone could surround her.
The illustrations were more than enough to cover the entire room; those who didn't know might think it was some kind of obsessive fangirl.
"Your Excellency the Shogun... Sara swears to follow you to the death!" Kujou Sara's eyes were firm.
Having spoken of Ei's true love fan, now let's talk about Ei's little hater.
After scorching the book, Scaramouche took out a new one and continued reading.
He had also bought more than one copy, but not because he liked it—because he knew he couldn't resist burning the book, so he prepared several in advance.
This was experience taught by Rosalyne, and it was indeed useful.
Once again burning the book in his hand to ashes, Scaramouche silently recited a name: "Istaroth..."
If it was this kind of power... could I go back to the past and prevent my own birth?
It's a pity that this power, higher than gods, was something he couldn't touch—but only for now. As long as he could ascend to godhood... maybe then!
On the other side, Rosalyne, who had taught Scaramouche the experience, also burned the book to ashes.
There was no particular reason; she just didn't want to admit she had been moved.
I was killed by you, and now I'm supposed to be moved by your story? Damn it! I absolutely won't admit it!
Won't admit it! Can't admit it! Thinking this way, Rosalyne stomped her feet hard, grinding the ashes on the ground.
After venting, Rosalyne muttered blankly to herself, "Even gods grow... maybe I can too..."
"Sigh." With a sigh, Rosalyne took out a brand-new book and placed it in her collection cabinet.
Play as play, joke as joke—Lucian's books need a full set collected.
Ei's story was a special attack on the people of Inazuma; almost no one in Inazuma who read the book didn't break down.
Even the strong like the two fox ladies could only secretly wipe their tears, not wanting to be noticed.
Even the people of Watatsumi Island, who opposed the Shogunate, couldn't help but feel a thousand emotions upon seeing such a story.
This actually helped Sangonomiya Kokomi with her peace efforts. Though it was currently a ceasefire, the atmosphere between both sides was still somewhat tense.
Through this story, it could alleviate things a bit, and in the future, the Sakoku Decree would be lifted too.
Overseas Inazumans—Kaedehara Kazuha put down the book and gazed toward Inazuma.
So this is the Shogun's will? A deathmatch lasting over five hundred years—truly an unquestionable eternity.
He didn't hate the Shogun; at this moment, he even felt that receiving one slash from the Shogun was an honor as a warrior.
The wind of freedom has finally blown to Inazuma. Your Excellency the Shogun, congratulations on walking out of the cage called 'eternity'.
Beidou leaned in beside Kazuha, a refreshing smile on her face as she patted his shoulder—that force, good thing Kazuha was also trained; he could withstand it.
"You kid, well done!" Beidou laughed heartily.
Kazuha blinked. What did I do?
"Such a powerful god—you actually blocked one of her slashes."
Only then did Kazuha understand; the big sis was talking about that incident. But that was so long ago—only now amazed?
This was unavoidable; previously, Ei's story did describe her power, but because her opponents were too weak, everyone's sense of Ei's strength was actually abstract.
They knew she was strong, but didn't know exactly how strong.
Now it was clear: fighting the Raiden Shogun for over five hundred years instantly demonstrated just how strong the Electro Archon was, in both strength and will.
The Raiden Shogun under Albedo's pen was full of oppressive pressure; after transforming, the way those arms wielded the blade—just looking at the image was already intimidating.
Yet such a Raiden Shogun never won against Ei! Not even once!
More importantly, the Raiden Shogun's moves in the illustrations were wide open and fearsome.
But Ei often just lightly swung her blade; this simple action could counter the Raiden Shogun's terrifying offensives, instead making Ei's strength seem even more terrifying.
Ei's prestige kept rising, and Kaedehara Kazuha's value rose with it.
How to put it? Though I was eliminated in the knockout stage, the one who eliminated me went on to win the championship unimpeded, and I caused her a little trouble—so me being 'hard strength' runner-up isn't excessive, right?
Cough, no more jokes; for hard strength, it has to be Zhongli—he also finished the story.
He was genuinely happy for his 'old friend' breaking through in will and thought.
But what moved Morax in this story wasn't that; a god's elevation was indeed gratifying, but what touched him was those 'ordinary people'.
The people of Inazuma believed in their god; they shouted 'The eternal path is grand, Narukami eternal!'—this was the embodiment of their faith.
Back then, Morax had also disguised himself and joined the Millelith; on the eve of battle, the soldiers shouted:
'The Millelith is steadfast, the towering peaks immovable; armored in battle, pacifying demons and evils'!
Watching the vigorous young people beside him at that time, Morax began pondering the relationship regarding 'protection'.
Yes, humans are weak; during the Archon War, they needed his protection to survive—at first, he thought that way.
He only wanted to 'protect a corner of the mortal world' for the people of Liyue.
But in that instant, the young people beside him raised their weapons high, their earth-shaking unified shouts seeming to tell him that they were not simply 'the weak'!
Yes, humans are weak, but united humans are the towering peaks and Millelith, capable of repelling Archons!
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Character Voice · Zhongli: Regarding Ei's Story · Two
"A god with emotions will erode, but will also grow."