After finishing their discussion and settling on a plan, the Shogun had been ready to leave—but the woman beside her stopped her with a gentle plea: "Stay with me a while longer. Talk with me."
Of course, she didn't refuse. Perhaps the purpose of her existence, beyond Eternity itself, was to be here for Ei.
And so, the scene before her now—
She looked down at the beautiful woman resting her head on her lap, a mirror image of herself, and let out a quiet sigh. Yes, Ei wanted her lap pillow again.
Phew… very well. Since she wished for it, she would give it. After all, she was Ei's puppet.
This time, rather than sitting formally in seiza, she extended her legs slightly forward, crossing them loosely so Ei could rest her head comfortably. Her delicate feet overlapped casually, while the other woman reclined against her thighs, perfectly at ease.
"Phew…"
Lying on her lap, Ei let out a soft sigh of contentment, as if every muscle in her body relaxed. The faint, delicate scent belonging to the Shogun drifted gently through the air, and Ei breathed it in with quiet satisfaction.
Watching her enjoy herself, the Shogun couldn't help but smile—half helpless, half fond.
"You really do love resting on my lap, don't you?"
Which meant, essentially, she loved her legs. Yet they were identical—her legs, Ei's legs, all the same. Why make it so complicated?
"Pfft…"
Ei smiled faintly upon hearing that.
"What's so funny?" the Shogun asked, eyes half-open in soft resignation. Surely she was about to tease her again.
"I was just laughing at what you were thinking," Ei replied, gazing up at her.
"What I was thinking?"
"Weren't you just thinking, 'Since you and I share the same body—our height, our appearance, even our legs are identical—then why not use your own lap instead of mine?'" Ei asked, holding back a laugh.
"…Was I wrong?"
"Pfft… You really are…"
Too adorable.
The last words she kept to herself, not wanting to provoke her.
"Never mind… I know I'm not good at this sort of thing. But if there's ever something you want, I'll… give it to you," the Shogun murmured softly, looking away as she promised. Saying such words embarrassed her deeply—but somehow, it felt right. After all, she was Ei's creation.
"…"
The next second, a soft warmth pressed against her cheek—it was Ei's hand. Her touch was gentle, tender, full of quiet affection.
"I'll remember those words, you know," Ei whispered.
"…A gentleman never breaks their word," the Shogun replied, meeting her gaze, her heart warming at the tenderness in Ei's violet eyes.
"…" Ei said nothing more. Instead, she buried her face deeper into the Shogun's lap, falling silent.
How strange… Once, the one who lay on her lap like this had been her sister. A sharp ache pierced her chest again. Perhaps, subconsciously, she sought to feel a trace of her sister's warmth through the Shogun.
But no—such thoughts were dangerous. She must not allow herself to think that way. Never.
The Shogun was the Shogun—unique, irreplaceable. She could not, even for a second, see her as a substitute.
"Ei… are you alright? You seem a little troubled," the Shogun asked softly, reaching down to stroke her forehead.
"I'm fine… I just remembered something from the past," Ei answered with a faint smile.
"…Shall we return to Tenshukaku? If you still want a lap pillow, we can continue there. This place… isn't very suitable," the Shogun suggested, gently changing the subject.
For she knew that Ei must have been thinking of Makoto. Such a painful wound—she would never allow Ei to reopen it.
This was Ei's Plane of Euthymia, a space far too solemn for something so warm and tender—it felt out of place.
"No," Ei refused softly.
"If we go back and someone comes to the castle to disturb us, wouldn't that defeat the purpose?" she explained.
"…" the Shogun didn't argue. If Ei wished it so, then so be it.
"But you…" Ei continued suddenly, turning the conversation back to her.
The Shogun blinked in confusion, lowering her gaze to meet Ei's from where she rested below.
"You have time to spar with Ayaka, yet you can't come here more often to see me in the Plane of Euthymia?"
Ei's voice was slightly muffled—though she tried to sound indifferent, the Shogun knew well what her words truly meant.
"Sparring with Ayaka, and yet… am I not good enough for that?"
Ei lay with her back to the Shogun, her face hidden from view.
"…You saw that?" The Shogun froze for a moment before asking.
"I know your habits too well," Ei replied softly. "I know Ayaka misses you as well… but can't you spare even a little time to come see me?"
She turned over, now facing the Shogun. The violet strands of her hair brushed against the Shogun's thighs, tickling her skin—but the Shogun ignored the sensation.
"Phew… The affairs of Inazuma are demanding. How could I possibly have leisure time?" she sighed, truly weary.
"Demanding affairs? That's a lie," Ei argued stubbornly, sitting up to face her. Their eyes met—one pair full of determination, the other glistening with quiet hurt. Yes… it was the Shogun who looked hurt.
"A lie? Phew… you wouldn't understand the burdens of leadership."
"You're wrong. Do you think I've never ruled before?" Ei countered firmly.
"That was before the Vision Hunt Decree. Times are different now," the Shogun insisted.
"All I'm asking is that you come see me—how difficult can that be—"
"Then why don't you leave the Plane of Euthymia and come see me?" the Shogun finally burst out, her voice rising with all the emotions she'd been holding back.
"!"
Ei's body stiffened.
"…Why won't you come out? Come out… and be with me," the Shogun whispered, the rest of her words trembling at the edge of her breath.
"Just come to see me… just step outside for a little while. Is that… really so hard?" she asked quietly, echoing Ei's earlier words back to her.
"…I…"
Ei lowered her gaze, her lips pressed tightly together, unable to answer.
"…"
"…"
For a long while, the Plane of Euthymia was silent save for the soft sound of the wind. The warmth from earlier had vanished, replaced by tension—an entanglement of hearts, heavy and uncertain.
Ei's head bowed, her bangs falling over her eyes. Her hands, clenched tightly in her lap, trembled slightly before she looked up again.
"!"
In that moment, the Shogun saw the unbearable pain in Ei's eyes—the violet depths shimmering with tears she struggled to hold back.
"I'm sorry… I… I went too far," the Shogun whispered, her heart twisting sharply with guilt. She quickly reached out, taking Ei's trembling hand and gently brushing her cheek, trying to comfort her.
What had she just said?
How could she raise her voice at Ei?
They had never fought before—this was the first time. She was supposed to be the one Ei could rely on most, yet she'd hurt her instead.
"I'm sorry… Ei… I shouldn't have said that. I understand now," she murmured, conceding softly. "I'll come see you more often. Please don't look so sad."
Who would have thought—the mighty Raiden Shogun, feared by all, could sound so gentle, so vulnerable before this woman?
"…I'm fine," Ei said at last, shaking her head and offering a faint, tender smile. Being comforted by the Shogun made her heart flutter in an unfamiliar way. Perhaps this was what it meant to be truly connected.
"I shouldn't have said those things," she admitted softly. "You were right… it's my fault. I was being selfish."
Yes, the Shogun was right. She was the one who had burdened her with everything—who had said she didn't mind the Shogun meeting others, only to later go back on her word. She was the one who had acted childishly, selfishly.
The one who truly needs to change… is me.
"No… I was wrong too. I shouldn't have argued with you," the Shogun said, her voice quiet with remorse. "Even when you're hurting… I still lashed out. That's unforgivable."
"It seems… this time, we were both at fault," Ei said suddenly, her smile returning, warm and bright again.
"…?"
The Shogun blinked, looking up to see Ei gazing at her with gentle affection.
"So, that means… you really were lonely without me, weren't you, Shogun~?"
"Phew… so what if I was? Even if I'm a puppet… that doesn't mean I don't have a heart," she muttered, her face flushing faintly.
"!"
In the next instant, Ei pulled her close—arms wrapping around her lovingly as she closed her eyes, a serene smile playing on her lips. Her hands gently stroked the Shogun's hair, her touch tender as moonlight.
"Ei? What are you—"
"Shh… Don't speak. Just stay with me like this," Ei whispered, her breath brushing against the Shogun's ear like the soft murmur of a kitten.
"…"
The Shogun said nothing more. After a moment of hesitation, her hands slowly rose to return the embrace, resting gently around Ei's waist.
The two identical women held each other quietly, their warmth intertwining—their shared scent filling the air, their breaths mingling softly.
Ei's scent… it's so warm… so comforting…
...
Several days had passed since then. According to the plan she and Ei devised, she would return the three lost Visions to their rightful owners. It wasn't all that difficult—the Visions embedded in the Statue of the Omnipresent God were not impossible to remove. Of course, ordinary people couldn't do it. Only she and Ei had that authority.
These three were special cases among special cases; no others would be granted such treatment. If every Vision were to be returned, the consequences would be disastrous.
First, it was out of consideration for Ayaka and the Yashiro Commission. Second, those three's conditions were indeed dire—something had to be done. They were, after all, her people. She could not simply ignore them.
Of course, the matter of "returning the Visions" had to be handled in utmost secrecy. To avoid alerting anyone, she personally disguised herself and visited the locations Ayaka had mentioned—Konda Village, and Hanamizaka—where the three resided. Once more, the elegant beauty under the violet parasol graced the common folk with her presence.
After meeting the three in person, she found their situations just as Ayaka had described. However, each of them mentioned that a traveler had visited them not long before, asking similar questions.
Could it have been that Traveler?
She couldn't help but wonder. Ayaka had mentioned telling the Traveler about the three to show him the truth of the Vision Hunt Decree.
Very well, she thought. In that case… let's begin the plan to return their Visions.
As the three corresponding Visions dislodged from the statue's wings, they quietly floated into her hands—drawn by her will alone.
That night, she placed each Vision by its owner's pillow. By the time they awoke the next morning, they would find their lost Visions had miraculously returned, never knowing how or why.
To hide one's deeds and one's name—that was the mark of true virtue, wasn't it?
The next day, she once again visited the Kamisato Estate—this time dressed in plain attire. A violet oil-paper parasol, a simple kimono of light color, and white stockings outlining her exquisite legs.
Removing her shoes, she folded the parasol and walked familiarly past the screen doors, entering the sitting room where Ayaka usually worked.
Tap… tap…
Hearing those familiar soft footsteps, Ayaka—who was seated at the low table, looking through an old photo album—lifted her gaze after calling out,
"…Shogun—"
Why did she stop mid-sentence? Because the moment she looked up, she was completely entranced.
—How could there be such a beautiful woman in this world?
That was the first thought that came to Kamisato Ayaka's mind.
The Shogun, dressed in casual attire, was breathtaking beyond compare. Her loose, flowing hair alone could leave one spellbound for an entire day. She was simply irresistible.
To appear before her dressed like this—how cunning of you, Shogun.
If anyone saw her at this moment, they would likely think: Could the graceful, composed White Heron Princess truly be love-struck?
The answer was yes—of course she could!
Faced with a beauty like this, who wouldn't be?
It was no wonder Ayaka had never taken interest in any noble suitors of her own status—her standards for beauty were set by one person alone: the Shogun herself.
"—sama?"
Realizing she hadn't finished her sentence, Ayaka awkwardly completed it, flustered.
As the Shogun's footsteps drew closer, Ayaka suddenly felt a gentle poke on her forehead—a teasing touch that made her head tilt back slightly.
"Ah!" she gasped softly, startled.
"…You were staring," the Shogun remarked, her voice tinged with amusement. She lightly flicked Ayaka's forehead again before gracefully kneeling across from her, smoothing her kimono as she set the parasol aside on the tatami.
"It's your fault, Shogun—you're far too enchanting. I couldn't help but be captivated," Ayaka said, brushing her bangs aside with a flustered smile, setting her fan on the table casually.
"Smooth talker," the Shogun muttered with a helpless sigh.
"Shogun-sama."
"…What is it?"
"When you came to the estate today, did you happen to see any of the… Tenryou Commission soldiers?" Ayaka asked.
"I did not," the Shogun replied.
That was true—ever since she had ordered them to stand down previously, they had vanished. Not a trace of them had appeared since. Had they given up? Or… was something else afoot?
Speaking of which…
"But last time I came to your estate, I did see them. They blocked my path, claiming you were out and unavailable for visitors—utter nonsense."
"I see… seems that old man has grown fearful," Ayaka murmured softly.
"Why would the Tenryou Commission monitor the Kamisato household?" the Shogun asked.
"Ah… the Shogun may not know this, but they have been watching us for quite some time," Ayaka replied, standing gracefully and taking her fan. She tapped it lightly against her chin as she walked toward the window, her voice calm as golden sunlight poured through the shoji.
"Since when? Did it begin when I raised the Kamisato family to their current standing?"
Was it dissatisfaction? Resentment? Jealousy?
"Oh, not quite. They weren't so bold back then. The surveillance began when the Shogun enacted the Vision Hunt Decree."
"…The Vision Hunt Decree? Could it be that they wish to prevent you from meeting with me?"
Thinking back on what had happened days ago, that seemed entirely possible.
"Truly, the Shogun is perceptive… that old— ahem—that man, Kujou Takayuki, does indeed have such intentions," Ayaka admitted after a small, polite cough. She had nearly called him "that old fox," but refrained. Not that it would have mattered—the Shogun surely understood.
"Kujou Takayuki… again," the Shogun muttered, narrowing her violet eyes slightly as she rested a finger beneath her chin, lost in thought.
"Shogun? Is something the matter?" Ayaka asked, tilting her head with concern.
"A few days ago, he submitted a report to me regarding Inazuma's current stability," the Shogun replied softly.
"…"
Ayaka's icy-blue eyes narrowed slightly as she listened attentively.
"His wording seemed ordinary enough, but… the content left a strange impression. For instance: 'The Vision Hunt Decree is a most righteous act. The citizens of Inazuma will wholeheartedly cooperate with our efforts. We will forever serve you, in the glory to the Shogun and her everlasting reign.'"
"On its own, it sounds proper. But… in the current context, the words feel hollow. The three who lost their Visions—those very people prove otherwise," the Shogun said, her tone quiet, edged with thought.
Clearly, he was falsifying his reports.
"It seems Kujou Takayuki seeks to maintain the current state of affairs—to deceive you into continuing both the Vision Hunt Decree and the Sakoku Decree," Ayaka analyzed calmly. She paced around the low table, her every step deliberate and composed. At that moment, she seemed less like a noble lady and more like a brilliant strategist.
"Why would he do that? Was he… persuaded by someone?" the Shogun asked, meeting her gaze.
"For him to act in such a way, there can only be two reasons," Ayaka began, standing with poise, her soft white tabi-clad feet shifting lightly as she turned to face the Shogun.
"First, genuine loyalty to you—utter devotion and self-sacrifice. But clearly… he does not belong to that category."
Her eyes gleamed faintly as she continued, her cool and elegant voice flowing like water.
"In that case, it must be the second reason."
The Shogun watched as Ayaka's ice-blue eyes narrowed slightly, her tone turning firm as she spoke the truth with measured clarity.
"That reason is… profit."
Hearing Ayaka's words, the Shogun lowered her gaze, thinking deeply for a moment.
"Profit? But what benefit could Kujou Takayuki possibly gain from the Vision Hunt Decree?"
Ayaka smiled faintly, lifting her fan again as she continued her calm analysis.
"The decree itself offers little gain. However…"
Her cool blue eyes met the Shogun's violet ones directly.
"…what if someone else were manipulating him from behind the scenes?"