The girl standing in the water looked like a celestial maiden. Under the soft light of the moon and the shimmering surface of the stream, her figure seemed ethereal. Her silver-white hair shone under the moonlight like a gossamer veil, wrapping her in layers of gentle radiance.
In her ice-colored eyes flowed tender warmth as she met the other's gaze.
"Please… look at me carefully."
With that quiet plea, the girl softly closed her eyes.
"Mm~? Mmm~? Mm~?"
The next moment, her voice—clear and melodious like jade chimes—began to hum the tune of 'White Heron Returns Home'. The natural sounds of the world accompanied her kindly: the gurgling of the spring, the chirping of birds, and the soft breath of the dawn wind.
Splash.
With one hand, she unfolded her fan, her body leaning forward into a graceful pose as she began to dance. Her slender leg stepped lightly to the side, the edge of the fan brushing against her calf as she moved. Then, raising her arm high, she lifted a small spray of crystalline water.
"Mm~? Mmm~?"
Her voice continued to sing softly…
Her elegant dance seemed to merge seamlessly with nature itself. With nimble fingers, she turned the fan, shifted it to her waist, spun, and stepped forward—all in one fluid motion.
Splash…
She rose onto her toes, supporting her body like a ballerina. One leg lifted from the water, tracing a graceful arc of droplets through the air. Balancing on a single foot, she spun in a dazzling circle before lightly landing once more, her feet crossing delicately.
It was her final movement…
Sizzle…
A faint icy glow flickered in her eyes. Then—she raised her fan toward the heavens.
Crash!
In that instant, the stream around her froze into crystalline frost, leaving only the small circle where she stood unfrozen.
Finally, holding her unfolded fan, she stepped forward. Her back foot drew slightly behind, her body lowering in a curtsy. The edge of her skirt floated gently upon the water as she bowed toward her only audience.
The Shogun had watched her intently the entire time. She knew the meaning behind this dance—'White Heron Returns Home' was one of the essential dances every woman of the Kamisato family had to master. If a woman performed this dance for someone alone, it signified that the person was someone special—perhaps even her beloved.
Clap, clap…
When the dance ended, the Shogun raised her hands and began to clap softly. The sound was delicate, meant for the two of them alone.
"Phew… I must have made you laugh," Ayaka said, cheeks flushed as she stepped to the shore. She sat upon a stone, leaning back as she wiped her damp feet dry before slipping on her socks and shoes once again. Then she approached the Shogun shyly, holding her fan with both hands like a bashful girl.
"The dance was truly beautiful… and of course, the one who danced it was able to master such beauty. That too… is a form of grace."
The Shogun reached out, gently tucking Ayaka's slightly damp bangs behind her ear as she praised her.
"Hehe… you flatter me. But hearing such words from you, Shogun-sama… makes all those days of practice worth it."
She had long wanted to perform this dance for the woman before her, but the chance had never come—until tonight. There was no way she would let this opportunity slip away.
But in the next instant, she felt a soft tap on her forehead.
"Ah…"
Ayaka let out a small, adorable sound.
"Next time, don't wade into the river barefoot like that. You'll catch a cold," the Shogun said, her tone tinged with mild reproach.
Even such an ordinary expression of care filled Ayaka's heart with warmth—that was her gentleness.
"Mm… I won't," Ayaka replied with a sweet smile. Then, taking the Shogun's hand, she gently pulled her along toward the steps leading back to the Kamisato Estate.
"Phew…"
The Shogun shook her head lightly but allowed herself to be led.
After a few minutes, the two finally arrived at the gates of the Kamisato Estate.
It was time to part ways—they both knew it well.
"By the way…"
The Shogun seemed to recall something.
"Hmm?" Ayaka tilted her head slightly, waiting patiently for her to continue.
"Earlier, you mentioned three people who lost their Visions…"
"Eh? Ah—yes." Ayaka blinked in surprise before nodding in understanding. She was long used to the Shogun's sudden shifts in thought. All she could do was smile softly in quiet affection.
"I, along with Ei… have already returned the Visions. Only those three remain," the Shogun said calmly.
"I… I didn't expect that you would return the Visions to them yourself," Ayaka replied, blinking in surprise. Her expression grew a little complicated—had she caused trouble for the Shogun by suggesting it?
"I know. But… those three were indeed pitiful. As the Raiden Shogun of Inazuma, it is my responsibility to shoulder such matters. What you said that day merely reminded me of it."
She shook her head gently.
"…Thank you, Shogun-sama."
Ayaka could think of nothing else to say—only gratitude. Yet, perhaps there was still one more way to bring this day to a perfect close.
"There's no need to thank me. This was also for your peace of mind. This way, you'll have one less thing to worry about, won't you?"
The Shogun crossed her arms slightly, her tone carrying a teasing warmth.
"Mm…"
Hearing those words, Ayaka's resolve hardened again. She would do it.
"Shogun-sama… there's a bit of dust on your shoulder," she said suddenly, stepping closer with an innocent smile. Her delicate hand reached toward the collar of the Shogun's kimono, pretending to brush away the 'dust.'
"?"
The Shogun turned her head slightly to glance at her shoulder.
Now's my chance!
Ayaka's gaze fell upon the pale, beautiful face right before her—so close, so tempting, almost inviting her forward.
Chu~
Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around the other woman and pressed her soft lips against the Shogun's own.
"!"
The Shogun froze instantly, realizing she had walked straight into the girl's trap. Her body trembled as Ayaka held her tightly, leaving her unable to move.
She didn't dare use force—if she did, this mortal girl's body might be hurt. But remaining still only made the faint warmth against her lips grow worse. She found herself helplessly leaning back, her face flushing as she tried to turn slightly away.
"Mmh~!"
Ayaka let out a soft hum through her nose, almost playfully, refusing to let her escape.
"…."
Hearing that, the Shogun—almost instinctively—stopped resisting. She tilted her head just slightly, allowing the girl in her arms to continue. A deep blush crept across her face, the heat spreading to the tips of her ears.
"Mm~"
Chu~
A final soft sound escaped Ayaka's lips as she slowly pulled away, satisfaction in her expression. The purple-haired woman before her was now covering her lips with the back of her hand, her face flushed with color.
Ayaka stepped back toward the edge of the gate, peeked out shyly, and smiled.
"I hope Shogun-sama will like… Ayaka's little 'gift.'"
The next second, she slipped out of sight beyond the gate, leaving only the faint sound of her hurried footsteps—and one violet-haired woman whose cheeks were still tinged pink.
"Phew…"
Left alone, the Shogun brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, trying to hide the redness of her earlobes. She placed a hand over her chest, as if to calm her racing heart.
That girl… truly startled her.
Sigh… This child—taking advantage of her distraction to pull such a move… she really was growing bolder, more 'mature.'
"Ahem…"
Forcing back her blush, she gave a small cough before quickly turning away, her steps brisk as she departed.
At this moment, her once pure, untouched heart had been quietly stained with the color of another. She didn't know whose color might paint it next—but one thing she did know for certain was this:
Right now, she wanted nothing more than to return to Ei's side.
...
The next day, the atmosphere within the Kujou estate of the Tenryou Commission had fallen to freezing point. Several officers knelt upon the tatami floor, beads of cold sweat trickling down their faces as they endured the furious scolding of the elder seated above them.
Bang!
Upon hearing the latest news, Kujou Takayuki slammed his hands against the table, his face twisted in rage.
"!" ×N
The sudden crash made the soldiers flinch, but none dared to speak. They simply bowed their heads, enduring his anger in tense silence.
"A bunch of fools! Useless trash! Incompetent idiots!"
Whoosh!
Kujou Takayuki stood abruptly, sweeping the stack of documents from his desk with a violent motion. The neatly arranged pages scattered like snowflakes, covering the floor and even the men before him.
"..." ×N
The soldiers trembled where they knelt.
"I told you not to let the Shogun meet Kamisato Ayaka! I told you to keep her away! But what did you fools do? You let her right in?!"
Clack!
He slammed his folding fan to the floor in fury, startling them once again.
That's the Raiden Shogun, for Archon's sake… You do it if you can! the soldiers thought bitterly, though none dared voice such defiance. A single misplaced word could cost them their lives.
"But, Lord Takayuki… the Shogun, she—"
"Did I say you could speak?"
The captain beside him had tried to explain, but was immediately silenced.
"N—no…" the man stammered softly.
"Then shut up!!"
"Yes, sir!!" the soldier shouted in terror.
"Phew… What should we do now?!"
Kujou Takayuki's usual calm had vanished, replaced by a pale, restless expression. He paced back and forth across the tatami like a trapped animal, searching for a way out.
"Lord Takayuki… perhaps you're overthinking this. Even if the Shogun meets her, it shouldn't be a big—"
"Not a big deal?! You idiot!"
Kujou Takayuki froze mid-step and glared down at the man who had tried to comfort him. His face darkened until it was nearly purple with rage.
"Uh…" The soldier immediately fell silent.
"Do you fools have any idea how dangerous Kamisato Ayaka is? And now that the Shogun has met her—don't you see how that gives her an advantage?!"
"The Kamisato family is not to be underestimated! Kamisato Ayato hasn't returned yet—this was the perfect opportunity! And now you've all ruined it!"
How is that our fault?! the men thought indignantly. Could anyone stop the Raiden Shogun by force? That's treason!
But they dared not say it aloud.
"Still, Lord Takayuki… perhaps the Shogun won't side with her," another soldier offered timidly, trying to ease the tension.
"Hah! You talk more nonsense than you breathe!"
"Do you even understand the bond between the Shogun and the Kamisato family? When their house was on the verge of collapse, it was the Shogun herself who restored them! Back then, both the Tenryou and Kanjou Commissions planned to use the opportunity to crush the Yashiro Commission—but the one who intervened was… tch!"
Kujou Takayuki sighed heavily and sank down before the low table, covering his face with one hand as irritation and unease gnawed at him.
"..." ×N
The men exchanged nervous glances but wisely held their tongues.
"Get out. All of you."
He waved a hand dismissively.
Clack…
The sliding doors closed, leaving the old man alone with his thoughts.
"Phew… enough."
Having calmed slightly, Kujou Takayuki exhaled and muttered to himself.
"Heh… I only act for Inazuma's sake—for the Kujou family, for the Tenryou Commission. The Shogun will understand. Besides—"
A sly smile curved his lips.
They still had support from their allies in Snezhnaya… The situation hadn't yet reached its worst point.
...
"Phew… embezzlement, secret dealings with the Fatui, falsifying military reports—how utterly foolish,"
Meanwhile, within the Plane of Euthymia, Ei furrowed her brows, arms crossed as she spoke in a cold, low voice.
"Has the Tenryou Commission truly fallen so far?"
Her expression darkened, her lips pressing into a thin line. Her tone was heavy, laced with bitter disappointment.
So they take me for a fool now… heh… are they trying to undermine me? How dare they!
"…Do not let anger consume you," the Shogun said softly, her tone gentle and composed, as if to soothe her counterpart.
"…I am not angry. It's just that the first head of the Tenryou Commission was once personally appointed by me… and to think that the Kujou family's descendants have now fallen to such shamelessness."
Even in her current state, Ei's tone softened instantly at the Shogun's gentle words. That was the Shogun's special power—she could always calm her.
"Kujou Takayuki will be dealt with, but we must not act rashly," the Shogun said, stepping closer to her.
"I understand. You intend to use this opportunity to catch the true culprit behind it all, don't you?" Ei replied.
As the saying goes, cast a long line to catch a big fish—that was the plan.
Ei understood her perfectly. She knew how rotten the current shogunate had become.
"Yes… Kujou Takayuki will serve as the bait, drawing out the true enemy. Then, it will be time to settle accounts."
Her violet eyes grew cold. The roles between them had suddenly reversed—now it was the Shogun who radiated icy determination.
"Very well… I'll follow your lead," Ei said with a tender smile. She reached out, her fingers brushing against the Shogun's cheek and the strands of her hair, gently lifting the fringe that concealed the beauty mark beneath her eye—identical to her own.
"…"
The Shogun didn't resist, simply closing her eyes with a faintly helpless expression as Ei caressed her face.
"Shogun…"
"?"
Hearing Ei's quiet voice, she opened her eyes again.
"Being with me… isn't it boring?"
Compared to Ayaka, she must seem dull—no wonder the Shogun spent so much time with the Kamisato girl.
"…Why would it be boring?"
The Shogun blinked, confused. Why was she suddenly saying such strange things?
"Because I'm dull," Ei said softly. "I don't jest, I stay here all day, and I know little of the outside world. Isn't that boring for you?"
Her gentle eyes shimmered with a faint sadness. On her beautiful face—so identical to the Shogun's—lingered an expression of quiet melancholy, love entangled with longing.
Aside from their personalities, perhaps their eyes were the only real difference. Ei's eyes were bright and full of life, like the surface of a pure, tranquil lake.
"What nonsense. Have you gone mad?"
The Shogun sighed and half-lidded her eyes in helplessness.
"Mm… I'm serious—"
"Ha… This vessel has never found you boring or dull. Do such things even matter?"
The Shogun's tone carried a hint of annoyance as she stared at her.
"Do you spend your days in the Plane of Euthymia thinking about such meaningless things?"
"…(shakes head)."
Ei silently shook her head, meaning no.
"It's just… how I felt," she murmured softly—her tone so delicate, she almost sounded like a small, shy creature.
"Ei… don't dwell on such empty thoughts. You still have me with you… at least///"
The Shogun forced down her shyness and spoke honestly.
With someone like Ei, being straightforward was the only way—otherwise, she might misunderstand.
"Pfft… I know. Thank you… Shogun."
Of course, the truth was Ei hadn't misunderstood at all—she was simply pretending to. Her emotional intelligence was far from low. She could play dumb with foxes when she wanted, but with the Shogun… she didn't. With her, she accepted everything—and even responded in kind.
"…No need for thanks."
Now it was the Shogun's turn to blush. Her delicate cheeks reddened as she turned her gaze away shyly. Seeing this, Ei smiled fondly.
Control yourself, Raiden Ei… she's your daughter, she reminded herself. You mustn't pounce on her, no matter how adorable she is!
"By the way… that Traveler you mentioned—where are they now?"
Ei suddenly shifted the topic. She was curious about the Traveler, the one who could wield elemental power without a Vision. Since being defeated by the Shogun last time, their whereabouts had been unknown.
"…They've joined the resistance," the Shogun replied.
"The resistance…" Ei murmured, frowning slightly. They might become a problem in the future—but for now, they posed no real threat.
Besides, she knew the Shogun didn't truly wish to fight them. After all, Orobashi had once entrusted that matter to her personally.
"This vessel will not allow anyone to shake 'Eternity.' If that Traveler appears before me again… I will cut them down completely."
Hearing such cold determination, Ei didn't object. She simply nodded in silence. The Shogun's will was her will; her resolve was shared.
"We'll leave the resistance aside for now. The Fatui are the greater concern," Ei said, turning to gaze toward the red torii gates behind her. Her eyes fixed on the crimson moon that hung over the distant horizon.
Step, step…
The Shogun joined her, standing shoulder to shoulder beneath the torii. Their twin silhouettes mirrored one another perfectly—two figures in perfect harmony, gazing together at the blood-red moon.
"It's time we gave Inazuma a thorough cleansing," Ei said.
The two turned their heads slightly toward each other, sharing a knowing, secret smile.