—Sangonomiya Kokomi.
The girl with that dreamy aura, beautiful as a painting, surfaced in her mind.
"..."
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she quietly sat back down between the two, leaning forward with one hand supporting her cheek, thinking about something.
Sss~
Ei took a small sip of tea, then set the cup back on the table and turned her head toward her daughter.
"What do you think?"
She asked softly.
"Yes, my Shogun-sama, is there something on your mind?"
Ayaka also leaned forward slightly, asking affectionately.
"I'm a little uneasy about sending Sara to confront Sangonomiya Kokomi."
She glanced at Ayaka on her left and Ei on her right, speaking softly.
"Indeed... Sara is a bit straightforward. She might suffer losses during the exchange."
Ei understood her concern, crossing her arms as she analyzed quietly.
"If it's merely a contest of words, Sangonomiya Kokomi will be difficult to handle... sending Sara alone will likely lead to her being outmaneuvered."
Her finger gently rotated the empty teacup as she lowered her gaze to the patterns on the table and concluded calmly.
"Then what does Shogun-sama intend?"
Ayaka asked perceptively.
"Haa... I'll go personally."
She stopped turning the teacup and raised her eyes to reply.
"You mean... you'll personally represent the Shogunate in peace talks with her?"
Ayaka frowned slightly.
"No, not on behalf of the Shogunate, but representing all of Narukami Island, and Inazuma as a whole."
When this matter ends, Watatsumi Island will truly be brought under Inazuma's rule. After all, a country within a country is far too disgraceful!
"Unless..."
Ei seemed about to say something.
"What is it, Ei?"
The Shogun turned to look at her mother on her left.
"Unless I go? I could talk to her."
Ei suggested, looking toward her.
"That won't do!"
She immediately stopped her.
"...Why not?"
Ei asked in confusion.
"Perhaps because of your identity—after all, you are the god of Inazuma."
Ayaka answered.
"My identity... but aren't you—"
"I'm different. Though I too am a god, I am still Ei's daughter. If anything, my status is a step below yours, isn't it? Besides, you're not familiar with Sangonomiya Kokomi, and it's easy for conflicts to arise. And your temper... if you got too worked up and cut them down with one swing, wouldn't that be terrible?"
The Shogun rested her palm against her temple, glancing at Ei with a teasing tone. It was true—her identity made it too risky for Ei to go herself. Her going alone would be enough, perhaps even generous, since letting Ei appear personally would be excessive. If only the Tenryou Commission handled the talks, she wouldn't feel at ease—both because Sara would represent them, and because of the Tenryou Commission's track record.
"Haa... I'm not that violent. That's unfair~"
Ei pouted slightly at the remark, taking another sip of tea. While what her daughter said wasn't wrong, she still wouldn't easily draw her blade.
"...(glances sideways)"
During this, she secretly gave Ayaka a knowing look.
"(gesturing) Lady Ei, I think it's best to let Shogun-sama go. After all, Shogun-sama has met Miss Sangonomiya several times before. When it comes to serious discussions, things will go smoother that way. Besides, do you not trust Shogun-sama's experience in handling Inazuman affairs?"
After all, for the past 500 years, it had been the Shogun managing Inazuma. Whether it was the Seirai Island incident or the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual, her administrative ability was beyond question.
Ayaka followed the Shogun's hint and gently persuaded Ei.
"It's not that I don't trust her... It's just that she's my daughter, Raiden Ei's daughter, and yet she still has to run around for matters like this. I just... feel reluctant."
Ei lowered her eyes, speaking softly.
"Ei, haven't I been running around quite a bit these past years?"
The Shogun asked with a faint smile. She had personally handled the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual herself, after all. She was already used to it. She was still young, and running about for Inazuma's sake was only natural. She didn't want to become some pampered "Raiden Lady" who never left her home.
"...Yes, you've certainly done your share of running. I'm sorry, Shogun… it's my fault. All these years, I've always—"
Ei's voice grew muffled with guilt.
"There's no need to apologize to me. This is what I should do. Though I may still be somewhat inexperienced, I also want to share the burden with you."
She gently held her mother's hand, speaking softly.
"...Alright… I understand. Go then… be careful on the road."
Ei, finally persuaded, squeezed her hand in return and spoke with a mother's tone of care. During this, Ayaka pressed her fan to her chin, gazing fondly at the two with warm eyes.
"Mm…"
After nodding to her, the Shogun glanced once more at Ayaka.
"Shogun-sama, once you reach Watatsumi Island, you should try to engage with Miss Sangonomiya properly. It's best if both sides can come to a mutual understanding."
Ayaka whispered this reminder.
"I understand. I'll be going now."
She nodded, then stood and walked to the edge of the carpet, preparing to slip her feet back into her heeled sandals.
"Ah, wait a moment…"
Seeing her movement, Ayaka suddenly remembered something and hurried back into the bedroom.
"?"
The Shogun paused mid-motion, her stockinged foot hovering just above the sandal before she drew it back to rest on the soft carpet, looking curiously toward Ayaka.
Clatter~
Ayaka reopened the bedroom door, placing a pair of brand-new shoes by her feet.
"What's this…?"
"These match the outfit you're wearing. I forgot to bring them out earlier. Please try them on—I had them custom-made to your size."
Ayaka explained gently.
She knew the Shogun's feet were nearly the same size as her own—both delicate and slender—so tailoring them had been simple.
It was a pair of deep-colored heels perfectly matching her outfit. Unlike Inazuma's traditional sandals, these had pointed toes that concealed the front of the foot. The inner fit matched her width exactly. Her silk-covered foot slid smoothly inside, her toes—veiled under the sheer black fabric—nestled perfectly beneath the leather. A cool touch spread softly across her skin.
Tap, tap…
The high heels clicked crisply against the floor. Ayaka bent down and tied two thin black ribbons attached to the heel loops around her graceful ankles.
As her feet moved, the ribbons fluttered adorably with each motion.
Ayaka nodded with satisfaction. Originally, she had planned thicker straps, but for beauty's sake, she chose delicate ribbons instead, to reflect the Shogun's inner gentleness and purity.
Tap, tap…
"..."
The Shogun lightly pressed the shoes down again, then bent her leg slightly to inspect the small black bow tied behind her ankle.
"Thank you…"
She looked toward Ayaka with gratitude. She hadn't expected such thoughtfulness—indeed, this was the White Heron Princess. She truly liked this new outfit; warmth bloomed quietly in her heart.
"No need to thank me… as long as you like it."
Ayaka smiled softly and brushed a hand against her cheek.
"Then… I'll take my leave."
"Safe travels, Shogun-sama."
Ayaka folded her fan and gave a graceful bow.
The Shogun nodded, then stepped out of Tenshukaku in her newly adorned attire. Perhaps due to the change in footwear, the clicking of her heels was even clearer than before.
"Ayaka."
"Yes, Lady Ei?"
Ayaka turned to face her immediately.
"You… perhaps you could make one for me as well?"
Ei asked curiously.
"...Hehe, for Lady Ei, I'd need to design something with a different kind of charm from Shogun-sama's~"
Ayaka replied with a gentle laugh.
"Haa… forget it. Continue caring for her instead. Seeing her so loved by you all—it brings me comfort as her mother."
Ei sighed, looking down at her now-empty teacup.
"..."
Seeing this, Ayaka quietly knelt before her again, refilling her cup with smooth, graceful movements equal to the Shogun's.
"Ayaka…"
Ei's eyes softened, a trace of hope glimmering within them.
"I'm here, Lady Ei."
Ayaka set down the teapot and her fan, straightening her posture with her hands on her thighs, sitting neatly before her.
"This child in the future… will trouble you with extra care."
"...Please rest assured, Lady Ei. Shogun-sama raised me from childhood. I will never betray her. Though I only have a hundred years of life compared to Shogun-sama, within that time I'll do all I can to look after her."
After speaking, Ayaka placed her hands to the floor and bowed deeply.
"Please, rise. There's no need for such formality. Hearing those words puts my heart at ease."
"...Mm."
After helping Ayaka up, their eyes met. They both smiled knowingly, then returned to their tea together.
"However…"
"...Yes, Lady Ei?"
Hearing Ei speak again, Ayaka looked up attentively, waiting for her next words.
"The words 'only a hundred years of life'—do not mention them in her presence. Hearing them would surely sadden her."
Ei's tone was gentle, filled with quiet warmth.
"...Understood, Lady Ei. You need not worry."
Ayaka's gaze softened, a hint of melancholy flickering in her eyes. Yet her lips curved into a calm, understanding smile as she replied obediently.
...
Whoosh~!
The sea breeze of Watatsumi Island had always been much more humid than that of Narukami Island. Just as Kokomi once described—it was as soft and cool as a jellyfish's touch, while Narukami's sea breeze carried the nimble liveliness of a darting fish.
"Haa…"
She exhaled softly toward the sky, raising her gaze to the clear blue expanse above. Folding her arms, she drifted into thought. Her smooth, pale pink hair swayed in the cold wind like beautiful coral dancing in the air.
The place she stood now was a quiet shoreline near Watatsumi Island. Of course, she was here for a reason—to await the arrival of an important guest. The person in question had sent her a letter in advance.
Her heart was a tangled mix of emotions: joy at the chance to meet this person again and unease over the purpose of their visit. The joy was obvious—an opportunity to strengthen relations—but the unease... she already knew what brought the other party here.
Splash~
As she lingered in thought, a modest private vessel quietly approached the shore within her sight.
"!"
She snapped out of her thoughts, brushing them all aside as she stepped quickly toward the docking point to greet the esteemed guest.
Tap, tap…
The pleasant rhythm of heels reached her ears first, followed by the appearance of a violet-haired beauty descending from the boat—her movements steady and graceful.
"...?"
The moment she disembarked, her eyes met the figure awaiting her on the shore—a girl wrapped in ethereal robes, as dreamy and luminous as a jellyfish.
"Shogun-sama... welcome once again to Watatsumi Island. You must have had a tiring journey."
Kokomi stepped forward and gracefully extended her gloved hand, palm up, as if inviting a guest of honor.
"...Once again?"
Seeing the gesture, the Shogun understood and raised her own gloved hand—black silk against white—as their fingers met in perfect symmetry. The two colors intertwined, just like the contrast of their identities. Kokomi lightly grasped her hand and guided her down from the ship. Their movement, mirrored and fluid, carried the grace of ritual yet the ease of familiarity.
"Last time, you came to our island due to the Delusion incident... but you left in haste. You never had time to properly tour the island."
Kokomi referred to the matter involving Teppei, which the Shogun recalled at once.
"It's fine. This time, I've come properly. Would Miss Sangonomiya be willing to act as my guide~?"
The Shogun crossed her arms slightly, teasing with a faint smile.
"Hehe... of course. It would be my honor to lead you, Shogun-sama."
Kokomi responded with a calm smile and bowed lightly, hands folded before her.
At this moment, their conversation still carried the tone of formal diplomacy.
"..." ×2
A few seconds of silence fell between them—an almost awkward pause.
"Haa… enough with the formalities."
The Shogun broke the tension, walking forward casually as she spoke.
"Mm… it's just that it's been so long since we last met. I didn't know how else to start the conversation."
Hearing the Shogun's relaxed tone, Kokomi exhaled softly and followed obediently beside her.
"I didn't expect you to come meet me yourself."
The Shogun glanced at the girl walking beside her.
"...Would you rather I stayed in the shrine, pretending not to notice your arrival?"
Kokomi replied with a teasing smile, stepping slightly ahead to face her.
"That's up to you. I'm not that proud or difficult to please."
She stopped again mid-step.
"Of course, if you had done that… I would've assumed you knew I was coming and had already told everyone on the island to prepare—so as not to slip up during my visit."
"..."
Kokomi halted as well, meeting her gaze quietly. Her gradient eyes, like glass reflecting the sea, showed no irritation—only a soft, helpless smile as she shook her head slightly.
"I didn't tell them about your arrival today."
Kokomi answered plainly.
"Why not? Don't you want your people to 'perform' a little in front of me?"
The Shogun asked with a knowing tone.
"...That would only be superficial. Besides, I don't think what you wish to see is something as simple as 'performance.'"
Kokomi replied sharply, her mind keen as ever.
"Oh? Then perhaps you already know why I've come here?"
The Shogun's eyes narrowed slightly, her interest piqued. That "purpose" had never been mentioned in her letter—intentionally so.
"You came for the peace negotiations, didn't you?"
Kokomi stated directly.
"Correct. Since you're the one seeking talks, you can speak with me instead. Simple and straightforward, isn't it?"
With that, she stepped forward past Kokomi, leaving behind a glimpse of her slender back.
"..."
Kokomi paused for a moment before realizing, turning to watch the Shogun's retreating figure.
Pfft…
She stifled a soft laugh and followed after her.
"Shogun-sama."
Catching up, she walked alongside her once more and called out softly.
"What is it?"
The Shogun didn't look at her, eyes half-closed, but still answered.
"Your subordinate, Miss Kujou Sara, was supposed to be my negotiation counterpart."
Kokomi confirmed.
"She's been replaced. Sara's too straightforward—honest to a fault. On the negotiation table, you'd have her wrapped around your finger in minutes. If she were to sign something that favored Watatsumi Island but disgraced Narukami, wouldn't that be disastrous?"
The Shogun's tone carried weary resignation.
"..."
Kokomi fell silent for a while instead of replying.
"What's wrong? Disappointed? What a pity… seems your little scheme has fallen through."
Hearing her silence, the Shogun shrugged lightly, her voice laced with mockery—though faintly indifferent.
"...Do you perhaps hold a certain prejudice against me?"
Kokomi asked frankly, a subtle pain flickering in her heart.
"...Isn't that the case?"
The Shogun asked back as if it were only natural.
"...That makes me sad."
Kokomi lowered her gaze, her tone quiet and tinged with hurt.
"..."
Seeing her expression, the Shogun exhaled softly and stepped forward again, as if trying to leave her behind.
"!"
But Kokomi didn't give up—she quickened her pace and caught up again.
"Shogun-sama, did you know? I… have always wanted to get along with you, to know you better—!"
Tap, tap…
The Shogun stopped abruptly, her gaze turning slightly cold as she looked at her.
"..."
Kokomi also stopped, meeting that gaze head-on without retreating—just like when they had faced each other in the Plane of Euthymia.
"I want to… understand you. And I want you to truly understand me. I know you dislike me, that you're dissatisfied with me—that you think I'm someone two-faced, always scheming in the shadows. But… I can say with all honesty—you're wrong. I'm not what you think I am."
Kokomi pressed her hand over her heart, speaking each word with sincerity and conviction—every sentence her true feelings.
"..."
The Shogun said nothing, her silence deep and unreadable.
"I remember everything you've done for us—the times you helped us. The raincoat and umbrella you gave me, I still treasure them dearly. To tell you the truth… I can hardly bring myself to use them. When I saw your letter this time, I was truly happy. To see you again… to get to know you, to be closer to you."
She stepped forward, gazing at the woman who still stood in silence before her.
"..."
The Shogun's eyes remained fixed on her, her expression calm but impenetrable.
"I'm sorry… I've said too much."
Kokomi realized how much she had spoken, and a twinge of regret filled her heart. Surely, she thought, the Shogun must hate her even more now.
...Haa…