Lumine: "Alright, let's not talk about that. Tell me about yourselves. You're on an diplomatic mission to Sumeru, so why are you staying in this small Vimara Village? Logically, both Port Ormos and Sumeru City would be more suitable for you, wouldn't they?"
To this question, Miyashiro merely said indifferently: "Our ship ran aground near Vimara Village, creating a large hole. We had no choice but to dock nearby for repairs."
Paimon: "Is that so? Well, there's nothing that can be done then."
Paimon actually believed Miyashiro's explanation, which left Lumine speechless. She knew Miyashiro's strength, not to mention his masterful ninja techniques. Even if he really did run aground, repairing a large hole would be a piece of cake for Miyashiro.
Therefore, this was definitely not Miyashiro's true purpose for staying here. However, for those who didn't understand Miyashiro's specific abilities, running aground was indeed a good excuse. They couldn't continue sailing with a damaged ship, could they? What if it sank?
Lumine didn't expose Miyashiro on the spot. After all, this was a political matter between Inazuma and Sumeru, and it was better for her to get involved as little as possible, lest she be wanted in Sumeru again.
Lumine: "Miyashiro, since you have an Akasha Terminal, I wonder if you could help me ask if there's a way to meet Lesser Lord Kusanali?"
Paimon was also reminded by Lumine's words and suddenly realized: "Oh right! We came to Sumeru to find Lesser Lord Kusanali. There are some things we need to ask her. I didn't expect to be delayed by the Aranara's matters for so long. I almost forgot about it."
Upon this request, Miyashiro turned to look at Ayaka, who immediately understood and began to operate the Akasha Terminal, seeking answers about Lesser Lord Kusanali from the Akasha.
Ayaka: "Five hundred years ago, the sages found the newborn deity from the ruins of the scorched earth... Currently residing in the Sanctuary of Surasthana."
Hmm? Sorry, the Akasha didn't respond to the question about how to meet Lesser Lord Kusanali. And, as Sumeru's deity, is there really so little information about her in the Akasha? How strange!"
Paimon: "Oh no—why is that?"
Ayaka: "I'll try other ways of asking, to see if I can get some information indirectly."
After trying various indirect ways of asking, Ayaka finally shook her head.
Ayaka: "I'm sorry, it's still not working. Not only is there no way to meet Lesser Lord Kusanali, but in the records of the Akasha, there's no record of anyone ever successfully meeting Lesser Lord Kusanali. Lesser Lord Kusanali seems to have always resided in the Sanctuary of Surasthana and never come out."
Most of the residents in the current Sumeru City still worship the deceased Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, not Lesser Lord Kusanali."
Miyashiro sneered at this, saying: "Is it another nation that worships a deceased deity? No wonder it has become so distorted."
Paimon: "Oh no—is Lesser Lord Kusanali also a deity who likes to stay indoors, just like Ei?"
Ayaka added: "It seems to be more than that. Although the Shogun has resided in Tenshukaku for many years, she still attends some important events in Inazuma."
However, Lesser Lord Kusanali seems to have never attended any important events in Sumeru City for five hundred years. I suspect that the residents of the city might not even know what Lesser Lord Kusanali looks like."
Paimon: "Huh? Why is that? That's a bit strange."
Miyashiro: "What's so strange about it? The Akademiya is the true ruler of Sumeru. Although the people there believe in deities, many still believe in Greater Lord Rukkhadevata to this day."
In their view, it was Greater Lord Rukkhadevata who created Sumeru and left behind the Akasha. Lesser Lord Kusanali merely inherited these by chance."
As for the common people, under the influence of the Akademiya, they naturally understand and revere Greater Lord Rukkhadevata more. Coupled with Lesser Lord Kusanali never showing her face, and the Akademiya rarely publicizing information about her, gradually, for the people of Sumeru, she is just a deity who exists."
Paimon: "Why does it sound like Lesser Lord Kusanali is a bit pitiful?"
Miyashiro: "Haha, perhaps. The personalities of deities vary. Perhaps this Lesser Lord Kusanali, like the Anemo Archon of Mondstadt, doesn't wish to participate in human affairs."
When Lumine and Paimon heard this, the image of the green-cloaked bard getting drunk and acting crazy in the tavern couldn't help but come to mind.
Paimon: "Uh... I already have a mental image. It's possible, I guess. The personalities of deities seem to be very peculiar."
The Anemo Archon, who advocates freedom, is a drunkard; the Geo Archon, who is the God of Wealth, has no Mora; the Electro Archon, who pursues eternity, is a shut-in. So, it's normal that Lesser Lord Kusanali, the God of Wisdom, might also have an unknown side, right?
Miyashiro: "It seems the Akasha Terminal isn't omnipotent. Perhaps some answers can only be found by ourselves."
Paimon: "But if that's the case, how can we meet Lesser Lord Kusanali?"
Kokomi, who had been silently beside them, suddenly said something startling: "From the current situation, there are probably only two ways to meet Lesser Lord Kusanali."
Paimon: "Oh no—really?"
Paimon and Lumine's faces immediately showed surprise. In their opinion, for this almost unsolvable situation, Kokomi not only had a solution but even two.
Kokomi smiled slightly: "Actually, the Akasha Terminal has already told us the answer. Lesser Lord Kusanali resides in the Sanctuary of Surasthana at the very top of Sumeru City. If that's the case, then it's simple. Paimon can fly, and the Traveler is skilled. Sneaking in wouldn't be difficult."
Paimon was startled by these words: "You mean, let us secretly sneak into a deity's residence? That's too bold, isn't it?"
Kokomi explained: "It does have a certain degree of danger, but it's not impossible. The Akademiya is trying its best to downplay Lesser Lord Kusanali's influence. Therefore, even if the Sanctuary of Surasthana has guards, there won't be many. The Traveler is very capable, so knocking out a few guards wouldn't be difficult."
Furthermore, you're seeking Lesser Lord Kusanali, not trying to harm her, right? After meeting the deity and getting the answers you want, you can quickly leave."
Lumine also felt this method was a bit risky. After all, she didn't know Lesser Lord Kusanali and wasn't sure about the deity's temperament. Trespassing into a deity's residence without permission, it would be troublesome if she was deemed an invader and attacked.
In Inazuma, Lumine had directly faced Ei, the Electro Archon. With her strength, killing Lumine would not be difficult.
In Lumine's perception, since Lesser Lord Kusanali was also one of the Seven Archons, her strength should be on the same level as Ei's.
After much thought, Lumine asked: "What's the other method?"
Hearing Lumine's question, Kokomi's face showed a meaningful smile.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
[patreon.com/TripleCrown07]
Thank you so much for your support!!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"