"Challenging your authority was never my purpose here," Severin said calmly, his hands clasped behind his back.
"I want to meet Ei—Beelzebul."
At those words, the Raiden Shogun's chest rose and fell sharply.
The long blade in her hand flickered with unstable light, her suppressed fury threatening to erupt at any moment.
There was rage—at a secret laid bare.
And indignation—at being openly disregarded.
The Raiden Shogun was a puppet created by Ei.
This was the highest secret of Inazuma.
And yet, the Prince of Snezhnaya had spoken it aloud.
That could only mean one thing—Snezhnaya already possessed this intelligence.
Someone had leaked it.
The Raiden Shogun instantly deduced the culprit.
Scaramouche.
But now was not the time to settle accounts.
What truly demanded scrutiny was the Prince's attitude.
"Prince of Snezhnaya," the Raiden Shogun said coldly,
"you must understand this—I am Beelzebul. I am the most supreme and terrifying incarnation of lightning in this world!"
Violent Electro energy leaked from her pupils in strands.
In an instant, the heavens darkened.
Lightning surged and thunder roared.
Such secrets were not meant for mortal ears.
The exchange between the two had been conducted through divine communion—heard by none but themselves.
"You act as Snezhnaya's envoy, yet repeatedly provoke my authority," the Raiden Shogun continued.
"Do you believe that with the Tsaritsa behind you, you may act without restraint?"
"Even if she herself stood here, she would not dare behave so arrogantly."
Severin shook his head slowly.
"Inazuma's intelligence apparatus is… lacking," he replied coolly.
"Had you investigated properly, you would know that I have never needed the Tsaritsa to shield me."
"On the contrary—
I am the one shielding Snezhnaya."
The words rang with undisguised dominance.
"And one more thing," Severin continued, his voice steady.
"You do not represent Ei."
"Whether it is the Vision Hunt Decree, or the Sakoku Decree, both were erroneous edicts issued by your will alone."
"They will lead Inazuma to ruin."
This time, Severin did not use divine communion.
Every word echoed clearly across Tenshukaku.
"Vision Hunt Decree."
"Sakoku Decree."
In Inazuma, these were taboo topics—forbidden even to discuss.
Severin's declaration struck like a bolt from a clear sky.
He was the Prince of Snezhnaya.
His words represented Snezhnaya's stance.
The impact on public sentiment was immediate.
Murmurs erupted like boiling water.
"H-He really said it…"
"The people of Snezhnaya truly have no sense of propriety, criticizing another nation's internal affairs so openly. I've never liked them—too domineering. But…"
"…what he said isn't wrong. The Vision Hunt Decree and the Sakoku Decree have harmed our country deeply."
The Raiden Shogun's expression darkened, killing intent surging in her eyes.
She had treated him with courtesy.
Yet the Prince returned that courtesy with open provocation.
"This body exists to uphold law and eternity," she declared coldly.
"Prince of Snezhnaya—are you declaring yourself my enemy?"
"No," Severin snapped back.
"You are the one standing against millions of Inazuman people."
He pointed toward the wandering samurai.
"They were once seen by the gods. Chosen by fate. Granted Visions. Their ordinary lives opened onto new paths, and the world became brighter because of them."
"You stole that happiness from them."
"You shattered their lives."
"You strangled the hopes of ordinary people."
His reasoning was simple—yet devastating.
To Severin, Visions bridged the distance between mortals and gods.
They ensured that this world did not belong to gods alone.
Vision-bearers used elemental power to defend their homes, serve their people, and transcend mundane fate.
They were grateful—for the gods' gifts, for the world's beauty.
And the Raiden Shogun had taken it all away.
She had given them hope—
only to crush them into despair.
What she destroyed was not merely lives, but faith in the nation itself.
Severin spoke the thoughts countless people had buried in silence.
Tears welled in many eyes.
Some choked back sobs on the spot.
The wandering samurai trembled with emotion.
Abolishing the Vision Hunt Decree had always been his goal—one he was willing to die for.
His friend Kaedehara Kazuha had arrived, standing firmly at his side.
Kazuha let out a bitter laugh.
"To think… the one who understands us best comes from Snezhnaya."
"The crimes of the Vision Hunt Decree need no further words," Severin continued.
"Now let's speak of the Sakoku Decree."
"Sealing the nation's borders and cutting off maritime trade is nothing short of digging your own grave."
"Inazuma is an island nation. Resources are limited. Foreign trade is the foundation of prosperity."
"To isolate yourselves, reject growth, and refuse development—
that is ignorance incarnate!"
"Fall behind… and you will be crushed."
"Or annihilated."
The final words fell like a hammer.
The bitter lessons of isolation and humiliation echoed too clearly.
"Absurd! Utter nonsense!" the Raiden Shogun shouted, gripping her blade.
"As long as I reign over Inazuma, who would dare invade it? Who would dare wipe it from existence?"
As long as she lived, Inazuma would endure.
Eternal. Unbroken.
Severin sighed softly.
"Are you certain… that you alone can protect all of Inazuma?"
"If that were true, then Kitsune Saiguu, Chiyo, and Sasayuri would not have died."
The Raiden Shogun froze.
Though a puppet, she carried all of Ei's memories and emotions.
Those three names dragged her back into the darkest chapter of her past.
Sasayuri, the tengu general, slain by OrobashiChiyo, the oni warrior, corrupted by darknessKitsune Saiguu, who gave her life to protect Inazuma
Their deaths were what drove Ei to pursue Eternity at all costs.
Yes—
If she had been stronger, would they have died?
"The light of thunder will always protect Inazuma," the Raiden Shogun declared, voice ringing across Tenshukaku.
"My strength may be limited—but anyone who seeks Inazuma's destruction will have to step over my corpse first!"
Her words thundered through the palace.
But Severin pressed on.
"You said divine authority cannot be challenged."
"Yet the idea of authority being divinely ordained is itself a mistake."
"The power you wield comes from the people—
not from the blade in your hand."
Stormwinds howled.
Thunder cracked the sky.
The Raiden Shogun leapt onto Tenshukaku's roof, standing motionless beneath the raging heavens.
She gazed toward the eastern horizon—
as though pondering, as though remembering.
Lonely.
Profound.
A figure that inspired both awe and pity.
She remained there for three days and three nights.
And for three days and three nights, she left Severin waiting.
With the Mirror Maiden's company, Severin strolled through Inazuma's streets, passing the time—
And more importantly, observing the people.
"Your Highness, this is our local specialty—Tri-Color Dango. Please, have some. It's on the house."
"Your Highness, everything in our shop is free for you."
"Prince of Snezhnaya, we hope you'll stay longer. May your days in Inazuma be pleasant."
From their warmth, Severin became certain of one thing.
The people of Inazuma stood with him.
Whether the Vision Hunt Decree and the Sakoku Decree were right or wrong—
The people had already given their answer.
In the court of public opinion, the Raiden Shogun had lost the first battle.
Passing by Yae Publishing House—
"Your Highness! This is our latest light novel—you are the protagonist. Please accept a complimentary copy."
Severin flipped it open and couldn't help but laugh.
The title read:
"The Prince of Snezhnaya and the Shrine Maiden of Narukami: A Tragic Love Story"
Utterly shameless.
The Mirror Maiden bristled.
"Your Highness, this is slander!"
"It's fine," Severin said, tucking the book away.
"You don't understand that sly fox's sense of humor."
Sly fox?
The wording sounded… oddly intimate.
At that moment, an editor approached respectfully.
"Your Highness, Lady Guuji invites you for tea. Please follow me."
The Mirror Maiden tensed instantly.
"The Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine? I've heard she's exceedingly clever and dangerously cunning. In my opinion, Your Highness should avoid meeting her—it may invite unnecessary trouble."
Severin smiled.
"She's not a tiger," he said lightly.
"Why fear being eaten?"
"Besides—
She and I are old friends."
To read advanced Chapters, head over to p@treon:
patreon.com/SwritesTL