Chapter 179 - Villain Simulator, Ch 573-587

It seemed these three women had already compared notes beforehand.

"Exactly, Miss Kamisato," Kujou Sara said expressionlessly. "If it were me, as a warrior, I might be able to handle him alone. But your body is too delicate. If we let him have his way, you... probably won't have a good time for the next half-month."

Before Ayaka could respond, Yoimiya frowned slightly. "Sara, are you sure you can handle him alone? Then why did you ask for my help last time?"

"What?" Kuki Shinobu's eyes widened. "The two of you... ahem... did it with Lucas together? How come I didn't know about this?"

"Oops, slipped up..." Yoimiya stuck out her tongue, trying to brush it off. "Well, Shinobu, I didn't tell Sara about the time we teamed up against our dear husband either..."

"Oh?" Sara crossed her arms. "Now I know."

"Sorry, sorry!" Yoimiya waved her hands awkwardly. "I didn't mean to hide it from you guys. You... you're not mad, are you?"

Sara and Shinobu exchanged a glance—two usually stoic women now wearing identical smirks.

"W-What are you laughing at?" Yoimiya tilted her head in confusion.

"Actually, we've teamed up too. Quite a few times, actually," Shinobu admitted with a shrug. "Of course, we never told you either."

"You—!" Yoimiya puffed up her cheeks in indignation, but since she was just as guilty, she could only sigh. "Ugh, if I'd known it'd be this complicated, we might as well have just gone three at once from the start."

Wow. So you three were just playing permutation and combination behind each other's backs?

Three best friends with four separate group chats, huh?

"W-Wait a minute! Thank you for your concern, but..."

Finally, Ayaka, who had been silent until now, spoke up. Her face was flushed, and she bit her lip lightly. "But... this is my wedding night. I... I want to keep it to myself."

"Aww, Miss Kamisato is just too adorable!" Yoimiya's expression was like seeing an elegant, aloof Persian cat suddenly roll over and show its belly. "I thought the same thing on my wedding night. Guess what? That tree nearly scraped my back raw."

"Wait, did I hear that right? A tree?" Ayaka's worldview seemed to tremble. "Why was there a tree in your wedding chamber?"

"Uh... because we weren't in a chamber..." Yoimiya tapped her fingers together sheepishly. "You know, not everyone prefers doing it indoors."

"Good lord..." Shinobu rubbed her temples. "Do you guys have any worse stories?"

"Of course," Sara said flatly. "Like that time in an outdoor men's restroom while fireworks were going off outside."

"Oooh, doing it with fireworks in the background? I love that!" Yoimiya's eyes sparkled with nostalgia before she suddenly paused. "Wait, but every time there were fireworks, Lucas was with me..."

"Alright, let's not continue this conversation!"

Lucas hastily cut them off, sighing. "There'll be plenty of chances for teamwork later. Let's call it a night for now—I don't want Ayaka to feel uncomfortable."

"Right," Ayaka nodded firmly. "I think... I can manage."

"Fine, if you say so. We'll respect your choice," Yoimiya didn't press further, simply smiling. "The three of us will be next door playing mahjong. Just call if you need us~"

"Mahjong?" Lucas blinked. "How do you play with three people?"

Indeed, Teyvat had its own version of mahjong, originating from Liyue before spreading to Inazuma. Though the rules had evolved, it was traditionally a four-player game.

"It's a variant I learned while studying in Liyue," Shinobu said, already ushering the other two out. "Called Card Five Stars."

"Damn, you guys really are full of talents..." Lucas muttered under his breath before turning back to Ayaka with a smirk. "Miss Kamisato, before we begin... how about a little game?"

"W-What kind of game?" The inexperienced Ayaka was already completely at his mercy.

"The game is called..." Lucas narrowed his eyes. "Kamisato Ayaka's Puppy."

...

"Three of Bamboos."

"Pong!"

Next door, Yoimiya, Sara, and Shinobu had actually set up a mahjong table. Clearly, they were confident Ayaka would come seeking their help before the night was over.

Before long, the sound of barking drifted in from Lucas's room.

"He's getting better at the impression," Yoimiya's cheeks flushed slightly. "They must be playing the puppy game now."

"Puppy game?" Shinobu frowned. "When he played it with me, he called it Where's the Peanut Butter?"

"You mean that..." Even the usually unflappable Sara's face tinted pink. "The one where you smear peanut butter on yourself and have the blindfolded puppy lick it off?"

The identity of said "puppy" went without saying.

"So..." Shinobu feigned nonchalance. "Where do you two usually... apply the peanut butter?"

"On the lips, obviously," Yoimiya answered matter-of-factly. "Where else would you put it?"

Hearing such an innocent reply, Shinobu and Sara exchanged another knowing smile.

"W-What's so funny?!" Yoimiya pouted. "Where else could you put it?"

Without a word, Sara subtly arched her back, the impossible curvature of her chest instantly drawing the other two's gazes.

"Sorry, but that's classified. Though, in my case, the game's called..." Sara said coolly. "The Hungry Pup."

No further explanation was needed. Yoimiya and Shinobu could easily imagine the scene of a "puppy" nestled against its "mother," feasting eagerly.

Frankly, at this point, even they wanted to try it.

"S-So that's where you can put it too..."

Yoimiya murmured as if she had just discovered a whole new world, her voice filled with awe. "Next time... I'll have to try it..."

"Your turn," Sara glanced at Shinobu. "Where do you put it?"

"Sorry, I don't like being passive," Shinobu shook her head. "In my case, he's the one who gets coated."

"On... Lucas?" Yoimiya tilted her head thoughtfully. "Where exactly?"

"Want to experience it? It's simple." Shinobu grabbed a Fontaine-style baguette from the nearby table, spread some peanut butter on it, and handed it to Yoimiya. "Something like this. Though... if it were Lucas, we'd add a little salad dressing at the end."

Being the innocent soul she was, Yoimiya didn't immediately grasp the implication. She actually took a bite of the baguette before suddenly freezing, her face turning bright red. "H-How could you put it there?!"

"Oh?" Sara raised an eyebrow. "You've been married this long and never tried it?"

"W-Well, I've had it... but never with toppings!" Yoimiya scratched her cheek awkwardly. "Or rather, no normal person would add toppings!"

"I suppose I prefer milder flavors," Shinobu shrugged. "By itself, the taste is a bit too... salty for me."

"That's an approach I hadn't considered," Sara mused seriously. "I might try it next time. Though I prefer spicy food—maybe some chili sauce would work."

Just as Yoimiya and Shinobu were pondering whether this counted as some form of torture, a faint, trembling voice drifted in from the next room—

"H-Help... me..."

The three women exchanged glances, immediately understanding what had happened. Without hurry, they rose and made their way to the other room.

Sure enough, the scene inside was a mess. Ayaka lay sprawled, her consciousness hazy, and faint brown traces could be seen on the floor.

(No, not that kind of brown—just peanut butter, obviously.)

Shinobu extended a hand. "I win."

Sara and Yoimiya sighed, each handing her a Mora note.

"So…" Lucas sighed. "What exactly were you betting on?"

"How long Miss Kamisato would last," Yoimiya pouted. "Honestly, with how confident she seemed earlier, I thought she'd hold out longer."

"It's not my fault!" Lucas chuckled helplessly. "We hadn't even started properly—just played a few little games, and she was already overwhelmed."

"She's a sheltered noblewoman raised in luxury. Your little games were probably way too intense for her," Shinobu gently helped Ayaka sit up. "Are you okay?"

"G-Good…" Ayaka murmured dazedly. "Too good... but... need to rest..."

"Don't force yourself. The beginning is always the hardest—it gets easier later," Shinobu's certified counseling skills finally came in handy. "We'll take over from here. You can... observe and learn."

"Never thought I'd see the day…" Yoimiya grinned. "Where I would be the one teaching Miss Kamisato something."

With that, the three women turned toward Lucas, advancing with purpose.

"W-Wait a second…" A chill ran down Lucas's spine. "Maybe I should... take a break first?"

"Interesting," Sara deadpanned as she popped open a fresh jar of peanut butter. "Since when do teaching aids need rest?"

"P-Putting it there is gonna kill my appetite, damn it!"

This night was destined to be anything but ordinary.

[Exiting Immersive Mode][Entering Text Mode]

[Quest Completed: Claiming the First Blood][Reward Obtained: +70% Cryo Mastery]

Another Cryo boost?

Well, it makes sense—the reward came from Kamisato Ayaka, after all.

But if this kept up, Lucas was starting to suspect that, long before he ever met the Cryo Archon, he might just surpass her in handling ice.

[Age 26: Your marriage alliance with the Kamisato Clan solidifies your position. You may not be the most experienced ruler, but at least you're far from incompetent.]

[Age 27: Yoimiya gives birth to your first child. As she always hoped, you name him Hanabi—though some might argue it's not the most masculine name, no one dares question it. After all, he is the Shogun's heir.]

[...]

[Age 31: After years of negotiations, the Shogunate finally holds its first peace talks with Watatsumi Island. You allow them to retain their faith and customs in exchange for loyalty. With the Vision Hunt Decree abolished, the discussions proceed smoothly.]

[...]

[Age 34: The original Arataki Gang members have all found their own paths. As Shinobu predicted, most of the capable ones remain in the Shogunate, continuing to serve you. This not only completes the transition of power but further strengthens your influence.]

[Age 35: Rinko not only inherits your blacksmithing skills but elevates them, striving to revive the Five Thunderforge Traditions. She even repurposes one of the Raiden Shogun's discarded puppets to craft a new prosthetic arm for Yoikaze. The wandering swordsman, after half a lifetime of drifting, finally finds a home. He establishes his own dojo—not just to teach swordsmanship, but to ensure your Blazing Burial Style lives on.]

[...]

[Age 38: Tang Jingbai becomes the Shogunate's royal tea master. After years of cultivation, she develops what could be called the perfect tea blend. When she presents it at Liyue's Grand Tasting Ceremony, even Rex Lapis himself approves.]

[Age 39: After serving you for many years, Sawaki Shirano finally retires. He spends his days drinking and occasionally sparring with Yoikaze—living a life far more carefree than yours as Shogun.]

[Of course, there's one thing you never abandon—punishing the Raiden Shogun. To maintain psychological discipline, you make regular trips to the Grand Narukami Shrine. Everyone believes it's out of piety. Only you know the real reason.]

[To be honest, when it all began, your "punishment" really was a form of torment for the Raiden Shogun. But time changes everything. Decades later, not only has she adapted to it, she's even unwittingly honed her technique through it.]

[You suspect that, at this pace, she might finish repaying her "debt" long before you die of old age.]

[Not that you care. Your so-called punishment has already achieved its goal. The Raiden Shogun no longer carries the dignity she once held. These days, she'll do just about anything to win your favor. For her, that might be the cruelest fate of all.]

[As for Yae Miko—she naturally won't let her body be used for free. Whenever Raiden Shogun wraps up "the first half," Miko takes over for the "second." You've started wondering if this kind of high-intensity activity might be the reason people warn about dying young from overindulgence.]

———

[Age 54: Under your rule, Inazuma flourished. You forged solid alliances with neighboring nations. At the height of your prime, you chose to step down and passed leadership to your son, Hanabi. Then, together with those closest to you, you retreated into the mountains and disappeared from public life.]

[Some believe you spent your final years at the Grand Narukami Shrine. Others say they once heard the distant clang of a blacksmith's hammer in the wilderness, and found a rare, divine weapon nearby—a gift from the previous Shogun.]

[Whatever your true ending, whenever fireworks light up the night sky, people can't help but remember the mortal who once dared to challenge the gods.]

[Life simulation complete.]

[Cause of death: Natural causes]

[Overall evaluation: A mortal who stood shoulder to shoulder with gods]

[Please choose one of the following three talents to become your inherent ability:]

[Master Artisan (Gold): You're naturally gifted in crafting any kind of "weapon"—including but not limited to forging, assembly, and invention.]

[The Favoured One (Green): You're more likely to earn sympathy and affection from others.]

[Kingslayer (Blue): You deal extra damage to characters with titles like "Monarch" or "Leader."]

To be honest, although Kingslayer is a blue-tier talent, its situational use is just way too narrow. Aside from the Seven Archons, it might only help against guys like "Treasure Hoarder Leaders" or "Large Hilichurl Chieftains."

After some thought, Lucas chose Master Artisan. A top-tier weapon is a real, tangible way to boost power, after all.

Even now, his arsenal already contained plenty of divine weapons.

Still… wouldn't it be great to have a talent like "the more legendary weapons you own, the stronger you get"? That paired with Master Artisan would be downright broken.

Lucas yawned and was just about to sit up in bed when a soft, lotus-white arm suddenly draped across his chest. Alarmed, he instinctively turned his head—and there she was. Yae Miko, asleep right beside him. Very close. So close, in fact, he could feel the warmth of her breath on his skin.

Before he could even react, Yae Miko stirred and suddenly wrapped her arms around him, mumbling in her sleep, "If it's not enough… then have a little more… Mommy still has plenty…"

Lucas was nearly smothered and let out a muffled "Mmph! Mmph!" That finally woke Miko up. She loosened her hold, rubbed her drowsy eyes, and smiled. "Good morning, my great novelist."

"Now is not the time for cheery good mornings," Lucas gasped, finally getting a few deep breaths in. "Care to explain why you're in my room—or rather, why you're in my bed?"

"Oh, that." Miko didn't look the least bit embarrassed. "I thought, since it was your first night staying at the shrine, you might have trouble sleeping. So I came to check on you. You know… make sure the bed was soft enough. Turns out, it was very soft. So…"

"So you accidentally fell asleep in it?" Lucas massaged his temples. "Do you really expect me to believe that?"

"Believe it or not, your choice." Miko narrowed her eyes and gave him a teasing smile. "Or… did you think your humble shrine maiden couldn't bear the lonely night, so she snuck into your room seeking comfort, and then—"

"This bed is extremely soft. Falling asleep by accident is totally plausible. I believe you completely." Lucas cut her off immediately. If he let her keep going, she might start making even the fake parts sound true.

Still, after remembering how Miko had suddenly descended like a divine intervention in yesterday's simulation, he couldn't help but wonder—was there some kind of mysterious link between the Miko in his dream and the one who'd fallen asleep beside him?

"Well, since we're both awake, go wash up and get ready for breakfast," Miko said, patting his shoulder and winking. "I'll sneak out first. It'd be such a pain if the shrine maidens saw us leaving your room together."

She said that, but Lucas seriously doubted she actually cared about being seen.

Once Miko had left, he finally muttered under his breath, "Xiaoxi, are you there?"

Silence.

"If you hear me, respond," he continued. "Xiaoxi?"

[I think the name 'Xiaoxi' is a bit too casual. Maybe we should pick something more official.]

"Ugh… a system with opinions." Lucas sighed but forced himself to stay patient. "Fine. What do you want to be called?"

[My official designation is: 'Villain Simulator System Personal Assistant.' In your world's language, a suitable name would be—MOSS.]

"MOSS?" Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? You gave yourself a nickname? Why not just call yourself EvilSim? And don't you need a camera to qualify as MOSS?"

[Moving on.]

"Yeah, fine. Whatever." Lucas rolled his eyes. "Tell me—what exactly did happen last night?"

[I don't even have a camera. How would I know what happened last night?]

"Oh, still got the nerve to talk back, huh?" Lucas sighed helplessly. "Forget it. Call yourself whatever you want. But putting aside the whole camera thing—shouldn't there be an alarm system when the simulator is running?"

The simulator had two modes. In one, time outside was completely frozen while the simulation played out. In the other, time continued to flow, albeit at a slower rate, allowing the simulation to be used to pass the time.

Of course, for the sake of host safety, the second mode had a built-in alert system that would activate if danger was detected during the simulation.

[Alarms only activate when danger is perceived. The system didn't detect any threat from the target.]

Granted, Yae Miko hadn't done anything overtly harmful to him. But in a certain sense, what she had done… could absolutely be considered "dangerous."

"In any case, from now on, if anyone gets close to me, the alarm should go off immediately," Lucas frowned. "Got that?"

[This request does not comply with system protocol and is therefore denied—unless you pay additional Virtue Points.]

Lucas nearly forgot—he still had that Virtue Accumulation System on him. Anytime he did a good deed, he'd be rewarded with points.

But because Lucas was a naturally kind person and often helped people out without thinking—like helping an old lady cross the street, carrying water for a widow, or snatching back a lollipop for a kid—the system would constantly ping him with messages. Eventually, he got so annoyed he disabled the notifications entirely.

Over time, he'd nearly forgotten he even had such a system. Out of curiosity, he opened the system panel—and was stunned to see that he'd racked up over 100,000 Virtue Points.

It seemed a few major "good deeds" recently had caused his point total to skyrocket.

"Just points, huh?" Lucas smirked, feeling pretty well-off. "Alright, name your price."

[100,000 points.]

"Why don't you just rob me?!" Lucas half-laughed, half-groaned. "That's outrageous!"

[Final interpretation rights belong to this system.]

The negotiations with the system ended in a stalemate. After a quick wash-up, Lucas left his room.

The inner sanctum of the Grand Narukami Shrine was where the shrine maidens lived and rested. Since no outsiders usually came here, the miko walked around quite casually—not nearly as prim and proper as they were during official duties. For someone like Lucas, an unexpected guest, their reactions leaned more toward curiosity than shyness. Some would steal glances at him, whisper to their friends, and then giggle like a string of bells.

In that moment, Lucas finally understood what it must've felt like for Tang Sanzang and his disciples to enter the Kingdom of Women in Journey to the West.

Thud!

Just then, Lucas felt something soft bump into his chest. A green-haired shrine maiden had walked right into him and stumbled backward onto the wooden floor.

Lucas might've been spacing out, but with his current sensory awareness, there was no way someone could bump into him unless they were also distracted.

"You okay?" Lucas quickly helped the girl up. "Sorry—I didn't see you."

[Virtue Accumulation System triggered: +100 points]

He'd forgotten to turn off the notifications earlier. Sure enough, if he kept it on, it'd probably ping him dozens of times a day.

"I'm fine…"

The green-haired shrine maiden looked up—and the moment their eyes met, both froze in surprise.

It was Kuki Shinobu!

Only now, she'd changed out of her usual lightweight outfit into a traditional shrine maiden uniform, and her mask was off. If Lucas hadn't already seen her face once before, he might not have recognized her.

As for why someone as cautious as Kuki Shinobu would clumsily bump into him like this… well, the reason was quite simple.

Because of a strange, vivid dream she'd had the night before, she was still in a bit of a daze.

She had never had such a bizarre dream: the Arataki Gang, which she served as deputy, had become rebels opposing the Raiden Shogun—and unbelievably, they'd even succeeded.

Of course, the part that truly shook her was the fact that, in the dream… she had gotten intimately involved with a man named Lucas.

Kuki Shinobu had once studied for a psychology certification, so she understood that dreams were often reflections of reality. But she had no experience in that department at all—so how could the dream's details be so vivid?

And now, seeing the man who had entwined with her so boldly in that dream standing before her in the flesh… she found herself at a loss for words, murmuring, "I… I'm fine. It was my fault—I wasn't watching where I was going. Don't blame yourself."

Lucas couldn't help but feel puzzled. Just yesterday, she was the Arataki Gang's demon deputy—how'd she end up a shrine maiden overnight? Unless "shrine maiden" was a job one could just take on as a side gig?

The only logical explanation was that this outfit made it easier for her to blend in and observe him unnoticed.

Lucas chuckled to himself at the thought. Of course, he wasn't going to call out her identity directly. But there was someone else who could.

"No harm done." Lucas smiled. "I'm a Liyue bookseller visiting your shrine. Would you be so kind as to escort me to the dining hall, Miss Miko?"

By now, Yae Miko was probably waiting for him in the dining hall. He was curious to see her reaction when she saw this unfamiliar shrine maiden.

Lucas wasn't trying to make things difficult for Kuki Shinobu—it was just that being spied on all the time was a bit uncomfortable. Maybe this way, she'd take the hint and back off.

Though Kuki Shinobu felt a bit helpless, she maintained a polite smile and said, "Of course. Please, follow me."

"Oh, and I'm Lucas." He added casually, "May I ask how I should address you?"

"Just… call me Shinobu."

She could've made up a fake name, but for some reason, the words slipped out before she could stop them. Maybe, deep down, she still wanted to believe that the man in front of her really was connected to the man from her dream.

But to her surprise, Lucas didn't react at all to the name. They chatted casually on the way, and before long, they arrived at the entrance to the dining hall.

Fortunately, Kuki Shinobu had previously interned at the Grand Narukami Shrine for a while, so she was quite familiar with its layout. Otherwise, if she couldn't even find the way, her cover would've fallen apart immediately.

"This is the place," she said with a polite smile. "Please, go on in."

Although Kuki Shinobu shared a cool, reserved demeanor similar to Kujou Sara, the key difference between them was that Shinobu could slip into any persona necessary to achieve her goals.

Had Lucas not already known Kuki Shinobu inside and out, that professionally courteous smile of hers might've actually fooled him.

"Well, since we're already here," Lucas said with a slight squint, "why don't you join me for a bite?"

"H-h-how could I possibly do that?" Kuki Shinobu tensed up slightly, hurriedly shaking her head. "This area is reserved for honored guests, and I'm just a humble shrine maiden…"

"It's fine. I'm sure Lady Guuji won't mind if you join me, out of courtesy," Lucas insisted, not letting up. "Come on, eat with me."

"My, my, Mr. Xia," a voice as smooth as silk suddenly floated over, giving both of them a start. Yae Miko materialized beside them like a ghost, her smile tinged with mischief. "You've only been here one day, and you're already flirting with the shrine maidens? You do know this is a proper shrine, not one of those… specialized entertainment establishments, right? If you're into the shrine maiden aesthetic, I could recommend a few places."

"Whoa, whoa! That's not what this is!" Lucas quickly raised his hands. "And wait—why do you even know about places like that?!"

Oh no…

If anyone was more shocked than Lucas, it was definitely Kuki Shinobu. She was wearing a disguise—there's no way someone as sharp as Yae Miko wouldn't recognize her!

To her surprise, Miko only gave her a brief look, her eyes flickering with subtle amusement. "Shinobu, why don't you go take care of your tasks for now?"

That casual reaction left both Lucas and Kuki Shinobu momentarily baffled.

Still, Shinobu didn't dwell on it. She gave a small nod and said, "Of course. I'll take my leave."

As she walked away, however, her mind remained restless.

Why did Miko recognize her? Why didn't she expose her?

And that last look Miko gave her—without saying a word, it somehow made her feel like a puppet dancing in someone else's palm.

"Shinobu?" a voice called from behind. It was Miyuki, grinning. "You're up early today!"

"I woke up early and thought I'd take a stroll," Shinobu replied calmly. "But what about you, sis? You seem unusually cheerful."

"I just spoke to Lady Guuji about your request to return for your internship," Miyuki beamed. "She agreed without hesitation!"

Ah, that explains it. No wonder Miko didn't question anything.

Kuki Shinobu finally let out a silent breath of relief. She pulled out a small notebook she kept with her and jotted something down:

"9:00 a.m., breakfast with Yae Miko."

...

Inside the dining hall, a simple yet beautifully presented breakfast was already set before Lucas.

"Our Inazuman cuisine isn't nearly as rich or refined as what you'd find in Liyue," Yae Miko said with a soft smile. "Forgive the lack of extravagance."

"You're far too kind, Lady Guuji," Lucas replied. "Your thoughtful hospitality is more than enough—I'm deeply grateful."

As he spoke, he reached for the cup beside him. The liquid inside resembled milk, though it was thinner and carried a faint, floral fragrance. He took a few sips, savoring the sweet, lingering aftertaste.

"This drink is delicious—what is it?"

"That's a special brew exclusive to the kitsune lineage," Yae Miko said with a laugh. "It's called 'Kitsune Dew.' Made from spring water and a hint of carefully extracted kitsune saliva."

Wait, fox saliva?

Even if it had been refined, Lucas still found that just a little unsettling. But then again, people drink coffee brewed from civet poop—this was probably no worse.

"R-right… Quite the unique flavor," he said, trying to keep a straight face.

"Thank you for the compliment," Miko replied, her smile deepening. "Although, your cup is a little more… special." She gave her lips a playful lick. "The kitsune essence in yours is completely unrefined. Raw and full-bodied, you might say."

Lucas nearly spat it out. He forced the drink back down with a grimace, muttering through clenched teeth, "Was that on purpose, or just an accident?"

"Of course it was on purpose," Miko said sweetly. "I thought you should savor the authentic flavor—know exactly what you're drinking."

Damn it. Duped again…

"What's wrong? If that wasn't satisfying enough…" she leaned closer, her voice dripping with innuendo. "I've got an even fresher batch right here."

"N-no thank you." Lucas set the drink down with a look of resignation and shifted to a more serious tone. "Anyway, Lady Guuji, there's actually a… rather bold request I'd like to make. I hope you'll hear me out."

"Oh? That depends," Miko's amethyst eyes sparkled playfully. "Just how bold are we talking?"

"Well, you see… I'm a light novel author," Lucas said, thick-skinned as ever. "I came to Inazuma for inspiration, and I'd really like to learn more…"

"You want to learn more about me?" Before he could finish, Yae Miko had silently appeared behind him. She placed her hands on his shoulders and leaned in, her breath warm against his ear. "Of course you can. As deeply as you want."

The breathy whisper made Lucas shiver. He sighed helplessly. "After spending these past two days with you, I feel like I've gotten to know you well enough. Now, I'd like to understand someone else… someone I want to feature in my novel—Inazuma's own Shogun."

That's right. This was Lucas's plan all along. Since he'd already been mistaken for a light novel writer, he might as well use that cover to get closer to Raiden Shogun.

If he could meet her, he might be able to persuade her to cut it down—freeing him from the Ring of Manipulation on his wrist.

"Oh my, aren't you ambitious," Miko said, shaking her head with a troubled smile. "She's still a god, you know. You don't just walk in and say hello."

As expected. It wasn't going to be that easy.

"Sorry," Lucas sighed. "I shouldn't have asked for something so unreasonable."

"Don't be so discouraged," Miko said, eyes narrowing with intrigue. "It's not… completely impossible."

Lucas hesitated for a moment before asking, "So you're saying... you could introduce me to her?"

"If I had to say, it's not entirely impossible," Yae Miko replied, her fingertips lightly tapping out a rhythm on his shoulder as if playing a delicate tune on a piano. "You know the old Liyue saying—'no reward without effort.' If you want my help, shouldn't you show a little sincerity in return?"

As expected, with Yae Miko's personality, there was no way she'd help out without asking for something in return.

Lucas nodded. "What do you want in exchange? If it's Mora, you can name any price."

Given his current fortune, he had every right to sound that confident.

"Money is far too boring. Besides, I have no shortage of it," Yae Miko held up three fingers and said, "Here's the deal—you help me with three tasks. If you complete them all, I'll take you to see the Raiden Shogun. Let's make it clear, though—this isn't for me. But if you can prove yourself by handling some tricky assignments, I'll finally have a proper reason to recommend you."

Her reasoning wasn't wrong. Given the Raiden Shogun's status, she wouldn't just meet with any random "obscure Liyue merchant."

"That's certainly a reasonable condition," Lucas nodded. "But what kind of tasks would you need me to do?"

After all, if there was something in Inazuma that even Yae Miko couldn't resolve herself, there probably weren't many people who could.

"No need to rush," Yae Miko tapped her lips with a finger, teasing, "Let me think carefully about how best to use you—I mean, how to utilize your skills."

You're definitely scheming something!

That calculating look on her face practically echoed all the way back to Liyue.

All this talk about completing missions was just a front—what she really wanted was to mess with him as much as possible.

Still, since he needed her help, Lucas couldn't exactly refuse. He'd have to take it one step at a time.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Yae Miko called, and a short-haired shrine maiden walked in, holding a magazine in her hand with a slightly troubled expression. "Guuji-sama, p-please take a look at this."

"Nana, don't be so flustered," Yae Miko took the magazine and glanced at it, then gave a faint smile. "It's just an idol magazine. What's the problem?"

Lucas raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "So Inazuma has idols now too?"

"The idol craze only made its way to Inazuma in recent years. It never really caught on. Just a few pretty-faced girls dreaming of fame without doing any real work," Yae Miko explained casually. "Oh, this is Kano Nana—don't let her age fool you, she's actually quite capable."

Kano Nana nodded politely at Lucas, then turned to Yae Miko again. "Guuji-sama, please look at page forty-three."

Yae Miko placed the magazine on the table and began flipping through it. Lucas leaned over to glance as well.

Compared to real-world idol magazines, this one was clearly amateurish—mostly idol photos accompanied by short, generic write-ups.

At first glance, it looked more like a catalog from some shady parlor.

The idols' appearances were wildly inconsistent. Not outright unattractive, but most could only be described as average. It was rare to spot someone genuinely cute after flipping through several pages.

Then again, Lucas might've just been spoiled after seeing so many stunning beauties. What counted as gorgeous to most people might barely qualify as "not bad" to him.

Finally, Yae Miko reached page forty-three—and her expression shifted slightly.

Because on that page, front and center, was a girl who looked uncannily like "Yae Miko."

The quotation marks were warranted. She wasn't the real Yae Miko, of course, but a girl idol who had styled herself to look exactly like her—same clothes, same hairstyle, same pink color.

To be fair, her natural looks weren't bad, and combined with her carefully crafted makeup, she managed to pull off a fairly convincing imitation. While still no match for Yae Miko's otherworldly beauty, the resemblance was notable.

Compared to the bland idols before her, she stood out like a crane among chickens.

And the headline on the page? It didn't even try to be subtle.

"Yae Usagi—The Shrine Maiden Idol Who Makes You Want to Hand Over Your Offerings!"

Yae Usagi?

Obviously a stage name. But the "Yae" part made it painfully clear she was riding on someone else's fame.

"This is just too much!" Kano Nana fumed. "She's blatantly using your name to boost her own popularity!"

"There's not much that can be done," Yae Miko replied with surprising calm, smiling. "Inazuma has no laws banning anyone from dressing like me or dying their hair pink. Even if she's clearly capitalizing on my image, I've no real grounds to intervene. If I handle it poorly, I might even damage my own reputation."

Even as she spoke, Lucas noticed Yae Miko's tiny fist clenched tightly under the table.

She was furious.

After all, no one likes being copied.

"But how does she have the nerve to pull this off?" Kano Nana was still fuming. "Isn't she afraid you'll come after her?"

"If anything," Lucas said, stroking his chin thoughtfully, "she's probably hoping Guuji-sama will confront her. That way, she could use the drama as a publicity stunt and boost her fame even more."

Lucas had once worked as an idol manager in one of the simulator worlds. He was no stranger to how this business worked.

Idols don't fear bad publicity—they fear obscurity. This Yae Usagi clearly came prepared. If Yae Miko really responded, she'd definitely spin it as jealousy over her looks or popularity.

"Didn't expect you to understand it so well," Yae Miko said approvingly. "In that case, let's make this your first task."

"Huh?" Lucas blinked. "What task?"

"Simple," Yae Miko said, a dangerous glint in her eyes as a cold smile curved her lips. "Make her disappear."

Make her disappear?

Well, that's easy.

A glint of killing intent flashed across Lucas's eyes. In his mind, he had already thought up several ways to quietly eliminate this so-called "Yae Usagi."

A sniper shot from afar with Nationfall would do the trick. The girl was just a normal human, after all—one bullet would finish the job. And in this world, there was no way to trace a ballistic trajectory, so he could vanish without a trace.

Or poison—tasteless and odorless. With his [Medical Sage] talent, concocting such a toxin was child's play.

Or maybe just toss a bomb into her performance venue and not leave a single witness behind.

"Isn't… isn't that a bit extreme?" Kanno Nana looked visibly shaken. "What she did was wrong, but… does she really deserve to die for it?"

Snapped out of his thoughts by her voice, Lucas suddenly came back to his senses, cold sweat already forming on his back.

What's wrong with me? Why was my first instinct how to kill her?

And more terrifyingly—those thoughts had come completely naturally.

He looked down at the Ring of Manipulation on his finger, and sure enough, it was faintly glowing. Only then did he let out a breath of relief.

Looks like it was the ring again… It had subtly twisted his thoughts without him realizing it. He really needed to get rid of that cursed object sooner rather than later.

"Of course I don't mean to kill her," Yae Miko shrugged, smiling. "I mean, make her disappear from the public eye. I don't care if she's copying my look—but if the world starts thinking that all shrine maidens of the Grand Narukami Shrine behave like some seductive little tease, that's absolutely unacceptable."

"I see…" Lucas nodded thoughtfully. "But… how exactly do you want me to go about this?"

"Well, that's your task to figure out," Yae Miko replied cheerily, cracking her knuckles. "Let's say… I'll give you three days to settle it."

"Three days? Isn't that too short?" Lucas sighed. "Just finding this person in that time will be a challenge."

"I have complete faith in you," Yae Miko clapped her hands with a grin. "And if you refuse… well, I suppose your meeting with the Shogun will just have to be postponed."

"…Fine, fine," Lucas scratched his cheek. "I'll prepare and head down the mountain right away."

"To make things a little easier for you," Yae Miko added, "I'll come with you on this mission."

"Cough, cough…" Kanno Nana frowned. "Lady Yae, you're not using this as an excuse to go gallivanting around again, are you? The shrine still has plenty of pending work!"

"How could you call it gallivanting?" Yae Miko feigned offense. "I'm clearly going out of my way to protect the dignity of the Grand Narukami Shrine."

"Sigh… I can't win with you," Nana gave up and turned to Lucas. "Mr. Xia, in that case, please look after Lady Yae. And please don't let her get too… carried away."

Clearly, this little shrine maiden had been on the receiving end of Yae Miko's antics one too many times.

"Oh right—don't you have a distant cousin who works as a constable for the Tenryou Commission?" Yae Miko suddenly asked. "He's supposed to be quite a sharp detective. Maybe he can offer some leads."

"You mean Heizou?" Kanno Nana shook her head. "He only seems interested in serious crimes. But I'll give you his address anyway—might come in handy."

"No time to waste, let's get moving!" Yae Miko grabbed Lucas by the wrist. "Time to punish the wicked!"

"Wait a sec—" Lucas said as he was dragged away, still trying to remember what it was he'd forgotten.

Meanwhile, in Raiden Ei's private chamber…

The puppet was still asleep.

Not because of a programming fault—but because… she was just plain sleeping in.

Clearly, yesterday's "system upgrade" hadn't just powered her up. It also came with a few, let's say… "bonus features"—ones that made her behavior increasingly humanlike.

...

Inazuma City.

Lucas had expected Yae Miko to immediately start looking for leads on "Yae Usagi."

But instead, her first stop upon entering the city… was a mask shop.

That's right—one of those places that sold all sorts of decorative masks. Because of cultural traditions, wearing masks in Inazuma was totally normal. Even outside of festivals, people often used masks to show off their personality.

Take the fox mask-wearing Kitsune Saiguu from the Grand Narukami Shrine, or Kuki Shinobu from the Arataki Gang with her oni-style armor mask—these kinds of things might draw strange looks in other regions, but in Inazuma, they were par for the course.

And Yae Miko's reason for buying one was simple—disguise.

After all, she was a public figure. While it wasn't a big deal if people saw her out and about normally, if she was spotted walking around town with a random man… well, that would certainly stir up some gossip.

"Well, if it isn't Lady Yae herself." The shop owner looked like he was well into his seventies. Seeing her enter, he gently set aside the half-painted mask he was working on and rose to greet her. "To what do I owe the honor?"

"Just picking out a couple masks," Yae Miko replied with a smile, clearly on familiar terms with him. "We'll browse ourselves."

As the two exchanged pleasantries, Lucas wandered off on his own to explore. These masks were clearly all handmade—each one crafted with care and impressive skill.

Some were adorable animal designs. Others were eerie and dramatic, traditional noh masks used in stage performances. The display cases were packed with variety.

Then, Lucas froze.

One particular mask had caught his eye—fierce, intimidating, and strangely familiar.

A hannya mask.

Painted a gleaming red, its lacquer finish was smooth as ever. The eyes were wide, furious, practically alive with rage. Just one look was enough to send a chill down the spine.

There was no doubt about it—he recognized it instantly.

It was exactly the same as one of the seven shikigami he had once commanded… back when he was still known as "Kamuna Harunosuke."

"Boss…" Lucas asked, pointing at the mask. "How much for this one?"

"Oh?" The old shopkeeper's slightly clouded eyes suddenly lit up with sharpness. "So you've taken a liking to that one, have you?"

"You've got quite the unique taste."

Yae Miko smiled faintly. "Out of all the adorable and cool masks here, you just had to pick the scariest one."

Though she teased him, there was a glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes.

Of course—Yae Miko already knew that this mask was none other than the Hannya Mask, one of the seven shikigami that had once served under Lucas. Bringing him here wasn't just a detour—it was a carefully planned reunion.

"This mask isn't just some ordinary trinket," the elderly shopkeeper said, stroking his white beard as he narrowed his eyes. "It's the legendary shikigami—Hannya Mask."

So it really was…

Lucas's heart skipped a beat, but he kept a calm expression. "Boss, mind telling me the story behind it?"

The old man chuckled, then began his tale.

It's said that the Hannya Mask had once been an ordinary mask, and its owner merely a mediocre samurai. Lacking real strength, he wore the fearsome-looking mask to intimidate his opponents.

And it worked—at least for a while. The mask helped him defeat many similarly skilled fighters, and over time, he grew arrogant and reckless.

That was until he challenged a much stronger warrior. Mask or no mask, the difference in strength was overwhelming, and he was cut down in a single strike.

The victor, almost mockingly, plucked the Hannya Mask from the dead man's face and put it on himself. But the moment he did, countless fighting techniques flooded into his mind.

The mask, it seemed, could pass the combat knowledge of its previous owner on to its next wearer.

That secret quickly spread, and soon, countless warriors were obsessed with obtaining it. After all, who wouldn't want to inherit swordsmanship others had spent a lifetime perfecting just by wearing a mask?

Over the centuries, the mask changed hands countless times as warriors fought and died for it. With every new owner, it absorbed more techniques, becoming ever more powerful. Even someone with no martial training could become a top-tier fighter just by putting it on.

Eventually, the Hannya Mask developed a will of its own. It grew tired of being treated like a mere tool, so it began to take control of its wearers—forcing them into endless battles.

Until one day, a warrior finally beheaded the current host.

Later, the mask fell into the hands of an onmyōji. Strangely enough, it couldn't control his mind.

"Why can't I control you?" the naive mask asked, confused.

"Because I'm only wearing you," the onmyōji replied, "because I think you look cool."

"No delusions in the heart, no disturbance in the soul."

In that moment, the Hannya Mask was filled with joy—for once, someone liked it for what it was, not what it could do.

After the onmyōji passed away, his old friend entrusted the mask to this shop. And ever since the days of my grandfather's grandfather, we've been guarding it.

...

Lucas mused that this "old friend" must've been Yae Miko. Clearly, this trip to the mask shop wasn't just about picking up disguises—it was a deliberate setup.

The old man took a sip of tea as he finished the story. Unbeknownst to them, a small crowd had gathered, drawn in by the tale, and had listened all the way through.

"Whoa! That thing's really that amazing?"

Just then, a familiar voice called out nearby. "Uncle Kobayashi, if your story's true, how come no one's tried to steal the mask?"

Lucas turned to look and was surprised to see a pretty young woman with golden ponytails gleaming in the light.

It was Yoimiya!

Of course, this was Hanamizaka. It wasn't unusual to run into her here. It's just that everyone had been so focused on the story that Lucas hadn't noticed the other customers.

The old shopkeeper chuckled. "Since the Hannya Mask's last master died, it sealed itself. Ordinary folks can't even lift it, let alone wear it."

So that's how it was.

Looks like, just like the Demon Blade Princess, the other six shikigami sealed themselves after he was gone.

But before Lucas could even breathe a sigh of relief, his sword at his waist began to vibrate slightly.

"No way! I'm gonna try it myself!" Yoimiya, skeptical, reached out with both hands and gave it her all, determined to see how heavy the mask really was.

Several children—likely the usual gang that hung out with her—cheered her on from the sidelines, shouting, "Go, Yoimiya-sis!"

The shopkeeper said nothing, just smiled like he was waiting for a good show.

But to everyone's shock, Yoimiya lifted the Hannya Mask effortlessly.

Not only the shopkeeper, but even Lucas's expression turned serious.

"See? Told you it was just spooky hype!" Yoimiya grinned, triumphant. "This mask's not so special after all."

With that, she casually slipped the mask onto her face, then turned toward the kids and made a silly monster face. "Rawr! I'm gonna eat little kids!"

On any normal day, a joke like that would've had them all laughing and rolling on the ground.

But today, for some reason, the kids burst into tears on the spot.

"Ah! Sorry, sorry!" Yoimiya panicked. "Was the mask too scary? I'll take it off right now—huh?"

The Hannya Mask refused to budge—it clung to her face like it was glued there. No matter how hard she pulled, it wouldn't come off.

"W-What's going on?!" Yoimiya was really starting to panic. "I'm not into martial arts! Please don't possess me!"

The shop was thrown into chaos as everyone scrambled to help her remove the mask—everyone except Yae Miko, who still had that amused smile on her face, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

"Now's really not the time to be laughing…" Lucas muttered helplessly. "Miko, you've got to know a way to get that thing off, right?"

"I'm not nearly that powerful," Yae Miko shrugged, still smiling. "But hey, why don't you step in? A dashing rescue sounds like the perfect setup for a good novel scene, don't you think?"

So it was true—he'd been in Yae Miko's plans from the very beginning.

But it wasn't some secret scheme. It was a trap laid right in the open. Even knowing it was bait, Lucas still had no choice but to walk straight into it.

"Let me handle this."

He gently pushed the others aside and stepped up to Yoimiya, speaking softly. "Yo—little one, calm down. I'll help you."

Yoimiya was clearly panicking. She was terrified that the legend might be real—that she'd been possessed, cursed like those warriors of the past. The mask had eye holes, sure, but she was too anxious to see who was standing in front of her. And yet… that voice—it sounded strangely familiar. Comforting. Her frantic heart began to settle.

Lucas focused his mind. If the Blade Maiden still recognized him, then the Hannya Mask surely would too. He reached out to remove the mask from her face.

But before he could touch it, Yoimiya's hands suddenly grabbed his wrists.

No… not Yoimiya. In that moment, the eye holes of the Hannya Mask flared with a ghostly red light.

"Master, I've waited so long for you…"

Though it was still Yoimiya's voice, her usual cheer was gone—replaced by something… resentful.

"Let's see if you're still worthy to be served by me!"

As soon as the words left her mouth, she pivoted with ghostlike speed, snatching the katana from the belt of a nearby onlooker.

Her movement was so fast and fluid that, aside from Lucas and Yae Miko, no one else even saw it happen. The poor warrior she'd disarmed was still clapping. "Whoa! Where'd that sword come from? Looks familiar… Wait, where's my sword?!"

"I knew it…" Lucas sighed. "Is there no way to solve this without fighting?"

"Nope." Yoimiya shot a cold glance at his waist. "I'm not like that rusty old blade who'll forgive you so easily."

"Buzz—buzz!"

At that, the Blade Maiden began trembling violently, even drawing herself slightly from her sheath with a sharp metallic hiss.

"Rotten mask! Master, give her a proper thrashing!"

Clearly, the Hannya Mask hadn't taken well to being "abandoned" for five hundred years.

Which wasn't surprising. The Shikigamis Lucas had once tamed, all were born from resentment—but the Hannya Mask harbored the deepest grudge and the most stubborn nature. Now that she'd seen her master return, she was overjoyed—but still wanted to vent.

"Hey, hey!" The shopkeeper slapped his table. "No fighting in here! If you wanna fight, take it outside!"

"It's fine," Yae Miko waved dismissively. "If anything gets broken, I'll pay full price."

"Well in that case, go all out!" The shopkeeper sat right back down, tea in hand, clearly enjoying the show. "Don't hold back!"

The mask shop wasn't very spacious. In theory, two swordsmen fighting in such close quarters should've been impossible. But neither Lucas nor the possessed Yoimiya were ordinary swordsmen.

In a space barely a few feet across, the two danced and twisted with dazzling footwork, exchanging dozens of blows in mere seconds.

In a regular fight, the Hannya Mask wouldn't stand a chance against Lucas. But this wasn't about brute force—it was a test of swordsmanship. And while Lucas knew many powerful sword arts, he was still struggling to keep up against the combined experience of hundreds of warriors absorbed by the mask. For now, they were evenly matched.

"Your swordplay… is underwhelming," Yoimiya said coldly. "Truly disappointing."

"Oh, really?"

A glint of red flickered in Lucas's eyes. He sneered. "You've already lost."

With a twist of his wrist, his blade spun in a wide arc. Within the arc of his sword, shadows of black raven feathers seemed to flicker.

"Secret Sword—Tengu Cleave!"

A legendary technique, said to fell even the tengu of the heavens.

One of the pinnacle techniques of all Inazuman swordsmanship.

Even with mastery over a hundred styles, the Hannya Mask couldn't resist this strike—it transcended dimensions.

A crisp clang rang out as Yoimiya's borrowed katana snapped in two. Lucas's blade stopped just short of cleaving through the mask on her face.

"Well? Rotten mask!" the Blade Maiden chimed proudly from his sword. "Now you see who's boss!"

Of course, only Lucas and the Hannya Mask could hear her voice.

"A wager lost is a wager honored." Yoimiya—still under the mask's control—dropped the broken blade. "Welcome back, my master."

"My sword…"

The disarmed warrior from before looked utterly crushed. "I just bought that… never even got to use it…"

But nobody paid him any mind. All eyes were on Lucas and the masked Yoimiya, eager to see what would happen next.

"That's it?" Lucas had expected more resistance from the Hannya Mask. Since she gave in so easily, he immediately reached up to remove the mask from Yoimiya's face.

To his surprise, the mask was still stuck fast—as if glued to her skin. He didn't dare pull too hard. What if he yanked it off and it came with eyeballs or teeth? That would be… unpleasant.

"Did Master forget?" Yoimiya said. "The living can't remove the mask. Cut off the host's head, and it'll fall off."

You're seriously okay with that?!

Lucas winced. "What if… we don't chop off your head?"

"Decapitation is the simplest method," Yoimiya replied calmly. "But if you'd prefer not to, poisoning, asphyxiation, or drowning also work."

"Okay, okay, stop right there before the Tenryou Commission sends someone over…" Lucas rubbed his forehead. "What I meant was, is there any way to remove you without killing the host?"

"Impossible—unless…" Yoimiya paused, considering. "Unless you circulate your inner energy and forcibly transfer me from her body into yours."

"…Can you explain that in more detail?" Lucas looked confused.

"Seems you really have forgotten a lot," she said, stepping closer until she was nearly touching him. "Let me put it in terms your kind would understand—kiss me."

"What?"

Lucas rubbed his ear. "Did I hear that right?"

"You heard perfectly!" Yae Miko chimed in from the side. "Kiss her!"

To his utter disbelief, the surrounding crowd had already started chanting in unison: "Kiss her! Kiss her! Kiss her!"

"What's going on here?" A passing middle-aged man wandered over. He saw the usually quiet mask shop packed with people and couldn't quite make out what was happening inside. Curious, he asked, "How'd it suddenly turn into a kissing scene?"

"Hey, isn't that Uncle Naganohara?" someone in the crowd replied. "Who knows what's going on, but there's a show, so who cares? Come on, join the chant!"

That's right—the middle-aged man was none other than Naganohara Ryunosuke, Yoimiya's father. Naturally, he had no idea that the girl about to be kissed inside was his very own daughter. Chuckling, he joined in too. "Alrighty then! Kiss her!"

Are you all seriously doing this for fun?!

Lucas was utterly speechless. He felt like that lone swordsman at the end of A Chinese Odyssey—there was no way out; he had to charge forward.

But as he stared at the horrifying Hannya mask, he found himself at a complete loss for where to even begin.

He leaned in hesitantly, only to be stopped by the sharp fangs protruding from the mask's mouth. For a moment, he genuinely didn't know how to proceed.

"This is such a pain…"

Yoimiya's voice carried a sigh of resignation. She reached out and gently cupped the back of Lucas's head, pulling his face toward hers without warning.

Lucas had been bracing himself for a cold, hard surface—or worse, to be sliced by those fangs. But to his surprise, what he felt was soft… even a little sweet.

From the onlookers' perspective, the previously rigid Hannya mask began to shift and melt, turning into a viscous black sludge that slid from Yoimiya's face onto Lucas's, following the point where their lips met.

The scene was eerie—yet strangely intimate—leaving everyone around them completely stunned.

As the mask settled onto Lucas's face, it didn't return to its original form. Instead, it clung to his features like a second skin, fitting so perfectly it resembled a demonic face pack. While still grotesque, it now carried an odd sense of… style.

Meanwhile, freed from the mask's possession, Yoimiya gradually regained her senses. Her eyes fluttered open—only to find herself locked in a kiss with a "stranger." Startled, she shoved him away immediately.

Still, she remembered the entire incident. She knew the man had only kissed her to save her from the mask's control.

But the fact remained—her first kiss had been lost to something so utterly absurd. She couldn't help feeling a little… conflicted.

Lucas finally removed the Hannya mask, revealing his real face. With a slightly awkward expression, he said, "Sorry. I didn't really have a choice."

"I… I know." Yoimiya nodded shyly, her cheeks burning red. "It's fine… Huh?"

It was only then that she got a clear look at his face—and she froze. It looked almost exactly like the man from that strange dream she'd had last night. As the dream's details flashed through her mind, her face flushed an even deeper shade of crimson.

Lucas, oblivious, assumed her embarrassment was due to the kiss. He smiled and said, "As long as you're okay with it, Yoimiya—sister…"

Crap!

Because of how closely the simulator mirrored reality, Lucas still occasionally slipped into habits from within it.

"Wait a second!" As soon as Yoimiya heard the word "sister," her body jolted like she'd been struck by lightning. "What did you just call me?"

Could it be… the resemblance between this man and her dream wasn't just coincidence?

Was there… something deeper between them?

"Yoimiya-sister, I mean…" Lucas quickly improvised. "I heard some of the kids earlier calling you that, so I figured it was your name."

"Pfft…" Yoimiya couldn't help but laugh. "No one's name is literally 'sister.' Listen up—my name is Yoimiya. Naganohara Yoimiya!"

Lucas finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Thankfully, Yoimiya wasn't as sharp or suspicious as Kuki Shinobu or Yae Miko. She was much easier to mislead.

He nodded and said, "I'm Lucas. I'm a merchant from Liyue."

Even though Yoimiya was usually easygoing, she still had a girl's natural sensitivity. She was just about to ask more when a firm hand landed on her shoulder, followed by a booming voice.

"Yoimiya, what are you still doing here slacking off? Get back to the shop and help!"

It was her father, Ryunosuke. He hadn't been paying attention earlier and had no idea his daughter had just kissed a strange man in front of a crowd.

Of course, everyone else in Hanamizaka recognized the two of them. They were barely holding in their laughter—but no one dared tell Ryunosuke what had just happened. The fireworks artisan's temper was just as volatile as the explosives he made, and no one wanted to light that fuse.

One particularly innocent little girl, however, blurted out, "Uncle Naganohara! Yoimiya just kissed that big brother—"

Before she could finish, Yoimiya clamped her hand over the girl's mouth and stammered, "K-Kindly greeted him! He's a merchant from Liyue, and I was thinking… maybe we could expand the fireworks business."

"Well now, that's great news!" Ryunosuke gave Lucas a once-over and grinned. "This kid seems alright. If you're talking business, why not come over to our place? Not to brag, but my daughter's got some real skill!"

"That I'm well aware of." Lucas gave a modest nod. "But I've got a few things to take care of today. I'll drop by another time."

He already knew everything there was to know about her skills—both in fireworks and, well, other areas—from the simulator. But in the real world, Yoimiya was still a pure and innocent maiden. If she were to become as skilled as her simulator counterpart… he'd have to give her a proper education.

"T-Then it's a promise," Yoimiya said shyly, clearly flustered and not wanting to linger. "Our shop's right at the entrance of Hanamizaka. You better come visit!"

Watching Yoimiya's figure disappear into the distance, Lucas couldn't help but feel a little sentimental.

It was like seeing the person from his dream last night come to life today.

"Tsk tsk. If you're that reluctant to part ways, why don't you just go after her?" Yae Miko teased with a smirk. "Besides, Naganohara Ryuunosuke's been looking for a suitable son-in-law to take over his family business. You could just go with the flow…"

"Give it a rest," Lucas cut her off. "Let's just pick a mask. You're the one who said we don't have much time."

"I already chose mine ages ago," Yae Miko said sweetly, pulling out a fox mask with white base and red markings from who-knows-where. "Well? Isn't it adorable?"

To be honest, Lucas was a little surprised that Yae Miko had obediently picked a fox mask. Knowing her personality, he'd half-expected her to go with something totally unpredictable.

But on closer inspection, he noticed the mask was identical in design to the one Kitsune Saiguu used to wear. It was no coincidence—she clearly had her own reasons for choosing this one.

As for Lucas, he didn't need to pick one.

The Hannya mask was already a mask—and it could even change its form depending on the situation. But since it technically belonged to the shop, Lucas still asked, "Boss, about that Hannya mask just now—consider it sold. Name your price."

"I already told you, that Hannya mask isn't for sale," the shopkeeper replied, shaking his head. "But if it's chosen you, then you're clearly destined for it. Take it—it's yours. No charge. That thing's been sealed for ages, and it's never been exactly… stable. You taking it off my hands actually solves a headache for me."

"Then I'll gratefully accept," Lucas said with a smile. "Thank you."

"Wait a minute—sure, I'll waive the cost of the mask," the shopkeeper added, pulling out an abacus. His thin, withered fingers flew over the beads with practiced speed as he muttered, "Labor fees, damage repair fees, and the masks you broke earlier… Let's call it 180,000 Mora."

Honestly, that amount of Mora was pocket change to Lucas. He was just about to pay when Yae Miko gently pushed his hand down and smiled. "Boss, the Mikawa Flower Festival is coming up soon. Surely you wouldn't want the Grand Narukami Shrine to start sourcing masks from other vendors this year?"

The moment the shopkeeper heard that, a wide grin broke across his face. "Ahh, we Inazumans are nothing if not hospitable! Forget the 180,000 Mora—it's on the house!"

Lucas gave a wry smile. So this… must be what they mean by "getting a woman to save you 180,000 Mora with one sentence."

Still, the Hannya mask was easily worth ten times that much, maybe more. He'd definitely gotten the better end of the deal.

After the two of them left the shop, Lucas suddenly seemed to recall something and asked, "Wait a second—the shopkeeper mentioned that this Hannya mask had been sealed all along. Why would the seal suddenly break?"

Judging from the shopkeeper's reaction, it must've only happened recently.

"He already said it's because you're a destined one," Yae Miko gently poked Lucas' cheek with her finger and chuckled, "And it belongs to the Demon Blade Princess, to the Oni Mask... and perhaps... to me as well."

Lucas's face flushed red, and he quickly changed the subject. "A-anyway, even if you wear that mask, your clothes—uh, I mean, cough, everything else—kinda still give away your identity."

What he meant, of course, was that Yae Miko's figure was far too… distinctive. But thinking it would be too inappropriate to say out loud, he trailed off awkwardly.

Yae Miko, however, simply slipped the fox mask onto her face, spun around on the spot, and—just like that—her striking shrine maiden outfit transformed into a completely ordinary set of civilian clothes. Her long pink hair also turned a common shade of black.

And yet, even with everything covered up, the curves that couldn't be hidden made the simple clothes puff up in all the wrong places—if anything, it made her even more enticing.

"Well?" Yae Miko asked smugly. "Totally unrecognizable, right?"

Lucas sighed, a few black lines practically forming above his head. "Look, if you had transformation magic this whole time, why not just change your face too? Why go out of your way to buy a mask?"

"Because…" Yae Miko leaned in close, her face almost touching his, "I was afraid you wouldn't like someone else's face."

Lucas's gaze darted away, clearly flustered. But before he could say anything, a clear, youthful voice suddenly called out behind him. "Well, if it isn't the Guuji herself. What a coincidence—fancy running into you here."

The two of them turned their heads. The speaker was a handsome young man with a slender frame and a high ponytail of dark red hair. He looked delicate—almost girlish—and beneath each eye sat a beauty mark like a tear-shaped gem. If not for the faint outline of an Adam's apple and a conspicuously flat chest, Lucas might've mistaken him for a girl.

"Heizou?" Yae Miko blinked, slightly surprised. "How'd you recognize me? Did I slip up with my transformation spell somehow?"

She had a mask on, her hair color had changed, and aside from recognizing her by figure—which was admittedly possible—there should've been no obvious giveaways.

"It was just a matter of basic deduction," Shikanoin Heizou replied with a smile. "There are cherry blossom petals from the Sacred Sakura on your shoulder, meaning you came from the Grand Narukami Shrine. Since the shrine hasn't opened for business yet, you must be a shrine maiden. On top of that, the fragrance you're wearing is subtle and expensive—something only someone of high status would use. Putting all of that together, it was easy to guess you were the Guuji herself."

"You missed the most important clue," Lucas added with a shrug. "Only she would be wandering around like this during work hours."

"An excellent point," Heizou said with a chuckle. "I only focused on the surface-level clues and overlooked the obvious. A bit careless of me…"

Then, seemingly impressed, he extended a hand toward Lucas. "Nice to meet you. I'm Shikanoin Heizou—a detective."

"And I'm Edogawa Conan, also a detective," Lucas thought to himself.

Outwardly, he simply took Heizou's hand and nodded. "Lucas. I'm a merchant from Liyue."

At this point, he was getting completely used to the "Liyue merchant" persona. And since he did own a blacksmith shop in Mondstadt and a restaurant in Liyue, technically… it wasn't a lie.

"Running into you here really is a stroke of luck," Yae Miko said with a sly smile. "Saves us the trouble of tracking you down."

"Oh?" Shikanoin Heizou raised an eyebrow. "What can I do for you, Lady Guuji?"

"It's not anything serious," Yae Miko said airily. "It's just that someone has been using my name to boost their own image. There are too many ears around here—let's find a quieter place to talk."

…

At the Yashiro Commission's teahouse.

This little teahouse sat tucked into a quiet corner of the district, hardly noticeable at first glance. A few scattered patrons lounged inside, sipping tea, while a plump Shiba Inu sat like a sentry atop the counter. If not for its occasionally twitching tail, one might've mistaken it for a stuffed animal.

This dog, known as Taroumaru, was apparently the owner of the tea house. Given the odd choice of proprietor and the less-than-thriving business, it was anyone's guess how the place stayed afloat. Still, its calm and cozy atmosphere made it an excellent spot for private conversation.

"I see. That clears things up," Heizou said, jotting down notes in his ever-present notebook. "So basically, there's a woman using the alias 'Yae Usagi' who's taken on a public persona suspiciously similar to yours. You want to look into her background, correct?"

"I'm not some petty woman," Yae Miko replied with a cold chuckle. "But if she's going to use my likeness for shady business, it'll tarnish my reputation."

"Fair point." Heizou snapped his notebook shut and stood. "Please, enjoy your tea. I'll begin the investigation right away."

"Nana was right—you're as reliable as she said," Yae Miko said approvingly. "I'll make sure you're well compensated."

"No need to be so formal," Heizou replied with a smile. "Aside from the fact that my distant cousin's been under your care, I genuinely love this kind of work. The joy of solving a mystery and uncovering the truth—that's the best payment I could ask for."

"So helpful," Lucas muttered. "Unlike a certain unscrupulous lawyer who charges tens of thousands of Mora just for consultation."

Back in Liyue, Yanfei—currently in court and delivering a flawless argument—suddenly sneezed, hard.

"I never expected the Tenryou Commission to have such interesting people," Yae Miko said with a cryptic grin. "I always figured they were all wooden blocks."

She was clearly referring to Kujou Sara.

"By the way," Lucas said casually, "there's something I've always found strange. If Heizou and Nana are distant relatives, why is there a one-character difference in their surnames?"

Yae Miko, well-versed in Inazuman customs, answered without hesitation, "Most likely, one of Heizou's ancestors entered the clergy. That's usually why the '院' (in) character gets added to the surname."

"I see," Lucas mused. "So clergy in Inazuma are allowed to marry and have children?"

"Of course," Yae Miko said, giving him a playful wink. "And not just clergy—even shrine maidens are allowed."

Lucas coughed and quickly changed the subject. "Right… anyway, since both the Hannya mask and the Blade Maiden are tsukumogami, they should both be able to take on human form, right?"

"Why don't you try and see?" Yae Miko replied with a teasing smile. "She's your shikigami, not mine."

Lucas figured she had a point. He opened his palm and, with a thought, summoned the Hannya mask into his hand.

"Can you take on a human form?"

The moment the words left his mouth, the mask began to tremble gently, as if responding. A soft glow enveloped it, and when the light faded, standing before them was a petite young girl wearing the very same menacing Hannya mask—her appearance was quite the contrast.

"Wait, you're a girl?" Lucas blinked in confusion.

"My true form is a tsukumogami. As an object, I have no inherent gender," the Hannya mask said flatly. "This form is simply based on my master's image of me."

"Hehe…" Yae Miko chuckled. "Looks like her previous master had… interesting tastes. But I suppose that works. After all, shikigami aren't human. You can do whatever you like with them."

It wasn't that Lucas's other self, "Kamuna Harunosuke," had some peculiar preferences—rather, the three primary shikigami under his command were all women. It would've been awkward if the remaining four were men, so he simply shaped them all into female forms for convenience.

"If you desire it," the Hannya mask said with a straight face as she turned to Lucas, "I wouldn't refuse."

"I refuse!" Lucas groaned. "Who the heck would do that kind of thing with a mask?!"

"I would!"

The Blade Maiden instantly emerged from the sword at Lucas's waist, leaping into his arms and nuzzling against his chest like a clingy cat fighting for affection.

"Ugh, you sow," the Hannya mask said coldly. "Still as disgusting as ever."

"Shut up, you stupid mask!" the Blade Maiden retorted without hesitation, sticking out her tongue defiantly. "You want Master's affection just as much as I do!"

"I do not." The Hannya mask's tone was calm and unwavering.

"Perfect!" the Blade Maiden grinned. "That means no competition for me!"

But before she could even finish her sentence, the Hannya mask had already latched onto Lucas's arm in an awkward but determined hug. "Then I guess I'll have to fight you for it."

Watching the scene unfold, Yae Miko couldn't help but laugh. "You two seem to get along well."

"We do NOT!" the two shikigami snapped in unison.

"You're lucky," Yae Miko teased. "To have such adorable shikigami doting on you. Must be nice."

"Gee, thanks…" Lucas sighed deeply.

Just two of them were already a handful. If all seven of his shikigami returned, his daily life would probably become "lively" in all the worst ways.

As the four of them sipped tea and chatted, time passed quickly. Lucas had expected to wait a while longer, but to his surprise, within just an hour, Shikanoin Heizou returned—carrying several dossiers. It looked like he had already found something worthwhile.

"Oh? Back already?" Yae Miko smiled with a nod. "I suppose our little detective really is quite capable."

"It was nothing—I just called in a few favors," Heizou replied cheerfully as he laid the documents out on the table. "But your instincts were spot on, Guuji-sama. This 'Yae Usagi' really isn't as simple as she looks."

Though Heizou's official position within the Tenryou Commission was only that of a "Doushin," it granted him a fair bit of leeway. It seemed likely he'd used his access to gather this intel so quickly.

He pointed to the documents. "This Yae Usagi grew up in a village near Inazuma City. Decent family background. But in her teens, she kept ditching school and eventually dropped out. She even cut ties with her family. For the past few years, she's been scraping by doing odd jobs around Inazuma."

"With a face like that," Yae Miko chuckled, "I doubt she was ever content with doing odd jobs for long."

"You're absolutely right," Heizou nodded. "At some point—and we don't know why—she suddenly reinvented herself as a small-time idol. And in just a few months, she managed to make a name for herself. These days, she's got a bit of fame in Inazuma's idol scene. Even picked up quite a few fans."

"Looks only get you so far," Lucas commented thoughtfully. "If she rose that quickly, someone had to be backing her. She must have had access to resources."

"It's always refreshing to talk to smart people," Heizou smiled. "The organization behind her is none other than the Inakawa-gumi—one of the three major yakuza groups in Inazuma."

"Well now," Yae Miko's fox ears twitched. "Things are getting interesting. If that's the case, this Yae Usagi definitely isn't clean. Odds are... no, she's probably already involved in something illegal. That gives me all the reason I need to take her down."

"Uh…" Lucas raised a brow. "What exactly is the Inakawa-gumi?"

"You're from Liyue, so I'll forgive the ignorance," Heizou explained. "Unlike your side, Inazuma's got some... peculiar issues. Violent groups like these operate in the gray zone. They're hard to eliminate. The Inakawa-gumi is one of the biggest, and they've got their hands in all sorts of industries—especially entertainment."

"What's the matter?" Yae teased. "Don't tell me you're scared."

Lucas couldn't exactly reveal his true strength, but with Hannya Mask and Muramasa at his side, he wasn't worried. Even without stepping in personally, these two were far beyond what ordinary gangsters could handle. He smiled. "With Muramasa and Hannya Mask here, I don't see any issues. Not to mention... we've got you with us, don't we?"

"Good point." Yae nodded. "Little detective, do you know what this Yae Usagi's schedule looks like tonight?"

"As luck would have it, she's got a performance scheduled at a nearby underground theater tonight," Heizou said, pulling out a flyer. "If you two sneak in, you might be able to dig up something interesting."

"You're not coming?" Lucas asked casually.

"Better if I don't," Heizou said, scratching his head a bit awkwardly. "Public servant, remember? Not the kind of place I should be seen in. But if you need anything, just say the word."

To be fair, Heizou had already gone above and beyond. Neither Lucas nor Yae pressed him further. After a few polite exchanges, the two left the Komore Teahouse.

...

Sanzu River Theater.

It wasn't a large venue. In Inazuma, underground theaters like this were fairly common, serving as stages for small-time idols and niche performances.

Normally, such events wouldn't draw much of a crowd. But tonight, the place was packed. People were shoulder to shoulder, and glowing fan signs lit up the dim hall with slogans like "Yae Usagi—My Life Coach!" or "Yae-sama, Roast Me Harder!"

Clearly, her popularity wasn't to be underestimated.

Lucas and Yae Miko blended into the crowd, both wearing masks. Ironically, compared to the over-the-top costumes of other fans, their plain appearance made them even less conspicuous.

"Wow, I really underestimated that girl's influence," Yae Miko muttered with a slight frown. "Didn't think this many people would show up. Is being an idol really that easy these days?"

"Not necessarily," Lucas mused. "I've seen idols from other nations. Mondstadt's are kind-hearted, always ready to help others. In times of disaster, they use music and healing arts to bring hope to their fans. In Liyue, idols are rigorously trained from childhood. By their teens, they're already skilled singers and writers. As for Inazuma's idols…"

He trailed off with a knowing smile. The implication was clear: Inazuma's idols likely relied more on looks and clever marketing than real substance.

Yae Miko didn't seem offended. Instead, she chuckled. "Still, why do they call her their 'life coach'? That's kind of odd…"

Just as she spoke, the stage lights flared—and a figure appeared. It was Yae Usagi, bearing a striking resemblance to Yae Miko, though her outfit was noticeably more revealing than the ones she wore in magazine photos. Every little movement she made flirted with exposure.

"Tch. She doesn't even have that much to show off, yet she's so eager to flaunt it," Yae Miko snorted. "Tell me—who's better looking, her or me?"

"Is that even a question?" Lucas replied without looking away from the stage. "She's not even in the same league as a single strand of your hair."

It was a simple line, spoken flatly—but it hit Yae Miko right in the heart. The woman who was always so smug and teasing actually blushed. A soft sweetness stirred within her.

Of course, she soon noticed that Lucas's gaze seemed a bit too focused on Usagi's highlight reel, and a twinge of jealousy flared.

She leaned close to his ear and whispered, "So... you like this kind of look, huh?"

"Ahem… What do you mean, 'like' or not…" Lucas blushed and cleared his throat. "I'm just observing her. There's an old Liyue saying: 'Know thy enemy and know thyself, and you'll emerge victorious in every battle.'"

Of course, saying he wasn't even a little intrigued would be self-deception.

While this Yae Usagi didn't quite match up to the original, Yae Miko, in looks or figure, she was still a rare beauty by any normal standard. Add to that her carefully crafted makeup and flirtatious stage presence, and she definitely had visual appeal.

Even someone like Lucas, who'd seen countless beauties in his time, couldn't help but steal a few more glances. After all, when you've had enough gourmet delicacies, it's natural to crave a little street food now and then.

"Hmph, you're obviously staring at the places you shouldn't be." Yae Miko's finger, soft and snake-like, lightly poked Lucas in the waist. "I'll let you in on a little secret—there are a few nightgowns in my wardrobe that are way racier than what she's wearing."

Just imagining Yae Miko in those outfits sent Lucas's mind into overdrive, but he quickly regained focus and whispered, "Shh, now's not the time for that. Keep watching."

As an idol, singing and dancing were fundamental skills. But honestly, this Yae Usagi, despite her visual appeal, was amateur at best when it came to performance.

"That dancing is terrible…" Yae Miko yawned, clearly bored. "I've seen chickens with better rhythm."

Wow, even here there are haters, huh?

Before Lucas could comment, Yae Usagi suddenly stopped dancing and smiled. "Now it's time for the fan interaction segment! If you've got anything you want to say to Usagi, I'll be listening carefully! Just remember, you'll need to use an 'Interaction Ticket,' okay?"

"See that?" Lucas smirked. "Everything before was just fluff—this is the real deal."

The so-called "Interaction Ticket" was a paid item sold in the theater—100,000 Mora per ticket—granting fans the right to ask one question and get a brief moment of interaction with their idol.

Basically, it was no different from the superchat system in live streams: fans paid to have their messages highlighted and noticed by the streamer.

Apparently, Inazuma's underground idol industry had gotten pretty creative with its monetization tactics.

"Usagi! Usagi!" one fan shouted, waving his ticket. "I look at your picture and 'channel' every day—morning, noon, and night! Usagi, can I 'channel' at the real you, just once?"

"Can you not 'channel' at me, please?" Yae Usagi sneered, looking visibly disgusted. "That's seriously gross."

Surprisingly, the fan she "insulted" didn't look upset at all. In fact, he looked... delighted. He shuddered all over and muttered under his breath, "I… I'm good now…"

"What is up with this guy?" Yae Miko looked baffled. "No way—are people seriously paying money just to be insulted?"

"Everyone's got their kinks," Lucas said thoughtfully, rubbing his chin. "Maybe that's her whole shtick—leaning into those fetishes. That could explain her popularity."

"Oh?" Yae Miko narrowed her eyes and leaned in close, whispering in his ear, voice dripping with syrup. "Then what's your kink, hmm?"

"I-I don't have anything like that," Lucas stammered, flushing red.

"Hehe, alright, I'll stop teasing." Yae Miko suddenly looked curious. "By the way, what did that guy mean by 'channel'?"

Lucas's expression froze. He hesitated, clearly struggling. "I… I don't know."

"You totally do." Yae Miko pinched his ear. "I can't see your face under that mask, but your ears are burning red. Come on, tell me."

Resigned, Lucas cupped a hand to her ear and whispered, "To 'channel' means…"

By the time he finished, the flush beneath Yae Miko's mask had deepened noticeably. After a moment's pause, she leaned toward Lucas and murmured, "If you ever feel like… 'channeling' at me, I wouldn't mind."

"I told you, I don't have any weird kinks like that!" Lucas said with a helpless laugh. "Besides, if there's a real battle opportunity… why would I need to 'practice' solo?"

Yae Miko froze, then finally registered what he meant. She twisted his waist with a pinch and whispered, "You're so bad."

Somewhere along the line, Lucas had learned how to push back. She was the one teasing him, yet somehow, he'd managed to turn it around.

The interaction segment continued. While 100,000 Mora wasn't exactly a fortune, spending that much just to say a sentence or two to an idol was about as effective as tossing money into a pond to hear the splash.

"Usagi! My sweet Usagi!" another fan cried, waving his ticket. "If you ever got married, what kind of guy would you choose?"

Everyone knew idols weren't supposed to get married—heck, they weren't even supposed to date, at least not publicly—so this loaded question naturally drew the audience's attention. The room quieted down, all ears on Usagi's reply.

"Well," Usagi smiled sweetly, "I don't plan on getting married any time soon. I'm devoting my life to my idol career. But… if I ever do get married, I'll just pick someone from my fanbase. After all, you're the ones who love me the most, right?"

The moment she finished, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause.

"She really knows how to play this idol game," Yae Miko snorted. "Don't tell me these guys actually believe she'll marry one of them someday?"

"To a fan, their favorite idol is always seen through rose-colored glasses," Lucas said calmly. "Whatever character she plays onstage, they believe that's who she really is."

"Alrighty then, it's getting late—almost time to wrap things up." Yae Usagi stretched, casually revealing a generous amount of pale skin, and grinned. "But! As a thank-you for all your long-time support, Usagi's got a special treat for everyone tonight… That's right—it's your chance to join me for a midnight snack!"

----

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