Venti wanted to throw a little tantrum and plead for mercy.
He truly didn't want to face Azhdaha.
One Zhongli was already more than enough for him to handle — now another being on par with Zhongli?
Wasn't that practically a death sentence?
But before Venti could even open his mouth, two sets of footsteps came from behind.
Walking gracefully toward them was the poised and elegant Makoto, followed by Yae Miko, who trailed behind her like a little shadow — eyes red, yet looking quite cheerful.
"So soon? I thought you two would be talking for a while," Ryen said teasingly with a grin.
Miko pursed her lips and cast a meaningful glance at Lumine.
"If we'd stayed a bit longer, some little someone might've tried to sneak a few photos for keepsakes—"
Lumine spread her hands with a playful smile, not denying it.
Makoto chuckled softly, then bowed deeply with solemn respect.
"Miko has already told me about the resurrection. I must thank you, Mr. Ryen, and you as well, Morax."
Zhongli took a calm sip of tea and said evenly,
"This has nothing to do with me. The resurrection totem was brought by Ryen. Without him, such an artifact would never have appeared in this world."
Makoto smiled gently.
"Regardless, it was still your permission that allowed us to borrow it. As for the resurrection points, we will repay them."
Zhongli said nothing more, only gave a slight nod.
Resurrection points were a precious thing — best not to give them away for free if one could help it.
Ryen gestured toward the two remaining seats and said with a warm smile,
"Sit down, let's talk. It's still early. We can enjoy the sunshine a bit, and later we'll go out for dinner."
"It must've been painful not tasting any fine cuisine for five hundred years."
Makoto shook her head lightly and sat down with grace, smiling faintly.
"To me, it felt like only an instant. I have no sense of time. It's Miko and that child Ei who truly suffered."
She glanced at Miko helplessly — clearly not ready to bring up Ei's situation just yet.
This world's affairs were directly tied to Inazuma's future, and as the true and most qualified Electro Archon, Makoto naturally had to prioritize her nation's destiny.
After taking a moment to organize her thoughts, she spoke softly,
"Miko has told me a little about what's been happening lately, though she doesn't know much herself — her account was rather vague."
"I'd like to ask, Morax… have you already abdicated?"
Zhongli nodded.
"At the Rite of Parting some time ago, it was formally announced. Liyue has entered an age of human governance. Everything in Liyue is now strong and prosperous."
"Compared to when I ruled, Liyue today is far more vibrant and full of life. It no longer needs me."
"So, you may call me Zhongli. I am now merely an ordinary Liyue citizen, taking part in the development of this world — contributing in my own small way."
Hearing this, Makoto grew wistful.
"In five hundred years, so much has changed… Even you have stepped down. Was the erosion truly that severe?"
Zhongli paused for a moment, then slowly shook his head.
"Before Ryen appeared, I had already judged that in a few more years, my mind would begin to erode completely."
"However, now the erosion has greatly eased. If Makoto cannot act, I still have the Totem to remove the erosion — it won't be an obstacle."
Makoto pondered for a moment, her expression thoughtful.
"This world… is truly remarkable… resurrection, immortality…"
"I've heard that Liyue, Mondstadt, and Snezhnaya have already joined the Alliance, to resist Celestia together?"
This time, the Cryo Archon spoke.
"Resistance against Celestia is inevitable, though I also understand there may be things in the world that even Celestia fears."
"But stagnation is also slow death. It's better to take a chance — perhaps a new path can be carved for Teyvat."
"Moreover, I do not believe Celestia is benevolent…"
"Her deeds in the past still make me shudder with disgust and fear even now."
"I cannot guarantee that Snezhnaya will not become like Khaenri'ah in the future, so…"
"No matter what, we must overthrow Celestia!"
Hearing this, Makoto let out a sigh.
She knew full well the complexities of Celestia's influence… but it was far too complicated, and she hadn't yet decided what to do.
"Eh-heh!"
Venti tilted his head with a cheeky grin at her.
"So, are you going to join the Alliance? Help get Inazuma in order, and join us in developing Ryen's world."
"There are many places that need manpower. Beidou has discovered a New Continent, and people are needed there to develop it."
"The Twilight Forest also needs a large force stationed."
"The more people, the better."
Makoto felt a tug at her heart.
The wonders of this world were constantly resonating within her.
But the problem was…
She was no longer the Raiden Shogun!
Makoto let out a bitter smile.
"Right now, I am just an ordinary Archon, not the ruler of Inazuma. I cannot make this decision for Inazuma, for Ei."
Lumine pursed her lips, teasing:
"Makoto, don't you understand at all?"
"In Inazuma, even the current Ei only recognizes you as Raiden Shogun."
"Even though you just resurrected, given that one's obsession with you, the instant you return to Inazuma, she will let you resume control."
"In Yae Miko's words: you say one, Ei never says two. If you say we're fighting the Heavenly Principles, Ei will grab her sword and march on Celestia that very same day."
Makoto smiled faintly, feeling some relief.
"Ei… though somewhat childish, is indeed very obedient."
"Sorry, I heard from Miko that you encountered some unpleasant matters in Inazuma. That child Ei can be stubborn. I apologize on her behalf."
With that, Makoto actually stood and bowed slightly to Lumine and Ayaka.
This left Lumine momentarily speechless.
Ayaka, feeling slightly awkward, also stood and waved her hands.
"Sh-Shogun-sama—no, Lady Makoto—no, that's not right either..."
Ayaka felt responsible for her words.
The person before her was indeed the former Raiden Shogun of Inazuma, but she had not yet resumed her rule — calling her "Shogun" didn't feel appropriate.
Yet her true identity was clear: once she returned, there could be no doubt — she was the Raiden Shogun.
Makoto's presence was like a spring breeze, and from the bottom of her heart, Ayaka acknowledged her as the Raiden Shogun.
Though it felt strange to say, Ayaka truly thought that letting Makoto resume control of Inazuma was far better than having Ei rule.
~~----------------------
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