"Yeah, you're right, sister. Sasayuri, you've worked hard all these years." Zebul sighed as well.
"It's only right. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now."
Zebul was briefly taken aback.
"You're leaving already? My sister made dumplings—won't you have some?"
"Next time." With that, Elliot waved and gestured goodbye.
"Alright then! Be sure to take it easy!" Zebul called out.
"I know."
As Elliot's figure gradually disappeared, Zebul and Baal exchanged glances.
"Feels like Sasayuri has something on his mind..." Baal said, frowning slightly, a trace of worry in her voice.
"I thought so too. He'd never normally refuse like that."
Zebul looked at the bowl of dumplings, visibly puzzled.
"Could he really be that tired?"
"Maybe... I'm not sure."
After leaving the Tenshukaku, Elliot headed to a teahouse.
He bought a box of tea leaves and made his way to the deserted far side of the island. There, he lit a fire and slowly took out a tea set—missing one cup.
After brewing a pot of tea, he sipped it leisurely. Once finished, he carefully washed the tea set and packed it away.
This was one of his few peaceful moments.
When it was all done, Elliot rose with firm resolve in his eyes and resumed his training.
...
"Huh? He went to rest?" Chiyo said, surprised.
"That's rare. Isn't he usually the first to charge into battle?" Kitsune Saiguu was puzzled too.
"Yeah, it's odd... Maybe he really is just tired..."
Zebul said as she gently stroked the little pink fox in her arms.
The fox yawned wide and stretched. They thought she was about to get up—but instead, she curled her tail and went right back to sleep.
"Lazy little thing, you've been napping almost all day and still don't plan on getting up?"
Zebul smiled as she rubbed the fox's head.
"Actually... I used to sleep like that before I took on human form," Kitsune Saiguu said, scratching her head a bit awkwardly.
"What do you think this little one will be like after she transforms?" Chiyo asked with curiosity, stroking the fox's fur.
"Probably like Kitsune Saiguu—beautiful, well-mannered, wise, and always eager to help others," Baal said, gazing at the fox with warmth in her eyes.
"My Lord, you flatter me." Kitsune Saiguu blushed lightly.
"By the way, everyone, come try the dumplings my sister made—they're amazing!"
Zebul hurriedly brought over a plate of dumplings and happily shared them with everyone.
At her words, everyone's eyes lit up.
Baal's cooking was absolutely top-tier.
Zebul's, on the other hand... wasn't.
She had once tried cooking—but what she produced was a bubbling, sticky, purplish liquid so horrifying it defied description.
Though it looked terrifying, it didn't smell bad.
Thinking, Maybe it just looks bad but tastes good, Sasayuri gave it a try.
He immediately foamed at the mouth and collapsed, nearly dying on the spot.
It was possible that Elliot's soul ended up in Sasayuri's body because of the strange soup Zebul had made last time—maybe it just had a delayed effect.
"This is delicious! As expected of you, my Lord—your cooking's still amazing!"
Kitsune Saiguu's eyes sparkled as she bit into a dumpling, clearly impressed.
"I've had them before, but they're incredible every time!" Chiyo added joyfully, speeding up her eating.
"Save some for Sasayuri. I called him earlier to come eat, but he seemed in a rush," Baal said suddenly.
"He left without even touching the dumplings?"
Chiyo was stunned. Elliot always tried to be first in line when Baal cooked—how could he leave without taking a single bite?
"I hope nothing's wrong with him. When Chiyo said he wasn't eating, I already felt like something was off. He's usually the most eager one at meals..."
Kitsune Saiguu rested her chin on her hand, thinking hard.
"I'll go bring him some dumplings and ask what's going on," Chiyo offered.
"Alright. I'll leave it to you." Zebul nodded.
"Don't worry, I've got it."
Chiyo packed the remaining dumplings into a box and happily set off, humming as she walked.
As she left, Baal turned to her sister.
"The Seven Rulers of the Mortal Realm have sent word. I have to go to Celestia."
"Alright, sister. Don't worry. I'll stay and protect Inazuma."
"But... you're the ones actually fighting this war. I..."
Zebul took Baal's hand, her eyes serious.
"Sister, we're one. Don't feel guilty. We won this war together. This is our shared glory, and our duty to protect Inazuma."
Baal felt the weight in her heart lift. She gripped Zebul's hand tightly.
"Yes... we are one."
The position of one of the Seven carried immense weight. Baal had feared it might come between her and her sister.
Even though Zebul was incredibly powerful, she wasn't a god—only a shadow warrior. So only Baal could hold that title.
"I was hoping to ask you for your dumpling recipe... Looks like I'll have to wait until you come back," Kitsune Saiguu said with a smile.
"I won't be gone long. I'll teach you when I return." Baal answered with a gentle smile.
"Okay~"
...
"He's not here either... Where did that guy go?"
Chiyo had checked all of Elliot's usual spots but hadn't found him.
"Guess I'll ask around..."
After a long search, she finally got a lead from a teahouse owner.
"He bought a box of tea and left," the owner recalled.
"Did he say where he was going?"
"No."
The owner paused, then added, "Now that I think about it, he didn't look very happy when he left. He seemed... down."
"Not happy?" Chiyo echoed, puzzled.
"Did you see which direction he went?"
"Yeah, he went that way." The owner pointed.
"Thanks a lot."
Chiyo thanked him and set off in the direction he indicated.