On her way to the Grand Narukami Shrine, Ei moved like purple lightning cutting through the sky.
Meanwhile, Yae Miko could no longer sit still.
"This is already the fourth day. Why hasn't Su Xuan's diary updated yet?"
"A fourth 'Nothing happened today'? Please. Who does he think he's fooling?"
Three days and three nights of "nothing happening."
The fox priestess almost laughed herself sick.
There was absolutely no chance those two were simply "doing academic research."
Kujou Sara had awoken days earlier, but she was still mentally reeling.
Her family's patriarch—Kujo Takayuki—had accepted Fatui bribes, twisted policy, and deceived the Shogun.
It shattered everything she believed in.
Kamisato Ayaka, too, could not find peace.
Now that Su Xuan had openly recorded the Kamisato Clan's secret involvement with the Resistance, Ayaka feared what Ei would do once she returned.
She had hoped the diary would clarify Ei's feelings.
Instead—every day had simply read:
[Nothing happened today]
Each entry only made her more anxious.
Then—at last—
all three diary copies lit up simultaneously.
Ayaka gasped.
"Miko-sama—look! A new update!"
[Haven't written in a few days.]
[Reason: I spent the last three days conducting deep academic research with Raiden Ei.]
[To be frank, Ei is far more perceptive than she appears.]
[Once she understands one concept, she quickly applies it elsewhere.]
[Because of that, our three days and nights of discussion resulted in a rather profound bond.]
[I intended to leave for Mondstadt this morning. Based on my flight speed, I'd arrive by afternoon.]
[However, Ei insisted on reviewing our research one more time before I left.]
[By the time we finished, if I depart now, I'll reach Mondstadt tonight instead.]
[No matter—just a minor delay.]
[Lastly, thank you to the Shogun for her dedicated cooperation these past three days.]
[Kana—]
The women: "!?"
Su Xuan had already left Inazuma.
Yae Miko completely froze.
"…He just left?"
"Without coming to greet anyone? Without even showing himself?"
Ayaka's heart nearly stopped.
That meant Ei would return to the Tenshukaku today—
—and no one knew what mood she would be in.
A thunderclap tore across the sky—
bolts lanced downward like an execution.
Miko's ears twitched.
"She's almost here. Both of you, outside—now."
Kujou Sara didn't hesitate—she sprinted.
The three women assembled just in time to see lightning streak across the sky and descend atop the torii gate.
A graceful figure stepped from the light.
Raiden Ei had returned.
Sara dropped to one knee instantly.
"General—your subordinate greets you!"
Ayaka followed quickly, bowing deeply.
Only Yae Miko smiled, unfazed.
"My, my. Look who has finally come out of seclusion."
"What rare wind has brought the almighty Shadow all the way to me?"
Sara and Ayaka hesitated, then corrected themselves loudly:
"We greet the Almighty Narukami Ogosho!"
Ei waved a hand, teleporting down to stand before them.
"That is enough, Miko."
"I have returned from the Plane of Euthymia. Inazuma's internal affairs have worsened. I will personally oversee the situation and detain the Tri-Commission and the Resistance for investigation."
"During this time, you will reorganize Inazuma's administrative structure and restore proper order."
"And as for Watatsumi Island—Orobashi has long since fallen. To prevent future conflict, it will be re-integrated into Inazuma."
Her gaze shifted to Ayaka.
"…And this one?"
Miko smiled lightly.
"The young lady of the Kamisato Clan. Head of the Yashiro Commission. The White Heron Princess—Kamisato Ayaka."
Ei nodded once.
"Then it aligns conveniently. Sara—take her to Tenshukaku. She will be confined. No harm is to come to her without my order."
Ayaka nearly collapsed.
Sara rose to obey—
—but Miko stepped between them.
"Wait."
"Ei, before you start issuing arrests, there is something I should show you."
She lightly dangled a diary between two fingers.
Ei's breath stopped.
"…You have one as well."
Miko arched an eyebrow.
"What, did you really think I didn't know what you've been busy with these past three days?"
Ei froze.
Of course Miko would know.
Of course she would read between the lines.
"And," Miko continued sweetly,
"The girl you just ordered detained? She has a copy too~"
Ei's expression tightened.
She had expected the diary to be rare—
but not this widespread.
"Gods," Ei muttered, pinching her brow.
"Miko… are you trying to threaten me with Su Xuan?"
Miko nearly laughed aloud.
"Threaten you?"
"My dear Ei. No one can pressure the Electro Archon."
Pause.
Internal fox voice:
—Except perhaps the man who just did exactly that for three days straight.
Miko's smile deepened.
She leaned close.
"Let's not pretend you don't know the answer.
Between you and Su Xuan…"
"Which one of you is actually the one being 'pressed' here?"
Ei's ears—and face—instantly flushed.
Her expression wavered.
"…Enough. Sara, escort Ayaka. Her safety is to be ensured."
Without another word, Ei burst into lightning and vanished toward Tenshukaku.
Miko watched her go.
And grinned like a fox who had just stolen the juiciest chicken alive.
"So that's it… Ei finally gets embarrassed."
She casually flipped open the diary to a particular image.
Ei kneeling beside Su Xuan.
Her tail practically wagged.
"So tell me—" she murmured, voice silken,
"Is Inazuma still Ei's nation… or is it Su Xuan's now?"
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