After Kujou Takayuki's purge, all military authority of the Tenryou Commission was handed over to Kujou Sara.
Now, within the Tenryou Commission, squads of Shogunate samurai were assembling, preparing to set out according to a predetermined list to "invite" certain individuals for questioning.
Kamisato Ayato stood by, watching.
He knew full well that his decision would soon lead to rivers of blood before Tenshukaku's gates. Countless heads would roll.
Yet Kamisato Ayato felt no remorse.
When dealing with parasites that fed off the nation, this was the only appropriate course of action.
To show leniency now would be nothing short of laughable.
Duty demanded action, and Ayato would not hesitate—nor would Kujou Sara.
Sara had always been decisive in battle, fierce and unyielding.
The mistaken war had already weighed heavily on her conscience, but now, with her blade turned toward those who had betrayed the nation, she felt no hesitation.
Anyone who stood in the Shogun's way would fall to her arrows—even herself, if necessary!
"I have a question," Sara spoke up.
"I know what you're going to ask," Ayato replied calmly. "With so many positions suddenly vacant, the Shogunate's operations will face difficulties, right? But you needn't worry. There are plenty of passionate individuals ready to step in. We'll endure a challenging period, but only for a time."
"As long as you've prepared," Sara nodded, then asked curiously, "The one who came today… is there anything you can tell me about what happened?"
"Nothing major," Ayato shook his head.
Sara's loyalty to the Raiden Shogun was well-known, so Ayato saw no reason to hide anything. After briefly recounting the events, he added, "You'll likely need to visit the card shop more often. Only by growing stronger can you better serve Her Excellency."
Sara nodded in understanding.
"I'll find a way."
The two fell silent.
Ayato was deep in thought.
During the Vision Hunt Decree and Sakoku Decree, it wasn't just Kujou Takayuki and the Kanjou Commission who had profited—many smaller families lurking in their shadows had also lined their pockets.
How much could be recovered from them?
At the very least, Ayato hoped to give Inazuma's economy some breathing room.
The current state of Inazuma was dire.
Life would go on, of course.
But the economy was like a cart rolling downhill—no matter how hard they pushed back, it was nearly impossible to stop its decline.
If they failed, the situation would spiral into irreparable chaos.
By then, not only would there be no spare Mora for gacha, but even the Shogunate's operations would be jeopardized, and the people would suffer even more.
The only silver lining was that things hadn't yet reached that point.
Ayato could only be grateful that Yae Miko had been sharp enough to visit Liyue Harbor in advance.
"By the way," Sara suddenly asked, "Is your own house clean?"
Ayato blinked, then chuckled. "You needn't worry about that."
The only "crime" the Kamisato Clan could be accused of was their involvement in "rebellious activities" during the Vision Hunt Decree.
On the surface, it might have looked like they were inciting rebellion alongside the Traveler.
But upon closer inspection, the truth was more nuanced.
The Kamisato Clan's actions had all been under Yae Miko's watchful eye.
Did anyone really believe the resistance army could have marched to Tenshukaku's gates solely due to the Kamisato Clan's efforts?
Yae Miko's influence had been at play.
Without her tacit approval, Ayato would never have dared to act—even if they succeeded, it would have left a stain on the clan's reputation.
Thus, the Kamisato Clan could hardly be held accountable.
After all, the Shogun's second-in-command had given her blessing, and the Raiden Shogun herself, having reconsidered her stance, would never raise her blade against those who had aided her.
As for other matters—
The existence of the Shuumatsuban was known to the Shogun, so it couldn't be considered a private militia.
Financially, the Kamisato Clan had never engaged in corruption.
They had their own legitimate businesses, managed by Thoma.
Thoma, often called the "fixer," wasn't actually involved in anything shady—his methods were relatively clean.
"No wonder the Kamisato Clan has endured for so long," Sara remarked with some admiration.
"Nobility and aristocracy must adhere to strict rules if they wish to endure," Ayato smiled faintly. "Some lines must never be crossed. Once they are, no matter how powerful a family may be, they will fall—just like Mondstadt's Lawrence Clan in history. After their 'glory,' all that remained was ruin and scorn."
"Still, I'd advise you to conduct regular self-inspections," Sara said flatly.
"I know."
Ayato understood well.
To investigate others, one must first investigate oneself.
Only by ensuring one's own cleanliness could they rightfully scrutinize others.
As he busied himself with these matters, he knew his sister must be equally swamped.
He could only hope no further complications arose—they were already stretched thin.
Afternoon.
Standing before the Kamisato Estate, Yae Miko smiled. "This is the Kamisato residence. We'll visit the family first, then head to Grand Narukami Shrine. Does that sound acceptable?"
Lu Heng nodded with interest. "Sure. I've also been curious about the White Heron Princess."
"What kind of curiosity?"
Having spent the morning exploring Inazuma City together, the two had grown familiar enough for Yae Miko to tease him.
"I'll have to see her in person before answering that," Lu Heng chuckled.
"That girl…" Yae Miko's eyes gleamed with amusement. "She was adorable as a child. Now that she's grown, she's the kind of girl who makes people want to spoil her."
As they reached the entrance, the guards hurried inside to announce their arrival.
After a brief wait, a figure rushed out to greet them.
"Lady Guuji!" Kamisato Ayaka bowed respectfully.
Then her gaze shifted to Lu Heng, and she froze slightly.
This person… looked familiar.
While Ayaka studied Lu Heng, he studied her in return.
His feelings toward the elegant, virtuous Kamisato heiress were complicated.
In the early stages of the main storyline, the Kamisato Clan's actions hadn't left the best impression.
But as time passed, one realized they weren't so bad after all.
Also… Lu Heng found himself stifling a laugh.
In the game, Ayaka's rigid bangs were somewhat awkward, but in reality, she was far more beautiful than her in-game model. Her bangs fluttered softly as she moved, smooth and flowing.
Thinking of her, Lu Heng was reminded of "tears of an era."
He could only sigh—she had once been glorious, though now overshadowed by many newer characters. Still, she remained a nostalgic memory for many.
"You are… Mr. Lu?" Ayaka ventured cautiously.
It came back to her now.
There were plenty of photos of Lu Heng online.
No wonder he looked familiar!
"Hello," Lu Heng nodded with a smile. "Lady Guuji and I were hoping to pay a visit. I hope we're not intruding?"
"Not at all!"
Ayaka shook her head, then gestured politely. "Your presence honors the Kamisato Clan. Please, come in!"
Thoma, who had hurried over, added, "I'll prepare tea!"
Entering the estate, the grounds were vast.
This was not only the Kamisato siblings' home but also the administrative headquarters of the Yashiro Commission.
Many of the Commission's policies originated from here.
Events like festivals and celebrations required approval from this very place.
The Tri-Commission of Inazuma represented civil administration, military affairs, and finance.
Ayaka led them to the main hall.
Seeing documents piled everywhere, Lu Heng raised an eyebrow. "You seem quite busy. I hope our visit isn't disrupting your work."
"Not at all," Ayaka quickly assured. "Please, make yourselves comfortable."
Yae Miko settled in and said, "Mr. Lu and I came specifically to see you."
"To see me?"
Ayaka's eyes widened in disbelief.
Though she was known as the White Heron Princess, in Lu Heng's eyes, she must have seemed utterly ordinary, right?
The thought made her feel unworthy of such attention.
"Don't be nervous," Lu Heng said gently. "Just think of us as old friends checking in on your well-being."
If Ayaka had access to the internet, she could learn about Genshin Impact—and through it, about herself.
From Lu Heng's perspective, as someone familiar with the game, this made perfect sense.
"Ah, I see now," Ayaka said, comprehension dawning.
"As for me lately…"
Watching Ayaka stiffly recount her recent activities as if delivering a formal report, Lu Heng shot an amused glance at Yae Miko.
"This child…" Yae Miko sighed, massaging her temples. "You're acting as though Mr. Lu might devour you at any moment."
"Lady Guuji…" Ayaka flushed slightly.
But no matter how composed she was, she couldn't possibly treat Lu Heng as an old friend.
Given his status, power, and the fact that even the Raiden Shogun paled in comparison, how could she presume?
"Everyone reacts this way," Lu Heng chuckled. "No need to be tense. Even your Lady Guuji was like this when we first met—so nervous she could barely smile."
Yae Miko smirked. "What can I say? If I misspoke and offended you, the consequences for Inazuma would be dire."
"Now you make it sound like I'm some nation-destroying tyrant," Lu Heng rolled his eyes, sipping his tea. "That's why I often feel a divide between myself and others."
He sighed.
High status was enviable, but once attained, genuine friendships became rare.
It wasn't that people sought to exploit him—they simply couldn't bridge the gap in standing.
"Surely there's no such barrier between us now?"
Yae Miko arched a brow. "Strangers at first, but familiarity eases things."
"True. You're already teasing me," Lu Heng agreed. "I know all of you well—the real you. So relax. After all, who acts formally around friends?"
At this, Ayaka seemed to understand.
She exhaled, willing herself to unwind.
Yet, seated properly, she found herself at a loss for words.
Noticing her hesitation, Yae Miko asked, "With your brother temporarily overseeing the Tenryou Commission, the Yashiro Commission's duties fall to you. Is it tiring?"
"A little," Ayaka admitted. She had been about to deny it, but under Yae Miko's knowing gaze, she conceded, "But I can manage."
"You'll need to improve efficiency," Lu Heng said to Yae Miko. "All that running around is a waste of time. Smart devices should be quickly adopted by the Shogunate—it'll save a lot of trouble."
"Understood," Yae Miko nodded, then turned to Ayaka. "You're familiar with computers, yes?"
"I've researched them online," Ayaka replied. "There's much I don't understand, but I'm learning."
She was sharp enough to realize smart devices would inevitably spread throughout Inazuma, so she had studied their uses and significance.
If nothing else, having phones alone would drastically improve communication and coordination.
Greater efficiency meant more time to rest!
"Good," Yae Miko said. "With the card shop now in Inazuma, your brother likely won't have much chance to visit. So it falls to you."
Ayaka already knew this—her brother had messaged her.
She nodded. "Brother has already instructed me. I'll visit once I have time."
"Feel free anytime," Lu Heng said. "Add me as a friend—just message me before you come."
"Ah, yes."
Ayaka pulled out her phone and scanned his code.
After adding him, Lu Heng stood. "We won't take up more of your time."
Ayaka blinked, momentarily flustered.
"Don't overthink it," Yae Miko said lightly. "We just wanted to see you. We're heading to Grand Narukami Shrine next. Staying longer might bore Mr. Lu."
"I see," Ayaka relaxed. "Let me escort you out."
At the gate, Lu Heng smiled. "That's far enough. Get back to work—finish early, rest early. Lady Guuji and I will be on our way."
"Of course. I hope you enjoy your time in Inazuma," Ayaka bowed slightly.
"Let's go."
As she watched them leave, Ayaka wiped her brow—though there was no sweat to be found.
"Whew… that was intense."
"Are you alright, my lady?" Thoma asked worriedly.
"I'm fine," Ayaka shook her head. "It was so sudden—I wasn't prepared at all. I just hope we didn't leave a bad impression…"
After all, online opinions of the Kamisato Clan in the early storyline weren't exactly glowing.
"Probably not…"
Thoma scratched his head, uncertain. "Since Mr. Lu chose to visit, he likely doesn't hold a poor opinion of the clan."
"That's true," Ayaka mused.
On the Path to the Shrine
"So, what did you think of her?" Yae Miko asked playfully.
"Graceful and refined," Lu Heng replied.
"Do you like her? Should I play matchmaker?" Yae Miko's eyes sparkled with mischief.
"How did we jump to matchmaking?" Lu Heng frowned.
"Isn't it obvious?" Yae Miko said matter-of-factly. "If you were to form a bond with someone from Inazuma—without coercion, of course—it would benefit our nation. As the Grand Narukami Shrine's Guuji, I'd be delighted."
She giggled.
"Think about it. If you married an Inazuman, both emotionally and politically, it would only help."
Lu Heng considered this. "Unfortunately, even if I married several, I couldn't offer any tangible benefits."
"But wouldn't it create closer ties?" Yae Miko pressed. "Really, no interest?"
"You're asking about Ayaka?" Lu Heng paused.
"Not your type?" Yae Miko tilted her head. "Name someone else, then."
"Tch, you're something else."
Lu Heng clicked his tongue. "This morning, you were all formal. Now you're teasing me. Want me to list names? Fine—I'll take them all!"
"My, my, such an appetite!" Yae Miko feigned shock.
"Naturally."
Lu Heng nodded. "The elegant and wise Lady Guuji Yae Miko, the adorably clueless Raiden Ei—both sound wonderful."
"Wait, me included?" Yae Miko blinked.
"The illustrious Yae Miko, as sharp-tongued as she is beautiful—I've always had a soft spot for you," Lu Heng admitted freely.
"You want both me and Ei?"
Yae Miko laughed. "How greedy!"
"You're the one who suggested it," Lu Heng shrugged. "Why not aim higher? Go big or go home!"
Yae Miko burst into laughter. "Such bold ambitions! We barely know each other, yet you say these things to my face. How shameless!"
"And you're the one trying to arrange marriages when we've just met. Pot calling the kettle black!"
Yae Miko couldn't help but laugh harder.
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T/N:
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