Walking for about half a day eastward from this town would bring one to the fabled bustling metropolis—Tokyo Prefecture, Asakusa City.
The time now was around eight in the evening. Unlike the rural villages they had passed through before, this place—revered as the most prosperous city—was even livelier at night than during the day.
The city's atmosphere was a dazzling spectacle of lights and indulgence. The streets were crowded like swarming ants, packed so densely that people filled even the broad avenues. Everywhere came the clamor of countless footsteps, rows of shop signs, glaring neon lights, bright advertisements, and electric trams rolling by from time to time.
It was clearly nighttime... yet the brilliance flooding the city illuminated the entire sky. This strange phenomenon had a name—'nightlife.'
And it was evident that the residents of Asakusa had pushed the meaning of 'nightlife' to its extreme.
Even the two women from the countryside—mother and daughter—stood frozen in awe at the sight. It was obviously night, but why was it brighter than day?
"Where... is this?"
Ei asked blankly, her dazed expression looking rather adorable.
"They said it's called 'Tokyo Prefecture, Asakusa City.'"
The Shogun replied, gazing around at the bustling streets surrounded by towering, glittering buildings.
"How astonishing... to think there exists a place so lively."
Or perhaps... a bit too lively. Could anyone actually sleep with all this noise? she wondered silently.
"It's lively indeed, but the crowd is a little too much. If we're not careful, we might get separated."
Hearing this, Ei instinctively tightened her grip on the Shogun's hand. The Shogun glanced at her in surprise.
"What's wrong?"
"Don't go too far from me... I-I'm afraid you'll get lost."
Ei explained awkwardly, stammering slightly mid-sentence.
"Pfft... Isn't that what I should be saying to you instead?"
The Shogun teased, lightly squeezing Ei's palm.
"It's the same either way... As long as we hold hands, neither of us will get lost."
Ei clasped her hand in return and replied stubbornly—but her tone was gentle, her voice as soft as water, carrying a faint trace of happiness within.
"...You're right. Shall we go?"
The Shogun felt warmth bloom within her heart as she spoke.
The two stood in a narrow alley, beyond which lay a sea of moving people.
"Mm."
Ei nodded softly.
"Let's not open the umbrella here. Too crowded—it'll just get in the way."
"Alright... I'll carry it."
The Shogun folded her oil-paper umbrella, tied it neatly, and slung it over her back.
Then, still holding hands, they stepped out from the alley together, merging into the crowd like a lone boat adrift in a vast ocean.
The golden glow of the city reflected in their violet eyes. Though surrounded by countless people, their beauty, hair color, and attire blended perfectly with the urban lights—elegant, noble, and dazzling. To onlookers, they seemed like two sisters out shopping together.
As they walked, Ei's gaze sparkled with childlike curiosity as she admired the architecture around them. To her, the style of this place carried a faint Inazuman touch—but with a modern flair that made her even more intrigued.
Passing another side street, the Shogun idly glanced around—and happened to catch sight of a couple in the corner of an alley, passionately kissing. The man was already removing the woman's clothes, and she willingly let him touch her freely, her face filled with pleasure.
"!///"
The Shogun instantly turned her head away, pretending not to have seen anything. Her mind, pure and untainted, had never witnessed such a scene before. The only time she had experienced anything remotely similar was when Ayaka and Fiore had kissed her—so she couldn't help but blush deeply, her face turning red.
"What's wrong?"
Ei noticed her reaction and asked with concern.
"Nothing... I just saw something... indescribable."
She answered vaguely, her cheeks still faintly pink.
"...Oh. Well, this place is rather mixed—hardly surprising to encounter such things."
Ei nodded calmly, not particularly surprised, though she did show a trace of understanding.
"...You know what I mean?"
The Shogun froze for a moment and looked at her mother beside her. The two were still strolling through the busy streets—crowds all around them had not lessened in the slightest.
"Of course I know... it's just the matter between men and women, isn't it?"
Ei asked innocently, as if it were nothing at all.
"So you do know... about those embarrassing things///"
The Shogun's cheeks were still tinged with an adorable blush; to Ei, she looked like a young girl seeing such things for the first time.
"Of course I know. It's just one of those trivial matters of humankind."
Ei spoke with the calm tone of someone experienced.
"You... don't feel embarrassed?///"
"Hm?"
Hearing her daughter's shy and delicate voice, Ei blinked in surprise, not quite understanding what she meant.
"Seeing things like that... doesn't it make you feel embarrassed?"
The Shogun's face turned red as she gripped her mother's hand tighter, looking like a little girl seeking comfort.
"...I see, so that's what you're thinking about."
Ei smiled knowingly. Ah, she's at that age.
"?"
The Shogun blinked in confusion, meeting her gaze.
"I am a god. Why would I feel embarrassed about such things? The ways of mortals are countless and varied. I've long since grown indifferent to them. Besides, such matters are only natural for humans."
Ei smiled gently as she spoke, her voice soft and warm, each word soothingly sincere. Even the surrounding noise seemed to fade away.
"Then why do I..."
The Shogun bit her lip slightly, troubled. Why did she blush at the sight of such things?
"It's simple... because you're still young. Your heart hasn't yet matured. You may be nearly five hundred years old, but to us, Shogun, you're still a child—perhaps equivalent to a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old human girl, maybe twenty at most."
Ei looked thoughtfully at her daughter's face, as if gauging her age.
"..."
The Shogun lowered her gaze. She had to admit, Ei was right. No matter how old she became, in Ei's eyes, she would always be a little girl.
"You said before..."
"Hm?"
Ei patiently waited for her question as they continued walking side by side down the street, unhurried and unbothered, like any ordinary mother and daughter out for an evening stroll.
"You said you've grown indifferent to such things... but, Ei, have you ever... experienced it yourself?"
"Experienced what?"
Ei tilted her head slightly.
"...T-The matter between... a man and a woman."
The Shogun averted her eyes, her face bright red.
"..."
Ei fell silent, staring blankly at her daughter for a moment.
"I'm sorry... that was a stu—"
Before the Shogun could finish apologizing—
"Pfft... haha..."
Ei suddenly laughed softly—truly laughed.
"?"
The Shogun looked up at her in confusion.
"Ha... Shogun, tell me—what do you think I, Raiden Ei, am? Male or female?"
Amused by her adorable daughter, Ei composed herself slightly and asked with a hint of philosophical playfulness.
"Of course you're a woman—"
"Not quite."
Ei shook her head.
"What? Don't tell me you're a man?!"
The Shogun shrank her neck, her reaction so innocent it was almost comical.
"Pfft... no, not that either. Let's put it this way—I have no gender."
Ei shook her head again, revealing the truth.
"Why?"
"Because I am a god. Gods have no gender—at least, not the human sense of male or female. We are neither. Our manifestations can take either form."
Ei finally shared this truth with her daughter.
"Then right now..."
"Right now, I am in a female form. Back then, both Makoto and I chose female bodies simply because our personalities aligned more closely with the feminine nature of humanity."
"What about me then...?"
"Of course you're a girl. You were born as a puppet based on the female form. You are my... daughter."
When she said "my," Ei almost added "and Makoto's," but she stopped herself—afraid the Shogun might not accept it.
"Mm... I understand."
The Shogun nodded obediently. She understood now—this was the true divine side of her gentle mother, who was kind only to her.
"As for what you just asked... no, I've never experienced that between a man and a woman."
Ei smiled faintly, returning to the earlier question.
"And in the future... will you find a partner—"
"I won't."
Ei interrupted firmly, as if to reassure her.
"..."
The Shogun looked at her, their equally beautiful violet eyes meeting.
"Why not—"
"Because for me... having you is enough."
She still had her precious daughter to care for—why would she need anyone else? To her, having such an adorable, well-behaved child was already more than enough.
As for a future husband? Hah... laughable. She had neither the time nor interest for that. She'd rather spend her days with her daughter. Besides, even if gods were to marry, it would have to be with another god—yet how many such beings existed in the world? Perhaps it was unfortunate that the Shogun had no father, but... it didn't matter.
Raiden Ei could be both mother and father.
The two of them had originally planned to take another walk along the street, but now they found themselves seated inside a restaurant. The reason? Partway through, Ei suddenly announced that she was hungry and wanted to eat something. Given the situation, the Shogun couldn't exactly cook for her, so they decided to find a restaurant and have a simple meal instead.
Fortunately, in such a bustling shopping district, there was no shortage of places to eat. Restaurants were everywhere; after wandering briefly, they came upon a ramen shop. Its sign glowed with bright neon lights, and the interior was spacious and lively, filled with customers.
It was around eight in the evening, the peak hour when office workers stopped by to dine casually with their colleagues after work, so the shop was quite crowded and noisy.
"Would you like some water?"
Seated to the Shogun's left, Ei picked up one of the small cups before her, poured herself some warm water, then gestured toward her daughter.
"...I'm not thirsty."
The Shogun shook her head, resting her chin on her folded arms lazily atop the table.
"..."
Ei glanced at her for a moment, said nothing, then quietly poured another cup of water and set it gently beside her.
"Have a little anyway..." she suggested softly.
"...Haa."
The Shogun lifted her gaze, looking at the cup before her—steam rising faintly from its surface. She leaned forward lazily, picked it up, and took a small sip.
Seeing her drink, Ei followed suit. She placed her elbows lightly on the table, cupped her hands around her own cup, and brought it to her lips for a delicate sip.
During that time, the Shogun rested her cheek on her arm, tilting her head slightly as she quietly watched Ei's movements, lost in thought.
They had chosen a table tucked away in the corner of the shop—most other seats were occupied, leaving only a few available, this one included. They preferred a less conspicuous spot anyway.
It was a standard four-person table, with booth seating on both sides. Since it was in the corner, the opposite seat was pressed against the wall, with warm-toned wallpaper to their right and Ei sitting on her left. Originally, the Shogun had wanted to let Ei sit further inside, but she refused, insisting that her daughter take the inner seat. Perhaps she saw it as a mother's duty?
The Shogun didn't quite understand.
"Ei..."
She murmured softly, her tone somewhat muffled with drowsy laziness.
"Hm?"
Her mother, by contrast, sounded quite energetic.
"Normally... the two of us should be sitting opposite each other."
She explained quietly.
"?"
Ei looked around at the other customers—indeed, most pairs sat across from one another.
"Is that... a rule?" Ei asked curiously.
"...No, not exactly. It's just what people usually do."
The Shogun shook her head lazily, still resting her chin on her arm.
"Since it's not a rule, it doesn't matter, right?" Ei turned her gaze away again, seemingly unconcerned, gently holding her cup.
"Or... do you not want me sitting beside you? Are you... tired of me?"
She glanced over and asked softly.
The Shogun shook her head silently.
"Good. If you did, I'd have no choice but to sit across from you." Ei let out a small sigh of relief.
"Of course not. I just think this kind of side-by-side seating is usually... for those kinds of people."
The Shogun gestured subtly toward the table across from them with her eyes.
"?"
Ei looked over—and saw a mother sitting beside her young daughter, who looked no more than seven, while the father sat opposite them.
"It's the same, isn't it?" Ei said with a small smile.
"...How is that the same?" The Shogun muttered helplessly.
"We're mother and daughter too, aren't we?" Ei replied with a gentle smile, leaning closer and brushing her daughter's back and silky hair with a tender, maternal touch.
"...Haa... whatever you say."
The Shogun gave up arguing, closing her eyes and remaining still in her relaxed, chin-resting position, though her beautiful face still tilted slightly toward Ei's direction.
Seeing this, Ei leaned in slightly, letting her face gently touch her daughter's, her body resting softly against the table.
"Sleepy?" she asked in a quiet, soothing voice.
"No... just resting my eyes."
The Shogun answered softly without opening them.
"..."
Ei gently pressed the back of her hand to the Shogun's cheek, stroking it softly in silence.
Tap, tap...
"Ladies, your order has arrived."
A young waitress dressed in a kimono approached their table and carefully placed the tray down, setting a steaming bowl of ramen before Ei and a cup of milk tea in front of the Shogun.
"Thank you."
Ei said politely.
The waitress bowed slightly and left with her tray. The shop was still bustling and nearly full—had they come a minute later, they might not have found seats at all.
"Go on, eat... this is the ramen you ordered~."
The Shogun opened her eyes, teasing with a small smile.
It was all thanks to the travel funds Riko had given them earlier—truly a lifesaver. And the amount had been generous enough that they could afford decent meals and lodging even in this expensive city.
"You should eat too."
Ei moved the bowl slightly toward the center, then expertly picked up a bundle of golden noodles with her chopsticks. She lifted them, blew gently to cool them, and finally held them out toward her daughter.
"Here, open up... ahhh."
Ei coaxed softly.
"'Ah' what? I'm not hungry... you eat."
The Shogun blushed faintly, embarrassed. It was Ei who'd been hungry in the first place—this was for her, not the other way around.
"Just one bite..."
Ei persisted.
"No."
She waved her hand stubbornly.
"If you don't eat... then I won't either."
Ei set the noodles back into the bowl, released her chopsticks, and folded her hands in her lap, sitting perfectly still.
"You... haa..."
Who's the child here, really? she thought helplessly, sighing before giving in.
"Fine, I'll eat. Happy?"
"Really?"
"Just one bite."
"Mm... here, ahhh—"
Ei once again picked up the noodles, blew gently, and offered them to her.
"/// Ahhh—"
The Shogun blushed even deeper, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear before leaning in shyly to take the bite. She even lifted her gaze briefly, meeting Ei's eyes as she did.
"..."
Ei watched her silently, a faint, almost imperceptible smile forming on her lips.
Slurp~!
The Shogun drew the noodles into her mouth, letting go of the chopsticks as she chewed quietly, assessing the flavor.
"Mm... not bad... go on, eat the rest before it gets cold."
She nudged Ei's elbow lightly, urging her to eat. Honestly, the ramen tasted much better than anything she'd ever cooked herself.
Ei finally smiled, satisfied, and began to eat.
Unlike before, though, Ei ate very quietly. Even when eating ramen, she took delicate bites, never slurping too loudly, occasionally using her chopsticks to neatly break the noodles.
After a few minutes, she looked up and said softly, "This ramen... doesn't taste as good as yours."
"That's impossible. You don't have to flatter me—it's way better than my amateur cooking."
Resting her arm on the table, the Shogun sipped her sweet milk tea through a straw as she spoke lazily.
"But... it really isn't as good as yours."
Ei insisted stubbornly.
"..."
The Shogun paused, straw still in her mouth, then looked at her. Ei met her gaze silently.
"...You must have something wrong with your taste buds~."
She teased playfully.
"How mean..." Ei mumbled, pouting softly before resuming her meal.
Pfft...
The Shogun couldn't help but smile affectionately at her reaction.
"Well, if you like my 'amateur' cooking that much... I'll make it for you again next time?"
She offered gently.
"...Mm."
Ei nodded shyly, still chewing.
Slurp~!
After finishing the noodles, Ei lifted the bowl and drank several sips of the broth—only to realize the more she drank, the thirstier she felt.
"Here, drink this."
The Shogun pushed her half-finished cup of milk tea toward her.
"And you?"
"I'm done."
"Oh..."
Ei picked up the cup without hesitation, her lips closing over the same straw her daughter had used. She took a sip, her eyes narrowing slightly in delight.
"So sweet... and fragrant... with these black... pearls?" she murmured curiously, then took another sip.
"Good?"
The Shogun watched her fondly, her voice tender.
"Mm."
Ei nodded with a happy smile, straw still between her lips, her eyes curving with contentment. She looked so adorable and radiant that anyone who saw her like this would surely melt on the spot.