Huu huu~
A morning breeze slipped through the gap in the curtains and entered the pleasantly warm bedroom, gently stirring the loose strands of hair beside the sleeping woman's ear beneath the blankets. The room was completely quiet. Other than her soft breathing, no sound could be heard.
"Mmn..."
The sleeping woman beneath the covers seemed to feel the breeze brushing against her. Frowning slightly, she rubbed her face against the pillow beneath her as though about to turn over. Yet a subconscious thought in her mind abruptly interrupted the movement she was about to make.
Her arms felt empty.
Cold and lonely.
"...?"
Still with her eyes closed, she frowned faintly and reached out to feel around the bedding beside her. Other than empty air and blankets that had already gone cold, there was nothing else.
The person she had hoped to touch was nowhere to be found.
"..."
At last, she slowly opened her hazy violet eyes and narrowed them at the empty space beside her. A few seconds later, her blurry vision gradually cleared.
She remained lying on her side in a daze for several seconds as the memories of last night surged back into her mind all at once, instantly waking her from her grogginess.
"!"
The moment she realized what had happened, her pupils contracted. She immediately jolted upright, anxiously sweeping her gaze around the bedroom.
"Shogun?!"
She could not help but shout her daughter's name.
"..."
No response.
"Raiden Shogun?!"
She called out again.
The result remained the same.
"..."
No way... could that girl possibly—
Tap tap!
She immediately got out of bed, pulled aside the folding screen, and quickly walked into the hallway. She searched each room in the area one after another, opening every door she could.
"Shogun?!"
Standing in the living room, she shouted once more toward the entire residence.
Still no answer.
"...How could this happen?"
She slowly pressed her lips together as her mind raced. Then, remembering something, she quickly went upstairs and pushed open Pandora's room.
However, the room's owner was already gone. She had probably left early in the morning for work. After all, she had just obtained a new job, so naturally she could not afford to slack off. Ei understood that.
But...
Where was her daughter?
Where was the Shogun?
No matter how much she thought about it, she could not understand.
"...Shogun."
She lowered her eyes and softly murmured her daughter's name. Her voice sounded terribly fragile, as though she had lost the support she relied upon. Her feet, covered only by her socks, remained bare without shoes as she staggered backward several steps before finally leaning weakly against the wall.
A cool sensation brushed against her shoulder.
She froze in confusion and lowered her gaze, only to discover that because she had just woken up, the collar of her kimono had already slipped downward. The loose fabric had fallen beneath her shoulders, exposing snowy white skin. Even the curves of her chest were faintly visible.
No wonder she had not noticed earlier.
She had not had the time or mental capacity to care about such trivial matters.
"Haa..."
Letting out a sigh, she pulled the collar back into place. Then, just as she was about to leave, she suddenly recalled the words the Shogun had spoken last night.
[...Turn me off. Turn this vessel off completely.]
"!"
Her eyes brightened slightly as though she had suddenly realized something. Yet immediately afterward, her expression darkened again.
"...You damn brat. Just wait until I find you!"
She ground out the words through clenched teeth.
After putting on her shoes, she stormed upstairs all the way to the top of the castle tower. Transforming into a streak of lightning, she shot out from Tenshukaku and headed directly north toward the Kamisato Estate!
Now that the Shogun had disappeared, she intended to search the entirety of Inazuma. No corner could be overlooked. At the same time, she also had to consider the places the girl frequently visited. Only then would the search be efficient.
Since it involved places the Shogun often went to, the Kamisato Estate naturally became the first choice.
Although she did not think the girl, weakened as she was, could actually run all the way there to look for Ayaka... it was not impossible. Just in case, she still had to check.
After all...
Every possibility had to be explored.
And as always...
When it came to persistence and determination, no one was more suitable than Raiden Ei.
Meanwhile, at the Kamisato Estate—
The golden afternoon sunlight streamed through the wooden windows and spilled across the tatami mats, bathing their pale surface in warm light. Though not as brilliant as before, it still carried a gentle warmth.
Dust particles glowing like golden fireflies drifted around the ice-colored girl seated at the desk. Her delicate palm-sized face was veiled in radiant gold. Her short blue kimono, the white stockings hugging her beautiful legs, and her icy-colored hair tied into a spirited high ponytail blended together beneath the warm sunlight, forming a scene as beautiful as an oil painting.
"The swordsmith's newspaper..."
A graceful voice carrying a hint of icy sharpness spoke softly. As her lips parted, one sleeve-supported hand steadied the other while she elegantly guided a brush across white paper. Her slender wrists, exposed to the air like smooth lotus roots, danced gracefully with every stroke.
"...treasures cherished by master craftsmen."
After finishing, she slowly straightened her posture and looked at the elegant calligraphy she had just written.
"Haa... not bad at all."
Seeing her own work, the girl revealed a somewhat pleased and gentle smile. Then she glanced at the golden sunlight outside the window. Narrowing her icy eyes slightly, she raised a hand and tucked the loose strands beside her ear back into place.
"I wonder... how the Shogun is doing."
She could not help but murmur softly.
In truth, she had a nightmare last night and had woken up in the middle of the night because of it. She could no longer remember the exact details. Ever since the Vision Hunt Decree ended, she rarely had nightmares anymore.
Precisely because she had not dreamed in such a long time, she found herself unusually concerned.
Knock knock~
The next moment, she heard knocking from the entrance.
Today, there happened to be very few attendants at the Kamisato Estate. At the moment, she was the only one in the residence, so naturally no one had gone to answer the door.
"...?"
Hearing the sound, she set down both her sleeve and brush before walking gracefully toward the entrance. Her beautiful white-stockinged feet skillfully slipped into the usual low-heeled sandals decorated with sakura ornaments. Raising her hand, she slid open the door before her.
The first thing she saw was a purple-haired beauty whose expression was filled with urgency.
"...Shogun-sama!"
The moment she saw her, she instinctively smiled and sweetly called out to her.
"...I'm Ei."
The instant Ei heard Ayaka say that, she immediately understood that the Shogun had not come here. Disappointment unconsciously surfaced within her, but she still gently corrected her.
"Ah... Lady Ei. What happened? Why do you look so distressed? Where is the Shogun? She didn't come with you...?"
Ayaka leaned slightly past her and looked behind her, only to discover that Ei was alone. A trace of disappointment flashed through her eyes as well, though she quickly concealed it.
"I... haa... she... disappeared."
Ei did not even know how to explain it. In the end, she could only state the result.
"...Eh?"
Ayaka froze.
Her pupils contracted instinctively, and it felt as though her heart had skipped a beat.
"I... I'm sorry... I... don't know... why..."
Perhaps because Ayaka was standing before her, or perhaps because she had finally found someone she could talk to, Ei could no longer suppress the grief in her heart. Her voice carried a trembling sob. Her nose stung, and her eyes gradually reddened.
Looking at the girl before her who cared so deeply about the Shogun, Ei only felt her own guilt grow heavier.
She could hardly bear to face her.
"Lady Ei..."
This was the first time Ayaka had ever seen Ei appear so fragile.
At that moment, she finally realized how serious the situation truly was.
Even so, she did not panic outwardly. She did her best to suppress the anxiety within her heart.
Taking a slow breath, she reached out and gently took Ei's hand, guiding her into the house. Leading the guilt-ridden woman to the living room, she helped her sit down. Her movements were quick and practiced as she poured tea.
Then she knelt beside her and placed both hands over Ei's hand before gently clasping it, comforting her in this manner.
"Lady Ei... could you tell me what happened? What exactly happened to the Shogun?"
Holding Ei's hand tightly, she spoke in a calm and steady voice.
"..."
Ei looked at the delicate hands comforting her. The thin calluses on Ayaka's fingertips occasionally brushed against the back of her hand, leaving a faint ticklish sensation.
Over the next several minutes, she explained everything to the White Heron Princess before her—the childhood friend who had grown up alongside her daughter.
"...I see. So much happened after all."
After hearing everything, Ayaka lowered her eyes slightly and murmured in a heavy tone.
"Last night she told me... to shut her down. She even wanted me to destroy her. How could I possibly do that? How could I be so cruel?"
Back then, she had not even been willing to destroy Kunikuzushi.
How could she possibly destroy the Shogun now?
Destroying her would feel as though someone were tearing away her life and devouring her heart.
Ei's violet eyes remained filled with moisture, as though tears could fall at any moment.
"..."
Hearing this, Ayaka's body trembled slightly as well. However, she did not show much change in expression. She merely rubbed Ei's hands gently, soothing her in silence.
"At the time, I thought she was only saying it out of impulse... that after I refused her, she would give up the idea. But... who would have thought she would leave me without saying a single word? Why treat me like this? Do you think... that I haven't been hurt deeply enough? Must she carve another wound into my heart?"
Clutching her chest, Ei murmured in anguish. Her voice gradually began to tremble.
"She wouldn't, Lady Ei. Please don't think like that... it pains Ayaka to see you this way."
Ayaka immediately embraced her, letting Ei collapse into her arms. Close to her ear, she whispered softly in comfort.
"She... the Shogun..."
"The Shogun would never treat you like this. She loves you very much. She could never bear to make you suffer."
As she gently stroked Ei's hair, as though trying to dispel her fears, her dignified voice became as soft as flowing water. Though she carried the chill of ice, what flowed into Ei's heart was warmth. Gradually, Ei relaxed.
"What... should I do, Ayaka...?"
Ei asked in a muffled voice.
"First, this matter must not be disclosed to others. Otherwise, it could cause public panic. Only those who already know the truth about you and the Shogun should be informed—such as myself, and the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine."
Ayaka calmly offered her suggestion.
"Mm... I understand."
Ei nodded.
The people did not know that there were two Electro Archons. If news leaked that the Shogun had disappeared, the consequences would be disastrous.
"After that—I will help you. I will search every corner of Inazuma with you. And of course, the Guuji will as well."
"...Just the three of us?"
Ei looked at her.
"Yes... Forgive me, Lady Ei, but as I said before, this cannot be made public."
Ayaka gazed at her apologetically.
"Very well... I'll follow your plan. But I would like to add one more person—Pandora. She also knows about the Shogun and me. She can help."
Ei nodded in agreement and remembered Pandora.
"That works. One more person means one more pair of eyes. We will each search the places the Shogun has visited before. At night, we will gather at the Grand Narukami Shrine."
Ayaka said.
"Agreed."
Ei lifted her gaze to the ice-colored girl before her. Their eyes met. After a moment, she seemed thoughtful.
"Is something wrong, Lady Ei?"
Ayaka leaned back slightly, confused.
"Why are you... so calm?"
Ei asked, her tone filled with doubt.
Calm?
"...?"
Ayaka froze, clearly not expecting that question.
"Why... when you clearly care about her the most..."
She did not finish the sentence.
But Ayaka understood.
"..."
Her eyes trembled faintly. Then she smiled helplessly and lifted the hands that had been resting over Ei's, holding them out before her.
"Look, Lady Ei... look at my hands."
"...?"
Ei lowered her gaze in confusion.
What entered her sight were delicate hands trembling uncontrollably.
Even when clenched into fists, they continued to shake.
"Ayaka, are you... holding it in?"
"Lady Ei... I am terrified right now. Truly terrified. I'm shaking all over. I'm afraid the Shogun will leave me, that I will never see her again. But... I cannot show that fear in front of you."
She tightened her grip on her folding fan and slid it between her knees as she knelt, pressing her thighs together to steady herself.
"Why...? Even if you're afraid, that's fine. I wouldn't..."
Ei's eyes clouded with confusion.
"Because you are already so afraid. When you entered just now, you were on the verge of collapsing. If I also showed fear... then at that moment, who would comfort you? Who would be your support?"
The ice-colored girl tilted her head slightly and gave her a smile filled with both helplessness and tenderness.
"...Haa. You child..."
So strong...
Understanding at last, Ei smiled at her, moved. She reached out and gently stroked Ayaka's head.
"I'm sorry... Lady Ei."
Ayaka grew slightly embarrassed and apologized.
"What are you apologizing for? Come, let's go... We'll bring the Shogun back and give her a proper scolding."
"Even so, please be gentle with her... the Shogun had no choice..."
Ayaka hurriedly stood, instinctively pleading on behalf of the one she loved.
"You spoil her too much. Far too much."
Ei lightly pinched Ayaka's cheek and complained.
Though perhaps she herself had forgotten who spoiled that girl the most.
It was undoubtedly her.
With Ayaka's encouragement, Ei regained a measure of hope.
How ridiculous... I'm over a thousand years old, yet I'm being encouraged by a seventeen- or eighteen-year-old child.
Ei could not help but laugh at herself internally. Yet thinking of how mature Ayaka had become, her heart also felt complicated.
Ayaka quickly changed into her usual haori and armor skirt before accompanying Ei out the door.
Their goal was clear.
They would search all of Inazuma.
Along the way, they also informed the Guuji and Pandora, who was currently working at Yae Publishing House.
The moment Pandora heard the news, she immediately set aside all her work—even though she had only just obtained this job with great difficulty. Fortunately, with the Guuji's intervention, she briefly explained the situation to Kuroda and was allowed to leave.
"Thank you, Guuji-sama."
Stepping out of Yae Publishing House, Pandora bowed to the cherry-haired woman before her.
If not for her, she likely would not have been able to leave so easily. It was her first day, after all. Having her pay docked would have been one thing. Being dismissed entirely was what she feared most.
"Ah, it's nothing~ After all, this was sudden. The Shogun is missing. Everyone should contribute what they can."
The Guuji wore a troubled expression. She had not expected so many shocking events to unfold in a single day. It was more dramatic than any light novel plot—far too many twists.
She helplessly brushed her drooping fox ears.
"Mm... I'll do my best."
Pandora nodded.
Her eyes were filled with longing for the Shogun.
Although her thoughts were still somewhat muddled—the aftereffects of having her mind stirred violently by the Shogun the previous day—she understood that it had not truly been the Shogun.
And yet...
Her heart had still been hurt.
The Shogun had always been so gentle with her.
Precisely because of that, she had to try even harder now.
"My, my~ what a good child~ No wonder the Shogun likes you so much. I find myself liking you a little as well, you know?"
The Guuji nodded in satisfaction.
After all, she was quite pretty too.
Who could resist a beautiful girl?
"Mm... thank you for the compliment. Um... should we get going, Guuji-sama?"
Pandora did not grow overly shy. She simply thanked her politely and gently urged her onward.
"Oh my~ already trying to boss me around?"
The Guuji shrugged playfully as she began walking.
"Please don't tease me like that..."
Pandora looked troubled and hurried after her.
She had heard that this Guuji was the Shogun's older sister...
Naturally, she had to behave properly before her.
Though...
She did not quite resemble an older sister at all.
Haa...
Shogun... please don't let anything happen to you. Come back soon...!