"Makoto… isn't this a bit too much…?"
Kitsune Saiguu looked helplessly at the extremely busy Raiden Makoto, saying,
"Even if that Tianquan from Liyue has a great reputation, this is Inazuma. As long as we give them our highest-level reception, we'll be fine, won't we?"
"Yeah, standing here waiting for them in advance feels a bit…"
Chiyo nodded, agreeing with Kitsune Saiguu.
"You don't understand!"
Makoto shook her head.
She had met the Geo Archon before and naturally knew how overwhelmingly powerful Morax was.
Anyone rumored to be on equal footing with him—the Wood-Spirit Adeptus—couldn't possibly be a simple figure.
"This is a crucial moment for Inazuma and Liyue to establish diplomatic ties.
We must not cause them displeasure over matters of hospitality."
"And from what I've heard, this Adeptus has terrifying strength.
If someone on Narukami Island angers him, I'm afraid…"
"You have me, Makoto."
Raiden Ei, holding her naginata, spoke softly.
She had no objection to her sister's arrangements, but she could not ignore that concern.
"If he dares cause trouble in Inazuma…"
Cold light flashed in Ei's eyes.
"I won't mind letting him taste the sharpness of my blade."
"That's right! Ei's Musou no Hitotachi has never had a rival~"
Kitsune Saiguu suddenly embraced the dazed-looking Ei, burying her in her generous chest.
"Mmph—! Kitsune Saiguu!"
Ei struggled frantically in her arms.
Watching her friends play around, Makoto covered her mouth and laughed softly.
"Speaking of which, when is that Adeptus' fleet supposed to arrive?"
After teasing Ei for a bit, Kitsune Saiguu turned to Makoto and asked.
"According to the date mentioned in the message, it should be today—likely this afternoon."
Makoto recalled the information and said to the others,
"All right, they should be arriving soon. Let's make our final preparations."
"As Inazuma's leaders, we must show our presence as well!"
Everyone nodded and stood up.
That afternoon, Makoto and her companions arrived at the harbor.
"Makoto, are you sure they're arriving in the afternoon and not at dusk?"
Kitsune Saiguu asked helplessly after they had waited for a long time.
"U—!"
Just as Makoto opened her mouth to respond, a long and majestic horn echoed from the distant sea.
"That is…"
Chiyo muttered, and everyone heard it.
At the horizon where sky met ocean, a massive fleet slowly approached.
Dozens upon dozens of giant warships advanced, but among them, one ship dwarfed all others by severalfold, radiating an overwhelming aura.
On the ship decks, Liyue's Navy soldiers stood perfectly straight.
Around them, the Guizhong Ballista glowed with silver light.
Such a fleet left everyone on the shore stunned.
"So this is… Liyue's Navy…"
Kitsune Saiguu murmured as she watched the fleet approach.
She could sense fear on the faces of the Tenryou Commission soldiers around her.
Even Raiden Makoto was frozen in shock.
She knew that Liyue, having been founded during the Archon War, must be powerful—
but she had not expected this level of power!
Was this a diplomatic visit?
Was she sure it wasn't an invasion?!
Beside her, Raiden Ei remained expressionless.
Whatever happened—if danger came—she would simply cut it down.
Such was Ei's confidence in her strength.
As the fleet drew closer, Makoto saw the man standing at the bow of the central flagship.
Arms crossed, cloak billowing in the wind, silver hair, pointed ears, and an expression of indifference on his striking face.
"That must be Liyue's Tianquan…"
"He really does have presence," Chiyo whispered.
Raiden Ei stared at the man, tightening her grip on her naginata.
From his body she felt a terrifying, abyss-like aura.
The warrior's instinctual thrill surged within her, faintly reddening her cheeks.
"Ei? What's wrong?"
Kitsune Saiguu noticed the change and asked.
"That man… is very strong."
Ei replied quietly.
Kitsune Saiguu's pupils shrank.
This was the first time she had ever heard Ei say such a thing.
Which could only mean one thing—
The Wood-Spirit Adeptus, rumored to rival the Geo Archon himself, was far from ordinary.
Standing at the bow, Jiang Yan naturally noticed Raiden Makoto and the group waiting at the harbor.
Seeing their dazed expressions, the corner of his lips curled upward.
Mmm~
This feeling of showing off…
So damn satisfying!
On his neck, Little White gave him a look full of pure contempt.
I mean like—
Did you really need to stand at the bow…
letting the sea wind blast you for more than a week just to show off?!?
Completely ignoring Little White's judgmental stare, Jiang Yan said to the soldiers:
"Prepare to dock."
"Yes, Lord Adeptus!"
Orders were relayed immediately, and the fleet began to slow down.
As the massive fleet approached, Makoto and the others felt its oppressive power even more deeply.
Not only were the soldiers brimming with high morale—
even the Guizhong Ballista on display were fully charged and ready.
This was a fleet ready to fight at any moment.
Since they had no idea Jiang Yan was bringing such a colossal fleet,
the harbor they had prepared was utterly insufficient.
Jiang Yan also realized this awkward problem.
But for someone who possessed Wood Release and Vector Manipulation, it was trivial.
With a light tap of his foot, he instantly appeared beside Makoto and the others.
"Greetings, Raiden Makoto."
Jiang Yan bowed slightly to Makoto.
"Hello. You must be the Tianquan of Liyue's Qixing?"
Makoto wasn't startled by his sudden appearance; instead she smiled gently.
"My apologies. We didn't know your… ships were this large.
It may take a while to adjust the docking arrangements."
Jiang Yan shook his head and smiled.
"No need for the trouble, Shogun.
If you all could step back a little—
the next bit may get… loud."
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