The discussion finally drew to a close. Under Futsu Mitama's relentless negotiation and the Raiden Shogun's serene yet unmistakably "kind" gaze, the Harbinger was forced to recognize her missteps. In the end, she agreed to the heavy compensation demanded of the Fatui. Through it all, Futsu Mitama's eyes widened more than once. No wonder this Harbinger—despite her recklessness—still had legions of admirers. Her appearance alone explained much.
"Are you satisfied now?"
The Harbinger shot him a scorching glare. From the first moment of their exchange, fury had been simmering in her chest—fury so sharp it almost physically hurt. She wanted nothing more than to put this insolent boy in his place.
But this was Tenshukaku. Here, a Harbinger did not dare act rashly. Nor could she—because the Fatui were unmistakably at fault. If she caused trouble in Tenshukaku, the Raiden Shogun would have every reason to strike her down. And should that happen, even if Snezhnaya clashed with Inazuma, the Tsaritsa's grand plan would crumble.
And besides—she did not truly believe her death would incite a war.
"What's there to be satisfied about?" Futsu Mitama answered mildly. "You're simply paying the price you owe."
He smiled, soft and harmless on the surface. He hadn't intended to push things this far—
—but the Fatui had ruined his peaceful days.
That thought alone caused anger to rise within him again. Before he knew it, he had forced the Harbinger to sign a series of unequal agreements.
At first, she refused outright. But with the Raiden Shogun's gaze crackling with lightning and divine pressure swelling throughout the hall—all she could do was yield.
"This isn't over."
With a cold snort, the Harbinger flicked her hand dismissively. She gave Futsu Mitama not a single pleasant look as she turned and strode out. The Raiden Shogun did not stop her. The compensation extracted was more than sufficient.
"Impressive." Kujou Sara raised her thumb with open admiration.
As a general, her flexibility was something she brought to the battlefield. In etiquette and diplomacy, however, Kujou Sara remained rigid, earnest—gentle in her own restrained way.
But in most people's eyes, she was known for strictness and unwavering discipline.
Now she truly admired Futsu Mitama. If she had handled the negotiation, the Fatui might have paid a price—but not one this steep.
"It wasn't anything special," Futsu Mitama replied. "We simply had the advantage."
He didn't think himself especially capable. After all, the Harbinger had been cornered by circumstance. Anywhere other than Tenshukaku, or even just outside the presence of the Raiden Shogun, she might have turned hostile on the spot.
But here—beneath the shadow of the Raiden Shogun—her hands were tied. Especially after he had hinted at the Fatui threatening "eternity."
To this puppet Shogun, that was a forbidden touchstone.
Touch it, and you die.
With just a few simple remarks, Futsu Mitama had forced the Harbinger to bleed heavily.
In truth, she had traded the Fatui's resources simply to save her life.
"You have done very well." The Raiden Shogun's quiet praise carried weight. Her amethyst gaze reflected Futsu Mitama's figure with calm resolution.
"In the future, you will surely become the Eternal Guardian. I shall bear witness to that day."
Having spoken, she turned away, signaling the end of the audience. Understanding this, Futsu Mitama and Kujou Sara bowed and withdrew from Tenshukaku.
On the way back, Kujou Sara still couldn't conceal her excitement. The events of the day were beyond anything she had imagined. Not only had she seen the Raiden Shogun personally instruct another—she had even gleaned insight from watching.
And she had witnessed a formerly arrogant Harbinger bowing her head beneath divine authority. Two hours of events, yet enough to leave her feeling incredibly fortunate. If she hadn't gone to find Futsu Mitama first, she would have missed all of it. Thinking this, Kujou Sara abruptly grabbed Futsu Mitama's hand, her voice unusually earnest:
"If you come to Tenshukaku for guidance again, and I happen to be in Inazuma City—please call me. I've never asked you for anything— but this, I hope you will promise me!"
Seeing her expression, Futsu Mitama's lips twitched. Truly, anything involving the Raiden Shogun made Kujou Sara's entire demeanor shift. Yet he understood. She was simply that kind of person.
Morax's devoted followers in Liyue were the same. When he visited Liyue someday, perhaps he should sell official Rex Lapis merchandise to test his luck.
"Alright, alright. I promise."
Even without her request, he wouldn't go alone. Walking into Tenshukaku by himself was— intimidating, to say the least. Soon, they stepped outside—only to find the Fatui female member waiting at the entrance, arms crossed.
"She's waiting for us," Kujou Sara murmured, instantly returning to her stern, battlefield-ready composure.
"That's expected," Futsu Mitama replied. After losing so badly inside, it would have been strange if she didn't confront them. The woman had suffered humiliation. Leaving without a word would only have been more suspicious.
But Futsu Mitama's concern wasn't her alone—it was the Fatui behind her. Even if he didn't fear this particular Harbinger, the organization as a whole was not to be taken lightly.
"Finally out," the Harbinger said, her tone sharper than before. "You made me wait long enough."
Gone was the restraint she'd shown before the Shogun. Now she spoke freely, confidence returning to her voice.
"What do you want?" Kujou Sara stepped forward, her gaze hard.
"What does it have to do with you?" the Harbinger replied coldly, dismissing her without a second thought.
Kujou Sara bristled with anger; only the location kept her from drawing her bow.
"Don't be angry," Futsu Mitama soothed gently. Stepping ahead, he faced the Harbinger. "As a diplomat, shouldn't you be leaving Tenshukaku? Or did you forget something you need to say to the Raiden Shogun?"
"No," she answered. "I came for you."
She crossed her arms, looking him over. "I hear you are the new Retainer of the Raiden Shogun."
"!!!"
Both Okuzume guards stiffened. Their eyes snapped toward Futsu Mitama.
The new Retainer?
It didn't seem impossible. After all, the Guuji herself had delivered the message permitting his entry.
And the Raiden Shogun's treatment of him had been unmistakable. Even Kujou Sara—though outwardly composed—felt her heart drop for a moment.
"You think I'm a Retainer?" Futsu Mitama asked, bewildered. In truth, he was far from worthy of such a title.
"No," the Harbinger replied. "I don't think so. Scaramouche said so."
Her eyes grew sharp—dangerously sharp. She remembered far too well the humiliation he'd forced upon her earlier.
The Okuzume instantly leveled their spears at her.
"This is Tenshukaku," one warned. "Do not act recklessly."
Kujou Sara drew her bow as well. Seeing their readiness, the Harbinger eased back, withdrawing her killing intent.
"You're more interesting than I thought," she said. "At first, I believed Il Dottore and Scaramouche only wanted your wine. But now— hehehe…"
She let the implication hang in the air. Then, as the Okuzume's patience thinned, she turned away.
"Our transaction still stands. If you change your mind… come find me."
With that, she vanished.
"She's finally gone…" Futsu Mitama exhaled. It seemed he was now unmistakably targeted by the Fatui.
"Did you have dealings with her?" Kujou Sara asked, curiosity replacing her earlier anger.
"Nothing much. She just tried to recruit me."
"…"
Kujou Sara's eyes darkened. Even the Okuzume bristled. To lure away someone valued by the Raiden Shogun— even for a Harbinger—was stepping far beyond her place.
"Let's go. I'm starving." Futsu Mitama clutched his stomach with a grimace. "I thought lunch would last me until evening… but fighting really drains energy."
"Would you like to eat together?" Kujou Sara asked.
"Really?!"
His eyes lit up instantly. His appetite had grown so much lately that even Aila had begun to complain.
"Mhm." Kujou Sara nodded.
"Then let's go! Uyuu Restaurant!" Futsu Mitama grabbed her hand, pulling her along. As they headed down the street, he typed quickly in the group chat:
To Kuki Shinobu & Aila:Don't wait for me—having dinner with Kujou Sara at Uyuu Restaurant.