The Mirror Maiden followed close behind Severin with several Snezhnayan guards, her nerves written plainly across her face.
"Go enjoy the meal," Severin said calmly. "It's rare for Inazuma to host a banquet like this. Living well is just as important as working hard."
"But, Your Highness…"
The Mirror Maiden couldnlessly fixed her gaze on Yae Miko.
"I told you before—Miko isn't a tiger," Severin said with a faint smile. "Or are you worried she might eat me?"
The Mirror Maiden froze, then realized how excessive her concern had become.
Loyalty was admirable—but too much of it could cloud judgment.
"…As you command, Your Highness."
She led the others away.
Under a sky scattered with starlight, Yae Miko walked side by side with Severin.
"I can tell," she said lightly, "your personal attendant cares about you deeply."
"Of course," Severin replied with a trace of humor.
"Being alone with the wisest and most beautiful woman in Inazuma—any man would be in danger."
Yae Miko brushed aside a lock of hair and smiled.
"Then tell me—have you been captured?"
"That depends on how sincere the shrine maiden is."
She laughed softly, her shoulders trembling with amusement.
"Let's talk business," Yae Miko said at last, her tone shifting.
"You humiliated Kujou Takayuki in front of everyone. Even if he was in the wrong, disciplining him should not have been the place of a foreign prince. He is still a minister of Inazuma."
"I understand wanting to protect your subordinates," Severin replied evenly.
"So—what do you intend to do?"
"The Gnosis is with me. Even if Ei agrees, I won't hand it over for now."
She had waited until now to say this.
Later, she would inform the Kujou Clan of her decision—an explanation, a gesture, a way to soothe wounded pride.
If a leader failed to stand up when subordinates were wronged, loyalty would wither.
"The Inazuma Gnosis must be given to me tonight."
Severin stopped walking. His voice left no room for debate.
This concerned defying Celestia itself.
If Yae Miko insisted on blocking him, he would not shy away from force.
"Then come and take it," Yae Miko replied calmly.
A soft glow flickered within her chest—the unmistakable radiance of the Gnosis.
She had hidden it there deliberately.
Severin hesitated.
"Even you resort to such childish tricks," he said coolly. "Hardly befitting a shrine maiden."
"Being a gentleman is a man's concern," Yae Miko shot back smugly. "I'm just a little woman."
Without warning, a barrier unfolded around them, sealing off all outside sight.
Severin pulled a strip of black silk from his space ring and blindfolded himself.
"Forgive me, Lady Guuji."
From several meters away, violent Electro energy locked onto Yae Miko.
Against power rivaling the Seven, she had no chance.
Her shrine maiden robes were torn apart by invisible force.
The Gnosis was wrenched free, landing in Severin's hand.
Her body was laid bare—pale, flawless, gleaming like polished jade.
Sakura-pink hair clung to her skin, lending her an almost dangerous allure.
Yae Miko clutched her chest, breath unsteady, cheeks flushed, eyes shimmering with tears.
"W–wait…!"
Humiliation, anger, panic, and shame crashed together.
She crouched down and began to cry.
Severin, long accustomed to Snezhnaya's cold cruelty, remained unmoved.
The Gnosis was secured—Inazuma's mission was complete. He could have left immediately.
Yet the sound of her muffled sobs made him pause.
Letting relations with Yae Miko sour would hinder future Fatui operations—and sour relations between nations.
More importantly, this Gnosis had been taken by force.
If word spread, other nations would prepare, making future acquisitions far more difficult.
"Miko," he said at last, "I believe in equivalent exchange. A Gnosis is priceless. A space ring alone is insufficient. I will compensate you—with something else."
She steadied herself, changing into fresh garments with divine power.
"And how," she asked coldly, "do you intend to compensate something that has no equal?"
"I'll take you to meet someone."
Severin removed the blindfold.
"Tch… is this the Snezhnayan prince's way of comforting women?" Yae Miko muttered—but followed him anyway.
In a blink, they arrived at Konda Village.
By the Heavenly Fox statue at the village entrance stood a shrine maiden wearing a fox mask, silent and still.
Her name was Hanachirusato.
"You're from the Grand Narukami Shrine?" Yae Miko asked, puzzled.
"Why have I never seen you?"
She personally vetted every shrine maiden—past and present.
And yet, this woman was unfamiliar.
The fox mask felt strangely familiar… and yet unreachable.
"…So we meet again," Hanachirusato said softly.
"Ah—but you are not the one I was waiting for."
That voice.
Yae Miko froze.
"Lady Kitsune Saiguu…?"
Her voice trembled.
"My little fox."
Yae Miko rushed forward, embracing her tightly, tears soaking her shoulder.
"You lied to me! I don't want fried tofu—I want you back! The Grand Shrine Maiden position is yours… please…"
Five hundred years ago, darkness had engulfed Inazuma.
Yae Miko had been too young, too weak, to help Saiguu resist it.
That regret had never left her.
"You've grown well," Hanachirusato said gently.
"I've watched you from afar. The shrine flourishes under your care. You did not disappoint me."
"But this body inherits only a quarter of my memories and will. I was left here to await the destined one."
"Destined… one?"
"I've forgotten much," Hanachirusato sighed.
"I no longer know what that truly means. Only that I must wait. When my duty is fulfilled, I will vanish completely."
"My little fox—don't be sad. You are my continuation. Just as I once did, you now strive for Inazuma's peace."
"With you I part, not knowing when we meet again.
Like morning dew, I fade with the rising sun."
Her body grew translucent—and disappeared.
"Lady Saiguu!"
Yae Miko called out, her voice echoing through the silent village.
No answer came.
Severin rested a hand on her shoulder.
"Miko," he said softly, "there's one more person I want you to meet."
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