"Sorry, but it's not for sale."
Han Feng shook his head.
At the same time, he couldn't help sighing inwardly.
The Gourmet Tablecloth really was irresistibly attractive.
First there had been Paimon.
Then Venti and Zhongli.
And now even Raiden Ei had fallen for it.
Good grief.
All three Archons had been tempted by the exact same item.
Looking at it from that perspective, they shared one common trait.
They were lazy.
Especially Ei.
The shut-in already had a computer and video games.
If she got her hands on a Gourmet Tablecloth too...
She might never leave the Plane of Euthymia again.
It would be just like that joke from his previous life:
"Give me Wi-Fi and a phone, and I can survive on a deserted island for a year."
As for concerns about the computer running out of power?
That wasn't even worth discussing.
Lisa could already charge a computer with Electro.
The Raiden Shogun certainly could as well.
Never underestimate a god's intelligence.
Even if she could be a little airheaded sometimes.
"Ahem. Boss, money really isn't an issue."
Ei coughed lightly into her fist.
While she rarely carried Mora around personally, that didn't mean she was poor like Venti or Zhongli.
As the ruler of the nation where divine influence remained strongest, she had no shortage of wealth.
"If you really want one, try reading Doraemon. If you're lucky, you might obtain it yourself."
Han Feng smiled.
Money wasn't the issue.
He had simply become too accustomed to using the tablecloth.
"Very well. If you ever decide to sell it, let me know."
Ei sighed.
It wasn't often she encountered something so perfectly suited to her tastes.
The fact that she couldn't have it left her feeling somewhat disappointed.
In that case...
She would have to rely on luck and try her chances with the manga.
With that thought, she turned toward the bookshelves.
"Wait."
Han Feng suddenly called out.
Ei spun around immediately, delight flashing across her face.
"Boss, have you changed your mind?"
"No."
Han Feng shook his head.
"You still owe another one hundred thousand Mora."
"You only paid for yourself and Kujou Sara. You're still missing the Shogun's entry fee."
"Oh right."
Ei immediately understood.
She quickly placed another bag of Mora onto the counter.
But inwardly, she felt rather deflated.
For a moment she had thought he was finally willing to sell the tablecloth.
The Raiden Shogun: (⊙_⊙)
Unbelievable.
Being treated as a tool was one thing.
But now she'd been forgotten entirely because Ei was obsessed with the Gourmet Tablecloth?
The Shogun's expression darkened.
She made a silent decision.
If she ever obtained a Gourmet Tablecloth herself...
She would absolutely use it right in front of Ei.
She'd summon Tri-Color Dango.
Eat one skewer.
Throw away another.
And never let Ei have any.
Let her suffer from envy.
Naturally, Ei had no idea what the Shogun was plotting.
After saying goodbye to Han Feng, she headed toward the bookshelves.
Before long, she located the manga he had recommended.
Doraemon.
"I wonder what type of manga this is."
She examined the cover curiously.
Was it another culinary series?
If so, why was there a strange blue cat with no ears on the cover?
With growing anticipation, she carried the manga into the Silent Reading Area.
"Greetings, Your Excellency!"
Seeing Ei approach, both Kamisato Ayaka and Thoma immediately rose and bowed respectfully.
"While you're in the manga shop, simply focus on reading."
Ei's gaze briefly swept over Thoma.
Since she had already made her decision, she wasn't going to take action.
After speaking, she continued toward Kujou Sara's seat.
"My goodness... I never imagined the Shogun herself would come here."
Only after she was gone did Thoma finally wipe the sweat from his forehead.
That single glance from her had nearly made his heart stop.
He had been terrified she might suddenly arrest him.
Fortunately, nothing happened.
"Her Excellency visited yesterday as well. This should be her second time here."
Ayaka smiled lightly.
She had already learned this beforehand, so she wasn't nearly as surprised.
However, she couldn't shake a strange feeling.
The Shogun seemed different from the one she had seen at the Statue of the Omnipresent God.
Sparing Thoma could be explained as respect for the Boss.
But her overall temperament felt different too.
"Yesterday as well?"
Shock flashed across Thoma's face.
If only Ayaka had come here, he might have suspected she'd been deceived.
But now even the Shogun had visited twice.
That meant this place was unquestionably special.
"Could the rewards actually be real?"
Looking at the manga in his hands, a bold thought suddenly emerged.
If that were true...
Then Ayaka's story about collecting seven Dragon Balls and summoning a wish-granting dragon might be real too.
His heart immediately began racing.
At last, he understood her intentions.
There was hope for Inazuma after all!
Without hesitation, he sat back down and resumed reading.
"Looks like he finally believes it."
Ayaka smiled softly.
That was certainly an unexpected bonus.
Then she returned her attention to her own manga.
She had to admit...
Ready Player One was fascinating.
The concept of virtual worlds captivated her completely.
All those different settings and adventures.
She almost wished she could take the protagonist's place and explore them herself.
"Boss, who was that woman just now?"
After Ei left, Noelle couldn't help asking curiously.
Aside from that previous customer who had wanted to buy one of the toys, this was the first time she'd seen someone attempt to purchase one of Han Feng's personal items.
And judging by Ei's attitude, she clearly wasn't lacking in funds.
Her status was probably extraordinary.
"The God of Inazuma."
"Equivalent to your Anemo Archon."
Han Feng casually took a sip of tea.
"She's the Electro Archon?!"
Noelle covered her mouth in surprise.
She had assumed the woman was merely some high-ranking official from Liyue or Inazuma.
She never expected it to be the legendary Raiden Shogun herself.
Thinking about it...
This was only the second god she had ever met.
The first, of course, had been Rex Lapis after his revival through the Peace Star.
"The Geo Archon and Electro Archon have both appeared..."
Noelle sighed softly.
"I wonder where our Anemo Archon is?"
Even though she knew Barbatos valued freedom above all else, the manga shop was extraordinary.
Even the other Archons had come.
Surely he must know about it by now?
So why hadn't he shown up yet?
—------------------------------
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