Once the group upgrades, it is bound to become quite crowded. Aside from the candidates in Liyue, there are many in Mondstadt and Inazuma eager to join. Currently, those guaranteed to enter the group are as follows:
From Inazuma:
The Electro Archon: Raiden Ei
The Shinobi: Kuki Shinobu
The Tengu General: Kujou Sara
The Divine Priestess: Sangonomiya Kokomi
From Mondstadt:
The Outrider: Amber
The Spindrift Knight: Eula
The Cavalry Captain: Kaeya
These individuals take up seven slots already. When adding Liyue's Conqueror of Demons: Xiao, the group capacity will essentially reach its limit again.
However, Su Han feels this upgrade is crucial. He even considers inviting the Anemo Archon, Barbatos, into the group. Although Venti is playful and flighty, his combat power is undeniable! With him in the fold, the "Three Gods" could be deployed for high-difficulty missions.
Judging from the missions after the twentieth, the difficulty is skyrocketing. Team-based combat has already appeared, and it's hard to say if they will encounter high-level Xianxia (immortal cultivation) worlds next. If it's a low-tier Xianxia world, they might be fine, but a high-tier one would be a different story.
Su Han feels the group members still lack the necessary refinement. Currently, Beidou, Ganyu, and Keqing represent the top-tier strength, with Yae Miko and Zhongli acting as the ultimate safety net. Even so, he feels it isn't quite enough.
The Grand Proposal
By the time the loot distribution concluded, evening had fallen. Representatives from the various nations began returning with their supplies. During the banquet, Ningguang stood up and proposed: "Since we obtained so many resources from this mission, why don't we hold a grand festival?"
"Oh? What are you suggesting?" Lisa asked, her interest piqued.
Yae Miko's eyes lit up, and she smiled. "As expected of Ningguang, thinking of using such an event to stimulate Inazuma's economy... I admire your foresight."
"What does this mean?" the Raiden Shogun asked curiously. She didn't understand the nuances of commerce or the "riddles" they were speaking in, so she looked to Su Han for an explanation.
"Ningguang means that while we've acquired a massive amount of supplies, many of them can't be stored long-term. Rather than let them go to waste, we should host a massive event," Su Han explained in detail, breaking down the benefits for the Shogun. "We can invite merchants and citizens from Mondstadt and Liyue. With the Sea Train, we can gather a massive crowd in just two days. We have all the materials needed for desserts and snacks. This won't just stimulate the economy; it will announce to the world that Inazuma is no longer closed, but open to everyone. This is Ningguang's true intent. Inazuma may be struggling now, but with effort, we are far from poor."
The Raiden Shogun nodded continuously. "In that case, I leave everything to you. If you lack anything, simply tell me."
As the Shogun was famously easy to talk to, Kamisato Ayaka then stood up. "Almighty Shogun, regarding the selection for the third Commission family, we have discussed and decided on a candidate for your review."
She handed the documents to the Shogun. The person chosen to replace the Kanjou Commission was none other than the leader of the Arataki Gang: Arataki Itto. Of course, he would only be the head in name; the actual management would fall to Kuki Shinobu. Furthermore, this role would not be hereditary; once Itto stepped down, Inazuma would select new blood.
Seeing the signatures of Su Han and Yae Miko on the proposal, the Raiden Shogun approved it immediately.
Whispers Under the Moonlight
After the banquet ended, Su Han followed Ningguang to the top floor of Tenshukaku. Clear moonlight cascaded down before them.
"How is Liyue lately? Any movement from the Fatui or the Abyss?"
"Nothing so far. The Fatui have retreated from the outskirts; it seems your actions in Mondstadt dealt them a heavy blow. As for the Abyss... they tried to probe us three times after you left. However, the moment an Abyssal creature entered Liyue Harbor, the Xuanyuan Sword released its sword intent and killed them instantly."
Liyue was now impregnable. The relationship between Adepti and mortals was more harmonious than ever, and the undersea mines were producing hundreds of tons of ore daily, rivaling the Chasm.
"That's good. I was worried the Abyss would cause trouble in my absence," Su Han said.
"Even if they wanted to, they lack the strength! I've stationed three thousand Black Blade warriors in Guyun Stone Forest. Unless something happens there, Liyue is safe. With the Xuanyuan Sword, anything below a Demon God can't withstand the strike."
They talked for a long time until Jean joined them to discuss the upcoming festival. The event in Inazuma would be called the "Sweetheart Festival." Chefs from all three nations would participate, with Inazuma providing the ingredients. The top shop would receive a prize from the Shogun: a high-end storefront in Inazuma City.
Jean smiled at Su Han. "I've notified Mondstadt via Snail-phone; the response is intense. Many from Springvale are coming, and the Cat's Tail tavern is coming over to sell drinks. It's going to be lively."
"Of course. The tickets are free, after all," Su Han added. Sea Train tickets would be free for a week. While the travel was free, accommodation and food were not—Su Han wasn't about to lose money!
Ningguang smiled. "It's a pity Watatsumi Island can't build a large amusement park yet, or we could make even more money."
"Not necessarily," Su Han countered. "Watatsumi's pearls can be sold at the festival, and the island can host 'Couple's Blessings.' The easiest money to make is from women, children, and couples! If you slap a 'Happiness' or 'Blessing' label on something, it becomes a hot seller."
A Heartfelt Moment
Jean originally wanted some private time with Su Han, but seeing that Ningguang wasn't leaving, she eventually excused herself. Ningguang stayed because she had her own personal matters to settle.
When they were finally alone, Su Han gently pulled Ningguang into his arms. "You've worked so hard..."
"It is my fate," Ningguang sighed softly. She was the first to fall for him, but her pride and her belief that romance was a game of strategy had caused her to hesitate. Now, she felt a sense of regret seeing a God like the Raiden Shogun by his side.
Su Han comforted her. "Don't be afraid. The Raiden Shogun isn't as scary as she seems; she's just bad at expressing herself. If you are good to her, she will be good to you."
"Really?"
"Do you think she can't sense us holding each other right now?" Su Han teased.
Ningguang realized then that a God's power was beyond her imagination. Ei likely knew exactly what was happening in Tenshukaku. She allowed it not necessarily out of "generosity," but because she viewed life with Su Han as eternal—why get jealous over a single night? To the Shogun, Ningguang was like Kujou Sara: capable and clever, but not yet an equal. To earn the Shogun's true respect, one had to reach the level of a Demon God.
Ningguang gave a wry smile. "I don't know how you managed to make even the Raiden Shogun so obedient. I'll be heading to Mt. Yougou now. Our promise still stands—once the festival is over, find me at the summit. I am still saving the Glaze Lily Dance for you..."
"I'll be there," Su Han promised.
They shared a brief, tender kiss before Ningguang departed. The next day, the citizens of Liyue and Inazuma awoke to the news of the massive celebration, and their hearts filled with anticipation.