"What?"
"All expenses in Inazuma… covered by Inazuma?"
Lumine's eyes widened instantly.
Wait.
Is there such a good deal?
Beside her, Paimon froze for half a second—
Then practically vibrated with excitement.
What does this mean?
It means free food.
Free lodging.
Free everything.
This is literally a freeloader's paradise!
Just imagining the future made Paimon feel like fainting from happiness.
"L-Lumine…"
Hearing Paimon's whisper, Lumine coughed lightly and straightened up.
"A chess piece? Whatever."
"I don't care."
"I just couldn't bear seeing Inazuma's people suffer."
"…So, um. How exactly does this free thing work?"
Ei couldn't help laughing.
"Don't worry. I'll arrange it."
"You can tour Inazuma properly afterward."
Lumine and Paimon exchanged a look.
Pure profit.
Being a chess piece in the future—
Reaping benefits in the present.
What a deal.
The future me suffers.
Present me enjoys.
The light screen boss is truly kind.
Then—
Both pairs of eyes slowly turned toward Yae Miko.
Ei has compensated.
What about you, mastermind?
Miko smiled knowingly.
"Since Ei covers material gratitude…"
"I'll handle reputation."
"I once said I'd adapt your deeds into a novel."
"Circumstances delayed it."
"Now we'll proceed."
"With Yae Publishing House's full support."
"We'll promote your heroic tale across Inazuma."
"The royalties?"
"All yours."
"Traveler, Paimon. Satisfied?"
Lumine and Paimon's eyes turned into full moons.
This was even better.
Sure, their names were already famous thanks to the light screen—
But novels?
Immortalized in literature?
Admired and recited?
That hits different.
"Very satisfied!"
"You two are amazing people!"
Ei and Miko exchanged amused glances.
Tenshukaku filled with cheerful air once more.
Extraordinary Chat Group
Jean: Predicting this turmoil decades ago and preparing accordingly… impressive foresight.
Ganyu: Coordinating the Kamisato Clan, the Resistance, an otherworldly Traveler, weakening the Fatui, swaying the Tenryou Commission… grown-up Miko is truly formidable.
Nilou: In some sense, she filled the void left by the first Electro Archon. A literary half to the Shogun's martial half.
Furina: Fox indeed. That many tricks? Ordinary people wouldn't survive.
Venti: Not just ordinary people. Even the Traveler got folded. (doge)
Zhongli: By universal reason, the Traveler did suffer somewhat. Barely left Liyue before entering Lady Yae's board.
Alice: Sold by the little fox and still helping count the money~ (doge)
Nahida: Perhaps she sensed it in that future… but for her brother's sake, she had no choice but to continue.
Abyss — Somewhere in Mondstadt
Aether went silent.
"For my sake…"
He imagined Lumine pushing forward despite knowing the danger.
Despite knowing she was a pawn.
Despite facing the Electro Archon.
Nearly dying.
His heart warmed.
And ached.
Then—
The chat exploded.
Lumine: Pawn? Suffering? For my brother? You're overthinking it.
Lumine: I just couldn't bear seeing Inazuma's people suffer. As for my brother? That was incidental~
Lumine: Also — mountains are high, foxes run wild. Yae is my big sis! Ei is my close friend! Don't try to sow discord between us! (serious.jpg)
Paimon: That's right! We're all friends! No schemes at all! (serious.jpg)
Alice: ???
Venti: ???
Zhongli: ???
Nahida: ???
Furina: ???
Aether: "..."
Incidental?
He was incidental?!
"No. Impossible."
"My sister wouldn't…"
He looked like he'd been struck by lightning.
Hu Tao: Big sis this, bestie that… Traveler, how are you saying this with a straight face?
Barbara: Something's off… were you threatened?
Venti: Makes sense. She is in Tenshukaku right now. (doge)
Alice: Traveler, if you're being threatened, blink!
Nahida: Wait… why did I say 'again'?
Furina: I don't think she's threatened. I think she's been bought.
Zhongli: By universal reason, if it were coercion she would have asked for help. Mora tends to be more persuasive.
Lumine and Paimon stiffened.
Threatened? No.
Bought?
…Well.
They weren't exactly innocent.
But before they could respond—
A heroic figure leapt into chat.
Arataki Itto: Ahem! Threatened? Bought?! Our Shogun and Guuji would never!
Arataki Itto: It's called friendship! Don't misunderstand!
Kuki Shinobu: …Boss is correct.
Everyone blinked.
Itto?
The same Itto who mocked Yae constantly?
Now calling her "Guuji-sama"?
Suspicious.
And then—
Gorou: Ahem. Brother Itto speaks truth. The wise and beautiful Lady Guuji and the mighty Shogun are benevolent leaders.
Gorou: The Traveler as well.
Gorou: There were no schemes. Only care for the people of Inazuma.
Silence.
Itto and Gorou.
Both had previously laughed at Yae.
Now suddenly praising her?
Obvious.
They were scared.
The fox's retaliation loomed.
The chat struggled not to laugh.
As for Lumine?
Bought.
Definitely bought.
Tenshukaku
"Wait… Itto and Gorou defended us?"
Paimon blinked.
"Must be Lady Guuji's overwhelming charisma," Lumine nodded seriously.
Ei smirked.
"As expected of the wise and beautiful Guuji."
Miko's smile deepened.
Now you're afraid?
Too late.
Names recorded.
Though… given today's performance—
Perhaps a lighter punishment.
Perhaps.
Villa
Luo Chen chuckled.
"Bought already? Classic Lumine."
Then he continued.
"Beyond strategy, Miko's schemes reveal her love for Inazuma and its people."
"During the Vision Hunt Decree, Narukami Shrine provided interest-free loans and aid to struggling families."
"Afterward, discharged samurai received subsidies."
"And Yae Publishing House?"
"Beyond entertainment, it preserves history."
"Biased perhaps—but better than forgotten."
"Yae Miko: loves fried tofu, strange novels, humanity."
"Teases others for fun."
"Yet marvels at the fleeting brilliance of mortal lives."
"Slacker."
"Schemer."
"Unpredictable."
"But one thing is certain."
"She deeply loves her friend."
"And deeply loves interesting Inazuma."
"Formal evaluation complete."
"Now—"
"Time for today's unofficial evaluation."
The chat perked up immediately.
Finally.
After all that heavy tragedy—
It was time for chaos.
Lumine: Yes! My favorite segment!
Paimon: Celebrate! Cheer!
Alice: I've never been this excited!
Venti: Raiden's not exactly known for 'improper,' is she…
Zhongli: By universal reason, Beelzebul leans more toward 'introverted' and 'dense.'
Nahida: Compared to previous Archons' familiars, Lady Yae's contrast is strong. Perhaps there will be synergy.
Furina: Dense Archon + teasing familiar? Oh this will be delicious.
Yae Miko: Oh? I'm looking forward to it~
Ei: ...
Villa
Luo Chen smiled.
"First—Beelzebul."
"Unofficial Evaluation Item One — A Woman of Her Word."
The chat froze.
Lumine: Isn't that praise?
Paimon: Something's wrong. Very wrong.
Ei: As a god, keeping one's word is natural, is it not?
Kujou Sara: Perhaps… the light screen wishes to commend the Shogun?
Yae Miko: Impossible~ If it were praise, it would be under formal evaluation.
Luo Chen grinned.
This was a classic.
"You said I'd strike you?"
"But did I let you walk out of Tenshukaku?"
"That counts as keeping my word, doesn't it?"
He clicked play.
The infamous scene began.
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