Narukami Island — Kamisato Estate
"So this is the Yashiro Commission?! It's huge!" Paimon exclaimed.
Following Thoma into the Kamisato Estate, she looked around at the patrols of Yashiro Commission officials and guards and couldn't help but click her tongue in amazement.
"It looks about as big as the Kanjou Commission," Lumine added.
Thoma smiled and explained.
"That's natural. The Yashiro Commission, the Kanjou Commission, and the Tenryou Commission are collectively known as the Three Commissions of Inazuma."
"Although their responsibilities differ, the Yashiro Commission mainly handles cultural affairs within Inazuma—things like shrine offerings, festivals, and publishing books."
"Because of this, the Kamisato family often hears the wishes of the people. Lady Kamisato is very kind-hearted and frequently persuades the head of the family to donate resources and send help."
"So we're often short of staff. That's why the estate sometimes feels empty."
As he explained, Thoma led them inside.
After greeting a Yashiro Commission officer named Hirano and informing him that the two travelers were invited guests of the young lady, they were allowed to enter without difficulty.
Paimon muttered quietly:
"The inspection doesn't seem very strict."
Hirano laughed.
"You misunderstand. Mr. Thoma is the house steward, and everyone trusts his judgment. If he brings guests here, it means they're trustworthy."
"Ohhh… so Thoma is really respected here," Paimon said.
Thoma scratched his head shyly.
"That's just everyone being kind. Come on, let's go inside."
Inside the Kamisato Estate
After entering, Lumine and Paimon saw a beautiful courtyard.
Several small ponds held lotus leaves, and ornamental goldfish swam peacefully in the water.
One slightly unusual thing was a shrine with a shrine maiden standing nearby.
But considering that the Yashiro Commission also handled rituals and shrine matters, it didn't seem strange.
"Please come in, honored guests," Thoma said.
"Lady Kamisato has been waiting for quite some time."
Lumine followed him through the estate.
From the outside, the Kamisato Estate seemed very large, but inside most of the space consisted of gardens and courtyards.
The actual mansion building itself wasn't particularly grand.
Compared with Dawn Winery in Mondstadt or the Jade Chamber in Liyue, it was much smaller.
After passing through corridors and entry halls, the three arrived at a reception room.
In the center stood a folding screen, with nothing else around it.
Paimon looked around curiously.
"Thoma, where is the Shirasagi Princess?"
At that moment, a gentle and apologetic voice came from behind the screen.
"I am very pleased to meet you both."
"You have traveled a long distance across the sea, yet I can only greet you in this manner. Please forgive my lack of proper hospitality."
The voice was soft and elegant, filled with the refinement of a noble young lady.
Just from hearing her speak, it was clear that the person behind the screen was a well-raised and graceful lady.
"Wait, she's behind the screen?!" Paimon whispered.
Thoma quickly explained to prevent misunderstanding.
"My apologies. Lady Kamisato always meets guests this way. It has been the custom of the Yashiro Commission for over a hundred years. She does not mean to disrespect you."
Lumine: "…"
For a moment I thought we weren't even worthy of meeting her.
After a brief pause, the gentle voice continued.
"I have long looked forward to meeting you both. From Thoma's description, I believe you possess the power to change the current situation."
"Under the Vision Hunt Decree, the wishes of the people of Inazuma are being trampled upon."
"I cannot ignore this."
"Traveler, please lend me your strength. Together we can change the will of the Raiden Shogun."
Hearing this request, Lumine thought:
Wow…
She's basically asking me to rebel.
She had only come to meet the Raiden Shogun.
She never intended to get involved in something this extreme.
Besides, she hadn't gained anything yet but was already expected to take such a huge risk.
The cost and reward didn't match at all.
"Sorry," Lumine said immediately.
"I can't help with that."
Her refusal came without hesitation.
"I see…" the young lady said softly.
Her tone carried a hint of sadness that might have made others feel pity and agree immediately.
Fortunately, Lumine was also a girl and had enough self-control to remain silent.
After a moment, the lady spoke again.
"In that case, I have another request."
"If you could fulfill three small wishes for me, I will arrange a meeting between you and the Raiden Shogun in return."
Now that sounds more reasonable.
Lumine sighed with relief.
Starting a rebellion against a god was far too dangerous.
After witnessing the power of Osial, the ancient god in Liyue, she had no intention of confronting one of the Seven Archons.
That would basically be suicide.
"Alright," Lumine agreed.
"Three wishes shouldn't be a problem."
Paimon, however, had been tricked too many times and remained cautious.
"What kind of wishes?"
"They concern three people who lost their Visions," the lady replied.
"You will understand once you meet them."
Three people who lost their Visions…
Lumine looked toward the blurred figure behind the screen.
Is she trying to persuade me step by step?
She silently swore to herself that she would never get dragged into a rebellion.
Of course… she had no idea she had just set up a huge flag for the future.
An Unexpected Visitor
At that moment, Hirano's voice sounded from outside.
"Lady Kamisato, the Chief Priestess of the Grand Narukami Shrine has come to visit."
"The Chief Priestess?"
Both Thoma and the young lady sounded surprised.
Why would the shrine's chief priestess suddenly come to the estate?
"Please invite her in immediately," the lady replied.
Naturally, she couldn't keep such an important guest waiting outside.
After thinking briefly, she stepped out from behind the screen.
When greeting friends or benefactors, even a noble lady would not insist on the traditional screen etiquette.
And so, Lumine finally saw her.
A beautiful silver-haired girl stepped forward.
She had straight bangs and a high ponytail.
Her appearance was elegant and refined.
She held an open folding fan that covered the lower half of her face, revealing only her lively gray-blue eyes.
Near the corner of her left eye was a charming beauty mark.
She wore a gradient blue haori and a deep blue pleated skirt decorated with cherry blossom petals and flowing water patterns.
A black chest armor wrapped around her torso, with protective plates hanging at her waist.
The armor bore the camellia crest of the Kamisato clan.
Lumine felt an overwhelming sense of elegance and nobility.
At the same time, she couldn't help but feel a bit speechless.
So when we arrived, she stayed behind the screen…
But the moment the shrine priestess comes, she appears in person.
I guess we really weren't important enough.