"You're right. A certain drunken poet once told me that the destination of a journey is never important; what matters is the scenery along the way."
"These different customs and cultures are also a part of the scenery."
As she spoke, the Traveler thought of Venti and Mr. Zhong. These two Archons had given similar advice regarding travel: to appreciate the scenery along the journey.
Initially, her goal was to travel the Seven Nations to find her lost brother and that unfamiliar Archon, but when she discovered her kin had joined the Abyss, she decided to uncover exactly what had happened back then.
"But speaking of which, Mr. Xavier, what is it you need help with?"
"Hmm… Simply put, I need you to help me find a writer. I plan to make a movie and need someone with writing experience to be the script supervisor."
"However, the people at Yae Publishing House have already left for the day, so let's wait until tomorrow morning. Also, if possible, I hope you can help me invite Professor Garan over." Xavier said.
"Garan?" The Traveler voiced her question. In Inazuma… was there someone with the surname Garan?
Xavier saw the confusion on Souta's face and waved his hand, saying: "It's a pen name! Don't all writers have pen names? Professor Garan is the author of the currently popular light novel "faded", full name Garan no Dou."
"The books he writes are excellent, both in plot and setting. If I can invite him, my movie will definitely be a huge hit!"
'And while I'm at it, I'll urge him to update. He clearly laid the groundwork for a new chapter, so why stop updating!?'
Of course, Xavier didn't say this aloud.
"Oh, right, if you really can't find him, it's fine. Yae Publishing House has so many authors, someone will surely be willing to come."
"I understand. Simply put, the first choice is the person with the pen name Garan, right?"
"Exactly, that's it!" Xavier nodded: "Then let's meet at Yae Publishing House at ten tomorrow morning."
"Okay."
The Traveler felt this time was fine. As for where to sleep? Don't forget she still had the Serenitea Pot given by Granny Ping; she had a house anywhere!
She could even perform a grand illusion, pulling out a teapot and diving into it right on the street.
...
On the other side, Ayaka had arrived at Kujou Manor. This vast residence was now empty, with only one maid left cleaning.
"My apologies for disturbing you so late."
"Miss Kamisato, you flatter me by saying that. I am just a maid, and ever since the incident, everyone has been scrambling to avoid us. You are the first to visit."
The maid sighed deeply as she spoke. Isn't that just how people are? Before, the Kujou Clan was an object of desire for countless people to befriend, but now they were like rats in the street, reviled by all.
"You must be here to visit the Lady, but unfortunately, she has fallen ill and cannot see you."
"That is truly unfortunate news. I have heard about Lady Kujou's illness, and that it is very serious. This is also why I came to visit."
"After all, Lady Kujou and I did work together, so this visit is also a farewell to her."
Ayaka spoke with some sadness. She had a good impression of this girl who was so skilled in the art of tea ceremony, but alas, things had changed, and she was no longer the same.
The maid looked at the girl's expression and finally decided to let her see her Lady.
"...Please follow me."
Ayaka followed the maid's footsteps and finally arrived at Hitomi Hanatani's room. The maid carefully pushed open the door, revealing Hitomi Hanatani lying on the bed, unconscious.
"Since yesterday afternoon, the Lady has been like this. The doctor couldn't find the cause of the illness, and she won't live for more than a month." The maid said softly.
She then stepped forward and lifted a small part of the blanket to show the girl Hitomi Hanatani's aged arm.
"Sigh…"
The moment Ayaka saw the arm, which looked like it belonged to someone well past sixty, she dismissed the thoughts in her mind. How could someone afflicted with such a strange illness harm others?
"The Yashiro Commission will arrange a perfect funeral for Lady Kujou, and the expenses will also be borne by the Yashiro Commission." Ayaka decided to give the other party a dignified death.
The once grand Kujou Clan had shattered in an instant, leaving only Kujou Renji. However, given his personality, he would probably change his name and completely switch identities with Hiiragi Chisato to live a new life, wouldn't he?
After bidding farewell to the maid, Ayaka returned to Komore Teahouse. Thoma, seeing his Young Miss return unharmed, also breathed a sigh of relief.
"It seems there's nothing wrong."
"Hmm… Perhaps I misunderstood… Given Lady Kujou's physical condition, let alone harming others, she can't even wake up."
"Is that so? But besides her, there's no one else who fits the description in Inazuma recently. Could it be that some old monster has awakened?" Thoma asked curiously.
"That's beyond our knowledge. In any case, let's first protect those young girls."
Ayaka also felt a bit lost. The clue she had finally thought of was broken again, and during this time, who knew how many more people would die from falling.
...
Turning the focus to the Traveler, after bidding farewell to Xavier, she didn't forget that she still had a message to convey to Thoma and Ayaka.
So, after buying some Inazuma specialty snacks, she set off for Komore Teahouse. If nothing unexpected happened, Thoma should be there.
After all, it was already evening. During the day, he would be working at the Thousand-Armed, Hundred-Eyed God Statue, but after work, he would definitely be at the Yashiro Commission's exclusive base, Komore Teahouse!
It was like this last time when she came out of Ritou, and she expected it to be similar this time.
With respectful gazes from the reception staff, the Traveler entered Komore Teahouse and, as expected, found Thoma and Ayaka in conversation.
"Miss Kamisato! And Thoma!" Paimon floated over and greeted the two.
"Ah!" Ayaka was startled by Paimon, but quickly reacted: "It's the Traveler and little Paimon. We meet again."
"Mhm! You two look troubled, chatting here. Is something important going on?"
"Uh, haha, nothing. I'm sure you've heard about the suicide incidents these past two days. We're just troubled by that," Thoma said with a forced smile. The feeling of watching someone lose their life right before his eyes was very unpleasant.
"Oh! We're here for that too!"
"Hmm, Shiki asked me to relay some messages to you. Don't act rashly for now. Wait until she returns after her negotiation tomorrow."
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