Chapter 179: Let's Just Take a Walk Together
Before Makoto left the Plane of Euthymia, Ei called out to her.
As Makoto turned around, Ei handed her a mask.
"Here, put on this mask before you go out," Ei said. "Amon told me that wearing this mask while traveling can help us avoid unnecessary trouble."
Looking at the mask in Ei's hands, Makoto naturally understood the need to conceal her identity while in Inazuma.
After all, in this era, Raiden Makoto no longer existed in Inazuma.
If she were to suddenly appear in public, it would undoubtedly shock many people and potentially create chaos.
It was better to keep a low profile.
While pondering this, Makoto had already donned the mask.
Since her face was similar to Ei's, the mask fit her perfectly.
With light steps, she exited the Plane of Euthymia.
This time, she was no longer a god but an ordinary person.
Thinking about it, this was a novel experience for her.
…
The passage of time in the Plane of Euthymia differed from that of the outside world.
To the people of Inazuma, the brief exchange between the Raiden sisters was but the blink of an eye.
Now, Makoto stood amidst the bustling streets of Inazuma.
She blinked her beautiful eyes, curiously observing the lively scene around her.
Today's Inazuma was far more vibrant than it had been in her time.
A family of three walked past her, holding hands and smiling joyfully.
Nearby, a young girl clung to a boy's arm as they sat quietly beneath a sakura tree.
Cherry blossoms lined the streets, their pink petals drifting gently to the ground.
Merchants enthusiastically handed out free candies to passersby.
The streets were filled with laughter, and everything seemed warm and harmonious.
Even in daylight, fireworks blossomed in the sky, their colorful patterns clearly visible.
Makoto tilted her head back, watching the dazzling display of fireworks.
After a moment, she murmured, "So this is the Inazuma of today?"
"That's wonderful."
Lowering her gaze, Makoto's voice carried a sense of relief.
"Under Ei's reign, Inazuma has become my vision of eternity," she said softly.
"There's no war, and the people are happy."
"With her taking care of things, I can leave Inazuma without worry and begin a new life as an ordinary person."
Her identity made it impossible for her to remain in Inazuma.
After years of rule, she was truly weary.
Now, stepping down and embracing a new identity seemed like the best choice.
Moreover, if Inazuma had changed so much, other nations must have undergone transformations as well.
With this thought, Makoto began considering a journey abroad, though she had no idea where to go next.
At that moment, Amon's voice rang out beside her.
"Ei, it's almost time for dinner. Shall we go eat?"
"Will it be tri-color dango again this time, or do you want to try something new?"
Mid-sentence, Amon abruptly stopped speaking.
He had noticed that the woman before him wasn't Raiden Ei but Makoto.
Although they wore the same fox mask, their attire was distinctly different.
Ei's outfit, with its practical design, reflected her warrior-like nature—heroic, brave, and ready for battle.
In contrast, Makoto exuded a soft and gentle aura. Her long white-and-purple dress, paired with wide sleeves, made her appear delicate and elegant.
At that moment, Makoto stood quietly, watching the fireworks. Her demeanor was serene and refined, embodying gentleness and tranquility.
The fireworks were beautiful.
Yet, to Amon, the sight of Makoto under the fireworks was even more breathtaking.
Realizing his mistake, Amon raised an eyebrow in surprise.
While enjoying the fireworks, Ei had returned to the Plane of Euthymia, and it was Makoto who had come out to explore?
Wasn't this transformation between sisters a bit too quick?
Their personalities were so distinct that it was easy to tell them apart. If they ever behaved similarly, even Amon might struggle to distinguish between the elder sister and the younger.
Scratching his head, Amon offered an awkward apology. "I'm sorry, Makoto. I thought it was Ei standing here, so I called you by the wrong name."
Makoto chuckled softly and shook her head.
"It's fine, Mr. Amon," she replied gently.
"To some extent, Ei and I are one, so there's no such thing as a wrong name."
Her tone carried a natural warmth, different from Ei's more restrained demeanor.
Makoto's gentleness made people feel like they were basking in a spring breeze. It was the kind of softness that made one instinctively want to protect her.
"Mr. Amon, you mentioned it's time for dinner. In that case, let me treat everyone to a meal," Makoto offered with a smile.
"However, I'm not familiar with today's Inazuma, so I may need your help in choosing a restaurant."
Amon's expression turned into an awkward yet polite smile.
"Actually, I'm new here too," he admitted sheepishly. "I don't know my way around Inazuma yet, let alone which restaurants are good."
Ayaka and Sara, who had joined them, shook their heads as well.
Ayaka explained, "I've always eaten at home since we have a personal chef. I've never dined out."
Sara added, "I grew up in the mountains and forests, hunting for food. I've never eaten in a restaurant either."
Amon sighed. "Looks like none of us know where to go."
Makoto laughed lightly. "In that case, let's just take a walk together," she suggested.
"It would be wonderful to discover a good restaurant with all of you, Mr. Amon."
Chapter 180: I Think Being a Kindergarten Teacher Is Also a Good Career
Soon, Amon, Makoto, and a group of cute children entered a restaurant that seemed relatively quiet and sparsely populated.
Considering Raiden's special identity, Amon asked the store manager to find a separate private room.
Of course, Amon didn't ask Makoto to pay the bill.
As is well known, the three gods cannot take a single Mora from their pockets.
Makoto likely didn't have any money on her either.
If she really wanted to pay, she would probably have to trade something for it.
Amon felt it was unnecessary, so he simply let it go.
Furthermore, ever since Amon acquired the talent of "spending all the money and making it back," he no longer lacked money.
This also led him to lose interest in wealth.
His happiest times had been when he had no money and was simply enjoying himself with Ningguang.
So, he left the payment to himself.
Amon handed the menu to Makoto, and then to the cute children.
Raiden took the menu, thanked them softly, and then took the initiative to introduce the restaurant to everyone.
"This restaurant specializes in ramen, and the manager said the ramen-making skills were passed down from his grandfather's generation," she explained.
"In addition, the store manager also mentioned that the desserts here are very popular among the nearby residents and are often in short supply."
As she spoke, Makoto took off her mask and reached out to tuck her hair behind her ears.
It was a very common action, but somehow it looked extraordinary.
After hearing Makoto's explanation, Amon couldn't help but ask, "Makoto, how did you know all of this?"
Based on Amon's understanding, after revising the history book, Raiden should have stayed in the Plane of Euthymia and never left the house.
How did she know so much about this store, as if she had been here many times?
Makoto smiled gently. "Before coming upstairs, I observed the store's situation, and from that, I learned this information."
Her words naturally surprised the little children.
"You didn't talk to the store manager, but you just observed the store and knew all this?
Sister, you're amazing!"
At first, Amon found it hard to believe.
But then he thought about it again, and since the person sitting in front of him was Makoto, it didn't seem that surprising.
After all, everyone in Inazuma knew that Raiden was incredibly intelligent.
She had been the one who saved all of Inazuma.
Soon, the store manager arrived at the private room with the food.
As the aroma filled the air, the little girls' eyes sparkled.
In fact, the children were already starving.
Though they had snacked along the way, it wasn't enough to fill them up.
Also, after participating in the archery activity, they had burned through all their energy, and their stomachs were growling.
The food not only smelled delicious but was also fresh, something they hadn't seen before.
The little girls clutched their bowls tightly and began eating eagerly.
"Ayaka, you can't mix dessert into noodles; it will taste weird!"
"Sara, you don't know how to use chopsticks? I'll teach you—watch closely…"
Amon moved back and forth between the little ones.
He didn't feel at ease until all the children were eating properly.
Every time they ate, the children would come up with some strange ideas.
In these moments, Amon had to stop their odd behavior and explain things to them.
Makoto, sitting beside him, smiled and joked, "Mr. Amon, you must be very busy taking care of so many children, right?"
Amon wiped the sweat from his forehead and took a sip of tea.
"It's okay," he replied. "Once you get used to it, these little girls are easy to deal with."
"For instance, Ningguang. If I tell her I'm angry and won't pay attention to her, she immediately becomes obedient, clings to my arm, and starts crying."
"As for Qiqi, if you give her a bottle of coconut milk, she'll be happy for hours. If you play with a little sparrow with her, she'll be happy the whole day."
"Shen He is quite sensible and never gets into trouble, but, how should I put it… the little girl is a bit too clingy. If I disappear from her sight, she gets anxious and nervous."
Amon continued to share stories from his daily life with the children.
Makoto, sitting next to him, smiled as she quietly listened to Amon's tales of raising children.
She gazed out the window at the sky.
From here, she could see the endless ocean and scattered ships.
Seagulls skimmed over the sea, soaring high into the sky.
Amon finished telling his stories but noticed that Makoto was still looking out the window, deep in thought.
He smiled wryly and said, "Really, are stories about raising children so boring? You seem to be lost in thought."
Makoto snapped out of her reverie and waved her hands quickly. "That's not it! Mr. Amon, you misunderstood."
"On the contrary, I think taking care of children is quite fun."
"I was just thinking… maybe becoming a kindergarten teacher would be a good career."
Chapter 181: Venti: There Seems to Be Something Unclean Here
After hearing what Makoto was thinking, Amon was a little surprised and said, "Huh? Do you really want to be a kindergarten teacher?"
Makoto didn't answer but smiled and sighed, "Who can predict the future? Maybe, maybe, maybe it will be like that. Taking care of children is actually a pretty good life."
After a brief silence, Makoto looked up at Amon.
"Mr. Amon, do you have any other stories besides the ones you told the children?"
After hearing this, Amon nodded without hesitation.
"Yes, I have quite a few friends in Liyue, and I have many stories with them. It's just that the people I know seem to be rather peculiar."
"What kind of drunkard poet is this, who does nothing but slack off all day long?"
"There's a dragon that looks like a frog."
"There's also a very rigid old man who likes to drink tea and listen to stories."
Amon continued to tell Makoto about his friends, one by one.
Makoto's eyes sparkled, and she said happily, "Mr. Amon, can you tell me those stories? I want to hear more stories about Mr. Amon."
On weekdays, Makoto really enjoyed learning about human stories.
She wasn't sure why, but when Amon told stories, she became more interested than ever.
Amon nodded gently. "Let me tell you about that drunkard poet first. He is a guy who doesn't do his job properly..."
...
Meanwhile, on the first floor of the restaurant,
"A-choo! A-choo! A-choo!"
"Why do I keep sneezing since entering this restaurant? That's weird."
The bard Venti rubbed his nose and said casually.
"Is there something unclean in this restaurant? How scary!"
Venti hid behind Zhongli and looked around.
Azdaha, who was next to him, pushed his glasses up and said seriously, "Lord Barbatos, you must be overthinking it. How could a place like this…"
Before Azdaha could finish his words, he sneezed several times in succession.
This time, it was King Rudra's turn to be dumbfounded.
"Is there really something unclean in this place?"
Venti nodded repeatedly. "Right, right, I'll tell you!"
Azdaha came to his senses and stood up immediately.
He kept stamping his feet and muttering, "Retreat! Retreat! Retreat!"
Venti felt very confused watching this scene.
"Azdaha, what are you doing?"
"Oh, this is a method of exorcism that Mr. Amon taught me. I heard it's quite effective."
"Really? Then I'll try it too!"
Venti began to follow suit.
So the following scene took place in the restaurant.
The two of them kept stamping their feet and mumbling something.
The man next to them finally showed a worried expression.
He was afraid that the store manager would kick them out.
Zhongli, who was sitting next to Guizhong, crossed his arms over his chest.
He looked at the two people in front of him and then slowly said, "Based on universal rationality, such a thing does not exist."
"Although Inazuma does not have any business cooperation with the Wōsei-do, the Tenryou Commission is responsible for public security."
"Especially during a festival as lively as this, it's impossible for anything unclean to exist."
Guizhong, sitting beside him, nodded repeatedly. "You should sit down quickly. It would be bad if others misunderstood you."
Before she could finish her words, the store manager came over.
Clearly, he had noticed the strange behavior of Venti and Azdaha.
In response, Guizhong quickly stood up and said apologetically, "I'm sorry. They're not very smart."
The manager didn't say anything, just nodded, as if to say, "I understand what's going on."
Venti and Azdaha looked embarrassed.
"We're fine. What's abnormal about this?"
"Who are you looking down on? Manager, please listen to our explanation…"
Just as they were about to roll up their sleeves and explain things to the store manager,
The store manager looked at Venti and Azdaha and then said, "Our store is doing free charity today. You don't have to pay for the ramen this time."
"By the way, what were you going to tell me just now?"
Venti and Azdaha shook their heads like rattles.
"Nothing, haha... ha..."
In the end, Venti helplessly held his forehead with his hands. It seemed he had made a wrong decision in bringing them out for a trip.
At this moment, Guizhong noticed that Zhongli had raised his head and was looking toward the second floor.
"Morax, what's wrong?"
Zhongli said slowly, "There is a familiar aura."
"Is that Mr. Amon? I think I saw him taking the kids upstairs."
Zhongli shook his head slightly. "It's not Mr. Amon, but the aura of another old friend."
Soon, Zhongli withdrew his gaze and picked up his teacup.
"She no longer has any divine power and has completely turned into an ordinary person."
"So, even she has come this far."
Guizhong blinked her big eyes and looked at Zhongli, confused. "Morax, what riddle are you talking about?"
"Tell me! Tell me quickly!"
"You big bad guy, if you don't tell me, I'll cry in a minute!"
Guizhong pouted, looking at Zhongli with a slightly resentful expression.
Chapter 182: Makoto, Do You Know Light Novels?
Now, let's talk about Amon.
He told Raiden Makoto many stories about Liyue.
Raiden really listened carefully throughout the entire process.
Makoto put her hand on her chin, with a faint smile on her face.
Her eyes were on Amon the entire time and never left.
After telling the story, Makoto picked up the teapot and made a cup of tea for Amon.
"Hearing what Mr. Amon said, I think Liyue should be a very good city," she said.
Amon nodded, agreeing with Raiden Makoto's statement.
"It's really nice. What can I say about Liyue? It's a great city for retirement."
"After I travel through the seven kingdoms, I will probably end up settling in Liyue."
For Amon, Liyue is the most familiar city among the seven countries.
Of course, in addition to Liyue's friendliness, the most important point is that it's where his home is.
Amon looked at the cute little kids and said with a chuckle, "No matter what time it is, there will always be someone waiting for me to come back."
While speaking, Amon paused slightly.
He noticed that the little ones had begun to yawn.
Looks like they were getting sleepy.
Every time after lunch, these little girls would feel sleepy.
Over time, it had become a habit.
Raiden Makoto also noticed this and said with a smile, "Is it time for the little ones to take a nap?"
"Then let's find a quiet place and let them rest well."
"But where should we choose a place for them to rest?"
If it was Inazuma hundreds of years ago, Raiden would have known a place for the little ones.
But now, Inazuma has changed so much that Raiden Makoto can't give any advice. She herself isn't familiar with Inazuma anymore.
Amon thought for a moment, and then his eyes lit up as he immediately came up with an idea.
"Really? I know a quiet place where the little ones can have a good nap, and we won't be bored."
"What place is it?"
"Yae Publishing House!"
Amon stood up and began to recall the small dark room that Yae Miko had taken him to.
"As far as I know, there are several houses in Yae Publishing House that are located in a remote area. It is absolutely quiet there, and it's not far from here."
Raiden Makoto blinked her big eyes and said seriously, "Mr. Amon, the Yae Publishing House you mentioned was founded by Miko, right? Ei mentioned these things to me before."
"Come to think of it, I haven't seen that little girl Miko for a long time. In that case, let's go over and see how she is doing recently."
When Yae Miko was still a pink-haired fox, her favorite thing to do every day was to sleep in Makoto's arms.
In fact, the relationship between the two was very good.
It was so good that Raiden really treated Yae Miko as her second sister.
For this reason, Raiden really felt it necessary to meet Yae Miko.
Seeing that Raiden Makoto had no objections, Amon began to plan the itinerary for lunch.
"The little ones can take a comfortable nap there, and we can also read some light novels."
"I heard that Yae Publishing House has published several good light novels recently. They say that they make people want to fall in love after reading them."
Amon paused and looked at Raiden Makoto. "Speaking of which, Makoto, have you read light novels?"
Raiden Makoto shook her head slightly. "Unfortunately, I have not read light novels, and I know very little about them."
"I've only heard Ei mention light novels occasionally. She said there are only two best things in the world: desserts and light novels."
"She also emphasized to me that reading light novels is also a way to hone oneself."
"I don't know if light novels can help hone one's character, but sometimes I see Ei rolling around with a light novel in her arms and grinning."
"I asked her to show me the contents of the book, but she blushed and hid the book. I felt something was wrong."
Raiden blinked her big eyes and asked in confusion, "Mr. Amon, are light novels really so attractive?"
Amon didn't know how to answer either. He just smiled and said, "Let's go to Yae Publishing House. Maybe you will have the answer in your heart."
Raiden hummed softly and put her mask back on.
Soon, Amon led the little ones downstairs.
Seeing the little girls were so sleepy that they were even dozing off while walking,
Amon also decided to send the cute little ones to rest as soon as possible.
As he was leaving, he glanced at the restaurant's door.
The first floor was empty, with no guests in sight.
The store manager could be seen cleaning up, with a few gems in her hands.
That was Liyue's specialty jade. It became crystal clear and very beautiful under the sunlight.
As the store manager packed up her things, she muttered, "This is the first time I've seen someone using jade to make a deal."
Amon walked up and asked, "Manager, who gave you this jade?"
He could tell that this jade must be something treasured by Azdaha.
This meant that Azdaha had been here.
But Amon was not sure, so he decided to find out the situation first.
In response to Amon's inquiry, the store manager answered cheerfully, "Oh, it was given to me by a young couple. They had two strange friends with them."
A couple, two weird friends?
The couple should be Zhongli and the others,
And the strange friends must be Venti and Azdaha.
As for why Venti and Azdaha were considered strange, Amon didn't know either.
But what the store manager said seemed to be correct.
Amon continued to ask, "How long have they been gone? Which direction did they go?"
The store manager replied casually, "They just left not long ago, in that direction…"
As he was speaking, the store manager was stunned.
Because there was no one in the direction of his finger.
The store manager scratched his head and said in confusion, "This is really strange. I just saw them here, and now they've disappeared in the blink of an eye."
"It's okay, thank you," Amon said as he thanked her.
"That's their style. They disappear in the blink of an eye."
"They always come to me, so it's hard for me to find them."