To be honest, Lucas was well aware that a two-million Mora "processing fee" was absolutely unreasonable. It was most likely the Outlander's Affairs Office trying to gouge him and pocket the extra for themselves.
This kind of thing wasn't unheard of, but such an outrageous demand was crossing the line.
Whether it was four hundred thousand Mora or two million, the amount meant little to Lucas. What irked him was being strong-armed like this.
Lucas's temperament was generally mild and easygoing, but that didn't mean he was someone to be pushed around.
"Two million Mora does seem a bit excessive," Lucas said with a faint smile. "I assume the higher-ups aren't aware of this?"
"What, trying to scare me?" Yuriha showed not the slightest hint of fear. Instead, she sneered, "I might as well tell you—this kind of thing is an open secret. That two million Mora? The higher-ups get their cut too. Do you really think they'd protect you, a foreigner, over me?"
Meanwhile, Raiden Mai, who had been silent this whole time, had already begun communicating remotely with Raiden Ei.
[You saw what just happened, right?]
[Hmph… I'll handle it. Soon.]
Tenshukaku.
At that moment, an executive meeting was being held, with key figures from the Tri-Commission reporting on recent affairs.
SLAM!
Suddenly, the Raiden Shogun, who had been silent until now, slammed her hand on the table. The abrupt action startled everyone present, especially Takatsukasa Tomohide, the head of the Kanjou Commission, who was in the middle of his report. His brow furrowed as he asked cautiously, "Your Excellency, is… something the matter?"
"Takatsukasa Tomohide, if I recall correctly, the Outlander's Affairs Office falls under the jurisdiction of the Kanjou Commission, does it not?" the Shogun said emotionlessly. "Tell me, what is the fee for processing a residency permit?"
Takatsukasa Tomohide's heart skipped a beat. He never expected the Shogun, who usually remained aloof from such trivial matters, to suddenly ask about this. "F-Five… five hundred Mora," he stammered.
"Kujou Sara," the Shogun commanded without hesitation. "I order you to proceed to Ritou at once and verify this with any foreigner currently applying for residency. If the number doesn't match… hmph."
"As you command." Without another word, Kujou Sara stood and strode out.
Takatsukasa Tomohide was now drenched in cold sweat. "M-My apologies, I must have misspoken! Given recent economic fluctuations, the fee… may have been adjusted slightly higher. This humble servant may have… misremembered…"
"No matter," the Shogun said coldly. "Kujou Sara is swift. We shall have our answer soon enough."
——————
Back at the Outlander's Affairs Office in Ritou…
Raiden Mai smirked inwardly. It wouldn't be long before this arrogant woman before them faced dire consequences.
But she had underestimated Lucas.
Raiden Ei might be fearsome, but in the simulator, Lucas had once overpowered even her.
"Mai, could you step outside for a moment?" Lucas said with a faint smile. "I'd like to have a proper discussion with the inspector here."
Though unsure of his intentions, Raiden Mai nodded and exited, closing the door behind her.
Yuriha, meanwhile, scoffed. "What, too proud to beg in front of your woman? Too bad—I've changed my mind. Unless you've got four million Mora, you can start packing for deportation!"
Lucas only chuckled. "You really think I'm just some helpless foreign merchant, don't you?"
"Oh? Then what are you? Some undercover gigolo?" Yuriha taunted. "Tell you what—if you can service me well enough, I might just give you a discount."
"I'm a special investigator dispatched by the Tenryou Commission," Lucas said, locking eyes with her. "I've been operating undercover to investigate corruption within the Kanjou Commission. I didn't expect to find a lead so quickly."
Yuriha's heart raced, but she kept up her bravado. "Oh, really? And I'm supposed to just take your word for it?"
"Don't recognize me? Fine." Lucas's hand suddenly produced a katana. "But surely you recognize this?"
The blade was none other than the [Shattered • Mistsplitter] he had obtained earlier. Though slightly damaged, the scabbard alone was unmistakably the work of a master swordsmith—a "named blade" typically bestowed only by the Shogun herself as a reward to those of exceptional merit.
[Activating Bewitchment!]
Seizing the moment of Yuriha's unease, Lucas immediately cast [Bewitchment].
[Bewitchment: When used on a target, compels them to temporarily obey your commands. Success rate increases the weaker the target's mental resistance. (Can only be used once per day.)]**
Yuriha, being an ordinary mortal, was instantly swayed. She dropped to her knees before Lucas, trembling. "F-Forgive this lowly one's ignorance! I had no idea you were an esteemed envoy!"
"No matter. Let me think…" Lucas leaned back casually in his chair. "Under Liyue law, how many years is the sentence for embezzling over a million Mora again?"
"P-Please have mercy, my lord!" Yuriha shuddered in terror. "If I'm convicted, my—my whole future will be ruined!"
"True. A young, pretty thing like you, wasting over a decade in prison? What a shame." Lucas used the scabbard to tilt her chin up, then slowly trailed it downward, flipping open her collar slightly. He smirked. "By the way… didn't you say something earlier about wanting me to service you?"
Having worked here for years, Yuriha immediately grasped Lucas's implication. She quickly replied, "L-Let me serve you instead, my lord, as an apology for my earlier offense."
"You have half an hour," Lucas said indifferently. "If you can satisfy me, I might… be lenient."
"U-Understood!"
Just as Yuriha was about to stand, Lucas pressed the scabbard against her shoulder, forcing her back down. "Who said you could get up?"
"But…" Yuriha hesitated. "If I don't stand, how can I—"
"You'll manage," Lucas smirked. "Use that clever brain of yours. You were quick-witted enough to invent fees, but now you're playing dumb?"
"…Yes."
Realizing his meaning, Yuriha shuffled forward on her knees until she was directly before him, lowering her voice. "Please… accept my sincere atonement."
Having encountered countless beauties in his life, Lucas found Yuriha's looks merely above average—far from the stunning women he'd known.
But he had no qualms.
After all, even after feasting on gourmet delicacies, there was still novelty in sampling local street food.
The once-arrogant inspector now groveled at his feet, diligently "apologizing" with her head bowed.
"As expected of the Outlander's Affairs Office's inspector," Lucas taunted. "Quite eloquent with that mouth of yours."
"Th-Thank you… for the praise," Yuriha mumbled between efforts.
"Did I permit you to speak?" Lucas's expression turned icy. "Ten points deducted."
Yuriha immediately fell silent, redoubling her focus. She had no idea what his "passing score" was—or whether she could even meet it.
Born into an ordinary family, she had only secured this lucrative position through hefty bribes and relentless flattery. Though her official salary was modest, extorting "processing fees" had lined her pockets well.
If this scandal came to light, she wouldn't just lose her job—she'd face prison, rendering all her "hard work" meaningless.
And worse… she had something important coming up soon.
The thought drove her to work even harder. No matter what, she had to satisfy this "inspector."
Just then, a man's voice called from outside: "Yu-Yuriha? What's taking so long? It's just a residency permit!"
Her eyes flickered with panic. Lucas gave her a look, and only then did she dare reply: "S-Senpai, this gentleman's documents are… complicated. They require further review."
"Ah, alright." The man named "Senpai" sounded relieved. "After work, let's grab dinner. I just got my monthly pay."
"O-Okay," Yuriha stammered. "Go back to your post. I'm… still busy."
"Got it!" His cheerful footsteps faded away.
"Senpai?" Lucas asked with interest. "Who's that? You two seem close."
"He's a clerk in the Kanjou Commission," Yuriha averted her eyes. "And… my fiancé."
"Oh?" Lucas scoffed. "You'd actually marry… someone like that?"
From her cunning, it was clear Yuriha was no innocent maiden. Landing this profitable position had likely required… personal sacrifices.
He'd assumed a woman like her would cling to the powerful—not settle for a lowly clerk.
"He's… a decent man," Yuriha admitted. "He doesn't know about any of this. With a little acting, he'd believe I'm pure and naive."
Hearing this, Lucas felt a surge of anger. "Get up," he ordered coldly.
"Eh?" Yuriha blinked. "But I haven't—"
"Enough." Lucas stood. "I'll teach you a lesson on behalf of decent men."
Strange…
Why am I acting like… the version of me from the simulator?
Even as he moved, Lucas felt puzzled.
Ah—it must be the Manipulation Ring!
He glanced down. Sure enough, the previously dull ring now pulsed with a pink glow. He had to be under its influence again!
Or so he told himself, ignoring the fact that true mind control wouldn't leave him self-aware.
Since Yuriha wasn't someone worth cherishing, Lucas indulged without restraint. By the time he regained full awareness, the office was in disarray—and as for Yuriha…
Well, unless Senpai was blind, he'd definitely notice the difference between a chrysanthemum and a sunflower.
"M-My lord…" Yuriha's face was pale, yet she still forced a flattering smile. "Was that… satisfactory?"
"Relax," Lucas adjusted his collar. "I won't report this to your superiors."
"Th-Thank you!" Yuriha gushed. "If you ever need anything else, I'm at your service—"
Some habits die hard.
Even now, she was still scheming to cling to him. But alas—
"By order of the Tenryou Commission's General, Kujou Sara has arrived!"
Yuriha's face drained of color. "Another one? Don't you people coordinate?"
"Who knows?" Lucas grinned. "After all, I'm not from the Tenryou Commission."
"What?!" Yuriha shrieked. "You said you were an inspector!"
"I could've claimed to be the Shogun's lover too," he chuckled. "Who knew you'd believe anything?"
Yuriha's legs gave out. Then, with a bang, the door swung open—revealing a violet-haired, golden-eyed woman striding in, led by Senpai.
None other than Kujou Sara.
Her razor-sharp gaze swept over the two.
When her eyes landed on Lucas, they lingered briefly—but her expression remained unreadable. "Who are you?"
"A publisher from Liyue," Lucas replied politely. "We had a minor dispute over the residency permit fee."
Yuriha's heart twisted. She was truly "swallowing bitterness"—unable to speak of what he'd done, especially with Senpai nearby. Forced to play along, she muttered, "Y-Yes, that's right."
"Oh?" Kujou Sara's voice was icy. "And the fee is?"
"Five hundred Mora!" Yuriha insisted.
"No way…" Senpai muttered, baffled. "All that arguing over five hundred Mora? Is this guy that broke?"
Little did he know, this "broke guy" had just enjoyed a "meal" he himself had never tasted.
"Lies." Kujou Sara pointed at Lucas. "You—what was the fee?"
Seeing Kujou Sara turn to Lucas, Yuriha shot him a pleading look, begging him to cover for her.
Lucas nodded reassuringly and smiled. "It wasn't much."
Yuriha exhaled in relief.
"Just one million Mora per person," he continued. "I asked around—apparently, that's the discounted rate."
Yuriha's face turned ghostly pale. She glanced at the man who now seemed like a demon—only to meet his amused gaze. A chill ran down her spine, and she didn't dare let even a flicker of hatred show.
"One million Mora in fees," Kujou Sara said coldly. "The Shogun will be very pleased with this answer."
The Shogun?
Lucas's eyes narrowed. Did she send Kujou Sara?
This is too coincidental for my first day here.
"Yuriha of the Outlander's Affairs Office," Kujou Sara declared, "you are charged with embezzlement and abuse of power. Do you confess?"
Yuriha's face was ashen. Resigned, she whispered, "I… confess."
In Inazuma, the Tri-Commission maintained a fragile balance—with the Tenryou and Kanjou Commissions constantly at odds over military funding. This scandal was the perfect chance for the Tenryou Commission to strike a blow, and Kujou Sara wouldn't waste it.
"Tsk tsk. To be fair, it's not entirely her fault," Lucas mused. "Rot starts at the top. Investigate thoroughly, and you might uncover more."
He wasn't defending Yuriha—just being fair. The extorted fees likely trickled up, leaving her with only scraps.
"Are you lecturing me?" Kujou Sara glared. "Inazuma's affairs are none of your concern." She paused. "You said you're a publisher. Which company?"
"Yae… Publishing House," Lucas lied—though it was the only one he knew.
"I knew it." Kujou Sara waved dismissively. "Wait outside. I'll need your statement later."
Lucas understood—she had taken his advice and was now clearing the room to interrogate Yuriha properly.
Senpai sighed, escorting Lucas out. His fiancée's downfall weighed on him, but against the iron-fisted Kujou Sara, a mere clerk like him was powerless.
"Hey, don't take it so hard," Lucas consoled. "Listen, that woman ain't no good."
Surprisingly, Senpai wasn't angry—just bitter. "I know. Yuriha's… reputation isn't great."
"Wait, you knew?" Lucas blinked. "Then why marry her?"
"Rich guys like you wouldn't get it. But a beauty like her? If she were respectable, she'd never look my way."
"So… you'd rather have her than a plain, honest girl?"
"Plain girls come with demands too. At least this way, I'm happy." Senpai shrugged. "As long as the kid's mine, I'm fine. Don't you Liyue folks say, 'To live a happy life, wear a little green'?"
"Then you'd better not buy a house."
"Huh? Why?"
"Because we also say—" Lucas patted his shoulder. "Simps get no house."
Honestly, Lucas couldn't judge Senpai's values. Maybe this was normal in Inazuma.
Respect. Bless. Lock them in.
As Lucas stepped out, Raiden Mai approached. "How did it go?"
"That inspector's finished," Lucas shrugged. "But this feels too convenient. You think there's more to it?"
Unbeknownst to him, Kujou Sara's arrival was directly tied to Raiden Mai.
"The Shogun's justice is inescapable," Raiden Mai said coolly. "Fools who think her lofty position shields their corruption are laughable."
Her loyalty almost made Lucas chuckle.
Even with a new master, she still defends the old one…
"Bravo! Bravo!"
Thoma emerged from nowhere, clapping. "The Outlander's Affairs Office's racket ran for years—until you showed up. Impressive!"
"Wasn't me," Lucas laughed. "But as the local fixer, you'll be out of a side hustle."
"Ah, no matter. I've got other income streams." Thoma grinned. "Besides, fixing is just a hobby. My real job is as the Kamisato Clan's steward. Actually, my lady has been seeking talented foreigners. If you're interested, I'd love to introduce you."
Main character treatment indeed.
In less than a day, Lucas had already crossed paths with multiple key figures.
But this was no bad thing. Allying with Kamisato Ayaka could smooth his path—whether to meeting the Shogun or finding Beidou's crew.
"What a coincidence," a cold voice cut in from behind. "You're the Kamisato retainer?"
The one speaking was none other than Kujou Sara. Who would've thought she'd finish the interrogation so quickly? She really lived up to her reputation for being swift and decisive.
"Ha… so it's Lady Kujou," Thoma said with a smile. "I've long admired your name. I'm honored you even remember someone like me."
Ever the smooth talker, Thoma had already realized she wasn't here with good intentions. Still, as the saying goes, you don't hit someone who's smiling—so he stayed polite.
"Didn't expect to run into you here. Saves me the trip," Kujou Sara said coldly, unmoved by his courtesy. "You're on the list of Vision holders. Under the Vision Hunt Decree, I now formally order you to surrender your Vision."
The smile on Thoma's face slowly faded. He straightened his expression. "According to the decree, members of the Tri-Commission and the Tenshukaku are exempt from surrendering their Visions…"
"That decree has been annulled," Kujou Sara said coolly. "Now that the Statue of the Omnipresent God is nearly complete, everyone is to be treated equally—unless they're direct descendants of the three clans."
Looks like they'd already swept the general populace clean of Visions, so now they had no choice but to start targeting retainers of the Yashiro Commission.
If Kamisato Ayaka and Ayato were present, Kujou Sara likely wouldn't act so rashly. But with Thoma alone, she could take the chance to strike first and report later.
Thoma knew this well. His best option was to return to the Kamisato Estate as quickly as possible. If he could make it there, he could buy himself time. So he lowered his voice and said, "The two of you are welcome to visit the Kamisato Estate anytime. For now, I'll be taking my leave!"
"Trying to run? Not so easy!"
As soon as he turned to leap past the Outlander's Affairs Office gate, Kujou Sara loosed an arrow. No matter how fast Thoma was, he couldn't outrun her shot. As a member of the tengu clan, she'd been a master of the bow since childhood. The arrow left the string and flew straight toward Thoma's back.
But neither of them was faster than Lucas.
With a snap of his fingers, a gust of fierce wind surged out of nowhere, deflecting the arrow just enough for it to miss Thoma by a hair.
In the blink of an eye, Thoma was over the wall and gone.
"What a strong… demonic wind?"
Lucas remarked casually, then glanced at Kujou Sara—and froze for a second.
The wind he had summoned had been stronger than expected and had blown up the "curtain" across Kujou Sara's chest. Her outfit, usually tight and proper, now clung even more closely to her body, outlining her stunning figure in full view.
So that's what you've been hiding all this time, huh?
Remembering how the simulator once gave him the chance to see Kujou Sara's "true form," Lucas couldn't help but flush red again.
Kujou Sara hastily adjusted her clothes, her eyes immediately locking onto the only man present—Lucas. Her face slightly flustered, she asked, "What did you see?"
"I didn't see anything" Lucas waved his hands quickly. "The wind was too strong—it got in my eyes."
"Then why is your face red?" she pressed.
"I'm just… full of energy today!" Lucas instinctively offered an excuse, then quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, that guy really got lucky. I'm not trying to flatter you, but Lady Kujou—your archery skills are definitely in the top five among everyone I've met."
"Hmph…" Kujou Sara scoffed. "How many skilled fighters could a mere merchant possibly know?"
Well… not many. Ganyu and Venti didn't count—it'd be bullying to compare them. Honestly, Lucas had already given her high praise.
As for that suspicious "demonic wind," Kujou Sara couldn't help but wonder. Could there be a Vision wielder hiding nearby who used Anemo to secretly assist Thoma?
"Um…" Lucas smiled apologetically. "About our residency permits—can we still proceed with those?"
"That's just a word from me," Kujou Sara replied, staring straight into Lucas's eyes. "But… are you really a publisher partnered with Yae Publishing House?"
"Of course!" Lucas said, shamelessly puffing up his chest. "Our works are very popular in Inazuma, you know."
"Oh?" Kujou Sara tilted her head slightly. "Like what?"
Lucas froze. He had assumed someone like her would have zero interest in light novels.
"Li—like…" He blurted, "Uh… 'Married Ganyu, But Then My Ex From a Past Life Shows Up?!'"
"Ganyu? Isn't she one of Liyue's Qixing?" Kujou Sara frowned. "Including such an important figure in a novel… that's practically blasphemy."
Good thing she didn't actually read light novels. Otherwise, she'd discover that her revered Raiden Shogun was the single most used character in all of Inazuma's light fiction.
Seeing that she didn't seem suspicious, Lucas finally exhaled in relief. "So… we can go now, right? I was just on my way to meet the chief editor of Yae Publishing House."
"No need to go looking," Kujou Sara replied calmly. "Coincidentally, the chief editor is at the store today. I was just about to visit. Why don't you two come along?"
Well, damn. They'd just run into the real deal.
"Wouldn't that be… a little much?" Lucas forced a smile. "Wouldn't want to interrupt any official business."
"Weren't you in a hurry to meet her?" Kujou Sara's eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Unless… you've got something to hide?"
So she was still suspicious. Lucas realized immediately that if he kept refusing, she'd only grow more doubtful. He had no choice but to bite the bullet. "Of course not! If that's the case… we'll go with you. Thank you, Lady Kujou."
Maybe she was bluffing. Yae Miko was a busy woman—there was no way she'd just happen to be at Yae Publishing House today… right?
"Didn't expect this," Raiden Mai whispered beside him. "You actually know the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine?"
"I know jack," Lucas muttered with a wry smile. "Let's just hope she's not really there. Otherwise, we're screwed."
…
Under Kujou Sara's escort, Lucas and Raiden Mai soon arrived at the doors of Yae Publishing House. Not only was it Inazuma's largest light novel publisher, it was also the biggest literary distributor in the region.
In a time when daily life felt so oppressive, light novels had ironically become one of the few ways Inazumans could relieve stress. As such, business at Yae Publishing House was booming.
And all the while, Lucas prayed silently in his heart: Please let Yae Miko not be here today.
"Yo, isn't that Kujou?"
Too bad the world didn't hear his prayers. A playful voice called out from behind them.
"What kind of wind blew you out here today?"
The voice was light and playful, yet undeniably captivating—like a spring breeze melting snow, softening one's bones in an instant.
As the saying goes, you hear her before you see her—and even that voice alone was enough to spark the imagination.
Lucas turned around and found himself locking eyes with the source. His breath caught slightly, as if jolted by static.
A pink-haired woman in shrine maiden robes stood before them, smiling warmly. Her beauty was striking—comparable even to that of Ganyu, an Adeptus.
But while Ganyu's allure was ethereal, untouched by the mortal world, this woman's charm was rooted in it. It was impossible to say who was more beautiful—they were simply different.
Yae Miko.
Lucas had already encountered her before in the simulator.
Even though that simulation now felt like it had happened a long time ago, his memory of Yae Miko remained vivid.
Yae Miko's lashes fluttered ever so slightly when she saw Lucas—but with her usual mastery of emotion, the subtle shift went unnoticed by others.
"Lady Guuji," Kujou Sara greeted her with rare respect, speaking flatly. "I was handling some matters over at Ritou when I happened to run into a publisher en route to Yae Publishing House. I figured I'd bring him here directly. You… recognize him, don't you?"
Since Kujou Sara had put it that way, Lucas could only force a dry laugh and say, "Miss Yae, I… I'm…"
"Boss Jia, right?" Yae Miko chuckled behind her hand. "You mentioned in your letter that you might come to Inazuma sometime. I've been looking forward to your visit. Didn't you say you'd notify me beforehand so I could send someone to pick you up? And now here you are, arriving on your own. Makes it look like we at Yae Publishing have been neglectful."
Boss Jia? What?
Lucas was briefly thrown off, but then it clicked—Yae Publishing must've been corresponding with some other publisher surnamed Jia who had business plans in Inazuma. She must've mistaken him for that guy.
Teyvat didn't have video calls. Of course Yae Miko wouldn't know what this "Boss Jia" looked like.
Still looking skeptical, Kujou Sara frowned slightly. "Guuji-sama, are you sure… it's him?"
"Of course," Yae Miko said with a smile. "Boss Jia isn't just a light novel publisher. He's a skilled author in his own right. He's been planning to write a novel based on Inazuman legends—that's why he came here to do field research."
"Th-that's right!" Lucas nodded vigorously. "The local customs of Inazuma really are quite different from Liyue. It's… truly inspiring, a fountain of ideas!"
"Oh, and Boss Jia, didn't you say you wanted to write a novel with a shrine maiden as the heroine?" Yae Miko rubbed her chin thoughtfully, then smiled. "What a perfect opportunity. Come with me to the Grand Narukami Shrine later—it's only right I extend some hospitality."
Lucas had no way out now and could only follow along. "That would be wonderful. Visiting the Grand Narukami Shrine has always been a dream of mine."
At that, Kujou Sara finally relaxed and gave a small nod. "In that case, I'll take my leave."
"No need to rush," Yae Miko said with a soft smile. "Since you're here, why not stay for a cup of tea?"
"No need," Kujou Sara shook her head. "I'm on official duty. The Shogun is still awaiting my report—I mustn't delay."
"Fair enough. Oh, here—take this with you." Yae Miko produced a small, ornate box seemingly out of nowhere and handed it to Kujou Sara. "It's something the Shogun asked me to pass along. Since you're here, I'll entrust it to you."
Kujou Sara accepted it and asked casually, "What's inside?"
Yae Miko smiled. "Curious? Why don't you open it and see?"
Before Kujou Sara could respond, Raiden Mai—who had remained silent until now—spoke up: "That's not appropriate."
All eyes turned to her, Kujou Sara especially puzzled.
She had noticed the woman standing beside Lucas for a while now—his so-called "bodyguard." Because she wore a puppet mask, Kujou Sara hadn't recognized her identity, but for some reason, she felt an odd sense of familiarity. That strange sense of closeness had kept her from reacting with hostility.
Raiden Mai and Raiden Ei were in perfect sync, so she already knew exactly what was in that box—some sweets and a few light novels. If Kujou Sara opened it and saw that, wouldn't it tarnish the Shogun's dignity?
"Since it's something from the Shogun," Raiden Mai said calmly, "opening it without permission could be seen as overstepping. You've done much to assist us today, Lady Kujou—I simply don't want to see you make a mistake."
"Thanks for the reminder," Kujou Sara nodded. "Until next time."
Once she'd left, Lucas finally let out a small sigh of relief. His identity had remained safe—for now.
If she had taken him away, things could've gotten very messy.
Unfortunately, in sending off the "small problem" that was Kujou Sara, he had just walked straight into a much bigger one.
"Boss Jia, you still haven't introduced her," Yae Miko glanced toward Raiden Mai with a knowing smile. "This lady… is she your wife, perhaps?"
"She's Mai. Uh… my bodyguard," Lucas explained. "When traveling, it's always good to have someone to watch your back."
"That makes sense. Even though Inazuma City is fairly safe, there are still plenty of Nobushi and other monsters lurking outside," Yae Miko said as she approached Raiden Mai, squinting slightly as she studied her. "You know… you really remind me of someone I know."
That made both Raiden Mai and Lucas stiffen slightly. Lucas even started to sweat.
Sure, the puppet mask disguised her face, but who knew what this cunning fox woman might notice?
"Your face is different, of course," Yae Miko mused, "but your figure and aura are very similar. And that little teardrop mole… mm, like the final stroke on a masterpiece."
[What do I do? Has she figured me out already?]
Far away in the Tenshukaku, Raiden Ei, who was still sharing vision with Raiden Mai, let out a cold snort and replied: "Don't panic. If she hasn't figured it out, good. If she has… she won't say a word."
"Hahaha!"
Lucas quickly grabbed Raiden Mai's wrist and laughed. "Lady Yae, you really have a sharp eye. Anyway, we'll let you get back to work—we won't hold you up!"
Lucas wanted to leave—not because he disliked Yae Miko, but because he had more pressing matters to take care of and couldn't afford to get too entangled with her right now.
Besides, she was sharp as a fox. If they kept talking, his whole "Boss Jia" cover might fall apart.
But before he could make a move, Yae Miko gently placed a hand on his shoulder with a smile. "Didn't we just agree a moment ago? You'd accompany me to the Grand Narukami Shrine for inspiration gathering. I'm very much looking forward to your next novel, Boss Jia."
Her fingers, soft and boneless, rested on his shoulder like a whisper of silk—and instantly sent a shiver down his spine. If he were an ordinary man, he'd have already melted on the spot.
Forget real boss or fake boss—at this rate, even if she told him to bark like her dog, he might do it without hesitation.
"I-I mean… but…" Lucas stammered awkwardly.
"What's this? Are you hiding something from me?" Yae Miko narrowed her eyes slightly, her violet gaze gleaming with an almost uncanny sharpness. "You know, there was once a con artist pretending to be a publisher who tried to scam Yae Publishing House. Know what I did with him? Had him sealed in a cement barrel and tossed into the sea. Haha… thinking back, his expression of despair was truly delightful."
Please don't say something so horrifying with such a cheerful smile!
Lucas could manipulate Hydro now, so getting thrown into the sea wouldn't be a death sentence—but being encased in cement was a whole other problem.
Given the circumstances, he could only play along for now.
It's not like she's going to eat me or anything… probably.
"If Lady Yae insists," Lucas nodded with forced cheer, "then it would be rude of me to decline."
"Splendid." Yae Miko beamed. "Oh, and no need for formalities. Just call me Miko. Even though this is our first meeting, I feel like we've known each other forever."
So this is how forward she is?
Lucas found it oddly disarming. Or perhaps this mysterious "Boss Jia" was simply that likable—a man who, even through letters alone, had somehow formed a strong friendship with Yae Miko?
That assumption wasn't entirely wrong.
Yae Miko had built an emotional connection with him—but it wasn't through correspondence. It came from the time they had spent together.
Most of Lucas's simulator scenarios were based on alternate timelines. But the one where he had played as "Harunosuke" had taken place not in another world, but on the same plane—just in a different era.
That's why, for characters like Kujou Sara, Lucas only appeared in dreams.
But for Yae Miko, everything that had happened between them had been "real."
Back then, as Harunosuke, Lucas had sacrificed himself to repel a calamity threatening Inazuma—giving his life to save the land and to protect both Kitsune Saiguu and Yae Miko.
And at the brink of death, to comfort the grieving Saiguu and Miko, he had promised: "I'll be waiting for you… five hundred years from now."
To Yae Miko, five centuries passed in the blink of an eye. And now, standing before her, he had returned—whether as Harunosuke's reincarnation or in some other form, she couldn't say. But her heart told her with 80% certainty that he was the one she had been waiting for.
And as for the other 20%? She already had a way to verify that.
Meanwhile, a short distance away, hidden in a nearby corner—
"Did you see that, my lady?" Thoma crossed his arms, grinning. "That's the outsider I mentioned earlier. If he hadn't secretly intervened, I might've been dragged away by Kujou Sara just now. And to think—he even knows the Guuji herself. Guess my instincts were right."
Standing beside him was a graceful young woman with blue hair—none other than Kamisato Ayaka, the second daughter of the Kamisato Clan.
She didn't respond to Thoma. Instead, her gaze lingered on Lucas's face, her expression dazed.
He looks… so much like him.
Not long ago, Ayaka had experienced a strange dream—one that turned her entire life upside down. In that dream, not only had her origins changed, but even the world she lived in bore little resemblance to the Teyvat she knew.
What had left the deepest mark on her wasn't the dream itself—but the man who had rescued her from the depths of bullying and despair.
Could it be? That the dream had meaning… that it was fate drawing them together?
"My lady?" Thoma noticed her absent expression and lowered his voice. "Are you listening?"
"I… I heard you," Ayaka answered, her cheeks tinged with pink. "Since the Guuji is present, now may not be the best time to approach. But… he does seem worth getting to know. When the time is right, I'll speak to him."
"Leave it to me." Thoma thumped his chest. "If the opportunity arises, I'll bring him to you."
…
True to her word, Yae Miko treated Lucas and Raiden Mai to a generous meal.
After swimming from Vortex Island all the way to Ritou, Lucas was famished and didn't hold back in the slightest—shoveling down food like a man possessed, like a starving soul reborn, with chopsticks flying and cheeks puffed.
Raiden Mai, on the other hand, was far more reserved. After all, she was a puppet—eating wasn't something she needed to do. She only went through the motions at the table.
Soon after the meal, the three set off again.
To give "Teacher Jia" more opportunities to observe Inazuma's culture and gather material, Yae Miko opted not to ride in a palanquin. Instead, she walked with them on foot. The road from Inazuma City to the Grand Narukami Shrine was long, but none of them were ordinary people. With banter and laughter along the way, the journey didn't feel tiring at all.
Before they knew it, night had fallen.
And up ahead loomed a deep, shadowy forest. Strange sounds echoed faintly from within, and even standing at the edge of the woods sent a chill down one's spine.
"This is Chinju Forest, at the base of Mt. Yougou," Yae Miko explained like a tour guide. "If we pass through here, we'll reach the Grand Narukami Shrine. They say this forest is occasionally haunted by spirits and strange creatures. Sounds like perfect inspiration for your next book, don't you think?"
Lucas was no stranger to ghosts—he'd banished more than a few during his simulations—but looking at the dark, whispering woods still made him swallow nervously.
"What are you standing there for?" Raiden Mai showed no hesitation at all and strode forward. "If you don't hurry up, it's going to get completely dark—huh?"
Raiden Mai had only taken a few steps before she was completely surrounded by trees. Instinctively, she turned her head—only to find, to her surprise, that the path behind her had vanished, replaced entirely by dense forest. As for Lucas and Yae Miko? They were nowhere to be seen.
"Where are you two?"
Raiden Mai called out loudly, but there was no reply.
[No need to shout. This is just an illusion spell—probably the handiwork of that fox.]
Raiden Ei's voice echoed in her mind, immediately calming Mai down. She asked calmly, "Why would she do this?"
[No one really knows what's going on inside her head. But don't worry—she's not going to harm you.]
Raiden Mai furrowed her brows. With her current abilities, dispelling Yae Miko's illusionary technique was indeed a bit difficult. She hesitated, then asked, "If I let you take over, can you break through it?"
[A foolish question. Tricks like this are meaningless to me. However… if I were to take control of your body, Yae Miko would definitely notice. And now isn't the time for her to find out about our connection. Just wait for now.]
"Understood."
Raiden Mai nodded, gathered her skirts, and knelt down with perfect posture right where she stood.
After all, "waiting" was what she did best. Still, she couldn't help but feel curious—why had Yae Miko gone out of her way to isolate her like this?
…
On the other side of the forest, as soon as Raiden Mai had entered Chinju Forest, Lucas and Yae Miko had followed closely behind. But the moment they stepped inside, it was as if Mai had vanished into thin air—gone without a trace.
"Mai! Mai!" Lucas called out several times.
To Raiden Mai, his voice rang clearly in her ears—yet he was nowhere to be seen. It was proof enough that Yae Miko's illusions were the real deal.
"No need to worry," Yae Miko said breezily. "That girl probably got caught in one of the tricks the spirits in Chinju Forest like to play—lost in a looping spell or something of the sort."
"She's not in any danger, is she?" Lucas still looked concerned.
"Relax. Those little ones might be mischievous, but they're not malicious. The spell will wear off by morning," Yae Miko said without the slightest hint of guilt. "They even dare mess with me sometimes—so of course they'd have fun with an unfamiliar face."
Lucas finally let out a breath of relief. Still, he said, "In that case, I'll wait here until dawn. Miko, you should head back to the Grand Narukami Shrine. Tomorrow morning, I'll go with Mai and meet you there."
Of course, the whole reason Yae Miko had cast the illusion in the first place was to get some alone time with Lucas—so how could she agree to that plan now?
She smiled slyly. "My, you're very devoted to your bodyguard. Could it be… your relationship isn't quite so simple?"
Relationship? It was just a button press… and a system reboot.
The thought made Lucas's face flush red. "She's… she's served at my side for years. A loyal companion and friend. Naturally, I care about her."
"That's truly touching." Yae Miko's eyes sparkled with mischief. "But Chinju Forest is thick with Yin energy. You, a delicate scholar, sleeping outdoors? You'll catch cold for sure. As it happens, there's a cave nearby that'll keep out the wind and rain. If you insist on staying, let's settle there for the night."
Lucas suddenly remembered—he was supposed to be playing a helpless publisher who needed a bodyguard. Spending the night alone in the woods really didn't fit the act.
"That would be perfect," he said quickly.
Yae Miko, the undisputed queen of Mt. Yougou, knew the area like the back of her hand. In no time at all, she led him to the mouth of a cave.
The cave was pitch black. Lucas could vaguely sense an eerie presence drifting from within. Still, with Yae Miko at his side, he wasn't too worried.
With a snap of her fingers, a ghostly blue flame flickered to life, casting its glow into the darkness.
"I thought your Vision was Electro," Lucas remarked instinctively. "You can control fire too?"
"This isn't elemental power," Yae Miko replied, casually pressing close to him. "Just a little fox magic, that's all. The flame's a bit dim, though—and the ground's uneven. You'd better stick close so you don't trip."
Lucas suddenly felt a softness press against his shoulder, and a faint fragrance filled his nose. He glanced sideways—Yae Miko's eyes shimmered with playful intent, her smile endlessly captivating.
He'd met many women before—gentle as Ganyu, bold as Jean, aloof as Shenhe, feisty as Keqing… each with their own charm. But none could match the sheer allure of Yae Miko.
The phrase "born to enchant" might as well have been coined for her.
Lucas wasn't sure if he'd lose his footing in the cave—but whether he'd lose his self-control? That was a different story.
Yae Miko's shrine maiden robes were cut open at the sides, leaving nothing between his elbow and her bare skin. The casual brushing of fabric against his arm made his whole body tense up, terrified that the slightest move might lead to an "accidental" touch somewhere far less innocent.
"Boss Jia, you seem a little stiff," Yae Miko whispered in his ear, her breath warm and fragrant. "Too much time sitting at your desk, perhaps? That's no good for your health… If you ever need it, I could give you a massage—loosen up those joints and get your blood flowing again. What do you say?"
By now, the two of them had reached the depths of the cave. The damp, stuffy air had left a sheen of sweat on both their bodies. Every accidental brush of skin felt amplified tenfold.
And Yae Miko's every word fanned the flames already flickering in Lucas's heart.
A dangerous thought began to rise—one he tried to smother. With his strength, overpowering this fox might not be impossible… What if he just took her, right here and now…?
But that was precisely what Yae Miko wanted—or rather, what she'd planned for.
It was a test.
If he truly was the reincarnation of Harunosuke, there was no way he'd be so easily swayed. And if he did try something foolish, well—she had plenty of ways to handle him.
Just then, a flash of pink light gleamed in the darkness—it was the glow of Lucas's Ring of Manipulation.
That faint, seductive gleam pulsed like a warning beacon—and in an instant, the wicked thoughts in his mind evaporated.
Cold sweat broke out across his back. He jolted back to his senses with a start and laughed awkwardly. "M-Maybe let's save that massage… for another time."
That was close. Way too close.
Lucas let out a silent sigh of relief. Yae Miko wasn't just any ordinary person—among the current powerhouses of Inazuma, her strength was likely second only to the Raiden Shogun herself.
With his current abilities, Lucas wasn't yet at the level of gods or archons. If Yae Miko had decided to go all-out, things definitely wouldn't have ended well for him. But more importantly, if he actually tried to force himself on her… that would basically be declaring war on all of Inazuma.
The Tianshu of Liyue making a move on the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine?
That alone could spark an international incident. And if that happened, the Fatui Harbingers—who'd been itching to stir up chaos between the Seven Nations—would probably be laughing themselves sick.
He hadn't expected this.
The very Ring of Manipulation that had always tempted Lucas into doing evil… had actually "saved" him this time. How ironic.
"Oh? Your bracelet lit up," Yae Miko said, eyes narrowing with interest. Seeing that Lucas had managed to resist her advances, she was actually quite pleased. Her attention shifted to the strange bangle on his wrist. "That's quite the curious accessory—glows and everything. I wonder what kind of treasure it is."
Truth be told, she'd noticed the bracelet long ago. Though she didn't know exactly what it was, her years of experience told her it was anything but ordinary.
"Just a little trinket from Liyue," Lucas replied, offering an awkward chuckle. "If you like it, I could send you a few sometime."
"I quite like this one," Yae Miko said, giving him a playful wink. "Would you be willing to give it to me?"
Would he? Absolutely.
Lucas would've loved nothing more than to get rid of the troublesome thing. But he could only smile wryly. "It's not that I don't want to… it's just that the bracelet's made of some strange material—practically indestructible. If you can get it off, it's yours."
"How hard could that be?" Yae Miko said confidently, placing her hand on the bracelet and applying some pressure.
She might look delicate, but she was a yokai who'd cultivated for over five hundred years—far from weak. Yet even when she used her full strength, the bracelet didn't so much as budge. No cracks, no dents, nothing.
In fact, she could sense an odd, almost repelling force emanating from it. She withdrew her hand with a soft chuckle. "Seems you're right. But I know some talented craftsmen—maybe they'll figure out a way to remove it."
Craftsmen in Inazuma? Could they really be more skilled than those in Liyue?
Lucas had already consulted numerous artisans back home, none of whom could do anything about the Ring of Manipulation. If it really could be removed that easily, he wouldn't have had to travel all the way to Inazuma just to get the Raiden Shogun to cleave it off.
"...Woooo…"
Just then, a strange, mournful sound echoed from deeper within the cave—the same sound he'd heard earlier at the entrance. It might've just been wind, but it sounded hauntingly like someone crying. The chill it sent down his spine was undeniable.
"No need to panic," Yae Miko said calmly. "That's not just the wind."
Lucas's face twitched. "You saying that only makes me more nervous."
"Come with me—you'll understand." She tugged lightly on his wrist and led him further in. To his surprise, the narrow path suddenly opened up into a wide clearing at the end of the cave.
At the very center stood a stone platform—and on it, a weathered katana was stabbed into the rock.
The blade had clearly seen better days. Rust-covered, nicked and cracked, it trembled slightly as it emitted a low, weeping wail—the very sound Lucas had heard before.
"This cave is known as the Weeping Blade Hollow," Yae Miko said, her expression softening with a hint of nostalgia. "That katana was once a demon blade. Later, a powerful master tamed it, and it served loyally by their side. But five hundred years ago, that master died in an accident. With no one to restrain it, the blade went berserk and had to be sealed here. Since then, it has wept for its lost master every night, hence the name."
A rush of memories flooded Lucas's mind.
In the simulation where he had taken on the role of Kamuna Harunosuke, he had once served as an onmyoji and tamed seven shikigami. Three were powerful yokai: the Great Tengu, Tamamo-no-Mae, and Shuten-dōji. The other four were tsukumogami—spirits born from objects—such as the Hannya Mask, the Hyakki Yagyō Scroll, the Aoandon… and the demon blade Muramasa, who had taken the form of a warrior maiden.
That's right. Even though time had weathered and broken it down, Lucas still recognized it—the blade before him was the very one that had once served loyally at his side in the simulator.
Wait a second.
A sudden realization struck him.
Weren't all those simulation events supposed to be happening in parallel worlds?
But if this broken katana really was his former shikigami… that would mean the Kamuna Harunosuke he'd played wasn't just a game character—he had once truly existed in this very world.
Which also meant… Yae Miko, standing beside him, was the same little fox yokai from that simulation.
"So…" Lucas asked tentatively, "how do you know all this so clearly?"
"Because I was the one who sealed that blade," Yae Miko replied, her eyes reflecting a deep, ancient sadness. "And its master… was someone who meant a great deal to me."
She gazed at him with an intense, quiet longing. "I've always wanted… to see him again."
A bead of sweat slid slowly down Lucas's temple. He muttered, "If he passed away five hundred years ago… it's unlikely he could ever return, right?"
"No," she said softly, eyes locked onto his. "Just before the end, he made a promise—that he would return to us after five hundred years."
Her voice was calm, but full of certainty. "And if I'm not mistaken… it's been five hundred years, hasn't it?"
Lucas's heart skipped a beat.
Could it be… Yae Miko had figured it out?
That he was Kamuna Harunosuke?
No way. It had to be a coincidence.
"Pfft…" Yae Miko suddenly burst into laughter at the sight of his nervous face. "You're not seriously thinking I believe you're him, are you?"
"Of… of course not!" Lucas let out a forced laugh. "I'm just a humble Inazuman publisher—not some legendary figure like Lord Harunosuke."
But the glint in Yae Miko's eyes said otherwise.
Deep down, she was now even more convinced—this man had to be Harunosuke.
Back then, to protect Inazuma from a great calamity, Harunosuke had not only given up his life, but also erased every trace of his existence. Only a few close yokai allies had ever known his name.
And for this man to casually say it?
There was no doubt in her mind anymore.
So he really was Harunosuke—and he knew who she was, too.
But then… why was he hiding it from her?
With Yae Miko's sharp intuition, it didn't take much to figure it out. He must have had his reasons for not revealing his identity. That female bodyguard named "Mai" also seemed to have some connection to Raiden Ei, and perhaps to the reason he was concealing the truth.
Even so, Yae Miko couldn't help feeling incredibly annoyed.
So he promised to meet her in the future. Well, here the future was—and what did he do? Hide. Keep his distance. Was he seriously leaving her to wait like some fool while he sat back and enjoyed the show?
The more she thought about it, the more steamed she got. Finally, she made up her mind.
Fine. If that's how he wants to play it, then she wasn't going to be the one to break the ice. If he wasn't willing to admit it first, then she'd make sure he was the one to slip up. Beg him? Plead with him to confess who he was? Hah! Not a chance!
Let him squirm. Let him stew.
And since she'd always enjoyed toying with people anyway, her mood actually lightened at the thought. The corners of her lips curled mischievously. "Actually, I have a bit of an unreasonable request. Think you could help me out?"
Lucas nodded. "Don't be shy. Go ahead."
"I waited five hundred years, and I managed just fine," Yae Miko began with a sigh, "but this Blade Maiden has spent all that time mourning her master. She cries here day and night—scaring off travelers and disturbing the local yokai. I was hoping… maybe you could pretend to be Lord Harunosuke and take her in. That would really be a kindness."
"Me?"
In truth, Lucas did want to free the shikigami who had once followed him loyally. But doing so would basically out his identity—so he hesitated. "I'm just an ordinary guy. I doubt I can break the seal, and even if I could, I probably couldn't control her yokai power."
"No worries. I set it up so any human can lift the seal," Yae Miko said lightly, twirling a finger in the air. "And don't worry—once freed, she'll obey you completely. She might even be more reliable than your current bodyguard."
Of course, that was a lie.
In reality, the seal could only be broken by Harunosuke himself. If any old human could have done it, the Weeping Blade Hollow wouldn't have remained sealed for five centuries.
"…Alright, I'll give it a try."
Lucas felt a bit more at ease hearing her words and slowly approached the stone platform. The katana there trembled faintly, as if it could sense someone nearing. Its weeping grew louder, tinged with invisible resentment.
If Lucas truly were a normal human, he would've already passed out from the oppressive yokai energy.
But he walked on, completely unfazed, until he stood before the blade. He took a deep breath and wrapped his fingers around the hilt.
In that instant, the sword began to tremble violently. A surge of unbridled yokai energy tore through the cavern like a storm, whipping Lucas's hair and clothes into a frenzy. The sheer force of it sliced into his robes like invisible blades.
"Is it you?! Is it really you?!"
A mournful voice echoed from within the blade, tinged with the joy of reunion—and the bitterness of abandonment.
Off to the side, Yae Miko clenched her fists.
Everything so far had pointed toward his true identity. But this moment—whether or not the Blade Maiden would recognize him—this was the final proof.
"…It's me."
Lucas's voice was soft. "I'm sorry I made you wait."
"Five hundred years! I waited five hundred years for you! You… you…"
The katana's voice cracked with raw emotion. Just as Lucas braced for a storm of hatred, the violent yokai aura vanished in an instant. A soft rustle echoed through the cave as flakes of rust fell from the blade, revealing a gleaming edge—black and crimson intertwined. Its blood-red gleam radiated killing intent.
Lucas drew the blade. With a casual swing, he unleashed a crescent arc of scarlet energy that sliced straight through the thick stone before him—like cutting tofu.
Yeah… this feeling.
The memories came rushing back—of his days as Harunosuke, leading his seven shikigami into battle, sword in hand.
"You're late!"
A flash of light burst from the blade, and the katana transformed into a girl who launched herself straight at Lucas.
The sudden movement caught him off guard. She knocked him over, pinning him to the ground.
She had crimson eyes, jet-black hair tied in a long ponytail down to her knees, and her bangs were cut in a distinctive "princess cut" popular in Inazuma. Her vivid red eye makeup made her look a bit intense, but couldn't mask her youthful features.
Well—maybe not that youthful. The tiny bits of fabric making up her kimono left little to the imagination, and her figure… was anything but innocent.
No doubt about it—Blade Maiden before, "blade maiden" after. Lethal in every form.
"Master!"
She buried her face in Lucas's chest and sobbed uncontrollably. "I missed you so much!!"
Even though Yae Miko had once shared a close relationship with Harunosuke, these shikigami were something else entirely. They weren't just companions—they were soul-bound. If they were intricate locks, then Harunosuke's soul was the one and only key.
There was no mistaking it.
Seeing the Blade Maiden's reaction, Yae Miko finally relaxed.
This was it. This was him. No doubt about it.
"Blade Maiden, you sure you're not mistaken?" Yae Miko narrowed her eyes, a sly smile on her face. "It's been centuries—do you really remember your master that well?"
"Of course I do! I'd never get it wrong!" Blade Maiden looked up and grinned. "Miko-sis, did you bring Master back to me?"
"Yep. This heartless guy kept us waiting for five hundred years," Yae Miko gave Lucas a meaningful look and smiled sweetly. "Isn't that right, Lord Harunosuke?"
"Y-yeah…" Lucas forced a laugh, remembering the deal he'd made with her. "Sorry for leaving you sealed all this time."
"Sealed?" Blade Maiden tilted her head in confusion. "I wasn't sealed."
"…What?"
Lucas blinked. "Didn't Miko say she sealed you here?"
"Nope! I chose to sleep here myself." She shook her head innocently. "Miko-sis told me you'd be back in five hundred years, and I was bored… so I figured I'd find a quiet place and take a nice, long nap."
"Eh?"
Lucas blinked, utterly confused. "But didn't you just say—?"
"Oh, I was just messing with you," Yae Miko said with a mischievous smile. "I only made that up to keep pesky people from disturbing the Blade Maiden while she slept. You'd be surprised how effective a scary legend can be at driving away the curious."
"But…" Lucas frowned. "What about all that crying we heard?"
"That's just her grinding her teeth in her sleep," Yae Miko said with a shrug. "Originally, I planned for her to rest at the Grand Narukami Shrine, but her grinding was so loud it gave the shrine maidens migraines. That's why I had her sleep here instead. As for the 'Weeping Blade Hollow' legend—just a bunch of rumors that got out of hand."
…A blade that grinds its teeth in its sleep?
How is that even scientifically—
No, scratch that. The fact that a sword can turn into a beautiful girl already broke the laws of science!
"That wasn't teeth-grinding…" Lucas muttered. "More like… blade sharpening."
"Hehe~" Blade Maiden scratched the back of her head bashfully. "You flatter me, Master. You're making me blush…"
That… wasn't a compliment.
Of course, Lucas was too gentle to say something like that out loud. So instead, he just sighed and said, "Anyway, I'm really glad we're together again."
"Me too!" Blade Maiden looked around, then tilted her head. "But… why am I the only one here? Where are the others?"
Back then, Harunosuke had seven shikigami at his side. Though their relationships weren't always harmonious—plenty of squabbles broke out—they had been comrades-in-arms, trusted generals on brutal battlefields, the kind of bond where you could entrust your back to someone in the thick of war.
Five hundred years had passed. Of course she missed them.
"They…" Lucas hesitated. He wasn't sure how to answer, so he turned helplessly to Yae Miko.
"Lord Harunosuke has only just recovered his memories, and his powers are far from what they once were. Now that he's returned to Inazuma, his top priority is reuniting with his old allies," Yae Miko said smoothly, clearly prepared for this exact question. Her smile widened as she added, "The others will return, one by one. But the first name that came to his mind—was yours, Blade Maiden."
"R-Really?!"
Blade Maiden's eyes filled with emotion. She dropped to her knees and bowed deeply to Lucas. "To be the one Master remembered first… Blade Maiden swears eternal loyalty! I would face any peril, sacrifice my life a thousand times over. Should I betray your trust—I'll commit seppuku in shame!"
Whoa, whoa, let's not go that far…
Besides, how would that even work? If a blade commits seppuku, is it cutting someone, or is someone cutting it?
Still, Lucas couldn't help feeling moved as memories rushed back—his time in the simulator, when he'd fought tirelessly to revive Kitsune Saiguu. In all those battles against the yokai, Blade Maiden had thrown herself into harm's way time and again, shielding him without hesitation and earning countless merits.
He quickly helped her up and said solemnly, "From now on, I promise… I'll never abandon you again."
Maybe some of what he'd said earlier had been for show, but this—this was genuine.
Even Yae Miko, standing nearby, looked a little touched. Quietly, she thought to herself: If only those words had been meant for me…
"So then!" Blade Maiden sprang to her feet and cracked her knuckles, looking pumped. "Who are we chopping up first?"
…Of course. She just woke up, and the first thing she wants is a fight.
"These days, things are pretty peaceful," Lucas said with an exasperated smile. "No one to chop up, I'm afraid."
"Eh? Seriously?" Blade Maiden looked disappointed. "That's boring. I've been sleeping so long, I'm worried my edge might start rusting!"
"Peaceful? Hardly," Yae Miko scoffed. "The resistance on Watatsumi Island is watching us like hawks, the people are full of resentment, and the Three Commissions are constantly scheming against each other. Trust me, if it's a fight you want, you'll get plenty of chances."
She wasn't just trying to scare them—Inazuma's so-called "peace" was hanging by a thread. Who knew when it might all fall apart?
"Then that's perfect!" Blade Maiden's eyes sparkled. "Master, this is your moment! Rally the old squad, rise up, sweep away the chaos—storm Tenshukaku and take the Raiden Shogun's throne! I'd love to see whether her Musou Isshin is sharper than me—mmph!"
Before she could finish, Lucas clamped a hand over her mouth, smiling awkwardly. "Kids say the darndest things. Don't listen to her."
Seriously?! You're talking rebellion right in front of Yae Miko?! Even if I really was the reincarnation of Harunosuke, the Raiden Shogun would still slice me to ribbons nine times over!
Surprisingly, Yae Miko wasn't angry at all. In fact, she chuckled. "If you were still at your peak, overthrowing the throne might not have been such an impossible dream."
It was true. In his prime, Harunosuke had been both immensely powerful and highly respected. His influence had practically rivaled the throne itself. If not for his obsession with reviving Kitsune Saiguu—and his utter lack of interest in power—Inazuma's history might have turned out very differently.
"Ahem…" Lucas quickly changed the subject. "Miko, it's getting late. I'll just stay here for the night. You should head back to the shrine."
"Oh? Trying to kick me out already?" Yae Miko raised an eyebrow with a teasing grin. "Don't tell me you're hoping to spend a cozy night alone with your Blade Maiden?"
"No way!" Blade Maiden immediately waved her hands and shook her head. "I've tried seducing him so many times, and he doesn't react at all! When it comes to that kind of thing, Master's basically a big block of wood. I've been living with him day in, day out, and I haven't gotten anywhere! Total dead end!"
Blade Maiden wasn't human, and she didn't share the usual human ideas about modesty. She dropped that bombshell with zero shame.
Of course, what she didn't know was—Harunosuke wasn't indifferent. He just only had eyes for Kitsune Saiguu. As for Lucas… well, he'd inherited Harunosuke's lingering love, but he wasn't that loyal.
After all, Harunosuke's story was only one chapter in Lucas's life.
"Yaaawn…"
Blade Maiden suddenly let out a big yawn, stretching lazily. "Guess I got a little too worked up just now. Master, I think I'll go back to sleep for a bit…"
"Rest well," Lucas said, rubbing her head gently.
Her body shimmered with a faint red light, and then she turned back into that blood-tinged katana. With practiced ease, Lucas twirled the blade once, then sheathed it smoothly—the entire motion fluid and flawless, like muscle memory.
"That was beautiful," Yae Miko said with a sly smile, eyes narrowing in amusement. "It was like… you were wielding your own blade."
Well, that was his own blade.
Lucas had trained in both the Kamisato and Iwakura sword styles. And the Muramasa—the Blade Maiden—had once been his personal weapon. He'd long since committed every motion to muscle memory. At this point, trying not to move fluidly with her would be more difficult.
But wait… that move just now was a bit too smooth, wasn't it? Wouldn't it give away that he was hiding his true strength?
With that in mind, Lucas quickly scratched his cheek and offered a sheepish smile. "Back when I was doing some research, I studied a bit with a wandering swordsman from Inazuma. Just picked up the basics, really. Haha… anyway, let's get you out of here."
"Even if you wanted to take me out," Yae Miko said, shaking her head, "I'm afraid that's no longer possible. Looks like the exit's been sealed."
Lucas blinked and turned toward the cave entrance—only to realize with a jolt that when Blade Maiden had awakened earlier, his Blade strike had accidentally knocked down a cluster of rocks that now blocked the exit entirely. The pile was massive, easily weighing several tons.
Under normal circumstances, Lucas could punch his way through that wall without breaking a sweat. But he was still trying to hide his real identity, so instead, he let out a sigh. "Looks like… I'll have to trouble you to move the rocks."
"Well, I'll give it a try."
Yae Miko strolled up to the rock pile, crouched down theatrically, and pretended to lift a stone.
Lucas, standing behind her, happened to glance in her direction—only to see her skirt dip slightly as she bent forward. It was only for a split second, but his eyes widened in shock.
She wasn't wearing anything underneath.
He blinked. Rubbed his eyes. Was that real?
Just as he was about to sneak another peek to confirm it, Yae Miko straightened up, pressed her hand against her skirt, and gave him a sideways glance, her smile curling like a crescent moon.
"You saw it, didn't you?"
Lucas's face flushed bright red. "N-No, I didn't see anything!"
"Didn't see what you were supposed to see… or saw what you weren't supposed to?" she teased. "Either way, you're not mistaken. There really is… nothing there."
"M-Miss Yae!" Lucas suddenly straightened, adopting a serious expression. "I know we haven't known each other long, but as a lady, when you're wearing a skirt, it's best to at least… to at least…"
"To at least what?" Yae Miko tilted her head playfully. "Go on, say it."
"…to at least wear panties!" Lucas blurted, face burning.
"Hehehe~ Gotcha."
She held up a delicate finger—and dangling from it was a sliver of black fabric. No need to guess what it was. "I was wearing them just fine," she said sweetly. "I only used a little illusion magic to slip them off while you weren't paying attention."
Lucas froze. "But… why would you do something like that?"
"Because you really do remind me of Harunosuke," she said softly. "Even your reaction to being teased—it's just like his."
"That was just something I said to comfort Blade Maiden," Lucas muttered, avoiding her gaze. "Anyway… you should put those back on."
"It's fine. This is more comfortable. Besides, no one else is around to sneak a peek."
With a casual flick of her wrist, the black cloth landed in Lucas's hands. He stared down at it, unsure whether to hold on or throw it away.
"…I'm still a person, you know?" he said with a frown.
"Oh?" Yae Miko grinned. "Then tell me—are you planning to peek?"
"Probably… not," Lucas said, forcing out the lie.
"There you go," she said with a shrug. "Those were made to keep scoundrels at bay, not gentlemen. If you're a gentleman, then I don't need them, do I?"
Lucas's eyes flicked—entirely unintentionally—to her long, slender legs. He gulped.
Gentlemen aren't eunuchs, he thought bitterly. Are you seriously using this to test someone's virtue?
"So…" he tried to steer the conversation elsewhere, "are you really saying you can't move these rocks?"
"You saw it yourself," Yae Miko said, twitching her fox ears. "I'm just a delicate little lady. How could I possibly lift something that heavy?"
Oh, please.
Lucas wasn't stupid. The High Priestess of the Grand Narukami Shrine—unable to clear a rockfall? Yeah, right.
Of course, Yae Miko was thinking the exact same thing. They both knew the other was bluffing. But neither wanted to be the one to call it out.
So Lucas asked, "Can't you use magic or something?"
"Ehh, all I've got are illusion spells. Among Inazuma's three major yokai clans, kitsunes are the weakest when it comes to raw strength," she said with a theatrical sigh. "If I were a demon or a tengu, maybe it'd be different."
"…So what now?" Lucas glanced around. "If neither of us can clear this, are we just… stuck here?"
"No worries," Yae Miko said, pointing to the katana at his waist. "We've got Blade Maiden. Once her demonic power recharges tomorrow, she can slash right through all this rubble like it's nothing. Looks like I'll just have to rough it with you for the night~"
So the fox finally drops her mask.
At this point, Lucas was almost convinced Yae Miko had planned this from the start. Even if the rockfall hadn't happened, she'd probably have found some other excuse to trap him here overnight.
She was clearly testing him—trying to confirm who he really was.
This was no simple game of words. It was an all-out battle of wits and charm.
Lucas's own stubborn streak flared up.
Fine. Let's see what tricks you've got up your sleeve, Kitsune.
"I guess that's all we can do," he said, nodding. He found a flat patch of ground nearby and began to settle in. "I'll just sleep here."
"This ground is cold, damp, and rock-hard. You'll never get a good night's sleep like that."
Yae Miko murmured an incantation under her breath—and a large, soft tail, pink and white, bloomed behind her. It swelled larger and fluffier by the second until it unfurled across the floor like a plush futon.
She stretched out lazily on it, her figure glowing faintly in the pale moonlight streaming into the shadowy cave. Patting the tail beside her, she smiled.
"Why not sleep over here instead?" she said sweetly.
To anyone else, that enormous fluffy tail looked like the perfect makeshift bed—a soft, inviting haven in the middle of a cold, dark cave.
But to Lucas, it was the very definition of a trap: a seductive fox's velvet snare.
He had no idea what kind of mischief lay waiting if he took that bait.
Lucas scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Uhh… I'm not sure that's a good idea…"
"Oh, don't worry about the little things at a time like this," Yae Miko's voice was soft and silky, practically tickling his ears. "You're just an ordinary human. Spending a night out in the cold like this—your body definitely wouldn't hold up."
Lucas couldn't help but notice how she had clearly emphasized the words "ordinary human."
To be fair, it really was cold in the cave. Sleeping directly on the ground would be rough on any regular person. If he stubbornly refused her offer, that might actually seem more suspicious.
So… might as well lean into it.
"Then I'll take you up on it." Lucas stepped forward and laid down on Yae Miko's giant fox tail.
He had to admit—it was unbelievably soft and warm, with a light, pleasant fragrance. It felt just like a sun-dried quilt on a winter afternoon. The moment his body sank into it, he found it hard to leave. His eyes shut on reflex.
"Comfy?" Yae Miko's voice whispered right next to his ear.
Lucas's eyes flew open—only to find Yae Miko's face mere inches from his own. Their noses almost touched.
In those violet eyes, he could see his own reflection.
His mind went a little blank. He mumbled, "S-So comfy…"
"If only you were Harunosuke," Yae Miko murmured, her voice as gentle as moonlight. "Then I could make you even more comfortable."
Ah—so this was the real trap.
Honestly, even if someone wasn't Harunosuke, with temptation like that, most people would shamelessly claim they were. Who could possibly resist?
Fortunately, Lucas's willpower wasn't something average people could match. He managed to hold on to his clarity and quickly turned his back to her.
"I-It's getting late… We should get some sleep."
"Tch…"
Even Yae Miko couldn't help clicking her tongue at that reaction.
Hmph, she thought. Let's see how far that willpower of yours really goes…
With that, she quietly channeled her magic. The fluffy tail that had been lying flat on the ground suddenly curled up—and Lucas, who had just turned away, was instantly wrapped up like a cocoon and pressed tightly against her.
"H-Hey… what's this about?" Lucas asked, his cheeks flushing red.
"Isn't it obvious?" Yae Miko replied softly. "There's no blanket. Cuddling up like this is warmer, isn't it?"
Wrapped in that plush fox tail, the warmth really was undeniable.
But the even stronger source of heat was Yae Miko herself—now nestled right up against him.
Unlike humans, foxes naturally ran a little hot—usually around thirty-eight to forty degrees Celsius. With that kind of body heat pressed against him, Lucas couldn't help but feel toasty all over.
Wait a second…
Something clicked in his brain. He glanced downward instinctively—then looked away just as fast.
"W-Why… why aren't you wearing anything?!"
"That's just how I usually sleep," Yae Miko said with a playful smile. "Besides, don't you think it's even toastier this way?"
"It is… very toasty," Lucas admitted, feeling the heat of her breath fan across his cheeks.
"Oh, this is nothing," Yae Miko murmured, eyes half-lidded. "It's even toastier on the inside."
"T-The inside…?"
If everything up to now had been flirtation, that line was a direct hit.
Lucas's face flushed redder than a ripe tomato.
Yae Miko giggled. "I meant inside the tail, obviously."
At the moment, both of them were completely bundled up in her fox tail, like a pair of silkworms in a cocoon. Only their heads were exposed to the chill outside. Inside, though—it was cozy to the extreme.
"O-Oh. That's… what you meant." Lucas muttered under his breath.
"So," Yae Miko tilted her head, "what exactly were you thinking of when I said that?"
"Can we not pretend you don't already know?" Lucas bit his lip. "Also, which 'inside' are we even talking about here?!"
This woman was way too high level.
After going through so many simulator worlds, Lucas had dealt with more than his fair share of women. He wasn't the clueless guy he used to be right after transmigrating. By now, he could hold his own against most flirty types.
But against Yae Miko? He'd been on the back foot the entire time—completely played like a mouse toy by a cat.
Before he realized it, a wave of drowsiness hit him. Even though Blade Maiden had entered her dormant state again, re-sealing her as a shikigami had taken quite a bit of energy. Combined with the cozy warmth of the fox-tail nest, sleepiness quickly crept in.
"Hey, I wasn't done toying with you yet…" Yae Miko muttered, just as Lucas closed his eyes and let out a soft snore.
That sight made her smile with helpless amusement.
She was always smiling—playfully, knowingly—but in truth, she hadn't genuinely felt happy in a long, long time.
For five hundred years, that joy had been missing.
And yet, in just half a day spent with Lucas… she found herself smiling for real.
Five hundred years ago, Harunosuke had told her that he'd wait for her and Lady Saiguu. But someone as clever as Yae Miko had always known—deep down—that was probably just a comforting lie. Time changed everything. Perhaps even the longing of two kitsune might fade with centuries.
That's why… she hadn't dared to hope she'd ever see Harunosuke again.
But now, with Lucas's appearance… that faint, impossible hope suddenly felt real.
"You really are a bad man," Yae Miko murmured. "You made that promise back then, but now you won't even admit who you are…"
She gave a little sigh. "Well, no matter. Even if I can't get you to confess… she definitely can. I'm actually looking forward to seeing her face when she realizes you're back."
As for tonight… I'll let you off the hook.
She loosened her tail just enough to give herself some room to move. Then, with a shimmer of magic, she transformed into a pink-furred fox and slipped into Lucas's arms.
She wriggled a little, found a comfortable position, and finally closed her eyes.
Neither of them noticed—the Muramasa, left lying outside the tail cocoon, had begun to tremble slightly.
As though resonating with something.
Her awakening had undoubtedly sent a message to the other six shikigami:
That man has returned.
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