The journey wasn't boring at all.
Along the way, Yuki also grew much more familiar with Lumine, and generally came to understand her personality.
At her core, she was a very kindhearted young girl—completely unlike someone who would ever have ties to the Abyss Order.
But such complicated matters were beyond Yuki's control. In the end, it would have to be up to the Guuji to decide.
Before long, Lumine and Ayaka arrived at the foot of the Grand Narukami Shrine.
Standing at the base of the mountain and gazing up at the view above, they saw cherry blossoms drifting in the breeze, a clear sky stretching endlessly, and brilliant sunlight bathing the land.
And yet—outside of this place, the rest of Inazuma was still shrouded in storm and thunder.
Lumine muttered under her breath:
"That Raiden Shogun sure does spoil her friends."
Hearing this, Yuki pursed her lips with a small smile, but didn't explain further.
"The Guuji is up there. Miss Lumine, Miss Kamisato, you can go up on your own. I have to head into Inazuma City, so I won't be able to accompany you."
"Huh? Inazuma City?"
Paimon's eyes went wide with curiosity.
"We haven't been to Inazuma City yet…"
Yuki chuckled softly and said:
"Inazuma City isn't far from the Grand Narukami Shrine. If you'd like to go, you can visit anytime. The Yae Publishing House there belongs to the Guuji, so even if you go into the city, someone will receive you."
But truthfully, Yuki wasn't too eager for Lumine and her companions to visit Inazuma City right now.
The whole of Inazuma was currently in chaos, like a pot of boiling porridge.
Compared to that, the Grand Narukami Shrine was practically the most peaceful place in the nation.
Lumine had come here to travel—it made no sense to let her witness Inazuma's suffering firsthand.
Inazuma City was the closest place to the Shogun herself. While it was certainly safe, as for whether the people there lived well… that was another matter.
Living day after day under constant thunderstorms—being able to keep from going insane was already a blessing. What more could they ask for?
Yuki sighed, feeling a little low in spirits.
Especially when she thought about how her trip to Inazuma City was nothing more than running errands for the Guuji.
Her mood grew even heavier.
Lumine and Ayaka watched Yuki depart, then turned and headed toward the Grand Narukami Shrine.
The endless flight of stairs stretching up into the sky made Paimon feel exhausted just looking at them.
"Lumine! There are way too many steps! Let's ride a dragon up instead!"
Ayaka covered her mouth with a laugh and teased:
"But Paimon, you're always flying. Why would you feel tired?"
"Hey! I've got phantom limbs too! And they get tired, you know!"
Paimon stomped her little feet in midair angrily.
"If Ryen were here, he'd definitely carry Paimon up the stairs! Ryen is the best!"
Lumine rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, yeah, Ryen is wonderful. You like him so much, why don't you just go follow him?"
Paimon puffed up her cheeks instantly.
"Who do you think was the one who dragged me along in the first place?! If you hadn't insisted on pulling me along, I'd probably be full right now, lying in Ryen's arms while he rubbed my tummy!"
"Ugh! I really want to go back to Liyue!"
But after saying that, Paimon realized it didn't sound quite right. She quickly waved her hands and added:
"Not that I don't like Inazuma! I love Inazuma's food too! But I'm just used to eating my fill and then napping on Ryen's chest…"
Ayaka didn't mind at all and chuckled softly:
"No worries. If Paimon needs it, I can also rub your tummy for you."
"Really?"
Paimon's eyes lit up, but she quickly shook her head.
"No way! Only Ryen's rubs feel the best! The right to rub Paimon's tummy has already been given to Ryen! I can't betray him!"
"But… if Ayaka is willing, the great Paimon can let you carry me up the mountain!"
Lumine froze, looking annoyed at Paimon.
"You really know how to flatter someone!"
"Hehe!"
Paimon laughed, not waiting for Lumine to respond, and promptly clambered onto Ayaka's back.
With full confidence, she pointed ahead.
"Let's go! Ayaka Express!"
Ayaka couldn't help but be infected by Paimon's excitement. Since arriving in Inazuma, she hadn't had many moments of joy, but with Paimon around, things were much livelier. She squinted her eyes happily.
"Let's go!"
Lumine shook her head helplessly.
"One Ryen, one you, and Ningguang as well… you all just spoil her!"
"When she gets all plump, I'll make sure to find Xiangling and let her feed her extra!"
Paimon stuck out her tongue at Lumine.
"In that case, you'll be traveling all alone, Lumine! Without me as your guide, just wait and see how much danger you run into!"
"Huh?"
Lumine rolled her eyes.
"All you ever do is eat and drink! Who's really the guide here—me or you?"
"Besides, after traveling so long, what exactly have you contributed?"
Paimon huffed, tilting her head proudly.
"I've saved Lumine from a lot of danger!"
"For example?"
Paimon paused for a moment, then put on a serious face and said:
"The areas up ahead… we'll explore them later!"
"You little rascal! Who are you calling maggots!"
"…Lumine really is such a big dummy!!!"
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