Just as Lumine found herself at a loss for words, Shao Yun began counting on his fingers, listing the many benefits that had come from the Raiden Shogun's death.
"First of all, the war is finally over. Inazuma has ushered in long-awaited peace! The merchants on Ritou can do business without fear, and the people of Watatsumi Island can live calmly without constant anxiety."
"And for those who possess Visions, it's an enormous relief. They no longer have to live each day in dread, fearing their Vision will be taken—they can live peaceful lives now."
"Most importantly, I didn't dismantle Inazuma's upper structure. Yae Miko, the Kamisato Clan, and the Three Commissions—they all remain! Inazuma's existing order still stands strong!"
Ritou's Kanjou Commission may have lost the Hiiragi Clan, but many other families could manage affairs there. The Tenryou Commission still had Kujou Kamaji and the Takamine Clan. The Kamisato Clan of the Yashiro Commission remained practically untouched.
Though the Tenryou Commission suffered the most, the overall framework still existed.
Shao Yun grew more impassioned, raising his voice: "And Yae Miko is fully capable of assuming the role of the next Raiden Shogun! In that case, the Raiden Shogun's death is nothing short of a net gain for all of Inazuma!"
Lazy as she might seem, Yae Miko was still Inazuma's great youkai—no one could deny her power.
Hearing this, Lumine clutched her face with both hands. Tears burst forth from her eyes as she cried out in anguish, "Oh my Archons…"
This cruel so-called "happy ending" left her mind reeling—she couldn't bear the impact or comprehend its implications.
Seeing her like that, Shao Yun quickly stepped forward, gently pulled her into his arms, letting her lean against his broad shoulder, and comforted her in a soft voice.
"Lumine, please… believe everything I've said."
But Lumine was already weeping uncontrollably, her voice trembling as she responded, "Shao Yun… I'm so confused… I don't know what I'm feeling right now."
Watching her, devastated and tearful, all because he had killed the Raiden Shogun, filled Shao Yun's heart with intense guilt and regret.
He began to second-guess himself. Maybe he should've never interfered in the Delusion crisis. Maybe it would've been better if Teppei had just died as the original plot had intended—perhaps it would've forced Lumine to become stronger.
He gently stroked her golden hair and spoke again.
"Let's make this simpler: in the future, if someone tries to hurt you, should I just stand there and do nothing—watch you suffer? Or should I charge forward and put those who harm you in the ground?"
Lumine leaned weakly against Shao Yun's shoulder, physically and emotionally drained. Her voice was filled with indescribable pain.
"Not everything is as simple as you make it out to be!"
But Shao Yun wasn't about to let it go. He pressed on.
"Don't overcomplicate the world. Some things really are that simple. Just answer me—was I right to kill the Raiden Shogun, or not?"
Lumine sobbed and pleaded, "Shao Yun, please… stop pressing me…"
Shao Yun knew that if they didn't resolve this now, it would drive a wedge between them.
Just as Yoimiya had once said—bottling things up between people is the root of all conflict.
They had to be honest with each other and say what was truly in their hearts.
Shao Yun insisted, "Like Yoimiya said, we need to lay everything bare. I personally killed the Raiden Shogun. So, tell me, what do you really feel? Do you hate me? Or do you think I was right?"
Lumine slowly sat upright, wiped the lingering tears from her eyes, and shook her head faintly. Her eyes were dazed as she whispered, "I don't know… I don't know. Please stop pushing me…"
At that moment, Paimon, who had been quietly observing from a distance, sensed that the atmosphere had grown tense. She quickly floated over, trying to ease the tension.
Hovering before Shao Yun, she wore a gentle smile and spoke softly, "Shao Yun… don't you think you've pushed Lumine too hard…?"
"When she heard about the explosion at Tatarasuna, she was really worried about you, you know?"
She then turned to Lumine, still looking dazed, and lowered her voice.
"And Lumine… she's just overwhelmed and confused right now. This whole god-slaying thing—it's just too much to take in all at once!"
Hearing those words, Shao Yun felt a deep pang of guilt. He admitted he had lost control of his emotions.
He took a deep breath, steadied himself, and turned to Lumine with sincere remorse.
"I'm sorry, Lumine. I let my emotions get the better of me just now."
But before he could say more, Shao Yun narrowed his eyes and added firmly:
"Still, no matter what, there's one thing that will never change."
"If she hurt you, the Raiden Shogun was never going to walk away alive."
Lumine wiped away the last of her tears, eyes fixed on Shao Yun's unwavering, cold expression.
She realized that nothing they said would change anything now.
The Raiden Shogun was dead. Whatever she said to Shao Yun at this point would only cause more pain.
With that thought, Lumine inhaled deeply and spoke in a low voice.
"Shao Yun… I need a few days to clear my head. Please, don't come looking for me or Paimon. I need time to think. Can you give me that?"
Her mind was in chaos. She needed space.
Maybe she'd go to Seirai Island… or perhaps Tsurumi Island.
Hearing this, Shao Yun's face twisted into a look of helplessness. He gave a slow nod.
"Alright. I get it. I killed the Raiden Shogun, and it's a lot to take in. Go clear your mind."
But Lumine only shook her head slowly, her voice quiet and heavy.
"Okay… and while I'm away, take care of yourself."
Shao Yun was stunned for a moment, then lowered his gaze and nodded.
"I understand…"
Lumine slowly rose to her feet, waved gently at Paimon, and said softly, "Paimon, let's go."
She turned and walked away, her steps heavy and deliberate, leaving Shao Yun sitting alone at the foot of Tenshukaku.
Suddenly, Shao Yun stood up and shouted:
"Lumine! If you were in my place, you'd have made the same choice without hesitation!"
At that, Lumine froze.
Her fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned pale.
But soon she released them, forcing herself to rein in her storm of emotions.
She turned back, her face unreadable, but her voice carried a sadness she couldn't hide.
"I know. But for now, let's both just calm down."
With that, she turned once more and walked away—faster than before.
Watching her silhouette grow smaller, Shao Yun took a deep breath and called out:
"No matter how long it takes, I'll be here waiting for you to return!"
Far ahead, Lumine turned her head slightly, stealing one last glance at Shao Yun from the corner of her eye.
Then she shouted with all her strength:
"I'm not abandoning you! I just… need to be alone for now!"
With that, she picked up her pace, disappearing into the distance with Paimon.
As she vanished, Shao Yun's strength seemed to drain from his body. He collapsed back onto the ground, defeated.
With the last glow of sunset sinking into the sea, Inazuma City fell into darkness—leaving only Shao Yun's lonely figure seated before Tenshukaku.
He sat there silently, lighting another cigar. The faint taste of tobacco filled his mouth.
As he exhaled slowly and watched the smoke curl into the sky, his thoughts drifted.
"Alright then… let's just say you and Paimon are only going out to clear your minds for a bit..."