After work, the group hit a cozy Inazuma City diner, one of Yae Saiguu's ventures, specializing in hotpot. Reisen Riou, mid-meal, pinned a piece of meat in midair with chopsticks, wielding his Law of Infallibility.
"Using a Law like that? The Law's crying," Yae Saiguu teased, savoring fried tofu.
"Laws aren't that rigid," Reisen grinned. "I'm in a good mood lately. Thought my swordsmanship was capped, but One Mind training (Bowheart LV9→LV10) opens the door to a breakthrough."
Yae watched as Reisen's youkai energy waned, letting the cooled meat drop into his bowl for eating. "The shrine festivals are getting grander," she mused.
"No surprise," Reisen nodded. "Inazuma's never been this prosperous."
Since Sumeru scholars arrived, Inazuma's living standards soared. Decades ago, commoners survived on lavender melons and rice, meat and sweets reserved for festivals. Now, even peasants ate full meals, some with fish—cheap but unthinkable before. Better lives sparked spiritual pursuits, boosting the Yashiro Commission and shrines, with festivals growing as a sign of prosperity.
"Liveliest festivals are the best," Raiden Makoto said, eyes gleaming. She loved them, though duties kept her from sneaking off as often. Sometimes, she'd send a clone to stamp documents and slip away unnoticed. Even Yae couldn't spot the ruse, though Ei might, but Ei was too busy cuddling Reisen post-work. Other times, Makoto dragged Yae, Chiyo, Ei, and Reisen for a rowdy festival outing.
"I like festivals too," Ei said, stroking her chin.
"You mean the sweets," Yae shot back, exposing her.
The two tussled playfully. Reisen sighed, glancing at the quiet trio—Chiyo, Kageyama Tengu, Reisen Anko—eating in the corner. Where was the little fox? There, beside Yae and Ei, yipping proudly in fox-speak, strutting like a queen. Reisen caught a suggestive vibe between Yae and Ei—four slimes stacked up, as it were.
"Ahem!" He nearly choked. "My bad."
Thankfully, Yae's diner meant a private room, so their antics went unnoticed.
Far off in Khaenri'ah, the human nation seethed at Reisen Riou.
"Damn Inazuman youkai!"
"Despicable Reisen Riou!"
"Shameless academic thug!"
"Enough!" a high official snapped, cursing Reisen himself. "We're here to discuss archaeology, not whine about that wretch—though he's vile."
If Khaenri'ahns could survive Inazuma, and if Reisen weren't so cunning and strong, they'd have assassinated him. Initially, they thought the Shogunate targeted their Araumi agents. Intel revealed Reisen as the mastermind, enraged by Khaenri'ah's purchase of One System, Ten Thousand Minds 1.0 tech years ago.
Their diplomatic letter, meant as routine, lit Reisen's fuse. Inazuma exploded—executing Araumi operatives, killing or jailing smuggled spies, severing Khaenri'ahn intel lines. Ritou's embassy was under tight watch, a Kanjou Commission surveyor and samurai tailing every move, making even basic info hard to gather.
At great cost, Khaenri'ah learned from the Northern Continent network that Reisen was behind the raids, often seen at busts. He became their scapegoat, especially after past extortions—self-inflicted, but who cared now? Worse, Inazuma alerted Teyvat's nations, who mimicked their ransom demands, squeezing Khaenri'ah dry.
The official banged the table. "Focus! How do we keep digging?"
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