"Looks like the Divine Priestess's days aren't so great, huh? Being crushed by Narukami and breaking your own arm must sting," a voice said.
A low, gravelly tone echoed in Sangonomiya Eigetsu's bedroom.
Eigetsu pulled the covers over herself and glanced at the door. "Who are you?"
"A friend."
A shrine maiden behind Eigetsu spoke up. "Friends don't skulk in shadows, and your stealth's pathetic."
With a wave, Hydro mist swirled, revealing a figure in a sorry state.
Water streams wrapped him tight, leaving only his mouth free.
"Didn't expect such power beside Her Excellency," the figure said. "I'm an envoy from Khaenri'ah, here to reach an agreement with the Divine Priestess."
To Khaenri'ahns and foreigners, Sangonomiya's recent crackdown on Watatsumi's nobles was Narukami's coercion. Why? Watatsumi gave land to its people instead of seizing it—out of character for Sangonomiya's past.
"What does Khaenri'ah want?" Eigetsu asked.
"I hear Sangonomiya's short on warriors for the next Three Realms Gateway Offering. Khaenri'ah seeks Byakuya Kingdom's tech and data. We can help with the Offering," the envoy said, offering proof of sincerity.
"Can Khaenri'ahns face Enkanomiya's horrors? Those are dragonkin from the world's dawn, far beyond common monsters."
The envoy knew it was time to up the ante.
"These are our war machines, matching Inazuma's generals in strength," he said, presenting specs on the Soldier and Tiller series. (Khaenri'ahns hadn't caught up on Inazuma's title reforms—their intel lagged.)
"Not enough for deep-sea dragon-lizards," Eigetsu countered.
Gritting his teeth, the envoy doubled down. "These are our elite court mages and renowned knights. Surely this suffices."
These were Khaenri'ah's mid-to-high tier—renowned knights and mages. Even Rhinedottir was in this tier before becoming a Sage. Khaenri'ah wouldn't send them without certainty of Byakuya's high-end tech.
"That's enough. We'll talk details in Sumeru," Eigetsu nodded. "I'll send someone."
"Understood," the envoy said. He got Eigetsu's caution—discussing in Inazuma risked Tenryou Commission interference, a disaster for the already strained Sangonomiya.
The envoy left, having secured a verbal deal. It was enough to smooth future talks.
"Lady Sangonomiya," the shrine maiden said after he left, "are we really cooperating with the Shogunate?"
"What choice do we have? With Lady Harumei Ryo involved…" Eigetsu sighed. "You handle the talks. Treat it normally, agree to their terms, and leave the rest to the specialists."
"Understood," the maiden replied.
Eigetsu touched her stomach, murmuring, "Poor Khaenri'ahns."
…
"Lady Sangonomiya, a visitor," a shrine maiden announced, leading an Inazuman samurai into the palace.
Many maidens glared at the samurai, who looked ready to draw his blade any second.
"Who are you, and why are you here?" Eigetsu asked, recognizing his crest but feigning ignorance. Some ties couldn't be public.
"Greetings, Lady Sangonomiya." The samurai presented a sealed letter.
After Eigetsu's nod, he relaxed and stated his purpose. Publicly, he announced a Shogunate decree to legalize "lively groups" in each jurisdiction, assign them proper work, and crack down on unregistered ones.
Privately, he aimed to absorb these groups as local management supplements.
The samurai was Banjiao Nisei in disguise. Unifying Watatsumi's lively groups needed Sangonomiya's help. The Rock-Shadow-Thunderlight Brigade had a Watatsumi outpost, but it was too small for Reisen's plan. Banjiao bet on his boss's clout with Sangonomiya.
Luckily, Reisen didn't disappoint. After deliberation, Sangonomiya deemed it feasible and agreed to cooperate, but insisted on co-managing local groups.
Banjiao, prepared, agreed. Reisen's plan already accounted for working with local magistrates—here, it was just Sangonomiya instead. With the Brigade's limited manpower, their involvement saved resources.
Shortly after Banjiao left, a shrine maiden approached. "Samurai, Lady Sangonomiya requests you."
"You're with Attendant Reisen, right? Deliver this secret letter to him," Eigetsu said.
Banjiao nodded.
…
"Khaenri'ah's in the game, huh? They're serious about Byakuya, sending so many key players," Reisen said, reading the letter. "Let's see when the next Three Realms Gateway Offering is." He calculated—eight months away. "Plenty of time. Khaenri'ah, let's have some fun."