Yuenjou ran into a few Khaenri'ahn spies. They'd stumbled on the Inazumans' attack, tried to reach the main camp for help, only to find every camp slaughtered.
Sangonomiya soldiers, local vigilante groups, and the Rock-Shadow-Thunderlight Brigade were hunting them down.
As elite spies, they didn't get cocky like others who'd rushed to their main forces, which saved them from detection but left them without cover.
Realizing the Inazumans had cut off their escape, they, like Yuenjou, fled to Watatsumi's wilderness, where forests and terrain offered shelter.
Compared to Yuenjou, they were better off. Trained in survival, they could handle the wild. Yuenjou, despite frequent archaeological fieldwork, lacked those skills. But he got lucky—spotting them just as dehydration set in.
His obvious Khaenri'ahn features made the Inazuman-looking spies accept him.
"Why do you all look Inazuman? Nearly scared me to death when we met," Yuenjou griped, munching on roasted meat.
After verifying his identity with three versions of Khaenri'ahn codes—especially the latest, barely two weeks old—they confirmed he was one of them. No enemy could know those.
"Heh, we're Inazuma-Khaenri'ah half-breeds. With some disguise, even locals can't tell," the spy leader said bitterly. "It's the only way to blend in now. Our network's gone. Most Watatsumi nobles we worked with are cut off. The rest? Too risky to contact."
"What happened to the main force?" Yuenjou asked.
"No clue. I just left Enkanomiya to grab documents for my teacher. Everything was fine at the entrance, but when I reached the Blue Jay Knights' transit camp, I saw one die," Yuenjou said, pale, recounting his journey.
"So, kid, what's your plan? We're heading to the logistics camp, but we're worried about Tiller mech attacks," the spy leader said.
Yuenjou looked confused.
"From what we know of our old foes—the Brigade and Final Watch—they leave Tiller mechs and supplies after a slaughter. Even if they burn them, the mechs have auto-extinguishers," the leader explained. "So, we're checking the camp."
"Right, I'll come. I've still got my clearance card," Yuenjou said, fishing a mechanical device from his pocket.
It stored his data, readable by Tiller mechs to confirm no coercion or danger, activating only if safe.
"Problem is, the camp's at Mizuki Pool. How do we get there?" Yuenjou asked.
"We swim," the leader said.
Living on Watatsumi, he'd learned to row and swim but not to build boats—too specialized a skill. In Khaenri'ah, they'd be craftsmen, not spies.
Swimming wasn't a joke. Watatsumi's swimmers and divers were Teyvat-famous.
He calculated: with prep, they could make it. Glancing at Yuenjou, who couldn't swim, he opted for a raft. With Yuenjou's card, they could access the camp's forces without sneaking in.
Way better than going alone.
…
Reisen Riou and Sangonomiya Eigetsu oversaw their teams discussing aid.
The Shogunate sent Yashiro Commission reps. Officially, aid needed their approval, as Sangonomiya fell under their jurisdiction.
But the Yashiro Commission and Sangonomiya were never chummy. To avoid awkwardness, Reisen's Rock-Shadow-Thunderlight Brigade handled talks. Their logistics team had negotiators trained by Kanjou Commission's silver-tongued masters.
Since this was about aid, the mood was warm.
The deal was struck fast. Reisen and Eigetsu also settled the name of Sangonomiya's new Divine Priestess: Sangonomiya Kyouen, Reisen's daughter.
Honestly, a daughter at a time like this left Reisen conflicted. Chatting with Eigetsu, he hinted at a looming war that could sweep Teyvat.
The main player? Khaenri'ah. He urged Watatsumi to steer clear of them.
He was subtle, but he trusted Eigetsu got it.
With aid sorted, Reisen took his leave. His sister must be thrilled—Watatsumi was fully loyal now.
…
"Useless! All useless!" Khaenri'ah's king raged at the spy leader and Yuenjou, the scholar who barely escaped. Hearing Enkanomiya held precious tech only fueled his fury.
Even Sage Rhinedottir grew annoyed—she'd heard Enkanomiya had records of ancient deep-sea dragon-lizard modifications.
Sadly, Yuenjou hadn't translated those. He'd only overheard colleagues mention them.
As the court raged, Khaenri'ah's nameless meeting room was emptier. Many attendees were in the Enkanomiya expedition.
They'd lost everything there.
"What'd the kid say?" someone asked.
"Yuenjou recalled and wrote some tech details, but they're too fragmented. Barely useful for reference," came the reply.
"Damn Inazumans! Damn Watatsumi!" someone in the room snapped, spiraling into rage.
Soon, others joined the frenzy.
(End of Chapter)