Three days ago.
Inazuma, Narukami Island.
A beautiful woman holding a purple umbrella appeared on the bustling street.
Passersby greeted her warmly, and she returned their kindness with a gentle smile.
She walked up the steps at a calm pace, heading toward the highest seat of power in Inazuma—
The Tenshukaku.
As the grand doors slowly opened, Zebul inside the Tenshukaku paused in surprise.
Then—
A joyful smile spread across his face.
"Sister, you're back~" Upon seeing Baal, Zebul hurried over to greet her.
"Yes. Sorry to keep you waiting," Baal replied gently.
"So? Did you get the Gnosis?"
"Of course."
As she spoke, a Gnosis appeared in Baal's hand.
Zebul's eyes sparkled. She carefully took the Gnosis and cradled it like a precious treasure.
It was a symbol of their victory in the Archon War—marking the moment they had truly ascended from Archons to gods.
"I'll leave it in your care," Baal said with a soft smile.
"No, no. You should keep it, Sister."
Zebul gave it one more look, then handed the Gnosis back to Baal.
"I'd feel more at ease if you held onto it," Baal insisted.
"You protect the Gnosis, and I'll protect you. Don't worry. As long as I'm here, nothing will happen to you."
Looking into Zebul's pure, untainted eyes, Baal paused to consider.
"…Alright. Then I'll keep it for now."
She knew her sister's stubborn nature, so in the end, she accepted it and took the Gnosis back.
"Sister, do you think we should hold a founding ceremony?" Zebul asked excitedly.
She had already discussed the idea with Kitsune Saiguu and Chiyo earlier.
They all agreed that a founding celebration should be held to mark the occasion. Now they just needed Baal's approval.
"Hmm… I've thought about it, but the Archon War only just ended. The nation hasn't even begun to stabilize. Wouldn't holding it now make it feel too rushed?"
Baal always tended to think things through carefully, considering multiple angles.
"I talked it over with Kitsune Saiguu and Chiyo. We could use the celebration to announce new laws, and start establishing systems to manage finances and the military. Otherwise, as the country grows, just the few of us won't be enough to handle everything."
"That makes sense. Call them here, and let's discuss it together."
"Alright!"
...
Soon, the four of them gathered in the Tenshukaku, with Zebul holding a pink fox cub in her arms.
"The Archon War has just ended, and the other nations are still in turmoil. We need to stabilize Inazuma as soon as possible. If we use the founding celebration to introduce new laws under the guise of festivities, I think the people will accept and absorb them more easily."
This idea had come primarily from Kitsune Saiguu. As someone deeply connected to the common folk, he had a clear sense of what both the nation and its people needed most right now.
"Kitsune Saiguu, share your thoughts. You probably understand Inazuma better than I do," Baal said, acknowledging his standing among the people.
What Kitsune Saiguu proposed would likely highlight the areas Inazuma most needed to change—and where they needed to tighten control.
"I've thought this through thoroughly."
"I believe our governance should be divided into three major branches."
"First, the country needs wealth. That means taxation must be implemented, and customs and trade must be strictly monitored. No loopholes."
"Second, we need public order and military strength. On a large scale, we must be able to face threats from other nations. On a smaller scale, we need forces to help citizens recover lost items and resolve disputes."
"Third, we can't neglect spiritual and cultural life. Shrines, worship, and festivals should continue to be held."
"If we clearly define these three areas and implement the right policies, things will begin to run smoothly."
The others lowered their heads in thought as they listened.
After a moment, Zebul suddenly exclaimed, "Then the three of you are perfect to lead those departments!"
Everyone froze for a beat.
"…You're reacting like someone with memory loss," Baal couldn't help but tease, even with her usual gentle tone.
Zebul was stunned for a second, then noticed the amused looks on Chiyo and Kitsune Saiguu's faces. That's when it hit her—
She was the last one to know.
Remembering how excitedly she'd just spoken, her entire face flushed red.
"I think this plan is excellent. What about you two?" Baal said, breaking the silence and voicing her approval.
"I've got no objections," Chiyo agreed.
"Same here," Zebul replied quickly.
After further discussion, they settled on names for the three new divisions:
Tenryo Commission, Kanjo Commission, and Yashiro Commission.
The Tenryo Commission would manage public security and military affairs.
The Kanjo Commission would oversee finance and customs.
The Yashiro Commission would handle culture and ceremonies.
As the head of the Grand Narukami Shrine, Kitsune Saiguu would naturally take charge of the Shrine Commission.
The heads of the Tenryo and Kanjo Commissions hadn't been decided yet—
They were preparing to set out for Yashiori Island to hear Elliot's thoughts.