Tap tap...
Someone carried a tea tray and quietly stopped before her room door. The Shogun looked at the light glowing from behind the folding screen and listened for movement inside. It was quiet—only faint, subtle sounds could be heard.
"Phew…"
She shook her head slightly, feeling that her own hesitation was unnecessary.
Clatter...
Without knocking or announcing herself, she directly slid the door open and walked in without hesitation.
"...You're back?"
At that moment, Ei—kneeling calmly on the futon—was leisurely wiping the blade of Musou Isshin with a handkerchief. The blade shimmered faintly under a layer of violet light that acted like a sheath as it rested across her thighs. Hearing the sound of the door, she paused and looked up out of habit to greet the newcomer.
"Mm…"
The Shogun replied softly, sliding the screen door shut behind her. She placed the tea tray on the low table by the window, pulled it a little closer, and knelt gracefully across from Ei.
Clink, clink…
She set the teaware neatly on the table and began to pour with practiced ease. The crisp sound of porcelain meeting wood echoed occasionally through the quiet room.
"The tea's ready… come, have some."
She glanced at Ei, who was still polishing the blade, and spoke in a gentle voice.
"I'll be right there…"
Ei looked up briefly, then tucked the handkerchief back into her pocket and placed the now spotless Musou Isshin onto the nearby stand. Rising to her feet, she crossed the room and knelt down opposite her.
"Phew… what a nice smell… you brewed this?"
Ei narrowed her eyes slightly, savoring the delicate aroma that wafted up from the tea.
"Mm… I fetched the hot water from the tea room. The taste might be a little different, but it should do."
The Shogun lifted the teacup, blowing gently across the surface with her lips.
"It's fine… as long as it's drinkable."
Ei mirrored her motion, blowing lightly at the steam before taking a sip.
Normally, drinking tea before bed wasn't advisable—but this particular blend was special. It was a tea from Inazuma made from unique local herbs that actually helped improve sleep quality, ideal for drinking at night. She had brought a few packets along just for this reason.
Slurp~ ×2
Both took a sip in unison.
She smacked her lips softly, tasting the flavor. It was good—familiar, gentle. Out of habit, she glanced at Ei.
"The taste is nice… no real difference."
After all, it was just water and leaves—how much difference could there really be?
"That's good…"
Hearing Ei's satisfaction, she felt relieved. Sometimes, whether cooking, brewing tea, or doing anything else, she would subconsciously seek Ei's reaction first. Only after seeing Ei pleased could she truly relax. Of course, it was possible that Ei was just humoring her—but surely not, right?
Please don't let that be true… if it were, her heart might not be able to take it. Though, technically, she didn't have a mortal heart to fail anyway.
"These tea utensils…"
Ei finally seemed to notice the unfamiliar teaware and asked curiously.
"I borrowed them… so drink up. I need to return them in the morning."
Her answer was straightforward.
"...There's no need to rush for tomorrow's matters now. You can drink slowly, you know…"
Ei pursed her lips slightly, murmuring with a faintly adorable tone of complaint before taking another sip.
Slurp~
The Shogun also drank again, though her pace was clearly faster. Before long, her cup was already empty.
Clack…
She set it down gently on the table.
"..."
Ei glanced briefly at her cup and noticed it was already drained.
The Shogun didn't notice her observation—she had turned to look out the window at the silver moonlit night. Rising quietly, she walked toward the tall window.
"Don't go out…"
Ei spoke softly, concern and a hint of dependence in her tone.
"I'm just closing the curtains," she replied with a small, helpless smile.
"Oh… I thought you were heading out again."
Hearing that, Ei fell silent again and resumed sipping her tea.
Swish!
The Shogun grasped both sides of the curtain and slowly drew them together, covering the tall window bit by bit. The serene moonlit scenery narrowed into a thin sliver before vanishing completely behind the heavy fabric.
When she turned back, she found Ei's cup was already empty as well—only a few scattered leaves rested at the bottom. Ei looked up at her with innocent, pure eyes, almost like a small animal awaiting attention.
Pfft…
Seeing Ei's absentminded expression, the Shogun couldn't help but smile inwardly. Sometimes her mother's demeanor really was adorable. The biggest difference between them, she thought, was their eyes—Ei's gaze always carried a certain childlike innocence, soft and pure, almost naive in a way. Hers, however, did not.
"All done drinking?"
"Mm…" Ei nodded, her eyes still fixed on her.
"I'll take the cups, then?"
The Shogun crouched slightly as she asked.
"Mm… go ahead."
Ei nodded obediently again.
Seeing her response, the Shogun began to tidy up, deftly picking up both teacups in one hand and setting them on the tray before washing them carefully.
"..."
Meanwhile, Ei left her spot and crawled softly—almost like a cat—onto the futon that had already been laid out. It wasn't two separate futons, but one large one, spacious enough for both of them to sleep together.
She sat down lazily, reaching up to remove the folding fan tucked near her hairline, then pulled out the hairpin that had been holding her braid in place. Her long violet hair cascaded freely down her back like a silky waterfall, smooth and luminous under the soft lamplight.
She slipped both hands into her hair, combing through the strands gently before letting them fall again. Her head tilted slightly, allowing her hair to settle more evenly. As she loosened it, the subtle, elegant fragrance of her hair filled the room.
After letting her hair down, Ei casually removed the black-and-gold shoulder guards resting on her shoulders. She straightened slightly, kneeling upright on the futon, and reached behind to untie the violet cord at her waist. The red obi belt that bound her kimono loosened and slipped free, joining the rest of her garments on the bedding.
"..."
While washing the teaware, the Shogun heard the soft rustle of fabric. She instinctively looked up—and froze when she saw Ei undressing.
"What are you… doing?"
She stopped what she was doing entirely.
Why is she suddenly taking off her clothes—?!
"Hmm? Going to sleep," Ei replied, glancing over at her as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"...Even if you're adapting to local customs, isn't this a bit excessive?"
The Shogun gave her a speechless look.
"It's not excessive. I do need to sleep, you know. I've been tired all day."
Even though she had taken physical form through Musou Isshin, fatigue still affected her. After saying that, she continued undressing.
As she untied her sash, the purple kimono embroidered with gentian flowers slipped loosely down her shoulders, the overlapping folds falling away to expose her smooth, fair back.
"///!"
The Shogun's face flushed instantly, and she turned away, flustered.
"Y-you could at least turn around while changing!"
Was this woman doing this on purpose?!
"Hmm? Oh…"
Ei blinked, puzzled, before glancing at her own loosened clothing. After a moment, she obediently turned her back.
Rustle…
Facing away now, Ei slowly slipped off the outer layer of her purple kimono, revealing the inner violet silk undergarment that wrapped around her chest and shoulders. The thin fabric extended down her arms.
Then she removed that inner layer as well. Within seconds, her upper body was completely bare—her delicate skin exposed to the cool air.
"..."
Ei looked down at herself, her gaze calm. She ran her fingers lightly along her arms, feeling the soft skin beneath her fingertips. Then, with a small tilt of her head, she peeked over her shoulder at her daughter.
The Shogun, meanwhile, was sitting perfectly still with her back facing Ei, completely motionless.
Pfft…
Ei chuckled quietly for some reason, then neatly folded her inner garment and obi belt, setting them aside at the edge of the tatami.
She bent one of her shapely legs and slid her fingers beneath the cuff of her thigh-high stockings. Slowly, she rolled the black-and-violet fabric down her thigh, letting the stretched fabric gather loosely around her calves. Her elegant foot flexed lightly as she eased the stocking past her ankle, finally slipping it off her toes—painted a faint lavender hue.
She repeated the same with the other leg. When done, she carefully folded the pair of stockings and placed them beside her clothes. Her bare feet, now free, stretched and flexed lazily against the soft tatami.
Rustle…
Finally, she slipped the purple kimono back on—this time without the inner layer beneath it, leaving only the thin outer fabric to drape over her body.
Ei gazed at her daughter's stiff back with a fond smile. Then, gently, she pulled the slightly open lapels of her kimono together to cover her chest before quietly crawling closer from behind. Raising her arms, she affectionately wrapped them around the Shogun's neck from behind, pressing her body softly against her back.
"///!"
The body in her arms trembled noticeably.
"Are you… nervous? Even in front of me?"
Feeling her daughter's body tense, Ei's lips curved faintly as she leaned in close to her ear, whispering softly—almost biting.
"W-what are you doing? Don't… don't do that///"
The Shogun tried to move away from the teasing breath tickling her ear, cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"Shogun… why are you facing away from me?"
Ei murmured with mild complaint, pouting slightly.
"D-did you put your clothes back on?"
Her daughter asked cautiously, as if seeking confirmation.
"I did."
"Really?"
"Really."
Slowly, the Shogun turned around—only to find Ei still holding her from behind.
Those violet eyes shimmered like calm water, soft and gentle. Her long braid was undone, her hair loose and flowing freely down her back. Without her accessories, without her ornate armor or embellishments, wearing only a simple, slightly loose kimono—Ei seemed freed from all divine formality, no longer a god, but a woman ready for rest.
"You're staring, Shogun," Ei teased with a tender smile, then raised a hand to gently stroke her daughter's beautiful face.
"Please… don't do that again///…"
The Shogun's cheeks reddened as she leaned slightly into the touch, murmuring her soft protest.
"What's the harm? I was only… undressing before bed."
Ei replied casually, her tone light and innocent. Then, without another word, she lay down on the futon, not bothering with the blanket. Her head rested on the pillow, eyelids half-lowered in quiet comfort. Her legs stretched lazily, her feet overlapping as her toes curled unconsciously.
Pat, pat…
She patted the empty space beside her.
"Come here… sleep with me."
Her tone was soft yet coaxing, directed at the Shogun sitting beside her.
"I do not require sleep… you rest on your own."
The Shogun replied stiffly, her tone reluctant.
"Then at least lie with me for a while… is that not allowed?"
Ei's brows knit slightly, her voice taking on a faintly plaintive tone.
"Then… just for a while."
The Shogun obeyed, crawling beside her mother and lying down slowly, turning her back toward Ei. The two lay close, their shoulders almost touching. Ei shifted slightly, moving her pillow to make room and letting her daughter rest on the front edge of it.
"..."
The Shogun removed the ornamental hairpin from her side, setting it by the pillow—otherwise, it would be uncomfortable.
Rustle…
Seeing this, Ei moved closer, slipping her arms around the Shogun's slender waist from behind. She gently pulled her into an embrace, her head resting softly against the back of her daughter's.
Her hands lingered at her daughter's waist, fingers moving idly now and then—enough to make the one in her arms tense with exasperation.
"Ah~ your hands… stop that, it tickles///"
The Shogun twisted slightly, laughing helplessly as she lightly patted Ei's hand, whispering a small complaint.
"..."
Ei's hands obediently stilled, resting quietly against her daughter's waist.
"..." ×2
The two lay there in silence, simply listening to the stillness around them. Time passed softly between them. The quiet wasn't awkward—it was peaceful, warm.
"About today…"
"…Hmm?"
After a long silence, Ei heard her daughter's faint voice and opened her eyes slightly, looking at her back.
"About… me crying earlier. Could you forget that?"
"..."
To Ei, her voice sounded fragile—almost ethereal. Her gaze softened for a moment, then her expression returned to calm understanding.
"…I've already forgotten."
Her voice was light, almost like a whisper.
"…Really?"
Her daughter still sounded doubtful, which Ei found endearing.
"Mm… really."
She confirmed gently.
"..."
Silence lingered again for a few seconds before the Shogun spoke once more.
"Ei…"
"Mm?"
"What's wrong with me today?"
"You cried."
"..." ×2
Silence filled the room.
Rustle...
"Raiden Ei! You—!!"
The Shogun suddenly began to struggle in her arms, twisting as if trying to break free from her mother's embrace, refusing to let her get any closer.
"No, wait… I'm sorry! I… I was wrong."
Seeing this, Ei immediately tightened her arms around the restless woman, firmly locking her hands around her daughter's waist. The Shogun's exquisite legs, wrapped in stockings, struggled briefly—but Ei quickly intertwined her own legs with hers, trapping her completely. At last, the younger woman stopped resisting, her body going soft, as though she had given up and surrendered.
"I'm sorry… Shogun. I… can't forget."
Ei murmured quietly, pressing her face against her daughter's neck, her tone soft and slightly aggrieved.
"..."
The Shogun didn't answer—but she didn't resist either. She simply let Ei rest her face there. Her hair was now adorably mussed from the earlier struggle.
"I'm sorry… I truly can't forget."
Ei continued to whisper softly against her skin.
"Then why… did you lie to me?"
The Shogun's lips pursed slightly, her voice quiet and tinged with hurt.
"Because… I thought saying that would make you feel better. But I didn't think… I just answered without thinking."
Ei's tone grew awkward, a hint of embarrassment in her voice.
"Phew… idiot~"
The Shogun muttered faintly, sounding both flustered and resigned.
"Mm… you're right. Maybe I am an idiot. I was raised as a warrior—no, worse, a martial fanatic. I've never been good with such things."
"..."
The Shogun stayed silent, her eyes glistening faintly as she listened.
"I've been trying to change," Ei continued softly. "It didn't matter before, but now… I have you. I want to show you my gentlest, best self. But I still feel I fall short. Maybe my sister would be better suited for something like this."
Her tone carried a quiet melancholy. Her hand, still holding her daughter's, tightened slightly, unwilling to let go.
"What are you saying? You're you. The two of you are different people. And I never said you weren't good enough. The way you treat me… it's more than enough. You don't need to push yourself so hard—"
"I'm not pushing myself… I mean it. I truly want to. Do you understand, Shogun?"
Ei's tone grew firm, cutting her daughter off—determined, insistent.
"I… understand."
The Shogun stopped trying to argue and nodded obediently. She knew that any protest now would only hurt her mother's heart.
"Today… for the first time, you cried for real—crying in my arms. That… made me happy."
Ei rested her forehead against the back of her daughter's head, whispering softly.
"Phew… you weren't wrong, Ei."
"Hm?"
Ei tilted her head slightly, curious.
"It's me who doesn't understand how to adapt. I've been searching for the meaning of my existence… why I, as a puppet, even exist. But when I fought the Traveler back in Inazuma, when I carried both our wishes—that's when I finally understood."
"Shogun…"
Ei's arms tightened a little more around her waist.
"Do you still remember… Fiore?"
"…Yes."
Ei nodded. Of course she remembered—the child who had forced her hand.
"I once told her… 'This body is just a puppet, one that knows nothing of human emotion.' That was what I believed then. But now… I think I understand a little."
"That's good. It means you've grown, Shogun."
Ei reached up, brushing aside the hair near her daughter's ear with gentle affection.
"…Maybe."
The Shogun's lips curved into a faint, tender smile.
"You should sleep now… aren't you tired? Go on, rest."
Sensing that Ei still wasn't sleepy, she spoke softly, feeling like she was keeping her mother from resting.
"Mm… you have to stay with me."
Ei murmured like a drowsy kitten, tightening her embrace.
"Alright~ I'll stay with you. Just sleep."
The Shogun chuckled softly, patting her mother's hand affectionately. Honestly… who's the parent here?
"..."
No response came from behind her.
"?"
She turned her head slightly. Ei's eyes were closed, her breathing steady and soft. Gentle breaths brushed against the back of the Shogun's neck, tickling lightly. Her mother's lips were slightly parted, relaxed in sleep—like she was waiting for someone's kiss.
"Ei…?"
The Shogun whispered.
"..."
No answer. She was already asleep.
"You fall asleep so easily…"
The Shogun muttered quietly but smiled fondly. You must be so tired, Ei.
Carefully, she lifted Ei's arm off her and sat up. Kneeling beside her, she unfolded the thin blanket and spread it gently over Ei's body, tucking in the edges with careful hands.
"..."
When everything was in place, she stayed kneeling there, quietly watching the peacefully sleeping woman before her. Raising a hand, she brushed the back of her fingers across Ei's cheek, then swept the loose strands of hair from her face, tucking them softly behind her ear.
Leaning forward slightly, her lips approached Ei's forehead.
Chu~
A soft kiss.
"Good night… Ei."
Good night… Mother.