"I really didn't expect this… Ei has been clinging to you only because she wants to protect this dream, and yet you're the one waiting for the day the dream shatters."
Yae Miko continued diligently massaging Su Ran's shoulders.
What she originally thought was the greatest obstacle turned out to be the one most hoping she would succeed.
"You should be thrilled, really.
You and Ayaka have been doing plenty of secret things behind the scenes"
Kamisato Ayaka was absolutely the greatest opponent of the dream.
After witnessing the vastness of the universe, it became clear to her that Inazuma's future could not be inside this one-way dream.
Yae Miko also longed for new amusements.
The dream was the biggest barrier between her and fun.
And after seeing Raiden Makoto restored using the puppet body, she no longer had any emotional burden restraining her.
"Since Makoto's already back, then considering how hard I work for you…
could you let Lady Kitsune Saiguu come back too?"
The moment she mentioned Saiguu, Yae Miko's voice softened.
That wound never healed.
Losing a senior like Saiguu…
hurting as deeply as Ei losing Makoto.
Saiguu was just as precious to her.
"That's… difficult. Not impossible, but definitely troublesome.
If the dream breaks, Ei will absolutely come after me.
If I reject her request, she'll definitely hold a grudge."
Humans were petty creatures.
So were archons.
A little favor could become a lifelong debt.
A great favor could become unpayable, turning into resentment instead.
"And that's exactly why you need to overwhelm her with greater kindness.
If she gets her sister back, and her cherished person returns too, she'll definitely be grateful!"
Yae Miko's imagination was beautiful.
Even she, like Ei, had begun to develop a dependence on Su Ran.
He felt omnipotent.
Bringing someone back from death?
Impossible for them.
But for Su Ran…
maybe?
"But gratitude is one thing.
If I give too much, won't Ei feel the debt is too big and just…
give up on repaying it entirely?"
Su Ran didn't come to Inazuma to become a simp.
He came to see cute girls and big sisters.
"That's even better, isn't it?
If she can't repay the debt… what else can she do but offer herself?"
"Isn't that the situation already?"
Right now, Raiden Ei fully understood she could never repay him.
She was already planning to compensate with her body.
Hard to imagine the Shogun of Inazuma could say such things.
"It's not the same!
If you revive Makoto, she'll be grateful.
If you revive Saiguu, both she and I will be grateful!
Two beautiful fox spirits cuddling you isn't that wonderful?
White fur, mind you!
Even purer than Ningguang's white hair!"
Yae Miko was certain she had figured out Su Ran's tastes.
As a white fox, Kitsune Saiguu would definitely charm him.
Fluffy ears, fluffy tail, snow-white coat.
How could that lose?
Ayaka had only white hair and she was already receiving so much affection.
Would Kitsune Saiguu lose to a little human girl?
Impossible.
"You're right, but this is troublesome.
Saiguu's consciousness might have been absorbed into the ley lines long ago.
Finding her true consciousness… is like searching for a needle in the ocean."
Su Ran knew about Hanachirusato too but she was merely a construct holding Saiguu's memories.
A very different person.
Saiguu was a heart-stealing fox, a natural enchantress.
Hanachirusato was shy and timid, with a streak of self-doubt.
Same memories, different souls.
Helping Hanachirusato was easy.
He could restore her human form while keeping her identity.
But Saiguu she required a completely rebuilt body and finding the true soul.
And that was a monumental challenge.
"I believe that a beauty-and-wisdom-unrivaled Su Ran-sir will surely come up with a way
Isn't reviving Lady Saiguu just a matter of moving that brilliant brain of yours?"
Yae Miko had perfectly adapted to his narcissism.
For a man who ate flattery like dessert, soft words were always more effective than hard arguments.
He was much easier to deal with than Kamisato Ayato no hidden daggers, no schemes, no mind games.
Just straightforward bargaining and bribery.
"Since you say it that way how could I possibly refuse?"
"Yes yes yes, Su Ran-sir is the best"
Su Ran enjoyed her sweet flattery.
And Yae Miko was quietly overwhelmed by how easily her wish was being granted.
She had spent centuries soothing her grief.
She never dreamed someone could actually fill that void.
Su Ran was not just Ei's benefactor he had become hers.
Even she felt this was a debt too large to repay.
Offering her body would still feel like she was taking advantage, not paying it back.
And considering his status even Celestia was basically beneath him plus his unfairly handsome looks…
She found herself wondering:
If I offer myself…
would that also count as "climbing above my station"?
"What's the little fox thinking about?"
Su Ran felt her massage stop for a moment.
"I was just thinking…
when Lady Saiguu returns, what kind of welcome ceremony we should prepare!"
Yae Miko snapped back, looking at Su Ran with increasing fondness.
Unlike dense, clueless Ei, foxes repaid favors.
"What about…
a fried tofu eating contest?
You versus Saiguu— whoever eats more wins."
Yae Miko: …That's actually a good idea. Approved.
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