After resolving the situation on Tsurumi Island, Jiang Yan and Raiden Ei returned swiftly to Narukami Island.
Upon learning what had happened there, Raiden Makoto immediately dispatched the Tenryou Commission to station themselves on Tsurumi. Under the protection of the feather gifted by Kapatcir, they successfully brought order to the island.
Some members of the Sangonomiya Shrine were also sent in to guide the native inhabitants there.
As for the Thunder Bird Kapatcir—after assisting the Tenryou Commission—Raiden Makoto and the others escorted it to Seirai Island.
Since Ruu was still too young to endure long-distance travel with Kapatcir, the Thunder Bird decided to accept Raiden Makoto's request:
To become the guardian of Seirai Island, protecting this region of Inazuma.
Thanks to Jiang Yan's intervention, the Thunder Bird Kapatcir and Ruu did not walk down the tragic path of the original timeline.
On Amakumo Peak, Raiden Ei, Raiden Makoto, Jiang Yan, Kapatcir, and the others sat together.
Ruu stood upon a rock, singing with all his heart.
"La-la-la…" (There were no lyrics in the original—feel free to imagine them yourself.)
"So beautiful…"
Raiden Makoto murmured, and the others were equally enchanted by the boy's voice.
This time, his singing brimmed with pure joy…
...
A few days later, at Ritou Port—
"Well then, I'll send you off only up to here."
Jiang Yan smiled at the group before him—Yae Miko, Chiyo, Raiden Ei, Raiden Makoto, and the rest.
The General Affairs Bureau had already finalized the remaining trade details with Inazuma, so Jiang Yan no longer had any reason to stay.
These past few days he hadn't gone out at all—he stayed with Raiden Makoto, Yae Miko, and the others, helping with state affairs, and sparring with Raiden Ei from time to time.
As Liyue's Grand Governor, Jiang Yan had unique insights into administration.
This alone made Raiden Makoto and the others eager to learn from him—and they benefited greatly.
As for Mikoshi Chiyo, she had held deep grudges over Jiang Yan injuring Raiden Ei. But after spending a few days with him, she realized he wasn't nearly as awful as she'd imagined.
Yesterday, when Jiang Yan told them he would be leaving, everyone froze.
Then each pair of eyes dimmed.
After all—after nearly half a month together, they had almost forgotten that Jiang Yan was Liyue's Tianquan.
During these two weeks of guidance, Inazuma's quality of life had risen noticeably.
Raiden Makoto had even felt a dangerous impulse—she wanted Jiang Yan to stay in Inazuma forever.
But when she opened her mouth, the words simply wouldn't come out.
As the leader of prosperous Liyue, Jiang Yan stood above tens of thousands.
How could he possibly be interested in staying in little Inazuma?
To thank him, Raiden Makoto and her friends prepared a farewell banquet for Jiang Yan the previous night, expressing their gratitude for everything he had done.
And now—the moment of parting had arrived.
Jiang Yan stepped onto the Guili Vessel, looked at the group waiting at the pier, and said with a smile:
"Alright, you can go back now. I'm setting off."
Raiden Makoto and the others said nothing, but none of them left—speaking louder than words.
"Aiya, it's not like I'm never coming back. No need to look like that."
Jiang Yan felt both amused and helpless at their reluctant expressions.
"Besides, Liyue and Inazuma aren't far. If you miss me, you can just visit Liyue."
Jiang Yan scratched his silver-white hair. Little White, curled around his neck, shifted slightly to a more comfortable sleeping position.
"Mhm! When the time comes, you better treat us properly."
Raiden Makoto smiled at him.
Jiang Yan nodded. A deep hum echoed from the Guili Vessel.
"Woooooo—!!"
As the ship let out its long whistle, Jiang Yan grew farther and farther away under their gazes.
"He's gone."
Watching the ship disappear from sight, Yae Miko murmured.
"Yes…"
Raiden Makoto sighed softly.
Raiden Ei said nothing—her eyes remained dim.
"It's fine! Just like Jiang Yan said, we'll see him again someday, won't we?"
Chiyo tried to speak boldly, but even her bright face couldn't hide her sense of loss.
"Come on. There's still plenty of work waiting for us in Inazuma."
Raiden Makoto steadied her emotions and smiled at the group.
...
"Hey, boss!"
"Sumeru's still far away! Do we really need to stand at the bow and let the sea wind slap us in the face right now?"
Little White clung to Jiang Yan's neck like a dying creature, utterly lifeless.
It had tried to escape, hide somewhere on the ship.
But no matter where it ran, Jiang Yan would summon it right back—because Jiang Yan was used to having it around his neck. Without it, his collar felt cold from the wind.
This nearly made Little White explode with rage.
Three hundred years!
And this man was still this annoying?!
"You know nothing!"
Jiang Yan smacked the creature's head.
This little guy was getting lazier and lazier.
"Even at sea, we must uphold the dignity of Liyue at all times!"
"We have to intimidate the sea beasts, understand?!"
Jiang Yan raised his chin proudly.
Of course—it was absolutely not because standing at the bow let him constantly check nearby islands for treasure chests!
Absolutely—definitely—not!
How sharp was Jiang Yan's mind?
He could even think of something like this!
Don't underestimate those tiny, ordinary islands.
In a world like this, there was a very high chance of finding luxurious treasure chests out there!
No treasure chest…
could escape his eyes!
His eyes were measuring tools!
Precise beyond belief!
If Little White ever learned what Jiang Yan was thinking, it would probably die of anger.
Big brother!!
Do you even know what I am?!
I'm a Treasure-Hunting Weasel!!
You think I wouldn't know if there's treasure nearby?!
If there were any, wouldn't I tell you myself?!
YOU are blatantly insulting my species' talent!!
And so, completely unaware of Jiang Yan's true intentions, Little White continued standing beside him on the bow…
Endlessly battered by the salty, humid sea breeze.
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