'Is that so? I see. Although you let me experience the joy of the festival, ultimately, did you only act because of the other Shiki's favorable impression of me?'
Ayaka figured something out: it seems our other Miss Shiki is extremely doting.
"It's still not possible."
Shiki released Ayaka and sat down on the bed.
"You just turned sixteen this year, right? That kind of thing should wait until you are an adult."
Although Inazuma's society greatly resembles ancient Nippon, the legal age of majority, like on Earth, is eighteen.
This is why there are regulations forbidding drinking before eighteen, because minors cannot consume alcohol.
Hearing this, Ayaka's heated mind cooled down slightly. No matter what, she was indeed still a minor.
Shiki, however, was already eighteen. She had reached the age of majority recognized by both Inazuman law and Teyvat.
An age gap between partners is normal, but running into the issue of one being an adult and the other a minor can be very troublesome.
Holding hands, hugging, kissing, or even sleeping together is fine, but the union of flesh is absolutely forbidden.
"So... wait two more years. We are both still young, there's no rush."
"Mhm..." Ayaka nodded, then said blushingly, "But, I want to sleep with you tonight."
... "It seems my guess was correct after all." Balladeer said with a smile, looking at the intelligence report sent back.
Just as he had predicted, Shiki's Vision was a fake; her true power came from another source, just like his.
As for La Signora, whom he had tricked into her death, Balladeer felt no guilt whatsoever. Rather, he simply didn't care about the matter.
Such arrogant people deserve to die.
"The Kanjou Commission and the Tenryou Commission have both stepped down. Quite capable, Shiki."
"But, are you ready to welcome the awakened pawn I'm bringing for you?"
Balladeer said this while turning to look at a cultivation tank beside him, which contained none other than the severed head of Xavier!
The bottom of the cultivation tank was connected to numerous wires—something Balladeer had created using his own technology.
Since he himself was a puppet, it was natural for him to understand the technology that created him.
He also had to thank [The Jester]. Without this Khaenri'ah survivor's systematic teaching, he might still not understand what exactly he was.
"Soldier!"
"Subordinate present!"
As soon as Balladeer finished speaking, a Debt Collector emerged from the ground.
"Go and deliver this thing into the hands of the person I mentioned to you before."
"But Master, she is just an ordinary person. Why must we give such a valuable experimental product to her?"
"I said, deliver it into her hands. Are you incapable of understanding my words?"
Balladeer did not explain his actions; he merely repeated his command with a perverse expression.
Seeing Balladeer about to lose his temper, the Debt Collector quickly took the order and disappeared from the room.
He was simply puzzled as to why they had to send the product of so much effort to a physically weak woman, especially since she was already married.
But now it seemed this was not his concern. Surely, Lord Harbinger must have a profound reason for doing this?
The item just mentioned was actually a Delusion, but besides allowing people to drive elemental power, it possessed other abilities.
In a certain lost ancient kingdom, the people did not use elemental power, but the energy of the Ley Lines, until the day they discovered the Abyss.
They used Ley Line energy to strengthen themselves, thereby guiding their own abilities.
Of course, this wasn't 100% successful, but Balladeer combined it with the Delusion to achieve 100% success, at the cost of even more severe side effects.
Even if they did nothing, their life force would drain away completely within a month.
But they are merely pawns. As long as they fulfill their intended purpose, it doesn't matter how long they live... The next morning, Shiki slowly awoke, immediately feeling a weight on her chest.
"Uh..."
Peeling the octopus-like Ayaka off her, Shiki got up and put on her red lining kimono.
At this moment, Ayaka also sensed the disappearance of the person in her arms and woke up from her sleep.
Rubbing her sleepy eyes, Ayaka realized that Shiki was already up and dressed.
"Awake?"
"Mhm..."
"Speaking of which, you hugged me really tightly. Ayaka, do you have a habit of sleeping with a pillow?" Shiki said while rubbing her slightly sore shoulders.
Ayaka blushed upon hearing this and whispered, "I don't have that habit. It's just that..."
"It's what?"
"Aiya, you're annoying! Why do you have to say some things out loud!"
"Heh heh, then let's not say it." Shiki smiled, then took her Furisode from the hanger: "Ayaka, do you have confidence in helping me wear a kimono?"
"Of course, but you have to help me get dressed afterward too!"
Ayaka took the Furisode and draped it over the girl. She had, of course, learned how to wear this type of clothing, but she found it somewhat bothersome.
"Shiki, do you have to do this every morning?"
"Yes. At first, I found it tiring, but I got used to it later."
Ayaka tied the knot very carefully, smoothing out even the underarm area so there wasn't a single wrinkle. Under her skilled handling, the Furisode was quickly put on Shiki.
Naturally, there was the bow knot. Ayaka was familiar with all types of ties and perfectly rerun Shiki's large bow.
"Do you have to tuck this in too?" Ayaka asked, looking at the dagger in the girl's hand, her expression slightly strange.
"Mhm. Sometimes, using a sword isn't convenient." Shiki nodded.
For instance, when trying to kill the source of a disease in a person, a dagger is clearly more suitable than a katana—not least because it's easier to stab.
"Alright."
Ayaka placed the dagger properly. With this, Shiki was completely dressed.
"Then what are you going to wear today? Skirt Armor or something else?" Shiki asked.
"The Skirt Armor, I think. That one makes it easier for me to perform my swordsmanship."
"Mhm, but you have to teach me, because I've never worn that kind of thing."
"Heh heh, Shiki, don't worry, it's very simple."
After speaking, Ayaka led Shiki by the hand to her boudoir, where the set of Skirt Armor was placed in the wardrobe.
"Then let's start. Just listen to my instructions later."
---------------------------------
If you'd like to read the next 70 chapters in advance, you can support me on Patreon.
I regularly post chapter previews there, so you'll always be up-to-date and won't have to wait too long.
patreon.com/SolyuraMT
And if you enjoy the story, don't forget to give me a Power Stone. Your support really motivates me to continue translating!