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worm novel 200 . xyz
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The Raiden Shogun has ruled Inazuma for over two thousand years.
She has always projected that same imposing image. Could a leader who has lived for so long truly be masquerading as this small child?
"Is she ill?"
After scrutinizing the little girl, Yoimiya noticed something off. Compared to a normal child, this one seemed unusually petite. Even so, her features were distinct and full of character, nothing like the generic appearance of a typical child.
"My Ei is perfectly healthy. Aside from being a bit withdrawn, there is not a single thing wrong with her."
Seeing Kamisato Ayaka slowly approach, Su Ran urged her to verify his claim.
"If you don't believe me, feel free to ask Ayaka. She can vouch for Ei's health."
Kamisato Ayaka pursed her lips, wearing an expression of helplessness and despair that made anyone who saw it feel a sudden surge of pity.
"Eh? Is that so?"
Yoimiya asked, seeking confirmation.
"It is... Ei is indeed quite healthy."
Kamisato Ayaka had instinctively reached for the title Raiden Shogun, but noticing the other's gaze, she hastily corrected herself.
Even if she had spoken the truth, who would believe it? Who would ever guess that the deity who had ruled Inazuma for five hundred years was actually just a puppet crafted by the real god? If she had not witnessed the reconstruction of the Raiden Shogun with her own eyes, even she would find such an absurd claim impossible to believe.
"So it's true?"
Receiving confirmation from Kamisato Ayaka, Yoimiya naturally believed her. She did not think that the honorable Princess of the White Heron would joke about a child's health.
"But... do you two actually know each other?"
Seeing the helpless look Kamisato Ayaka gave Su Ran, Yoimiya was surprised. She had never seen Ayaka display such an expression toward any man. Did this man have some hidden, powerful background?
"Allow me to introduce myself. Miss Yoimiya, my name is Su Ran, and I am..."
Su Ran glanced at Kamisato Ayaka beside him. "I am Ayaka's suitor."
Yoimiya: !!!
Kamisato Ayaka: ...
If you want me dead, you could just say so!
Looking at her best friend's stunned expression, what could Ayaka even say? Since the deity enjoyed it, she would let him speak as he pleased. After all, when has there ever been a precedent where the one being pursued had to diligently serve their suitor? Having a god as a suitor did not bring Kamisato Ayaka any sense of pride.
"But you..."
Yoimiya's eyes kept flickering toward the little Shogun in his arms. Pursuing the Princess of the White Heron while carrying a child? Was he truly serious? As the eldest daughter of the Kamisato Clan, Ayaka came from a prestigious background. How could she possibly marry a man with a child?
Unless... the child was not his.
"Is Miss Yoimiya doubting something? I can be blunt: Ei is my child, biologically."
Since Su Ran had personally crafted this armed puppet body for Raiden Ei, calling her his biological daughter was technically accurate. Raiden Ei, nestled in his arms, elbowed him hard. She had lived for thousands of years, and the only family she had ever known was her sister. For this man, who was not even a hundred years old, to try and take advantage of her was pure delusion.
"Naughty."
Su Ran poked Ei's face. Her cheeks were soft, much like jelly.
To Yoimiya, however, the scene was bizarre. He already had a child, yet he dared to pursue the Princess of the White Heron. Was this guy overly confident? Even if he was handsome, surely Ayaka wouldn't fall for him, would she?
"Besides, Ei is so cute. How could Ayaka not love her?"
Seeing Kamisato Ayaka's mind wandering, Su Ran seized the moment to deposit Raiden Ei into her arms. By the time she reacted, it was already too late.
Kamisato Ayaka broke into a cold sweat. The small presence in her arms felt as heavy as a mountain—no, far heavier than any mountain. Was she burning? She was scalding hot. But could she let go? Even if someone held a blade to her throat, she would not dare to release her grip. If the deity were to drop to the floor, it would be a crime the entire Kamisato Clan could not bear.
"Yes... I am quite fond of Ei as well."
Kamisato Ayaka struggled to make her smile look natural. Holding a deity of Inazuma in her arms would have terrified anyone else. Raiden Ei, however, did not mind the change in pilot. Since Kamisato Ayaka already knew things she shouldn't, as long as she kept it secret, Ei would not hold it against her. Besides, she found being held by Kamisato Ayaka much more comfortable than being held by Su Ran.
Yoimiya carefully observed Ayaka's expression. There was some stiffness, yes, but her embrace was undeniably sincere. It seemed she really was fond of the child. And since it was a tiny Shogun, Yoimiya found herself liking her more and more.
"Would you mind if I held her?"
Yoimiya looked at Su Ran with pleading eyes.
"Of course. Just ask Ayaka. As for Ei, don't worry, she won't refuse."
Raiden Ei glared at him. If not for the public setting, she would have cut this disrespectful man down.
"It might be better if you didn't. I think Ei prefers me."
The intensity of Yoimiya's gaze made Kamisato Ayaka nervous. She knew her friend's personality too well. If Yoimiya managed to get her hands on the Shogun, she might start tossing her in the air or spinning her around. That would be an act of disrespect toward a god! If the Shogun took offense and punished Yoimiya, it would be a disaster.
Thus, as a good friend, Kamisato Ayaka instinctively acted like a mother hen shielding her chicks, refusing to let Yoimiya near the Great Buddha she was holding.
"Not even a hug? Then, could I at least pinch her cheeks? They're so chubby; she looks adorable!"
Since she couldn't hold her, Yoimiya had to settle for second best. Kamisato Ayaka shook her head vigorously—that was out of the question, too! Not even a touch.
Yoimiya's spirit deflated. Now, she no longer doubted Su Ran's pursuit. After all, why else would Ayaka be so obsessed with his child?
Kamisato Ayaka: *Although I am not your parent, I still have to say it—Yoimiya, I am doing this for your own good!*