With the three stories concluded, Arataki Itto was furious—so much so that he even considered storming Tenshukaku.
Fortunately, Kuki Shinobu stopped him. Otherwise, if he had truly charged into Tenshukaku, there would have been no guarantee for Itto's safety. After all, the Raiden Shogun seldom concerns herself with such matters.
The trio of Genta, Akira, and Mamoru clung tightly to Itto, preventing him from rushing out. They couldn't help but wonder: Our boss has also lost his Vision, so why isn't he the least bit disheartened?
And Kuki Shinobu too—she's acting as if nothing happened. Do people's constitutions really differ that much?
Itto wasn't foolish, though. Fine, I won't go to Tenshukaku, but can't I at least make a scene at the Tenryou Commission? It's not like it's the first or second time anyway.
Meanwhile, Kujou Sara wasn't idle either. Instead of rereading the book, she decided to head straight to the Kamisato Clan of the Yashiro Commission.
Often, it is your enemies who understand you best.
The Tri-Commission had always kept each other in check, but now it seemed the Kanjou Commission and Tenryou Commission were colluding, potentially even harboring disrespect toward the Raiden Shogun.
Thus, Kujou Sara intended to visit the Yashiro Commission. She was certain that the Kamisato Clan head must have some insight into this matter.
Returning to the story, the Traveler also sought to change the current situation.
The Traveler returned to the Kamisato Estate to meet with Kamisato Ayaka, hoping to hear her plans.
This time, Ayaka gracefully stepped out from behind the screen, revealing her true appearance. Naturally, Lucian illustrated this moment—though it was a pity Ayato didn't get to see it.
In reality, Kamisato Ayaka breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, the illustration depicted her dressed modestly, with her face slightly obscured by a fan.
Readers, however, were torn. Earlier, Yae Miko had been drawn with an unmistakably mature, domineering aura, and now Kamisato Ayaka was portrayed with the elegance of a noble lady. How are we supposed to choose between them…?
In the story, Kamisato Ayaka invited the Traveler to Komore Teahouse once more to discuss their plans.
Komore Teahouse was a place independently managed by the Yashiro Commission, making it the perfect secret base for confidential discussions.
[Lumine asked: "What kind of god is the Raiden Shogun?"]
[Kamisato Ayaka replied: "From what I remember, aside from her majesty, nobility, and overwhelming presence, what left the deepest impression on me was…"]
["Her emotions seem exceptionally muted. Rather than a 'ruler,' she feels more like an unfeeling 'executor,' carrying out the singular goal of 'Eternity' in every form."]
This evaluation took many by surprise, as the two previous archons who had appeared were quite gentle.
Even if Zhongli seemed somewhat aloof, his actions revealed a kindness as steady as stone—sheltering others from wind and rain, though the stone itself would never speak.
And it wasn't just the archons—other gods like Havria and Marchosius were also known for their gentleness. So why does the Electro Archon break the pattern?
Yae Miko knew the truth—what Kamisato Ayaka had seen was the true "Raiden Shogun," not Ei herself.
Though Ei's emotions were also somewhat "muted," hers stemmed from her own obliviousness rather than an inability to feel.
"Exactly. She's nothing but a cold, unfeeling god." The Balladeer wholeheartedly agreed with Ayaka's words—though Ayaka hadn't quite phrased it that way...
[Lumine continued: "Has no one else opposed the Vision Hunt Decree?"]
To this, Ayaka answered that Vision holders were exceedingly rare, and for most people, the decree was none of their concern.
Aside from the Yashiro Commission, only the resistance on Watatsumi Island still fought against it.
However, Watatsumi's opposition wasn't solely about the Vision Hunt Decree—it was primarily due to conflicts in faith.
Thus, even those dissatisfied with the Raiden Shogun's decisions had no intention of joining the resistance, instead becoming ronin.
Initially, most Inazumans indeed felt detached, believing that matters concerning Vision holders were too distant from their lives.
But after Lucian wrote these stories, the people of Inazuma realized—these events weren't distant at all. They were happening right beside them.
Because Lucian was writing fiction, and fiction excels in seamless perspective shifts, the stories included different viewpoints and psychological portrayals.
Thus, when depicting the three individuals' stories, readers could easily immerse themselves in their emotions—shattering their defenses.
Readers showered Shikikan with "praise," their "compliments" overflowing.
[Lumine pressed further: "Have you tried formally proposing the abolition of the Vision Hunt Decree?"]
[Kamisato Ayaka replied: "Of course. But every proposal to repeal the decree submitted to Tenshukaku has been vetoed by the Tenryou and Kanjou Commissions…"]
["They've maintained an attitude of unconditional support for the Shogun's decisions, leaving no room for discussion."]
From the current narrative, it seemed the Yashiro Commission—the faction that appeared most opposed to the Raiden Shogun—were the loyal ones, while the Tenryou and Kanjou Commissions—who seemed most supportive—were the sycophants.
Truly, the enemy is within.
The only reason these two commissions hadn't attempted an uprising was the Raiden Shogun's unmatched blade. Otherwise, their deception would have gone far beyond mere concealment.
Yae Miko couldn't help but sigh. I bear three sins: failing to purge the commissions, failing to restrain the Shogun's will, and failing to protect Inazuma.
By these crimes, I have failed the grace of the late Narukami Ogosho.
"Hmph. Baal, how foolish." The Balladeer had never found Lucian's books so enjoyable before.
Admittedly, he was resilient—every time he read them, he'd be devastated, every time he'd burn them in rage. Yet he kept buying them, kept reading them.
Now, at last, he had found something gratifying—the foolish Shogun being deceived by mere mortals. Hahaha!
Returning to the story, though the Traveler had finished asking questions, Paimon had one more—and it struck at the heart of the matter.
The Traveler had asked many things, and Kamisato Ayaka had answered them all. But the most crucial question remained: They were opposing the Vision Hunt Decree, but… had they figured out how?
Regrettably, the answer was no.
This wasn't to say Ayaka had no plan and only blind passion—but the decree had been enacted by the Raiden Shogun.
Setting aside her influence in Inazuma, her sheer combat prowess alone was enough to inspire despair.
She's all brawn and no brain, brute-forcing her way through everything—and worst of all, she actually has the strength to do so.
Endless strength, paired with the stubbornness of a mule. You can't defeat her, and you can't reason with her.
Without the Traveler's intervention as the disruptor, even Yae Miko would have struggled to execute her plans.
In the story, Kamisato Ayaka explained that for now, they could only strive to minimize the tragedies befalling Vision holders.
To that end, they planned to rescue Master Masakatsu, a craftsman specializing in counterfeit Visions.
In a Mondstadt tavern, the patrons glanced at Venti's "Vision" at his waist. Now that's what you call a convincing fake.
Use a counterfeit Inazuman Vision, and the glass will even glow~.
"Want one? You can trade it for wine~!" Venti offered without hesitation.
The tavern-goers, however, assumed, If it's from the Anemo Archon himself, it must be a real Vision, right? After all, he's a god!
Little did they know that Visions had nothing to do with the gods' direct intervention.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice · Lucian: About the Raiden Shogun
"The Shogun? As expected of Ei's creation—so capricious, even more stubborn than Ei herself."