In reality, under the "home invasion" style "lectures" from Lucian, Yae Miko, and others, Ei had come to a realization.
No matter how hard she tried, Inazuma would never truly stand still. It was always moving forward, always changing. The only one stuck in place was her.
What was this feeling like?
Everything had changed, and yet, it didn't seem to have changed for the worse.
The desserts tasted better, and the stories were more interesting.
Even now, Ei would say the same—dango milk was truly delicious, and the books were engaging and fun.
But, "I have never again eaten beans as good as that night, nor seen plays as fine as that night."
Perhaps this line perfectly captured Ei's mood.
After the "date," the Traveler took a portrait photo of the "country girl visiting the city for the first time" as a keepsake.
The Kamera captured Ei's figure, truly "preserving her shadow."
[Upon receiving the "photo," Ei said, "This… it's amazing. Is this some kind of magic? Is the… figure inside a copy of me?"]
As a "country girl," Ei naturally couldn't comprehend something as modern as a Kamera—she wasn't a "trendsetter" like Furina.
But, to be fair, while the "country girl" couldn't understand the Kamera, she could approach it from unique, novel perspectives.
Ei managed to ponder "eternity" through this photo.
She thought, if this photo was "one form of my existence," then the form of "me" pursuing eternity was constantly changing. Every photo was "me."
If even she couldn't remain eternally unchanged, how could she expect the people of Inazuma to stay the same?
In reality, Ei was also lost in thought. Inazuma had indeed changed, but it was still Inazuma.
Just like the "her" in this photo—her future self might change, but it would still be her.
Lucian couldn't articulate much about this dialectical philosophy; it was up to Ei to figure it out herself.
Fortunately, while Ei's emotional intelligence was low, her intellect was not. Given time to think, she'd eventually sort it out.
Back to the story, while Ei was still pondering, someone interrupted her thoughts.
The newcomer was named Ippei, a follower of Kujou Kamaji.
He was searching for his young master, as Kujou Kamaji hadn't returned since going to discuss strategies with the Takatsukasa Clan. Out of worry, Ippei was looking everywhere.
Upon learning this, Ei said she would check on the situation, as it was a consequence of her not making decisions promptly.
Arriving at the Takatsukasa Clan's secret base, Ei and the Traveler discovered a group of ronin stationed there.
This was, after all, the Tenryou Commission's territory. Ronin were more like "outlaws of the greenwood," so the situation was akin to outlaws camping in the Imperial Guard's headquarters.
Ei naturally didn't give them a friendly look. Those who fled wisely were spared; those who dared block her path were cut down!
Thus, wielding a "watermelon knife," Ei led the Traveler, slashing their way from the entrance to the depths of the stronghold.
[Takatsukasa Susumu exclaimed in shock, "Lady Shogun!"]
He never could have imagined that the Shogun, who rarely left her residence, would show up here at this moment.
You never go out, so why did you come out the moment I stirred up trouble?
And even if you went out, why did you come straight to my secret base?
[Ei: "Explain the situation here, descendant of the Takatsukasa Clan."]
In the story, Takatsukasa Susumu was sweating buckets. He couldn't let the Shogun catch him scheming.
Even when the previous Tenryou Commissioner, Kujou Takayuki, caused trouble, he did so secretly, not daring to let the Shogun know.
Takatsukasa Susumu could only spout nonsense, hoping to fool the Shogun.
But Ei wasn't foolish. She had simply not paid attention to these matters before. She saw through Takatsukasa Susumu's lies easily.
[Ei snapped, "Silence!"]
[She continued, "Descendant of the Kujou Clan, you speak."]
[Kujou Kamaji said honestly, "Very well. I originally came here to negotiate, but all they wanted was for the Kujou Clan to sign a confession."]
This made it clear to readers—it was a power grab.
They wanted the Kujou Clan, head of the Tenryou Commission, to sign a confession taking all the blame, so the subordinate families could partially absolve themselves.
On top of that, the Kujou Clan would likely be finished, and these families might even climb higher.
If it was just that, it might've been tolerable, as the Kujou Clan's crimes were factual.
But Takatsukasa Susumu didn't just want Kujou Kamaji to sign a confession; he also demanded a "letter of recommendation" for the Takatsukasa Clan.
It was to state how crucial the Takatsukasa Clan's role was in this turmoil, how decisive their actions were, subtly implying they were more suited to lead the Tenryou Commission.
To the people of Inazuma, this was intolerable. Who are you? We didn't see you during the resistance, but now that we've won, you want to reap the rewards?
The Tenryou Commission's position rotates through families, and even if it went to Yoimiya or someone else, it wouldn't go to you!
Some Inazumans actually favored Kaedehara Kazuha, as the Kaedehara Clan was once prominent and had some renown.
Plus, Kazuha's performance in the story was outstanding, with excellent strength and character, naturally earning high support.
But Kazuha was used to freedom and had little desire to take the Tenryou Commission's position, so the people of Inazuma couldn't force him.
[Ei declared bluntly, "There's no need for such trouble. After all, I appoint the Tenryou Commissioner. If someone can defeat me in a duel, they will be the new Commissioner."]
The people of Inazuma were dumbfounded. Lady Shogun, what are you saying?
No need for such trouble—just defeat you?
Lady Shogun, aren't you getting something mixed up? Defeating you is the real trouble!
Which is easier: defeating the Shogun in a duel or pressuring Kujou Kamaji?
Even if Arataki Itto came, he… well, he might be stubborn enough to try, but even he knows which is simpler!
Compared to that, pressuring Kujou Kamaji for a "letter of recommendation" isn't just easy—it's leisure mode.
Takatsukasa Susumu thought the same. Duel the Shogun? Am I crazy?
[Takatsukasa Susumu: "This… duel Lady Shogun?"]
Me, fight the Shogun? For real? Can I win?
[Ei gazed calmly at Takatsukasa Susumu: "You claim you'd lay down your life for me, yet you dare not face my blade?"]
Whether in reality or the story, Takatsukasa Susumu was sweating profusely.
Face your blade? How many people in this world would dare? I'm not Kaedehara Kazuha!
If I really faced your blade, I'd truly be "laying down my life"—guts and brains splattered everywhere, how gory would that be?
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice · Raiden Ei: About the Kujou Clan
"The Kujou Clan made mistakes and should be punished, but their descendants still retain the valor of their ancestors, which is commendable."