...
The weather today was gloomy and overcast. Even with windows in Tenshukaku, barely any light made its way through. The grand hall was dim, draped in soft, muted shadows.
The faint purple hue that dominated the room gave the space an ethereal, dreamlike atmosphere. Only a few paper lanterns flickered weakly, casting a gentle glow that illuminated the corners of the room—and the exquisite beauty seated gracefully before her desk atop the raised dais.
Clack…
She set down the papers in her hand, her brush gliding elegantly across each page to sign her approval before picking up another stack of official documents.
Behind her stood the folding screen adorned with the emblem of the Electro Mitsudomoe. Beyond it lay her private quarters—but her workspace was always here, right before the chamber's entrance.
The hall was utterly silent, save for the faint, delicate sounds of her brush on paper and the soft rustle as documents were set aside.
Each decree, each report of Inazuma had to be reviewed by her own hand. It was part of her daily duty as ruler, a responsibility she carried out with perfect precision. It was exhausting, yes—but not unpleasant. After all, what other interests could she possibly have? For a puppet such as herself, what was there beyond duty?
Would daydreaming count? Perhaps it would.
"Haah~m…"
A faint yawn escaped her lips as she instinctively raised a delicate hand to cover it, her amethyst eyes narrowing with a soft, languid gleam. Even as she lowered her hand, her posture grew ever so slightly relaxed.
"How strange… I have no need for sleep. Why, then, do I still yawn?"
Could this have been something Ei had programmed into her—an attempt to simulate human habits?
"Ha~m~…"
Another yawn slipped free, accompanied this time by a small, involuntary tear at the corner of her eye.
Haa… Why include such an inconvenient function? It only delays my work… and I cannot modify it myself. Hmph…
Still, she understood why Ei might have done it. It was likely a reminder—a subtle message to rest, to pause from her endless labor. A simple system meant to tell her: You've done enough. Relax.
"…Honestly… there's just no helping her."
She brushed away the tear with a slender finger, a gentle smile curving her lips. For a brief moment, her stunning face softened with warmth and fondness—a sight so captivating that any who saw it might have lost themselves in it completely.
Can a puppet truly shed tears? she wondered vaguely to herself.
But then her gaze drifted to a document lying nearby, and her expression cooled once more. She picked it up, scanning the lines of text.
It was a recent report from the Tenryou Commission detailing Inazuma's current state.
"…"
She read in silence. The handwriting—she recognized it. Kujou Takayuki's.
"'The people live in peace and prosperity. The age is harmonious and blessed.'"
Her voice was low, laced with disbelief as she recited the words.
"'The Vision Hunt Decree was the right decision. The citizens of Inazuma wholeheartedly support Your Excellency. We will forever follow your path—glory to the Shogun and her everlasting reign!.'"
Her cool voice echoed softly through the dim room, each syllable smooth and precise.
"Heh… falsifying reports, are we? Only you, Kujou Takayuki, would dare such arrogance."
Peace and prosperity? Harmony and stability? Absurd. No one knew Inazuma's current state better than she did—it was a land mired in unrest and suffering.
The old fool was clearly scheming something behind the scenes. Did he truly believe she was blind to it?
People said the Tenryou Commission maintained a close bond with her—but that was nothing more than their delusion. The only one she truly trusted among them was Kujou Sara. The small favors she extended to the Commission were for Sara's sake alone. As for Takayuki, she had spared his position only because he was her subordinate's adoptive father.
"Enough… I'll let you play your little game for now. Once Inazuma's situation is resolved, I'll deal with you properly."
He posed no real threat at the moment. Stripping him of his position would be inevitable—just a matter of time.
Both the Kanjou and Tenryou Commissions had already begun showing signs of corruption and complacency. When all this was over, she would conduct a thorough purge.
"Phew…"
She shifted her posture slightly, extending her legs to the side, her shapely limbs wrapped in thigh-high stockings crossing gracefully at the knee. The movement was elegant yet effortlessly alluring, as the faint lantern light traced the outline of her poised form.
With a soft motion, she untied the braid at the back of her head, allowing her violet hair to spill freely over her shoulders. Her once-upright posture relaxed as she leaned forward slightly, resting her cheek against the back of her hand.
Settling into that repose, she gently closed her eyes—entering a brief state of rest. Not true sleep, but a temporary suspension of her body's functions.
The warm glow of the paper lanterns bathed her serene face in soft gold, while her lilac strands shimmered faintly in the light. Her tranquil beauty at that moment was breathtaking, like a vision painted in silk and moonlight.
She remained in this state for several quiet hours—
Until the heavy doors of Tenshukaku slid open with a muted sound. A soldier from the Tenryou Commission entered carefully, his footsteps as light as possible. He knelt at the base of the dais upon seeing her.
When he noticed that she appeared to be resting, he hesitated, unsure if he should speak.
"...?"
But years of training had sharpened her senses beyond the ordinary. Even the faintest sound could not escape her notice. Slowly, she opened her eyes and straightened her posture, her gaze settling—calm yet commanding—on the man below.
"S-Shogun-sama."
The soldier's voice trembled, realizing he may have disturbed her.
"...What is it?" she asked simply, ignoring his nervousness.
"The 'Vision Hunt Ceremony' has been prepared."
He spoke quickly, trying to sound composed.
"...Ceremony? What ceremony?" Her brows knit slightly. She had not ordered any such thing.
"Um… it's for the confiscation of the one-hundredth Vision," the soldier explained after a brief pause.
"The confiscation of the one-hundredth Vision is indeed imminent. But I never issued any command to hold a ceremony. Whose idea was this?"
She rose from behind her desk, folding her arms as she stepped forward with measured grace. Standing tall, she looked down upon him from above the dais, her tone cool and sharp.
"I-it was Lord Kujou Takayuki who said… since it marks the one-hundredth Vision seized under the Decree, it represents a great milestone in Your Excellency's divine work. Therefore, it should be celebrated with due ceremony. He also mentioned that the bearer of this one-hundredth Vision has already been captured, so… your personal attendance would be most fitting."
Her gaze darkened slightly as she listened in silence.
"..."
The soldier felt his throat tighten, cold sweat trickling down his neck.
"Pointless."
Her reply was icy and flat.
"To spend effort on such trivial pomp instead of improving one's own 'conduct'—how disappointing."
Her words cut like thunder, laced with quiet disdain.
"T-then… does Your Excellency still intend to attend…?" the soldier asked nervously, wiping the sweat from his brow. After all, the men had spent considerable effort preparing the event; if she refused outright, all their work would be in vain. He silently prayed she would agree.
"...Hmph. You've all gone to such trouble. How could I not attend? Very well—tell them to wait outside."
She sighed softly, seeing the soldier's anxiety. Though she found the event meaningless, she would not let the soldiers' efforts go to waste.
"As you command!"
The soldier's relief was palpable. He bowed deeply before retreating from the hall.
"Haah…"
Watching his departing figure, she sighed again, then deftly gathered her loose hair, weaving it back into its braid. With measured steps, she approached the grand doors of Tenshukaku.
Boom!
With a single push, the massive doors swung open. The figure that emerged was no longer the gentle woman seen in private, but the true Raiden Shogun—her divine authority radiating through the air like thunder's judgment. A wave of awe swept through those assembled below.
"Shogun-sama!" ×N
Rows of soldiers in full armor knelt instantly, their voices unified in reverence. The broad path between them stretched straight ahead—leading directly to the Statue of the Omnipresent God beyond the castle gates.
Tap, tap…
Her high-heeld sandals clicked crisply against the stone as she walked forward, her gaze sweeping casually over the rows of soldiers to either side before lifting her hand in a calm gesture.
"There's no need for formality. Rise."
The command was simple and poised.
Swish…
The soldiers straightened in perfect unison, placing their weapons neatly by their sides and standing tall with proud posture. The scene resembled a grand inspection parade. For them, standing in the presence of the Shogun herself was the highest of honors—an achievement they would carry for life.
Meanwhile, a great number of citizens and merchants from Hanamizaka had gathered nearby, crowding around the wooden bridge to catch a glimpse of the spectacle. The Tenryou Commission soldiers held them back, but that didn't stop the lively chatter and excitement spreading through the crowd. It was like a festival—or a fan gathering, even. The anticipation was palpable.
After all, seeing the Raiden Shogun in person was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most of Inazuma's people. To witness her perform a Vision confiscation in person—now that was a rare, thrilling sight.
"Hey, look! It's Shogun-sama!"
"Whoa… she's gorgeous!"
"That face—ah~ (>_<)"
"This is my first time seeing her in person… she's even more beautiful than I imagined!"
"Can you guys control yourselves? Even the girls are swooning!"
The murmurs rippled through the crowd, mostly from young men but with plenty of flustered women among them as well.
"The Shogun's kimono is exquisite… so refined yet so elegant. It suits her perfectly," said Ogura Mio, the owner of the clothing shop, her eyes sparkling as she studied the craftsmanship of the Shogun's attire. Naturally, as a tailor, she couldn't help but admire the divine standard of Inazuma's fashion.
The Shogun's aesthetic sense was beyond reproach. Ogura found herself already imagining what it would be like to create a replica of that kimono for her shop.
Bump!
Just as she was about to look up again, someone bumped into her from behind—hard enough to make her stumble slightly. She winced, rubbing her back as she turned with a frown.
"Hey! Watch where you're going, honestly…"
She complained, but her voice trailed off when she noticed who had bumped into her—a blond-haired boy who clearly wasn't local, accompanied by a tiny floating companion. Both looked anxious, weaving through the crowd hurriedly as if searching for someone.
Her words went completely ignored.
"What's with them? So rude…" she muttered under her breath, pouting before turning her gaze back toward the Shogun's figure.
"Did you find him, Aether?!"
Paimon's voice piped up over the din, fluttering above the crowd.
"No… there are too many people—I can't see clearly!" Aether gritted his teeth as he pushed forward, squeezing through the dense mass of bodies. His eyes scanned frantically, searching for any trace of Thoma. The man's outfit should stand out… maybe he was near—
There! He found him!
Across the cordon formed by the Tenryou Commission soldiers—on the wooden platform beneath the Statue of the Omnipresent God.
The platform had three levels. On the lowest one, Thoma knelt on the ground, his wrists tightly bound with rope, flanked on both sides by armed guards. His head was lowered, his posture restrained—like that of a criminal.
No… in this moment, he was one.
"Thoma!!"
Paimon's voice rang out, but the roar of the crowd drowned it completely.
Aether's brows furrowed, his eyes shifting between the soldiers surrounding Thoma. His hand twitched, ready to act—but then—
"Aether! Look over there!" Paimon tugged at his sleeve urgently.
He followed her gaze—up toward the topmost level of the platform, beneath the towering statue.
The woman standing there, her elegant figure framed by lightning.
"That's… Raiden Shogun?" Paimon whispered.
"It should be…" Aether muttered, his eyes narrowing with a hint of anger as he glared across the distance. His gaze flicked once more to Thoma—helpless and bound—and his hand clenched into a tight fist.
He'd seen firsthand what it meant to have one's Vision stripped away. The agony, the emptiness…
No matter who stood in their way—even if it was the Shogun herself—he couldn't just stand by.
Crackle…
A low rumble of thunder rolled across the dark sky, a muted flash of violet illuminating the platform. The storm wind picked up, tugging at the Shogun's kimono sleeves and hem, making them billow like banners of divine judgment.
Silently, she approached the statue, gazing up at the multitude of Visions embedded within it. As if responding to her presence, they began to shimmer, each one radiating a distinct hue of light.
Turning, her eyes fell upon the platform below—upon the captive Vision bearer kneeling at its base. His head hung low, his face obscured, but the color of his Vision and its resonance made it clear—Pyro.
As she stepped closer to the edge of the platform, the man lifted his head. Their eyes met. His expression was a blend of defiance and anguish.
"..."
She recognized that face. Familiar.
A brief moment of thought—and then she remembered. This man served the Kamisato household. If so… why had he been captured? Perhaps she would ask Ayaka about it later.
But that was for another time. Whoever he was, it did not matter. The ritual must proceed. The Vision Hunt Decree could not bend for the sake of personal connection or sentiment. To make an exception would undermine everything.
Whoosh!
Her hand lifted slightly, fingers curling in the air.
Violet lightning gathered in her palm, crackling with a steady hum. The Pyro Vision at Thoma's waist began to tremble violently, glowing erratically as if in protest.
Crack! ×N
It was as though an unseen force had seized it, pulling it from him like a black hole swallowing light. With a gentle backward motion of her hand—
Fwoosh!
The Vision tore free from its setting and floated upward, drawn toward the Shogun's outstretched palm like a soul returning to its god.
"!"
Thoma's eyes widened in alarm. He tried to rise, desperate to reach for it—but the soldiers on either side forced him down.
"Damn it!" he gasped, frustration twisting his voice as he struggled helplessly.
The Shogun saw it all—his fear, his despair—and for the briefest instant, a flicker of sorrow passed through her gaze. Then, just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by the same cold indifference as always.
"This is bad! They're taking Thoma's Vision!"
Paimon's shrill cry cut through the din from the crowd.
"!!"
Aether's brows knit tightly. Without hesitation, his body flashed into motion—his form dissolving into a streak of lightning that split the air.
In the blink of an eye, he appeared in midair, snatching the Vision from its path before it could reach her hand. Landing lightly on the platform below, he straightened slowly, the reclaimed Vision clutched firmly in his grasp.
The wind whipped around him as he lifted his head. His amber eyes locked on hers—unflinching, fierce, burning with anger and accusation.
Around them, gasps rippled through the crowd. None could believe what they were seeing—a man openly standing against the Raiden Shogun, defying her divine authority.
"Hey…" Thoma muttered under his breath, stunned. His heart clenched with both gratitude and dread. "Why'd you have to go and do something so reckless…?"
He knew Aether meant to save him—but to stand before the Shogun herself? It was madness.
"…"
The Shogun's eyes narrowed dangerously. To have her hand stayed, her will interrupted—she did not take kindly to it.
Yes, she might have returned the Vision afterward. But to have it snatched from her in front of her people… was intolerable.
Unacceptable.
Because… she hated being defied.
Still, what caught her attention even more was what she had just sensed.
That boy… he had wielded elemental power—without a Vision.
Her amethyst gaze sharpened, the faintest flicker of intrigue mingling with disdain.
Such a thing was impossible in Teyvat. She knew of another world, one where power came without Visions—the world of Fiore. But this was Inazuma. Teyvat.
Which meant that this traveler was an anomaly.
An exception.
And exceptions… are the enemy of Eternity.