After thinking for a long time, Raiden Ei still couldn't come up with a way to repay him.
So she remained silent.
This was worlds apart from the Ei who had earlier looked like she was ready to slaughter everything in her path.
Everyone present now truly understood just how well Su Ran had her completely restrained.
One casual sentence, and she was rendered speechless.
"So… you're planning to cling to me for the rest of your life?"
This time, Ei reacted.
She nodded.
Without Su Ran, she genuinely didn't know what to do anymore.
"Then give Inazuma to me?"
Su Ran said it half-jokingly.
Yet Ei actually paused to think about it.
And then—she nodded.
She agreed.
Just like that.
"You're not afraid your sister will beat you to death? This is what she entrusted to you with her last breath."
Su Ran pinched Ei's cheeks, completely helpless at how casually she agreed to something so absurd.
Just giving her entire country away like that.
Luckily it was him.
If it were the IPC instead, they wouldn't even question the value— free was free.
"But aren't you and Makoto on the same page?"
Ei tilted her head seriously.
"Whether I give it to you or to her, the outcome is the same."
In fact, Ei even felt that if Su Ran managed Inazuma, he'd do a far better job than she ever had.
If Makoto had objections, at least Ei would have an explanation ready.
"So that means I'd have absolute authority in Inazuma?"
Ei quietly looked at him.
Truth be told, Su Ran already had absolute authority even before this.
No one in Inazuma could stop him from doing anything.
Kujou Sara of the Tenryou Commission and Kamisato Ayaka of the Yashiro Commission both obeyed him completely.
As for Hiiragi Shinsuke of the Kanjou Commission— he was probably already scared out of his wits.
Whether Inazuma was "given" to Su Ran or not changed nothing.
Even before this, hadn't the almighty Narukami Ogosho herself listened to him obediently?
"That being the case…"
Su Ran thought for a moment.
"I want you to learn how to cook."
"Ah?"
Ei froze.
Completely stunned.
Of all the things she could do… he wanted her to cook?
"You could change it to something else. This request is just too strange."
Not just Ei—everyone else thought it was strange too.
Kujou Sara was especially displeased.
The Shogun was a being of dazzling brilliance.
Her hands were meant to wield blades and spears.
Using them to cook?
That was an insult to the Shogun.
"How is that strange?" Su Ran said calmly.
"I think it's perfect. After all, Ei, you'll be someone's wife someday. How can you not know how to cook?"
Yae Miko, ever helpful at the worst possible times, immediately jumped in.
When Ei was in trouble, she could be her greatest ally.
But sometimes… she added fuel to the fire.
Especially now.
Watching Ei blow up kitchens as a clueless country girl?
That sounded hilarious.
"Since you're so supportive," Su Ran smiled, "then you'll supervise her—and be the taste tester."
Yae Miko's smile froze instantly.
…Again.
The fire had burned its way back to her.
"Uh, Su Ran… I really think Ei learning to cook deserves further discussion. Not everyone is suited for this craft."
Yae Miko knew Ei's cooking better than anyone.
Normal people who couldn't cook would at worst make food that tasted awful.
Ei?
Her food didn't just assault your taste buds.
It attacked your health.
Being her taste tester was basically self-harm.
"Hm… then how about Makoto being the taste tester?"
Yae Miko instantly relaxed.
"That actually works. Younger sister cooks, older sister tastes. Sounds reasonable."
Makoto's cooking was decent.
With her keeping an eye on things, Ei's food probably wouldn't become completely inedible.
"I think Yae Miko should do it."
Ei spoke calmly.
She knew her limits.
Making Yae suffer was fine.
Making Makoto suffer? Absolutely not.
If someone had to taste it, Yae was the correct choice.
"..."
Yae Miko looked like a wronged ghost.
Radiating resentment in every direction.
Toward Su Ran.
Toward Ei.
How did these two decide her fate so casually?
Was she really doomed to die like this?
"Then it's settled. Ei's cooking is in your hands."
"Yes, yes…"
Yae Miko replied weakly.
She had zero confidence that Ei's cooking would improve under her supervision.
And she still had to taste it.
This was suffering for suffering's sake.
So this was Su Ran's goal all along?
Not satisfied with bullying Ei alone— he dragged her in too?
"Catch."
Su Ran handed Ei to Kamisato Ayaka.
Ayaka: "..."
Why her again?
This was already the second time.
Holding Lady Ei felt like holding a burning coal.
Her entire body stiffened.
Kujou Sara stared at the tiny Shogun in Ayaka's arms, envy practically pouring out of her eyes.
She wished she could replace her on the spot.
Even once, even if it meant never receiving a salary again—
she'd gladly take it!
Ayaka's embarrassed gaze met Kujou Sara's overflowing envy.
After a brief, silent exchange—
They reached an agreement.
"Lady Ei… Miss Kujou seems to really want to hold you."
Kujou Sara:
Could you be any more blunt?! How am I supposed to face the Shogun after this?!
"..."
Ei could tell what her subordinate was thinking.
She respected her too much to say it outright.
"Then Sara can take over for now."
With permission granted, Ayaka and Kujou Sara carried out the handover as solemnly as if it were a sacred ceremony.
Lumine watched with deep envy.
If she didn't know how terrifying the Raiden Shogun was, she'd want to join in too.
Once everyone else's matters were more or less settled—
Su Ran walked over to the visibly uneasy Sangonomiya Kokomi.
"Well then, little Kokomi," he asked calmly, "have you found your way out yet?"
—------------------------------
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