Murata Himeko drank recklessly this time, getting completely drunk as if she was pouring out all the emotions she had kept bottled up inside.
Kuki Miyuki, who had been drinking with Akira and Himeko, also ended up drunk.
After sending Himeko and Miyuki back to their rooms to rest, Akira stepped outside and saw Raiden Ei and Raiden Makoto sitting under the Sacred Sakura tree, chatting.
"Makoto, what brings you here?" Akira asked curiously as he walked over and sat down beside them.
"There wasn't much going on at Tenshukaku today, so I left the Shogun to handle things while I came to check on Ei," Makoto said with a smile. "Ei's been spending less and less time at home."
"The Grand Narukami Shrine is also our home," Ei said seriously.
"Of course~" Makoto looked at her sister with affection. After being apart for 500 years, she wanted to make up for lost time with Ei.
"By the way, Akira, regarding the compensation for Watatsumi Island, I'm planning to arrange it in the next few days," Makoto said, turning to Akira.
"For the military presence, we'll leave it to the Tenryou Commission. As for the economic compensation, that'll be handled by the Kanjou Commission," Akira nodded. "Let Sara and Chisato handle it."
"Some officials have already submitted proposals. Now that Inazuma's situation is gradually stabilizing and the Sakoku Decree is about to be lifted, they're hoping to re-elect the heads of the Tenryou and Kanjou Commissions. What do you think?" Makoto asked.
"What do I think?" Akira sneered. "Even though they haven't done anything to harm Inazuma, aren't they all just trying to seize control of the Tenryou and Kanjou Commissions for themselves?"
"What do you think of Hiiragi Chisato as the Acting Commissioner of the Kanjou Commission?" Akira asked. "Makoto, how do you think she's been handling things?"
Exceptionally well," Makoto nodded in praise.
"She's clear-headed and decisive. I've reviewed every regulation the Kanjou Commission has issued recently, and they're all policies that benefit the nation and its people."
"She's a hardworking and outstanding young woman," Makoto said.
"Then that settles it," Akira smiled. "Let's make Hiiragi Chisato the official Commissioner of the Kanjou Commission. Since they've already brought it up, we'll just formalize her position."
"That works," Makoto nodded. Having Chisato as the Commissioner would be far more useful than appointing some power-hungry fool.
Ei sat quietly beside them, listening to Akira and Makoto discuss political matters.
After they finished discussing politics, Ei spoke up calmly:
"Makoto, after the Divine Coronation Ceremony, Akira said he'll give us a wedding. Why don't you marry Akira too?"
"Huh?" Makoto was momentarily stunned. She looked at Akira, her heart stirring slightly.
Makoto then glanced at Ei, seeing her serious expression, and smiled softly. "You're willing to share Akira's love with me?"
"You're my sister. Why wouldn't I be okay with it?" Ei shook her head. "I've thought about it for a long time. If you're with us, Akira can protect you forever, and we can always be together."
"But even if we're not together, you can still protect me," Makoto smiled.
"I can't..." Ei shook her head stubbornly. "It's not the same! 500 years ago, I failed to protect you. That's why I want you to marry Akira too. I've already lost you once. I can't bear to lose you a second time."
Seeing Ei's earnest expression, Makoto pondered for a moment before suddenly smiling. "Alright~"
"You agreed!" Ei said in delight.
"Yes," Makoto gently patted Ei's head. "I can't bear to leave you all again either. Besides, Ei, we're twin thunder, forever intertwined. You and I are one, inseparable. If you've married Akira, how could I not?"
"That's wonderful!" Ei smiled happily, then turned to Akira. "Akira! Did you hear that? Makoto agreed!"
"Mhm, I heard," Akira nodded, looking at Makoto's beautiful, radiant face with a bright smile. "Actually, I discussed this with Makoto a few days ago."
"Though it seems, Makoto, you've made up your mind these past few days?"
"Huh?" Ei was stunned, looking back and forth between Akira and Makoto. Wait, they had already talked about this?!
"Yes," Makoto took Akio's hand and smiled at Ei. "Actually, Akira brought this up with me not long after we first met. At the time, I told him I wanted to get to know him better."
"Truthfully, I had already agreed back then. No matter how you look at it, I had no reason to refuse Akira."
"These past few days, I've thought about it many times. I realized I do need a partner, and Akira is the best choice for me," Makoto said gently. "Ei, I was actually wondering how to bring this up with you. I didn't expect you to mention it first."
"Ah?" Ei stared at the two of them in disbelief. Wait, so you two had already gotten together?
"Ei, what's with that look?" Makoto asked, amused by Ei's slightly defeated and angry expression.
"So... everything I said was just a joke?" Ei bit her lip, looking at the two of them with a pout, feeling like the world was full of malice! Their smiles were so infuriating.
"Akira!! You're bullying me!" Ei said angrily, glaring at Akira.
"Huh? I'm not," Akira quickly shook his head, unable to suppress his smile.
"You're so mean!" Ei grabbed Akira's arm. "I challenge you to a duel!"
"Hey, hey, hey..." Akira was dragged away by Ei.
"Makoto, save me," Akira called out.
"Mmm~ this tea is so fragrant..." Makoto seemed not to hear, smiling as she sipped her tea.
The two of them loved to bicker, and Makoto knew that. Her sister was usually a bit reserved, but around Akira, her emotions became more vibrant. Wasn't that a good thing?
On the open ground, Akira seemed to be completely "overpowered" by Ei, appearing to have no chance of winning.
"Akira! As a warrior, you should give it your all in a duel!" Ei said, dissatisfied.
Akira almost laughed. How could he go all out against his wife?
But the next moment, he deflected Ei's punch with a gentle motion and pulled her into his arms.
"Mmm~" Ei and Akira embraced, her eyes closing slightly.
Under the Sacred Sakura tree, a gentle breeze carried cherry blossom petals, as the two figures savored the sweetness of the moment.