After Ei finished drinking the orange juice, she obediently withdrew, and the Shogun regained control of her body once again.
However, the next second, the kitchen door was pushed open by someone.
Click.
A clear sound came from the latch.
"..." ×3
The three of them turned to look in unison. What came into view was a petite blonde girl with twin spiral pigtails. She stood by the doorway, casually glancing around the kitchen before looking toward them.
"Lady Beatrice, how may we assist you?"
Ram stepped forward slightly and bowed politely as she asked.
"Ram, where is Emilia?"
The blonde girl instinctively looked toward the head maid here, the pink-haired maid standing beside the Shogun—Ram.
She asked in a young and crisp voice.
Whether it was her natural style or something else, both her tone and expression carried a clear sense of displeasure. Or perhaps awkwardness? A hint of tsundere attitude.
"Lady Emilia went to the royal capital earlier and has yet to return."
Ram did not mind her tone and responded calmly as usual.
"The royal capital? ...She still hasn't come back?"
Betty frowned slightly.
"Yes."
Ram nodded.
"When did she leave?"
She asked again.
"Approximately several hours ago, sometime in the morning."
Ram glanced at the clock as she answered.
"Morning? She should have returned by now. Could something have happened?"
No... with my brother there, nothing should go wrong, right?
Beatrice pondered silently.
"May I ask if something has happened?"
Ram attempted to inquire.
"No, nothing. Roswaal was simply a bit concerned... he asked me to check while I was passing by."
After speaking, Beatrice turned and left the kitchen without looking back, disappearing into the room opposite. The kitchen door closed firmly behind her with a sharp snap.
"..."
Ram turned around and walked back toward the Shogun, resting her chin on her hand as she silently contemplated something.
"Are you worried about her?"
Seeing the girl's expression, the Shogun could not help asking.
"A little... Lady Beatrice has a point. She left in the morning, so she should have returned by now."
Ram's brows furrowed slightly, her voice gradually lowering.
"Then shall I go to the royal capital and take a look?"
Rem washed her hands and walked over, proposing to Ram that she go alone to search.
"That works... Rem, go find Lady Emilia."
Ram nodded in agreement with her sister's suggestion. However, the next second, the purple-haired beauty beside her interrupted.
"—I will go instead."
After thinking for a moment, the Shogun spoke up.
"Eh? You will go, Shogun-sama?" ×2
The sisters froze briefly and looked at her.
"Correct."
"But letting you go alone feels somewhat..."
Rem looked at her with concern, feeling uneasy.
"Then Ram will accompany you."
Ram suggested.
"I alone am sufficient. I am merely looking for someone. There is no need to make such a commotion."
She shook her head and declined.
"Do you not still have cooking to finish? Do not delay your work."
She gently reminded them, looking at what the two girls were doing.
"..." ×2
The sisters exchanged a glance before reluctantly conceding. They could never win an argument with the woman before them. Moreover, if the Shogun went, it would indeed be safer than Rem going alone. In terms of combat strength alone, it was more than enough.
"We understand. Please be careful on your journey, Shogun-sama." ×2
The sisters bowed slightly and spoke in unison.
...
The Dragon Kingdom of Lugunica.
A prosperous nation built under the protection of a covenant once formed with the Divine Dragon Volcanica.
Whether war, plague, or even famine, every crisis had been avoided under the dragon's blessing. Throughout the long history of the kingdom, the word "dragon" had never disappeared.
And the royal capital of Lugunica was the central region of this country, as well as its most prosperous great city.
All this information had been explained to her by the girl she was now searching for—Emilia.
Emilia was the first person she met after arriving in this world. At the time, the other was still a wandering child with no one to rely on, and they had spent a long period together.
Afterward, she met Ram and Rem—yes, those two maids. When she encountered them in the forest back then, they were already severely injured. Ram was being carried by her younger sister Rem, her forehead covered in blood. Fortunately, she had used Musou Isshin to provide timely aid, pulling the other back from the brink of death.
Judging by the horn Rem had revealed at the time, they were likely members of the oni race. There were oni in Inazuma as well, so she recognized it immediately. Perhaps because she was the Raiden Shogun, the deity of Inazuma, yet also Ei's daughter—thus akin to a princess of Inazuma—and because the oni were also part of Inazuma's people, she instinctively treated the two as her own subjects, saving them and leading them through the forest. Eventually, the three of them, including herself, met the owner of this mansion—Roswaal.
She could tell that this man was far from normal. He was someone harboring schemes and hidden intentions. But that did not matter. She did not fear such things, and he could not defeat her anyway. Besides, why waste a ready-made residence? Ram and Rem needed rest due to their injuries, and Emilia also needed a warm place to stay.
And thus things continued until now...
"..."
Although she had already read various strange accounts about this world countless times, she still was not entirely accustomed to it...
Especially the animals that walked like monsters, dressed in human clothing. Pigs, chickens, cats, dogs—everything existed. Some wore armor and carried swords, some dressed like dancers, and others wore full black robes like mages. Occasionally, a few ordinary humans would pass by her side, bringing her a small sense of relief.
Although Inazuma also had yokai like this, it was not to such an exaggerated extent that they filled the streets everywhere.
[What a strange world.]
Ei shared the same sentiment, sighing inwardly. Experiences like this were even more effective than being a god, broadening her horizons and reshaping her worldview.
'Agreed.'
She replied briefly, then continued walking through the lively streets of the royal capital, not forgetting her primary task while wandering.
Her casual outfit was still the dark dress Ayaka had given her. The ribboned high heels supporting her black-stockinged feet clicked crisply against the clean stone pavement, each step producing a clear, dimensional sound. The dark skirt swayed lightly with every stride, folding gracefully as she walked.
Surprisingly, this attire suited the place quite well. If she had worn a kimono instead, it would have felt out of place.
After passing through a street filled with large lizard-like creatures—apparently called ground dragons (?) that pulled carriages—she successfully entered an area resembling a marketplace. A golden dirt road ran through the center, while lively stalls lined both sides. Vegetables, fruit, and meat were all displayed openly.
"Hey, miss~! Want to buy some apples?"
Hearing the rough voice beside her, she paused slightly and looked toward the stall on her right. A rugged-looking man stood there holding an apple, currently addressing her.
"..."
Her gaze fell upon the rosy red apple in his hand, and she narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Absolutely delicious! And no additives! Completely natural!"
The man continued enthusiastically promoting his goods.
"How much?"
Hearing this, she turned and walked over, taking the apple into her hand. Its quality looked perfect, almost too large for her slender fingers to hold comfortably.
"Seven coins. A bit pricey, sure, but the quality is excellent. You won't regret it!"
The man introduced it fluently.
"...Is it sweet?"
She asked cutely.
"Of course it's sweet! Just take a bite. If it isn't sweet, you don't have to pay! Go ahead, try it!"
"Alright..."
Crunch~
She took a bite. Sweet, juicy flavor immediately spread throughout her mouth, making her narrow her eyes in quiet enjoyment.
'Ei, would you like a bite?'
She gently called out to her mother.
[Mm.]
Ei felt a little tempted as well.
Slurp~
Ei took a bite too, just like her daughter, narrowing her eyes in enjoyment. Sharing the same body truly had its advantages.
"Hehe~ So, miss? Pretty good, right?"
The man grinned proudly when he saw her reaction.
"Very delicious. I'll take more."
The Shogun, now back in control, spoke to him.
"Alright! How many?"
"Hmm—four more."
She answered.
"Got it~! That'll be twenty-eight. I'll give you a two-coin discount. Let's make it twenty-five."
After packing the apples into a bag, the man handed it to her. She accepted it and reached for the money pouch at her waist, but her hand suddenly paused. She lifted her gaze to look at him.
"Do you accept Mora?"
She did not question the incorrect calculation. Instead, she asked this.
"Huh? Mora? What's that? Nope, I only take regular money~! Don't tell me you didn't bring any? That won't do, little lady."
He frowned slightly.
"..."
She sighed faintly, then took out the pouch of money Ram had given her earlier from another pocket. After roughly estimating the amount, she handed over the coins.
"Alright, here's your change. Take care now."
Clink...
After putting away the returned coins, she carried the bag and left. Along the way, she picked up another apple and began eating it. Ei occasionally switched in to take a few bites as well. With so many people around, it wasn't suitable for her to manifest physically, so they simply exchanged control of their body while eating the apples. The scene was rather comical.
They even completely forgot about the task of searching for someone.