Kujou Kamaji continued, "I am also stating the facts. Her Excellency the Shogun will judge accordingly. The Takatsukasa clan's intention is simply to build a positive image for themselves and seek to replace the Kujou clan."
"Why else would they emphasize nonexistent achievements in the Kujou clan's confession and try to force me to sign it by keeping me confined?"
"What are you talking about? Who confined you? This is a negotiation. This is not what we discussed earlier!" The head of the Takatsukasa clan shouted.
[Paimon: What about this Takatsukasa clan? Miko, can you tell us?]
[Yae Miko: The Takatsukasa clan? Just a minor family. In Inazuma, only three major clans are permitted to maintain their own military forces. Thus, the gap in strength between clans is quite significant.]
[Paimon: Does the Kamisato clan have their own military too?]
[Yae Miko: Of course. Sayu is a member. Though she does love sleeping, her abilities are beyond question.]
[Paimon: Sayu's infiltration skills are indeed impressive.]
[Thoma: The young lady is also quite skilled in swordsmanship.]
[Kamisato Ayaka: Thoma...]
Ei said, "I have roughly understood the situation."
The Takatsukasa clan head tried to explain further. "Your Excellency, do not listen to this young man's nonsense! You know how grave the Kujou clan's transgressions were. Not a single word from them can be trusted."
"Hmph." Ei said dismissively. "I have no interest in your disputes. However, descendant of Takatsukasa, you wish to become the head of the Tenryou Commission, do you not?"
"Well..." The Takatsukasa clan head stammered. "Yes, that is correct. To devote myself entirely to Your Excellency's service is the eternal pursuit of every member of the Tenryou Commission."
Ei said coldly, "Then there is no need for such trouble. After all, I am the one who appoints the head of the Tenryou Commission. If someone can defeat me in a duel, they will be the new head."
[Lumine: Can anyone truly defeat Ei? She is one who can slay gods with a single strike.]
[Ei: In this duel, I will not use elemental power. It will be a contest of martial skill alone.]
[Paimon: Even with only martial skill, Ei has centuries of refinement. Can a mortal truly defeat her?]
[Yae Miko: Ei is not invincible, Paimon. Have you forgotten? Lumine has defeated Ei before.]
[Ei: Martial skill has no finish line. What matters most is the conviction behind it.]
The Takatsukasa clan head grew fearful. "A duel with Her Excellency the Shogun..."
Ei said, "The first head of the Tenryou Commission proved his conviction with his own sword. That is how the Kujou clan came to hold this position to this day."
"If you wish for me to recognize a new name, you must naturally undergo my trial anew."
The Takatsukasa clan head stared at the sword in his hands, falling silent.
Ei pressed further. "Do you not know swordsmanship? Or have you lost confidence due to age and frailty?"
"You speak of devoting yourself entirely to my service, yet you dare not face my blade?"
The Takatsukasa clan head lowered his head.
[Yae Miko: As expected, a coward.]
[Paimon: Would any normal person dare to do such a thing?]
[Yae Miko: Then ordinary people cannot hold the position of Tenryou Commission head either.]
[Paimon: I suppose that is true.]
[Ei: Regardless of victory or defeat, if one lacks the courage to draw a blade, how can they speak of leading the Tenryou Commission?]
[Ningguang: To become one of the Qixing, one must also pass trials.]
Ei looked around. "What about the rest of you? Whether Takatsukasa or anyone else, if someone can defeat me, they will become the new head of the Tenryou Commission."
One by one, those caught by Ei's gaze lowered their heads.
"I wish to challenge you, Your Excellency." Kujou Kamaji's voice rang out with firm resolve.