Yae Miko's curiosity was genuinely piqued.
Had Liyue truly changed so drastically?
This wasn't just a shift; it was a metamorphosis.
"So, the reason you summoned me is to ask for a solution?"
Ei looked at the fox spirit, her face expressionless. "We cannot sit idly by while Liyue undergoes such a transformation. Ships of steel, weapons usable by mortals that can annihilate Vision bearers... everything points to an unknown variable. And all of this happened in merely six months."
"Tsk."
Miko rested her chin on her hand, her fingers tapping thoughtfully against her cheek. Her fluffy pink tail swayed hypnotically behind her.
"Well then," Miko purred, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Why don't we send this foolish blockhead to Liyue to steal one of those missiles? I'd love to study it. What do you say?"
Kujou Sara: "???"
Raiden Ei: "???"
Sara's eyelid twitched violently. "Guuji Yae, please do not joke about such matters. Liyue is prosperous and protected by the God of Contracts. How could an outsider like myself possibly infiltrate their defenses and steal such a weapon?"
Is she insane? Sara thought frantically. Such technology would be guarded in the deepest vaults. I'd be arrested before I even saw it.
Liyue Harbor was guarded by the Qixing and the Adepti. A single Tengu, no matter how skilled, would be overwhelmed.
"I called you here to provide solutions, not to make jests," Ei stated flatly, staring at the fox.
The urge to draw her sword and give Miko a "playful" slash was rising rapidly.
"My, my, I'm just brainstorming," Miko giggled, sensing the danger but unbothered.
"Hmph."
Ei's hand drifted toward where her sword would be.
Sara stood silently, feeling incredibly awkward. The atmosphere between the Almighty Shogun and the Head Priestess was... strange. The Shogun felt different—more alive, yet terrifying in a new way.
"Fine, fine," Miko relented after a few seconds. She turned her gaze back to Sara. "Since theft is off the table, why don't you just go to Liyue legitimately?"
"You won't be able to steal the technology, but you can observe. Go as an official diplomatic envoy from Inazuma. Tour their shipyards, ask for an 'exchange of ideas,' and gather whatever intelligence you can."
Miko waved her hand dismissively. "Just act like a tourist. Learn about the steel ships, ask about the missiles. Then, send reports back to us. You'll be stationed in Liyue for a while."
Miko's eyes sparkled with a hint of longing. "If it weren't so inconvenient for me to leave, I'd go myself. Liyue is such a fun place."
"Especially the Lantern Rite Festival. It's coming up soon, isn't it? You should time your arrival to see it. It's incredibly lively."
"I..."
Sara looked at Ei, torn. "But my duty is to protect Inazuma and enforce the Shogun's will for Eternity. The Vision Hunt Decree is still active. I must lead the Shogunate forces."
To Sara, this sounded like being sent away to be a spy. And not even a combat spy, but a touristspy. It felt like a waste of her military talents.
"Oh, you stubborn little bird," Miko sighed, shaking her head. "Can't you see the bigger picture?"
"The Vision Hunt Decree is proceeding fine without you. The Kujou Clan has plenty of soldiers to patrol the streets. Do you really think Inazuma will collapse if you stop walking in circles for a few weeks?"
"Investigating Liyue is far more critical," Miko pressed, her tone sharpening slightly. "Think about it. Steel ships. Mortal-use superweapons. What if Liyue has something even stronger hidden away? We aren't enemies, but ignorance is a threat to Eternity."
"Doing this is far more meaningful than your daily patrols."
"I do not 'stroll'!" Sara snapped reflexively. "I patrol to maintain order!"
Miko: "..."
Ei: "..."
"Sigh." Miko shook her head. "You really are less flexible than your father."
Though certainly more loyal, she added silently.
"Sara. Listen to the Guuji."
Ei finally spoke, her voice leaving no room for argument. "Go to Liyue."
"Yes, Almighty Shogun!"
Sara's hesitation evaporated instantly. She bowed deeply, her face a mask of determination.
Miko rolled her eyes. Of course. She only listens to Ei.
"And one more thing," Miko added, eyeing Sara up and down. "When you go to Liyue, try to lose that frozen expression. You are going there for 'cultural exchange,' not to start a war."
Knowing Sara's personality, Miko worried she'd accidentally declare martial law in Liyue Harbor.
"I'll write a letter of introduction for you to give to Ganyu. She will look after you," Miko decided.
"Understood."
Sara remained stone-faced.
Miko sighed. Hopeless.
"Go prepare. When you are ready, return here," Ei commanded. She waved her hand.
Whoosh.
Sara's vision went black. When she opened her eyes, she was standing outside the Tenshukaku gates again.
She blinked, disoriented. What was that space? And the Shogun... she seemed so... vibrant.
"General Kujou?"
"General, do you require assistance?"
The guards at the gate looked at her with concern. Sara had been standing motionless for a moment after walking out.
"It is nothing."
Sara shook her head to clear her thoughts. She took one last look at the Tenshukaku, then turned to leave.
She had a mission. She needed to pack for a long-term deployment to Liyue.
Within the Plane of Euthymia.
"Is it really wise to send that blockhead?"
Miko's tail swished lazily as she watched Sara disappear. "I worry she might cause an incident."
"Do not underestimate her," Ei replied calmly. "She is a loyal subject and a skilled warrior. To have such a 'kylin's child' is a blessing for the Kujou Clan."
"I suppose you have a point," Miko conceded. "Her bluntness has its merits. And at least she won't be badgering me at the Shrine about your well-being every other day."
Miko's expression turned serious. "But truly... Liyue's transformation is baffling. Six months? It defies logic."
"I've seen the Alcor before. It was impressive, but it was wood. Now? A steel hull, weapons that outclass Visions... and a sword that amplifies strength through transformation? I've never heard of such a thing."
Miko recalled the energy she had sensed earlier. The thunderous roar from Nazuchi Beach and the sky-cleaving blade light were undeniable proof.
"That is why she must go," Ei said, summoning her polearm, the Engulfing Lightning. "To investigate."
The naginata hummed with power. 'This blade is the tool to remove all obstacles to Eternity.'
"If Liyue can create things that even you cannot... then yes, it is worth a look," Miko teased, eyeing the weapon.
In Inazuma, Ei was the source of all supreme smithing techniques. For a human nation to surpass the techniques of a God was an affront to the concept of immutability.
"If you have nothing else to say, you may leave," Ei said, her eyes narrowing at Miko's grin.
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