When they arrived at Sangonomiya Shrine, they found Sangonomiya Kokomi and Gorou deep in discussion. Both wore unusually grave expressions.
The moment Yae Miko spotted Gorou, she burrowed deeper into Lora's arms, leaving only a small tuft of pink fur and the tip of her tail visible, the rest hidden beneath Lora's clothes.
Feeling the movement, Lora let out a helpless sigh.
"Stop burrowing. There's no more room in there…"
The group walked over.
Paimon looked between the two of them curiously.
"Kokomi, Gorou… did something happen? Why do you both look so serious?"
"Yes, something has come up," Sangonomiya Kokomi said with a nod. She glanced over, and when she noticed Lumine and Paimon—along with Lora and the others behind them—she paused slightly. "Lumine, who are these?"
"They're my friends. This is Lora. This is Hélie, a Melusine from Fontaine. And this is Sayu, a ninja from the Shuumatsuban."
On the way over, Lumine had already asked about the two girls and decided to introduce them together.
"A ninja from the Shuumatsuban?" Sangonomiya Kokomi frowned faintly. "If I remember correctly, the Shuumatsuban answers to the Yashiro Commission, doesn't it?"
"Yes, it does," Sayu replied with a nod.
"It's like this," Lumine explained. "My friend here is a Liyue envoy to Inazuma, so the Yashiro Commission assigned Sayu to accompany her. But there's no need to worry—Lora is completely trustworthy. And she's very strong."
"An envoy?" Sangonomiya Kokomi's gaze toward Lora sharpened with renewed interest.
They were, for all intents and purposes, regarded as an anti-government force in Inazuma. An official envoy from Liyue appearing here was… a delicate matter.
"Is Liyue planning to intervene in Inazuma's affairs by sending this lady to support the resistance?" Sangonomiya Kokomi quickly considered the possibility. "But we are only opposing the Vision Hunt Decree, not seeking to overthrow the Shogunate or the Shogun, so perhaps—"
Before she could finish, Lora gently raised a hand to interrupt.
"Miss Kokomi, there's no need for concern. Although I am a Liyue envoy, Inazuma's political affairs have nothing to do with me. I'm not here to support the resistance. I'm simply looking for someone."
"Yes, she's just here to find someone," Paimon chimed in. Then she glanced at Lora. "Um… can I tell her about your identity?"
"You can," Lora said with a nod.
The title Zhongli had given her was meant to make things easier. There was no reason not to use it.
With permission granted, Paimon puffed up proudly.
"Lora is a Liyue Adeptus! The kind who's lived for thousands of years! She's super powerful! When the Overlord of the Vortex Osial attacked Liyue, she personally suppressed two gods all by herself!"
"A Liyue Adeptus…? Thousands of years old? Able to suppress gods—more than one?"
Sangonomiya Kokomi and Gorou stared at Lora in disbelief. Any one of those traits alone would mark someone as extraordinary—let alone all of them combined.
In that instant, Sangonomiya Kokomi's suspicions vanished. Someone of Lora's caliber could overturn the entire situation on her own if she wished. There would be no need to come to Watatsumi Island seeking their assistance.
"Forgive my earlier presumption, Adeptus," Sangonomiya Kokomi said, bowing respectfully.
Lora gave a light wave of her hand.
"There's no need for that. Just treat me as Lumine's ordinary friend. No special treatment is necessary. By the way, what were you discussing just now? Would it be all right if I listened in?"
"Of course. It isn't confidential," Sangonomiya Kokomi replied. "Gorou, please explain the situation."
Gorou stepped forward.
"Recently, several of our soldiers have shown unusual signs of premature aging. After investigating, I discovered they obtained a certain 'secret weapon' from our sponsors. It grants tremendous power—but it's extremely dangerous. Here. This is it…"
As Gorou revealed the Delusion, Lora spoke calmly.
"That's a Delusion created by the Fatui. It's an imitation of a Vision. It can grant tremendous power—but it drains the user's life in return."
"We must immediately order everyone to stop using Delusions and begin treating the affected soldiers at once. I only hope we're not too late," Sangonomiya Kokomi said, her brows drawn tight.
"Yes, Lady Sangonomiya!" Gorou responded without hesitation.
At that moment, Lumine suddenly went rigid.
"Wait. If using a Delusion causes accelerated aging… then Teppei—"
"We have to check on him!" she exclaimed, already turning and running off with Paimon close behind.
Lora watched them go, then turned to Sangonomiya Kokomi.
"I'll follow them. Miss Kokomi, could you arrange some food for Sayu and Hélie? They've been living on a wave-rider these past few days and haven't had a proper meal."
"That won't be a problem," Sangonomiya Kokomi replied with a nod.
"Lady Lora, I need to protect you, I—" Hélie began anxiously.
Lora reached out and gently patted her head.
"Stay here and eat properly. I'll be back soon. Don't worry."
There was a quiet reassurance in her voice. Hélie visibly relaxed, remaining where she was as she watched Lora leave.
Lora quickly caught up to Lumine, and together they rushed to Teppei's quarters.
They found him slumped in a corner.
His hair had already turned gray.
"Teppei!" Paimon cried anxiously.
"Oh… it's you. You're here." Teppei leaned weakly against the wall. When he saw them, he forced a smile. "Just give me a moment… I'll stand up. Strange… I don't seem to have much strength left…"
Lumine's brows tightened.
"Teppei… lately…"
"Lately?" Teppei looked at her, a faint smile still on his face. "I haven't even told you yet—I've made real contributions recently. I fought the Shogunate forces and even rescued surrounded comrades all by myself. Those things… cough, cough… they were things I never would have dared dream of before."
"Teppei… your body…"