Lora and Yae Miko completed the transfer of the Gnosis right in front of Scaramouche.
The moment it settled into Lora's hands, something inside him seemed to snap. The strength drained from his limbs, and whatever composure he had left crumbled with it.
After stowing the Gnosis away, Lora didn't spare him another glance. She turned and walked back toward Lumine, Yae Miko cradled in her arms.
"Fox, do you know what this is called?" she asked lightly. "Breaking someone's body is one thing. Breaking their spirit—that's the real strike."
"Breaking the body and the spirit? How terrifying…" Yae Miko replied, feigning alarm.
They returned to the hall. Lumine and Paimon were still unconscious, sprawled across the floor.
Lora lifted Paimon with one hand, while a layer of water—soft and translucent like a Hydro Slime—formed beneath Lumine, gently raising her into the air. With the two of them in tow, she left the Delusion Factory.
Not long after they departed, another figure arrived.
He approached the spot where Scaramouche was embedded in the mountainside, studied him briefly, then reached out and pulled him free.
"As expected of a former Archon. It seems Her Majesty's concerns were not unfounded."
"Dottore… you…"
"It doesn't matter. Even if we failed to obtain the Gnosis, I have other arrangements in place. There's no further value here. It's time we depart for Sumeru."
"…Understood."
…
Inside Sangonomiya Shrine, Lumine slowly opened her eyes. Paimon was slumped against her, half sprawled over her shoulder. The moment Lumine stirred, Paimon jolted awake.
"You're awake!" Paimon cried happily, immediately calling toward the door.
Before long, Kokomi and Lora entered, both wearing expressions of concern.
Lora stepped forward and gave Lumine a brief once-over, then nodded. "Mm. Everything seems normal. No lasting damage."
"…What?" Lumine blinked. "I remember being at the Delusion Factory. Then I blacked out. What happened after that? Was the factory destroyed? And what about that Fatui Harbinger?"
"It's over," Lora said simply. "The factory has been destroyed. The Harbinger has already been taken away and has left Inazuma."
Lumine noticed that Lora was no longer holding the pink fox.
"What about that fox who looked suspiciously like Guuji Yae?"
"Oh… her?" Lora nearly laughed but kept her composure. "The Guuji had matters to attend to and took the fox back with her. I was planning to return to Narukami Island once you woke up anyway."
That fox hadn't merely resembled Yae Miko.
"You're leaving for Narukami Island so soon?" Lumine asked, a faint crease forming between her brows.
"Of course. I'm still Liyue's envoy. Lingering too long on Watatsumi Island would be inappropriate." Lora tilted her head slightly. "What about you? Will you stay here, or return to Narukami Island with me?"
"But we're wanted criminals," Paimon said anxiously. "If we go back like this, won't it cause trouble for you?"
Lumine nodded. "It's better if we don't return to Narukami Island for now. It would only complicate matters."
"I see…" Lora's expression softened. "Very well. You can always return later. For now, stay here. Continue helping me search for Rhodeia—and coordinate with what we're doing on Narukami Island."
"Coordinate?" Lumine echoed. "What are you planning?"
"Something to bring this all to an end." Lora smiled faintly. "Don't worry. It won't take long."
After reminding Lumine to get proper rest, Lora stepped outside with Kokomi.
"I'll leave her in your care, Miss Kokomi," Lora said quietly.
"Please rest assured. We will look after Lumine and Paimon. As for your attendant, Rhodeia, I'll increase our search efforts," Kokomi replied.
"Do your best. That child… most likely went inside."
Lora's gaze shifted toward the massive vortex at the center of Watatsumi Island—the place where the island's waters converged. The entrance to Enkanomiya.
For now, Enkanomiya shouldn't pose much of a threat.
Lora summoned Sayu and Hélie, and the three of them boarded a Waverider for the return trip.
Sayu took the helm as usual, but once they cleared the waters around Watatsumi Island, she began to nod off.
Thankfully, Hélie had already learned how to operate Inazuma's Waverider and smoothly took over. Sayu placed a Daruma beside her and curled up in the corner for a nap.
Watching Sayu doze made Lora feel drowsy as well. Leaning back against the cabin wall, she said, "Hélie, come sit. There's no need to steer. I'll let the current carry us."
"Yes, Lady Lora!" Hélie immediately released the helm and hurried over.
Lora drew her into her arms, absently comparing the feel of Hélie to that of Yae Miko.
A large, plush, doll-like pillow had its advantages.
But in the end, she preferred the smaller Yae Miko pillow.
By the time they arrived at Grand Narukami Shrine, Yae Miko—back in her human form—was standing with composed authority, issuing instructions to the shrine maidens.
Seeing her so dignified, Lora smiled.
"Guuji, we're back."
Yae Miko visibly jolted before quickly clearing her throat and addressing the shrine maidens with forced composure. "That will be all for today. Return to your duties."
"Yes, Guuji."
Once the others had dispersed, she turned to Lora with a faintly strained expression.
"Why did you call me 'Guuji'? It sounds unsettling coming from you."
"Sorry. Habit," Lora replied with a faint smile. "So? How did your arrangements go?"
"Flawlessly, of course." Yae Miko's lips curved upward. "Look behind you. They've already arrived."
Lora turned.
Kujou Sara was approaching with a squad from the Tenryou Commission.
"Guuji, you summoned me?" Sara stopped before Yae Miko.
"This is Miss Lora, Liyue's envoy," Yae Miko introduced smoothly.
Sara shifted her gaze to Lora, a slight frown forming.
"So you're the Liyue envoy who claimed she wished to experience Inazuma's customs—only to vanish for several days?"