"…That would be me."
Lora gave a helpless nod.
How exactly had she ended up missing for several days? Just what had Fu Hai and Ayaka told them to account for her disappearance?
"So the envoy from Liyue is here as well. Guuji-dono, if you summoned me to discuss relations between Inazuma and Liyue, I'm afraid that is not a decision I can make on my own."
Sara turned to Yae Miko, her tone solemn.
"Of course not. That isn't why I asked you to come. There are other matters I wish to discuss—matters of some importance. However, they…"
Yae Miko tilted her head slightly, her gaze drifting to the Tenryou Commission soldiers standing behind Sara.
"They are my subordinates—soldiers of the Tenryou Commission. Is there something they are not permitted to hear?"
Sara frowned.
"Yes. What I am about to say is classified—confidential even among secrets. It must not be overheard by anyone unrelated."
Yae Miko's lips curved faintly.
"Have a little faith. I am the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine. What possible ill intent could I have?"
The logic was difficult to refute. After a brief pause, Sara signaled for the soldiers to withdraw.
"Speak, Guuji-dono."
She waited until they had retreated far enough that no stray word could reach them.
"What I wish to discuss with you… is the Vision Hunt Decree."
Yae Miko spoke without haste.
"The Vision Hunt Decree? What are you implying, Guuji-dono? It was enacted by the Tenryou Commission under the Raiden Shogun's direct command. It does not fall within the authority of the Grand Narukami Shrine."
Sara's brows knit together.
"Be patient and hear me out. Though the Vision Hunt Decree was proclaimed in the Shogun's name, at its core it is nothing more than a misguided policy born of collusion between traitors within Inazuma and the Fatui—a decision that weakens Inazuma by its own hand."
Yae Miko's tone remained calm and measured.
"And the ones 'clouding the Shogun's judgment' are none other than your own superiors—the Tenryou Commission. The Kujou Clan."
"You're saying the Kujou Clan betrayed the Shogunate?"
Sara's expression hardened. She fixed Yae Miko with an unwavering stare.
"Forgive my bluntness, Guuji Yae, but your accusation is not only dangerous—it is absurd. The Tri-Commission has served the Shogun faithfully since antiquity, without the slightest hint of disloyalty. And Lord Takayuki's devotion to Her Excellency surpasses even my own. How could he possibly act against the Shogun's interests?"
"It is precisely because he reveres the Raiden Shogun's Musou no Hitotachi so deeply that he believes there is nothing in this world it cannot resolve," Lora said quietly from the side.
"But no matter how formidable that single strike may be, there are still many things it cannot accomplish."
"My apologies, Miss Lora, but this is an internal matter of Inazuma. As an envoy of Liyue, your presence here as an observer is already a considerable concession."
Sara turned toward her, the meaning unmistakable—she should refrain from speaking further.
"I have no need of the Tri-Commission's concessions."
Lora's lips curved into a faint smile.
"My years far exceed those of the Tri-Commission. Kujou Sara, you yourself are strong. If you doubt our words, then investigate the truth with your own eyes. Why cling so stubbornly to blind faith in the Tenryou Commission? The people's suffering is evident in every corner of Inazuma, yet the Raiden Shogun remains unmoved…
Either she is not the benevolent deity you believe her to be, but a tyrant indifferent to her people's pain—or someone is deceiving her, deliberately suppressing all reports of unrest. Sara… which do you choose to believe?"
"Older than the Tri-Commission… Who exactly are you?"
Sara's gaze sharpened as she studied Lora more closely.
"Ahem."
Lora straightened, lifting her chin slightly.
"Standing before you is Lora Chaya—the Liyue Adeptus who, during Liyue's great crisis, suppressed the Overlord of the Vortex, Osial, reversed the tide of battle, and saved the people of Liyue from disaster."
Yae Miko politely applauded at her side.
"A Liyue Adeptus?"
Sara frowned, scrutinizing Lora from head to toe.
She knew of Liyue's Adepti—beings of extraordinary power, many not even human in origin. Some were even former gods who had chosen the path of the Adeptus.
She had not expected that this envoy from Liyue would be one of them.
"Even so, being a Liyue Adeptus does not grant you the right to slander the Tri-Commission. This concerns diplomacy between two nations."
"Whether it is slander or not is far too early to conclude. Sara, do not assume the Tenryou Commission is beyond suspicion."
Lora's smile never wavered. Her hands remained clasped behind her back, faint azure light flickering between her fingers.
To Sara, every word sounded outrageous. The Tenryou Commission had raised her since childhood. They would never betray the Shogunate—never betray the Shogun.
Just as she turned to leave, a figure identical to herself appeared directly in her path.
The sight made her heart skip. She staggered back several steps.
Bolts of lightning lashed out, binding her legs and pinning her in place.
"What are you doing?"
Sara's brows drew tight. She was about to shout, but before a single sound escaped, Lora sealed her voice.
With an apologetic smile, Lora stepped in front of her.
"Sorry about this. We could present evidence and reason with you properly, but that would take too long. So I've decided to be more direct. You'll be staying at the Grand Narukami Shrine for a while. I promise—by the time you're free again, everything will already be settled."
Sara struggled fiercely. The Vision at her waist flared, crackling with lightning.
But under Lora's calm gaze, the light abruptly dimmed and went out.
With a casual gesture, Lora placed a seal upon the Vision, temporarily rendering it unusable.
Watching her Vision's power suppressed so effortlessly, Sara's composure finally faltered.
Once that was done, Lora turned toward Yae Miko with a bright smile.
"Nice coordination, little fox."
"After spending so long at your side, how could I not understand your intentions?" Yae Miko replied with a soft laugh, covering her mouth with her sleeve. "Never forget—foxes are very clever creatures."
"Clever fox. You've earned this."
Lora chuckled and gave her a thumbs-up before walking toward the Tenryou Commission soldiers—accompanied by the "Sara" she had crafted from a Hydro Mimic.