"As for what you said about the Fatui colluding with the Tenryou Commission—that is an internal matter of Inazuma. It does not require your involvement."
Ei's resistance to Lora's interference was unmistakable, almost like a stubborn child refusing to back down.
Watching her, Lora lifted a hand to her brow, a flicker of fatigue crossing her expression.
"If it weren't for the Gnosis—and for your sister's sake—do you think I'd trouble myself with your affairs? Inazuma is your nation. Whether it flourishes or falls has nothing to do with me. As its god, it's your responsibility to answer to your people. Raiden Ei, think carefully—what was Inazuma like under your sister? And what has it become now?"
Ei stiffened.
She frowned at Lora.
"…You just mentioned the Gnosis?"
Lora nodded.
"That's right. I came to Inazuma for your Gnosis. Didn't you entrust it to Yae Miko? I've already taken it back from her. In return, she asked me to help correct Inazuma's current course."
Her tone hardened.
"But now I see you don't need Yae Miko exhausting herself for your sake. You've let down every one of your companions—your sister included."
"No! I have not failed them!"
Ei's voice rose sharply in protest.
Seeing her reaction, Lora knew she had hit the mark.
"If you truly believe you haven't betrayed those who sacrificed themselves for Inazuma's future, then come outside Tenshukaku with me. See for yourself how your people feel about the Vision Hunt Decree."
"Go outside…"
Ei hesitated, falling silent as she considered the proposal.
"…Well?" Lora pressed after a moment. "Have you decided?"
Ei drew a slow breath and lifted her gaze.
"Very well. I will step outside Tenshukaku with you. I will prove that my Eternity is what Inazuma needs most."
With that, the two turned toward the exit.
Rosalyne, who had been sidelined the entire time, suddenly stepped forward.
"Stop! You two—"
Both Lora and Ei halted.
Ei turned back, her voice cool and detached.
"Fatui Harbinger. Do you still have something to say?"
"I came here under Her Majesty the Tsaritsa's orders to negotiate for the Gnosis. You already agreed to my request. And now you claim it's in this person's possession? Raiden Shogun, you are slighting Her Majesty's authority!"
"The Tsaritsa may hold authority," Ei replied evenly, "but you do not. If she has something to say, she may come speak to me herself."
She turned away once more.
"Damn it… I am an envoy of Snezhnaya! You two—"
Rosalyne clenched her fists and lunged at Lora, her left hand curved in a heart-seizing motion, reaching to tear the Gnosis from her.
Lora did not even slow her steps.
Both she and Ei were fully aware of Rosalyne's movement behind them. Neither moved to intervene.
Just as Rosalyne's hand came within reach, Lora shifted lightly to the side, evading the strike. Before Rosalyne could recover her footing, Lora raised a hand and pressed downward.
A ripple of water burst outward.
Rosalyne was flung back like a rag doll, hurled away by that single blow. She hit the ground hard, her face contorted in pain.
Ei watched without the slightest change in expression.
"You held back earlier. I was beginning to wonder whether resurrection had dulled both your strength and your judgment. It seems I was mistaken."
She let out a quiet breath.
If Lora could return from death without consequence… then perhaps her sister could as well?
"Dulled, hm…"
Lora's lips twitched. She almost shot back a retort, but ultimately only sighed. No need to scold the stubborn girl.
She looked down at Rosalyne with a faint smile.
"I truly don't understand. Who gave you the courage to lay hands on one of the Seven? Was it Barbatos who gave you that illusion? Or do you honestly believe your Cryo Archon can defeat the other Archons? Even if she could—that power would be hers, not yours."
She genuinely could not comprehend it.
Rosalyne pushed herself upright, her glare fierce.
"I came under Her Majesty's orders to obtain the Gnosis. No matter the cost, I will fulfill her will. Hand it over!"
"Do you have a death wish?" Lora asked calmly.
Rosalyne let out a cold laugh.
"I am an envoy of Snezhnaya. If you dare attack me, the consequences will be severe. The Fatui will make Inazuma—and Fontaine—pay an even greater price."
"…Are you threatening us?"
Lora actually laughed.
At that same moment, Ei had already drawn Musou Isshin. Violet lightning flared in her eyes as her form dissolved into a streak of thunder, flashing forward in an instant.
A single slash cleaved cleanly through Rosalyne.
With a turn of her blade, even more violent lightning surged forth, engulfing the Harbinger entirely.
When the thunder subsided, nothing remained but drifting ash.
"My apologies for taking your opponent."
Ei sheathed Musou Isshin, her tone even.
"She threatened Inazuma. She had to face the wrath of thunder. Unfortunately, she was not strong enough to endure it."
Lora waved a hand dismissively.
"I don't mind. After what she just said, I would have done the same."
Threatening two of the Seven? Not even the Cryo Archon would act so recklessly. Who had given her such courage?
"The obstacle has been removed," Ei said quietly. "We may go."
Neither of them spared Rosalyne another glance as they walked toward the exit.
In the vast hall, only a scorched mark remained—the final trace of Rosalyne.
When Ei stepped outside and saw the members of the Okuzumeshuu frozen in place at the entrance, she cast Lora a faintly surprised look.
"You did this?"