"So it was the Geo Archon… Convincing him can't have been easy. You have my sincere thanks." Ei bowed to her.
They spoke a while longer, though before long the exchange shifted into something closer to instruction. When it came to governing a nation, Lora had centuries of experience—millennia, in fact.
Unlike Ei, who had rarely involved herself in the day-to-day weight of rule, Lora understood the machinery of a country inside and out. On matters of state, she could talk at length without ever running dry.
Ei listened quietly, head slightly inclined.
...
Under Kokomi's leadership, the resistance returned to Watatsumi Island. The news they brought with them spread quickly, and celebration followed. Only a handful were dissatisfied—those who had hoped to ride the resistance's momentum for their own ambitions against the Shogunate.
At Yae Miko's direction, the Shogunate forces withdrew from Yashiori Island. They still kept a watchful eye on Watatsumi, ready to respond if trouble arose, but they no longer pressed the conflict.
The terms had been discussed beforehand, and Kokomi had agreed. Barring extraordinary circumstances, the Grand Narukami Shrine would not interfere in Watatsumi's internal governance.
Meanwhile, Lumine—accompanied by Hélie and Sayu—returned to Narukami Island. No longer branded a criminal, she could finally travel through Inazuma without fear of pursuit.
For most people, it felt like a long-awaited breath of relief.
Well—almost everyone.
Within the Tri-Commission, those who had feigned loyalty while undermining the Shogunate were anything but pleased. Kujou Sara was no exception.
When Yae Miko ordered her release, Sara had been prepared to march straight to the Tenryou Commission and demand answers—perhaps even accuse the Guuji of overstepping her authority. Instead, she was met with staggering news: Kujou Takayuki had been arrested, and the Tenryou Commission was under internal investigation.
And that wasn't all.
From the Okuzumeshuu, she heard something even more astonishing—
The Raiden Shogun she revered had treated Lora with unmistakable deference.
And Lora… was a foreign god.
Each revelation hit harder than the last. Sara felt as though the ground beneath her had shifted. She had been confined only a few days—how could everything have changed so completely?
Yae Miko clicked her tongue at the sight of the stunned Tengu. "My, how tragic. Kujou Sara, do try not to faint on me. With half the Tenryou Commission in chains, I'll need you upright and useful."
"I am merely… recalibrating," Sara replied, drawing herself straight. "Please be assured, Guuji. My loyalty lies solely with the Raiden Shogun. Whatever Her Excellency commands, I will carry out without hesitation."
"That's more like it." Yae Miko smiled, already turning to assign her tasks.
...
Lumine and Paimon escorted Hélie to Tenshukaku, where Lora and Ei were waiting.
The moment Paimon spotted Ei, she darted behind Lumine and whispered, "Lumine… you're sure, right? The Shogun isn't going to slice us in half?"
Lumine chuckled. "Relax. The Raiden Shogun and Lora have come to an understanding. The Vision Hunt Decree is gone. We're not fugitives anymore."
"I trust you—and Lora—but I'm still nervous…" Paimon muttered.
Ei regarded the small figure peeking out from behind Lumine. "I owe you an apology. I frightened you before."
"Eh?!" Paimon practically jumped into the air. She clapped both hands over her mouth, then waved them frantically. "N-No, no! It's really fine!"
Lora bit back a laugh. "We asked you here because there are a few things to take care of. Hélie, I have something for you."
Hélie stepped forward at once. "Lady Lora, just give the word."
"No need to sound like you're marching into battle." Lora produced a sealed letter. "Take this to Zhongli in Liyue. He'll know what it means."
Hélie accepted it with care. "Understood. I'll see it delivered."
Lora gave a small nod. She trusted her.
She turned to Lumine and Paimon. "You'll both be staying on Narukami Island for a while. I need to make another trip to Watatsumi. Keep Ei company for me."
"I am not a child," Ei said at once.
"I know," Lora replied, patient as ever. "I just don't want you cooped up alone all the time. If you wake up one day and feel like going for a walk, it'd be nice to have someone beside you, wouldn't it?"
Ei pressed her lips together, casting a brief glance at Lumine and Paimon before giving a small, slightly embarrassed nod. "Very well…"
"You're heading back to Watatsumi?" Lumine asked.
"Of course. I still don't know what became of Rhodeia. I won't feel at ease until I find her."
"Do you need help?" Ei offered. "I can have the Tri-Commission search across Inazuma."
Lora shook her head. "I have a rough idea where she went. No need to mobilize anyone—they've got enough to deal with. And if Yae Miko hears you reassigned people again, she'll give you an earful."
Ei inclined her head. "Then be careful. What lies beneath Watatsumi… is not without danger."
She added a few more earnest cautions. For Ei, Lora's safety now carried special weight—she held the only hope of Makoto's return.
With that settled, Lora set out once more for Watatsumi.
There was no need for secrecy this time. The Okuzumeshuu escorted her openly—though their almost suffocating reverence made her uneasy.
The people of Fontaine had once shown her respect as well. But this… this felt heavier.
After crossing Yashiori and reaching Watatsumi's shores, she found Kokomi already waiting with Gorou. Word of her arrival had clearly preceded her.
This time, the reception was markedly different. Now that Kokomi knew who Lora truly was, the island greeted her with the full solemnity reserved for a god.
Lora noticed the faint fatigue behind Kokomi's composed expression and asked lightly,
"Has the resistance been under a lot of strain?"