Lumine's gaze lingered on Makoto's arms, and understanding slowly dawned on her.
When she had seen Lora holding that pink-furred fox earlier, she had already suspected something—it looked far too much like Miko. Now that the First Electro Archon was holding one as well, the truth was impossible to ignore.
She leaned closer and whispered, "That's Miko."
"Huh? What?!" Paimon stared at her in disbelief, then looked back at the fox nestled in Makoto's arms.
After a beat, she added, "Then the one Lora was holding before was Miko too?"
Lumine nodded. "Most likely."
"Heh! Now we've got something to hold over her!" Paimon planted her hands on her hips, clearly pleased with herself.
The fox resting in Makoto's embrace suddenly gave a faint shudder. As if sensing trouble, she lifted her head and scanned the hall. It didn't take long for her gaze to settle on Paimon's smug grin.
Seeing that expression—and noticing Lumine watching her as well—she immediately understood. They had figured it out.
Without hesitation, she buried her head back into Makoto's arms.
Time passed quickly, and the banquet soon came to an end.
In her closing remarks, Makoto formally announced the complete repeal of the Sakoku Decree on behalf of the Shogunate. She then extended her welcome to the guests from other nations, bringing the celebration to a graceful close.
As the hall gradually emptied, Ei let out a quiet breath. "It's finally over."
"Indeed. Smiling through all of that was far more exhausting than I expected," the Shogun replied from beside her.
It felt more tiring than five hundred years of battle within the Plane of Euthymia.
"You two…" Makoto sighed, her tone gentle rather than reproachful.
Still cradling the little fox, she rose and approached Lumine and Paimon. Her gaze briefly passed over Paimon before settling on the Traveler.
"You must be Lora's friend—the renowned Traveler who has helped Inazuma so greatly. Lumine."
Caught off guard by the praise, Lumine rubbed the back of her neck. "I really didn't do that much…"
She shook her head lightly. "Without your help in reaching the resistance, resolving Inazuma's crisis would not have been so simple. I know my sister well. If the people's will had not shaken her understanding of eternity, she would never have reconsidered."
Lowering her voice, she added gently, "I also heard from Lora that you accompanied her shopping earlier. She can be rather stubborn—and not entirely familiar with certain social niceties. I hope she didn't trouble you too much."
"Sister! I—" Ei sprang to her feet the moment her flaws were exposed.
"All right, all right. I've only said a few words. There's no need to be so flustered," she replied with a soft smile, calming her down.
"Um… Her Excellency, the Almighty Narukami Ogosho… we…" Paimon hesitated, glancing at the fox nestled in her arms, clearly unsure how to address her.
A warm look crossed her face. "You may simply call me Makoto."
"Makoto, I have a question…" Paimon's gaze lingered on the fox. "This fox… is she Miko?"
At that, the little fox stiffened.
"Yes," came the gentle reply. "She is."
"That's unbelievable! She always acts so profound and mysterious in front of us—I never imagined she'd have such a gentle side!"
"I'm not profound or mysterious. You simply don't understand what I'm saying," came the muffled retort from within her embrace.
A faint laugh followed. "She has always liked being held by me."
Then she turned back to Lumine. "By the way, Lora told me about your situation. I'm sorry—I know nothing of your brother's whereabouts, so I cannot help you directly. However, I will have notices posted throughout Inazuma. We will find him."
Lora stepped closer, her smile faint, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yes. We will find him."
"A search?" Neuvillette approached, having caught the tail end of their conversation. "I have some influence within the Court of Fontaine. I can assist there as well."
"Thank you all so much!" Unaware of the deeper thoughts hidden behind their words, Lumine bowed in gratitude.
With so many gods offering their help, hope rose quietly in her heart. Surely, she would find her brother.
...
A few days later, Neuvillette departed for Fontaine. During his stay, he had held long discussions with Makoto, finalizing future diplomatic ties between Inazuma and Fontaine. Had Ei been the one handling such negotiations, she likely would have drifted off after only a few sentences.
Just before boarding, he paused and spoke quietly to Lora.
"Lady Furina mentions you often. If you have the time, perhaps you might return and see her."
Lora let out a soft sigh. She glanced at the others nearby before lowering her voice.
"The appointed time has not yet come. Even if I returned now, it would change nothing. I'll leave her in your care."
"There is no need for thanks. I will look after her," he replied, clearly understanding what she meant.
After watching him board and set sail, she turned back to the others waiting at the harbor.
"Well then, I'll be heading to Liyue as well. The Moonchase Festival is almost here. Time to go back and enjoy some proper food. Anyone care to join me?"
"There's good food?" Paimon's hand shot up immediately. "I'm going!"
"Didn't you say there were still plenty of treasures in Inazuma you wanted to explore?" Lumine asked.
Paimon gave an awkward cough. "Well… the treasure isn't going anywhere. But if you miss good food, it's gone forever! Let's eat first, then come back and hunt for treasure!"
"If it's treasure you're after, I can have the Shogunate soldiers keep an eye out for hidden caches across Inazuma. When you return, they can deliver them to you directly," Ei offered sincerely.
"Really?" Paimon's eyes sparkled. Then she hesitated, rubbing the back of her head. "Actually… forget it. That's really kind of you, but I still like finding treasure myself. And it wouldn't be right to trouble the soldiers all the time…"
"Very well," Ei replied with a small nod, not pressing the matter.
Lora turned with a grin. "Makoto, what do you say? Care to come to Liyue with me and enjoy some proper food?"