After explaining his detailed travel plans to Miko and Ei, their concerns clearly lessened significantly.
"Ei'er, while I'm away from Inazuma, you should take the time to walk through the streets on your own."
"The Tricolor Dango out there is quite delicious."
"A brief parting is only so that we can have a better reunion later. Wait for me to come back."
He was still a bit worried about Raiden Ei.
Yae Miko was the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine and the Editor-in-Chief of the Yae Publishing House. She was constantly busy and lived a full life, so there was no need to fret over her.
Kamisato Ayaka was well-behaved and sensible, holding high prestige in Inazuma City. Her days were filled with refined pastimes like flower arrangement, tea ceremonies, sword dancing, and poetry; she was equally fine.
Only Ei remained. She was still stuck in a state of isolation. Staying alone for too long would inevitably lead to psychological issues. Especially since she didn't sleep at night it was easy to spiral into an "emo" state.
[As expected, leaving Inazuma, the one I can't stop worrying about is Ei'er...]
His inner voice flowed like gentle water, pouring directly into the hearts of the two women.
Yae Miko was immediately filled with envy for her friend. One of the tails behind her whipped out and slapped against Raiden Ei.
Raiden Ei was startled and glared at Miko. However, seeing the jealousy in Miko's eyes, she suddenly felt quite smug. Her gaze seemed to say See that? The one Xi cares about most is me.
That flippant look made Miko so annoyed that her tails almost tied themselves in knots.
"Ei'er, did you hear me?" Ye Xi asked, feeling a bit strange as he saw Ei and Miko staring each other down.
"Eh? I... I heard you..."
Raiden Ei lowered her head, her heart fluttering from his thoughts. She didn't understand why Ye Xi wouldn't just say those words out loud. If he were willing to speak them, she would definitely cast everything aside to go with him.
[Is Ei'er... blushing?]
Ye Xi was a bit surprised.
Raiden Ei also realized that her current behavior was beneath the dignity of the Raiden Shogun. She quickly cleared her throat and added, "Ahem... You must come back early. Otherwise, I will personally go and find you."
Personally
"Better not," Ye Xi smiled bitterly. It was truly the Raiden Shogun's style of doing things. If the ruler of Inazuma, who was currently under the Sakoku Decree, suddenly appeared in Liyue or Mondstadt, it would likely shock the entire world.
"Alright, alright. When I return, I'll teach you how to make Liyue's Lotus Flower Crisps," Ye Xi said, while thinking to himself.
[I feel like Ei'er is getting a bit clingy?]
Hearing Ye Xi's thoughts, Ei'er's cheeks flushed slightly. "Don't make me cook. I can accomplish anything else, but I really don't know how to cook."
Ye Xi burst out laughing.
From this perspective, she was exactly like her character design Ei hadn't changed at all.
And yet, in other ways, things seemed to be shifting. If everyone in this world remained exactly as they were in their game settings, then this would be nothing more than a game. But if they changed, growing and evolving, then it meant this world had truly come to life.
Only in moments like these did Ye Xi feel that this was a real world rather than a rigid game world. He hoped some things would never change, but he also hoped for progress such as helping Raiden Ei move past her inner demons, finding a new meaning for existence, and facing Erosion head-on.
After bidding Ei farewell, Ye Xi and Yae Miko left the Tenshukaku.
It was night as they walked along the small path through the Byakko Plain. The scent of grass and soil felt refreshing, especially when accompanied by the rhythmic chirping of insects.
Ye Xi spoke up, "Inazuma is in your hands while I'm gone. Keep an eye on Ei'er and wait for my return."
"You really do care about Ei'er, don't you, Xi?"
Miko spoke with a hint of jealousy, reminding him, "The Yae Publishing House didn't give you that much vacation time. You'd better come back quickly, or the top spot on the best-selling light novel charts won't be yours anymore."
Ye Xi smiled. "Understood, Editor-in-Chief."
[Do I care about Ei'er? Not exactly.]
[I just feel that Ei'er should experience some change.]
Hearing Ye Xi's heart, Miko felt a wave of emotion. As Ei'er's best friend, she not only understood her but could also see the changes currently taking place. And the one influencing Ei'er wasn't Miko, nor was it Ei herself it was Ye Xi!
By the time they returned to Mt. Yougou, the full moon hung high in the sky. The people seeking omens had all descended the mountain, and the shrine maidens were resting. Under the Sacred Sakura, cherry blossoms danced in the wind.
In this sacred place, Yae Miko suddenly grabbed Ye Xi just as he was about to return to his private space.
"Hmm? Is there something else?"
Ye Xi turned around, only to see Yae Miko pulling something out of her pocket.
"Wear this on you. Consider it a parting gift."
"The Omamori of the Grand Narukami Shrine are always very effective. I prepared one specially for you."
In truth, she had a faint premonition that Ei wouldn't be able to keep Ye Xi there, so she had made it by hand. She hadn't expected it to come in handy so soon. This Omamori was unique because it was infused with her demon power. As long as she wished it, she could travel to Ye Xi's side through this charm.
This ability to host one's consciousness within an object was the same as Ei'er hosting the Plane of Euthymia within her blade. With such an amulet, she could rush to Ye Xi's side the moment he fell into danger.
Ye Xi naturally understood the meaning behind this protective charm. He accepted it without hesitation and asked with a grin, "Is this a benefit for being an author at the Yae Publishing House?"
The Omamori was wreathed in the unique "immortal aura" characteristic of Yae Miko. Just smelling the fragrance on it would remind him of this sly fox at any time.
Miko covered her mouth and smiled thinly. "This is a special treatment that only you get to enjoy."
[Hiss—]
[This sly fox is way too good at flirting.]
[Fortunately, the wedding talk earlier was a joke, otherwise I wouldn't be able to keep up with the 'nutrition' required.]
Ye Xi's thoughts naturally reached Miko's heart, earning him a meaningful smile in return. There would be plenty of opportunities to get married in the future; a day or two wouldn't make a difference. Either way, she had her sights set on him.
Ye Xi was never one to just take without giving. Since he had received a parting gift from Miko, he wouldn't be stingy.
"Miko, I happen to have some gifts for you as well. Come with me."
Miko smiled with great interest. "Are you going to show me your big treasure? I'm looking forward to it~"
"Cough, cough..."
"You who did you learn that from!"
Ye Xi had intended to take Miko to see his private vault, but her nonsensical innuendo nearly made him bite his own tongue.
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