At a single command, eight anchors burst from the water and were hauled back into the hold.
Whoosh!
The red canvas unfurled, the wind catching the sails until they were taut and snapping loudly. Huge oars at the ship's sides struck the water, kicking up massive plumes of spray. The dragon-headed prow turned, setting its course toward Liyue!
Ye Xi stood at the stern, gazing back at the shore where Kamisato Ayaka and Yae Miko were waving. He raised his hand in response.
Inazuma, wait for my return.
A mental voice echoed in the hearts of the two women on the shore like a receding tide. As the familiar voice grew distant, that warm sensation gradually faded, leaving a hollow feeling in its wake. Though they were rivals in their affections, at this moment, they shared the exact same emotion.
Deep within Tenshukaku, a terrifying power radiated outward. It spread like a shockwave, rippling across the surface of the sea.
"Big Sis! The thunderstorms are clearing!" a sailor at the prow cried out, his arms raised in a surprise cheer.
"What? The storms are gone?"
"How is that possible!"
"Ever since the Sakoku Decree began, the Raiden Shogun herself deployed those storms around these waters! How could they just vanish?"
The sailors peered toward the horizon where the sea met the sky. Where there should have been a wall of lightning, the world was now wide and clear. The ocean and the blue sky merged into a natural masterpiece.
Beidou looked on, her heart trembling with shock. She turned her gaze to Ye Xi, who was still at the stern bidding his farewells.
Even the Raiden Shogun is clearing a path for you? Ye Xi!
The crew members caught on as well, and low whispers broke out among them.
"Just who is this brother Big Sis knows? What's his background!"
"Yeah, for even the cold and ruthless Raiden Shogun to temporarily lift the storms for him... what kind of big shot is he?"
"I've never heard of anyone being able to sway the will of the Electro Archon!"
"No wonder Big Sis waited so long for him. He's no ordinary person. Even the Tianquan might treat him as an honored guest!"
"Could he be an envoy sent by Inazuma?"
"I really want to know how Big Sis befriended this Brother Ye Xi!"
"I heard they were drinking buddies..."
Meanwhile, a youth sitting on the wooden rail of the prow faced the wind and waves, murmuring to himself, "To think someone could actually influence the lightning's glow..."
A sailor nearby spoke up jovially, "Master Kazuha, it looks like it'll be smooth sailing back to Liyue this time!"
From behind them came Beidou's hearty laughter. "Good! The sun is shining and it's a perfect day for a drink! Bring the wine!"
On the shores of Ritou, the ship had become nothing more than a blurry speck before finally vanishing beneath the horizon.
Kamisato Ayaka finally withdrew her longing gaze. When she felt a presence and looked up, she realized Yae Miko was watching her. A flicker of fear touched Ayaka's heart. Subconsciously, she tightened her grip on the Jade Flute and took a half-step back.
"Guuji Yae... this flute... Xi gave it to me..."
Seeing how she shielded the flute in her arms as if afraid it would be snatched away, a thought suddenly crossed Yae Miko's mind. She crossed her arms, a slight smile touching her pink lips as she covered them with a delicate hand.
"I have no intention of taking that flute," Miko said softly. "Little girl of the Yashiro Commission, I think we need to have a proper talk. Come to the Grand Narukami Shrine tonight."
With a slight shimmer of her kitsune power, Yae Miko vanished on the spot.
Only after she left did the surrounding people finally exhale in relief. As the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine and the Raiden Shogun's familiar, her presence exerted a heavy pressure on everyone.
The murmurs began again.
"To think Guuji Yae came in person to see Lord Ye Xi off!"
"It must be the will of the Narukami!"
"This is incredible. Our young lady and Lord Ye Xi have exchanged tokens of affection. With Lord Ye Xi presiding over the Kamisato Clan, not only are we closer to Guuji Yae, but we even have the Narukami's recognition! Our clan is destined for greatness!"
"Indeed! Once Lord Ye Xi returns to marry our young lady, the Kamisato Clan will be the number one family in Inazuma!"
"The number one family! The number one family!"
"Oh... when the old master and mistress passed away so early, I thought our clan was doomed to decline. Who would have thought..."
"Lord Ye Xi is the savior of our Kamisato Clan!"
Many of the old servants of the house had tears in their eyes. They had personally witnessed the clan's tribulations. Back when the previous head of the family was in power,
the Kamisato Clan had fallen victim to the Fatui's conspiracies and the betrayal of national-level bladesmiths. This had led to the loss of many retainers and heavy punishments from the Shogunate.
From that point on, the clan's status within the Bakufu had plummeted. When the old master passed away, they had been filled with despair. Even though Kamisato Ayato had taken over as the family head, they had merely been scraping by.
As servants of the house, they naturally shared the family's fate. They rose and fell with its fortunes. They had expected the clan to fade away, but they never imagined their young lady would be favored by Ye Xi.
Now, the clan was being brought back to life. Returning to the top was just a matter of time! How could they not be exhilarated?
Seeing his servants and the retainers of the Yashiro Commission cheering, Kamisato Ayato stepped out from the shadows, his face full of excitement.
"Men!"
"Here!" Several attendants dropped to one knee, awaiting orders.
"Immediately spread the word that the young lady of the Kamisato Clan and Lord Ye Xi have exchanged tokens of love!"
"Yes, sir!"
🚨 Note: Consider supporting this story on Patreon.com/Flokixy to access 400+ advance chapters and 2 new chapters daily! (Full story bundles also available without a subscription).