The Raiden Shogun carried Ei's memories, so she naturally knew the power of the Abyss.

But Eternity…

The program within her to safeguard Inazuma from harm clashed with the program that compelled her to pursue Eternity without end. For a moment, she seemed to freeze, as though her system had stalled.

No one knew how much time had passed when Kujou Sara, glancing at her from the corner of her eye, suddenly noticed that the Shogun's gaze had shifted into a pure violet hue. Her entire aura seemed to have changed somewhat.

Though suspicion stirred in her heart, the Raiden Shogun spoke before she could dwell on it.

"For now, leave her be."

Kujou Sara froze, then nodded firmly.

"I understand! And what about Kamisato Ayaka?"

The Shogun was silent for a moment, before answering softly:

"Leave her be as well."

"Yes!"

Sara nodded heavily. But when she looked up again, she noticed that the Raiden Shogun — who only a moment ago had exuded a strangely softened aura — had already returned to the same cold, oppressive presence as when she had first entered.

"If there is nothing else, then go."

Before Kujou Sara could voice her doubts, the Shogun spoke again, closed her eyes, and ended the audience.

Sara pressed her lips together. She had wanted to speak of the plight of Inazuma's people.

"Is there something else?" the Shogun asked coldly.

At that instant, all the courage Sara had gathered drained away.

"My apologies, my lady. I take my leave…"

She slowly exited Tenshukaku. Looking out over the desolate Inazuma City, Sara remained silent.

Since that was the case, Kujou Sara would surely try to dissuade the Raiden Shogun. Though her persuasion might not necessarily succeed, Kamisato Ayato guessed that no matter how determined the Shogun was in her pursuit of Eternity, she would not risk all of Inazuma's downfall just to strike at Lumine and her companions.

By now, night had completely fallen. Ayato had already ordered preparations for a banquet.

The three of them, along with their flying companion, sat in the main hall surrounded by traditional Inazuman architecture, elegant and steeped in history. Its atmosphere was completely different from Liyue's.

Back home, Ayaka was visibly cheerful.

"I've been staying in Liyue all this time, with Lumine taking me around to eat and drink. Now at last I can fulfill the duties of a hostess. I hope you'll enjoy Inazuman cuisine."

Paimon blinked, then giggled.

"Of course we'll enjoy it! Tasting the specialties of each land is part of what makes traveling worthwhile!"

For Paimon, aside from Hu Tao's spooky "Ghost March," she would happily eat just about anything—even Xiangling's Slime-inspired dishes. She was the type who was content so long as food was involved.

Lumine rolled her eyes at Paimon, then turned to Ayato.

"Mr. Kamisato, are there teleport waypoints here? We were thinking of returning to Liyue."

Ayato shook his head.

"There are waypoints, but they've all been sealed by the Shogun using Inazuma's ley lines. They can't be activated. To enter or leave Inazuma, one can only travel by sea."

"I see…" Lumine clicked her tongue, disappointed.

"Then we'll have to ride the dragon back."

"Miss Lumine, are you in such a hurry to return?" Ayato was a little puzzled. Normally, since she was a traveler, one would expect her to linger longer.

Lumine waved her hand.

"Not exactly! It's just that I promised Ningguang and the others that if possible, I'd return each evening to check in. I don't want to fall behind in progress."

Ayato was even more intrigued.

Progress? What sort of progress required such constant attention? Was it something Liyue was undertaking?

Come to think of it, Ayato was also very curious as to why Liyue had grown so powerful in such a short span of time.

"Could you tell me? I've been hearing about how Liyue and Mondstadt have changed lately, but I want to know what exactly has happened. Why have Liyue, Mondstadt, and Snezhnaya come together? What is the situation among the three nations now?"

Seeing that her brother had finally asked, Ayaka also grew solemn.

"This is precisely why I had to return this time—to resolve Inazuma's turmoil. Brother, time is pressing. Inazuma cannot afford to keep shutting itself away!"