"Phew…" After running for who knows how long, Lumine finally spotted a cave not far away. Just as she was about to dash toward it, the thunder stopped, the rain ceased, and the weather cleared up.
"Phew…" Lumine let go of Paimon, wiped the rainwater off her face, and leaned against a tree, panting heavily.
"Why did it stop? Why not keep going? I finally found a cave!" Lumine grumbled angrily.
"Huh?" Paimon was dumbfounded by Lumine's words. She flew up to Lumine and touched her forehead, worried. "Lumine, did all that running mess with your head?"
"No, I'm just frustrated," Lumine waved her hand. "What's with the lightning? Why was it chasing me?"
"If we hadn't never met the Raiden Shogun, I'd really think you'd offended her," Paimon said, still shaken.
"Whatever! Let's just go into the Serenitea Pot, change our clothes, and keep moving," Lumine sighed. She had been through two nations already, but she'd never encountered anything this bizarre.
Taking out the Serenitea Pot, Lumine pulled Paimon inside to take a bath and change clothes.
When they came out, Lumine was wearing a white combat dress—apparently, she had a thing for white.
Paimon, on the other hand, was wearing the custom-made children's clothes they had bought in Liyue, looking adorable.
"Lumine, I'm hungry," Paimon said pitifully after they emerged.
"Alright, let's rest in that cave up ahead for the night. We'll hide the Serenitea Pot in a safe spot," Lumine nodded.
"Paimon, go gather some dry firewood. I'll see if I can catch some birds to make skewers for you," Lumine said.
"Got it!" Paimon, always motivated by food, quickly went off to find firewood.
…
Meanwhile, at the Grand Narukami Shrine, the night belonged solely to Akio and Yae Miko.
Akio lay on a large rock, resting his head on Yae Miko's soft and fragrant lap as she played with his white hair.
"Akio, you said that Traveler has arrived?" Yae Miko asked.
"Yes, I sent her to gather information on the current situation in Watatsumi Island," Akio nodded.
"Originally, I thought she'd be the one to break the Sakoku Decree, but my resurrection has already changed Ei and the Shogun's perspectives," Akio chuckled.
"With you, Inazuma has become better," Yae Miko said tenderly. Akio had brought Makoto back to life, allowing both the Shogun and Ei to have their own bodies. Inazuma's rebirth was all thanks to Akio!
"Oh, by the way, I heard from Kitsune Saiguu that you went to Ritou yesterday?" Yae Miko asked. "Did you go to teach Hiiragi Shinsuke a lesson?"
"No, I killed him," Akio shook his head.
"Killed him? Didn't you say you'd hand him over to the Shogun for judgment?" Yae Miko asked curiously. She didn't care about Hiiragi Shinsuke's death, but she was interested in why Akio had changed his mind.
"Hmph, I originally thought of doing that, letting Makoto judge his crimes. But now I think it's unnecessary," Akio snorted. "Being too lenient only makes these people think I'm weak and easy to bully."
"Hiiragi Chisato taking over the Kanjou Commission was an order directly from Tenshukaku. Yet, the families within the Kanjou Commission still dared to threaten her in secret. They're completely disregarding me and the Shogun," Akio said coldly.
"…" Yae Miko fell silent for a moment, then said with a hint of mockery, "I knew it! These people have long been blinded by power."
"It's not just the Kanjou Commission. After Kujou Takayuki of the Tenryou Commission was imprisoned, the Tenryou Commission has also been restless, especially the Takatsukasa family," Yae Miko said. "They've been trying to get Kujou Kamaji to resign and recommend the Takatsukasa family instead."
"Hmph…" Akio sneered. "Same tactics as the Kanjou Commission."
"They're just a bunch of clowns," Yae Miko shook her head.
"As for the acting commissioner of the Tenryou Commission, I think Kujou Sara would be a good fit," Akio said. "Loyalty and righteousness are what the Tenryou Commission, which oversees military affairs, needs most."
"Makoto thinks the same," Yae Miko nodded. However, given the crimes committed by the Kujou family, it was unlikely the Tenryou Commission would continue to be led by them.
"That's not hard to deal with," Akio shrugged. "Kujou Sara's Kujou family isn't the same as Kujou Takayuki's Kujou family."
"Besides, Hiiragi Chisato is highly capable and can fully take on the role of the Kanjou Commissioner. So what if the Hiiragi family made mistakes?" Akio said. "Just start a new page in the family history with Chisato. The past embarrassments can be discarded."
"That's true, but some people might have objections," Yae Miko said.
"Objections? They can keep them to themselves," Akio said coldly. "The will of the gods is for mortals to obey. If they don't like it, they can challenge me to a duel. I'd be happy to oblige."
"Then I doubt anyone would dare say anything," Yae Miko laughed. Challenging Akio to a duel? Only someone with a death wish would think of that. Akio's current combat power could easily overpower Ei.
"By the way, Akio, what about the Yashiro Commission?" Yae Miko asked. "The Yashiro Commission has secretly provided a lot of supplies to Watatsumi Island, not just food but also some… personal items."
"Oh," Akio nodded. "That's fine. If it doesn't come to light, the fact that I allowed the food supply means no one can say anything."
"What if the Yashiro Commission's secret support for Watatsumi Island is exposed?" Yae Miko asked.
"That's even easier. We'll just paint them in a positive light—diligent and caring for the people, supporting the impoverished citizens of Watatsumi Island. They'll be a model for all officials," Akio said. "As for the political side, we don't need to care what they say. They won't dare to speak openly."
"You're thinking so much about protecting the Yashiro Commission, all for Ayaka, right?" Yae Miko suddenly leaned down and smirked at Akio.
"Of course, Ayaka is my treasure. If I don't protect her, who will?" Akio grinned. "If anyone dares to bully you, I'll twist their head off and use it as a ball."
"Hehe," Yae Miko basked in Akio's affection. She leaned down and kissed him. "Your answer pleases me, so I'll reward you."
"Oh? What's the reward?" Akio asked curiously.
"Hmph, come with me," Yae Miko pulled Akio into the room, where Kitsune Saiguu was lying on the bed.
"Finally, you're here. I was about to fall asleep," Kitsune Saiguu yawned. "Any longer and I'd have dozed off."
"So this is your reward?" Akio admitted he was pleasantly surprised.
"Mhm," Yae Miko nodded.
A/N: Enjoying the story? Read 40+ chapters ahead on Patreon! Your support helps: Patreon.com/nneol