"Lord Scribe, what's this?" one of the enforcers asked, setting down Reisen Riou's purchased goods and eyeing the courtyard's machine nervously.
Reisen Riou, after checking the device, hopped down. "What's up?"
"Buildings and modifications in Inazuma City need Tenryou Commission safety approval," the enforcer said. "Without it, they're deemed unsafe and demolished."
"Oh, that? Filed with the Tenryou Commission already. Lady Narukami approved it," Reisen Riou said, pointing at the machine.
The enforcer relaxed. "Good."
"By the way, your names?" Reisen Riou asked.
"I'm Amemuki Uji," said one.
"I'm Yuyame Tarou," said the other.
Reisen Riou nodded. Amemuki, from the Yashiro Commission's Amemuki School of Raiden's Five Forms, and Yuyame, from a minor family under the Kujou clan's Kujou Encampment. Both had lineage—necessary for Shogunate postings. But with Okuzume elites and bannermen galore, even skilled samurai generals were mere squad leaders here. These low-tier samurai were glorified errand-runners, though their roles were coveted.
"Want to know what this does?" Reisen Riou squinted.
They shook their heads, but he pressed on. "Heard of Ritou?"
"That Ritou? It's been booming lately. Word is, master blacksmiths popped up out of nowhere," Amemuki said.
Yuyame added, "I heard Ritou's been supplying more premium ingredients to the Tenryou Commission. I tried some—nutritious, with medicinal value."
Reisen Riou sighed at their narrow views. Amemuki hesitated, then asked, "What's your connection to Ritou, Lord Reisen?"
"I'm Reisen Riou, Shrine Guardian of Ritou Shrine," he said.
He had low hopes for them—clueless about current affairs or intel, missing opportunities. Only needing manpower kept him from dismissing them.
"Fine, I'll explain," he said, resigned. "Ritou's got a device called the One System, Ten Thousand Divine Machines. It speeds learning, evaluates skill levels, gives clear goals, and tracks progress."
"That's why Ritou's thriving. Most folks there are way more diligent now. In that environment, diligence spreads, and life improves."
The signal receiver had limited computing and storage—enough for a dozen One System units, far from a full server. Lacking a database, feedback was slow but manageable.
Both enforcers perked up. Reisen Riou pulled a One System from his Vision's spatial pocket. "Try it. Stick with me, and you won't lose out."
The upgraded One System now supported multiple users, so one device sufficed, with room to spare. Training loyal subordinates was a casual move for him.
His next task: paying respects in Inazuma City. He'd already met the big shot—Makoto. Now, the smaller players, starting with the Yashiro Commission, then the Tenryou Commission, with whom he had good ties. The Kanjou Commission? Just a show-off to foreigners. As a local youkai, he didn't care.
For the Yashiro visit, he wouldn't go to their headquarters—too conspicuous. If he guessed right, the Yashiro head was at Komore Teahouse, where they spent a third of their time handling duties, attending court, and reporting to Makoto.
Inazuma City demanded etiquette. Unlike Ritou's casual visits, here, subordinates sent calling cards three days in advance, awaiting approval and scheduling. Noble circles enforced this elegance. Deviate, and you were an outcast.
Nobles weren't all useless—they tolerated talent and youkai like him. In emergencies, rules bent, but Reisen Riou, now forced to engage, had to play carefully. Their ability to sabotage was real, even if their competence was questionable.
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