I'm Way Too Popular

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[There are two updates today!]

The gates of Tenshukaku slowly closed behind him with a heavy, muffled thud. It was as if the ancient building, in shutting itself off from the outside world, had also completely severed him from everything in his past.

He stood quietly in the familiar entrance hall, feeling the slight coolness of the wooden floor beneath his feet and breathing in the faint fragrance of Thunder Sakura that filled the air.

The scent was entirely different from the icy, bone-chilling atmosphere of the Zapolyarny Palace. It held a hint of warmth and softness, bringing a sense of peace and reassurance.

The maids stood quietly around him, their movements light and graceful, as though afraid of disturbing the moment's tranquility.

When he entered the hall, they silently bowed to him, then took his outer robe with practiced speed.

He noticed, however, that they carefully avoided looking at the conspicuous Electro Archon's Talisman around his neck, seemingly full of awe and fear toward it.

"The Shogun is waiting for you in the tea room," the lead maid said softly, a trace of nervousness in her voice. "Please... please be careful what you say."

He took a deep breath and walked down the corridor toward the tea room.

Flickering candlelight played across the paper doors on either side, stretching his shadow long.

The ice pattern on his chest seemed to be throbbing faintly again. He didn't know whether it was in his head or Bronya's mark acting up.

[System notice]

[Emblem of Ice remaining time: 42 hours]

[Raiden Shogun's current emotional value: 65 (danger threshold: 70)]

Is this emotional value some new feature?

[Added based on the host's experience courting death!]

[65 means: calm on the surface, turbulent within]

[Recommendation: explain carefully and avoid provoking her]

The tea room door was half open, and he could faintly make out Ei kneeling in the seat of honor.

He knocked lightly, and a brief "Come in" immediately came from inside.

He gently pushed the door open, and a faint fragrance of tea refreshed him like a clear spring.

The aroma wasn't strong, but it brought a sense of peace and comfort, as though it could wash away all fatigue and worries.

Entering the tea room, he spotted Ei at once.

She looked a little different today. She wore a simple, elegant purple kimono for lounging at home, its sleeves flowing like those of a fairy descended to earth.

Her long hair was loosely pinned up, with a few strands cascading beside her fair neck. They swayed gently as she moved, adding a touch of softness and grace to her appearance.

Yet although she looked much gentler than usual, the sharpness in her violet eyes had not diminished in the slightest.

The moment he stepped into the tea room, her gaze locked onto him like lightning. In that instant, he felt as though it had pierced through his body and reached the depths of his heart.

"Sit." She pointed to the cushion in front of her, her voice frighteningly calm.

He obediently knelt down and found two cups of tea already set out on the low table.

Ei didn't question him immediately. Instead, she first pushed a cup toward him:

"Drink. You came all the way back from Snezhnaya. Thank you for your effort."

This uncharacteristic gentleness was more unsettling than if she had gotten angry outright.

He couldn't shake the feeling that he would see the milk-scented slash the next second.

He carefully extended both hands and slowly picked up the teacup, as though it were an incomparably precious treasure.

The tea was still giving off a little steam, which enveloped the cup like a thin veil.

Through the hazy steam, he saw his reflection.

The reflection was somewhat blurred by the steam, but he could still make out his face clearly.

Faint dark circles showed beneath his eyes, clearly the result of prolonged exhaustion and a lack of rest.

Seeing himself like this, he couldn't help reflecting on how exceptionally arduous the journey had been.

The weariness from all that travel was written plainly on his face.

"Tell me," Ei said, taking a small sip of tea. "What did Bronya do to you?"

The cup trembled slightly in his hands. He chose his words carefully. "Mostly Cryo training... and..."

"And?" Ei tapped her fingertips lightly against the rim of her cup, and Electro formed tiny sparks around her.

"And some... physical contact as a matter of courtesy." He forced himself to answer. "Snezhnayan customs might be a bit... enthusiastic."

While he was still lost in his thoughts, Ei suddenly set down her teacup without warning.

The delicate ceramic cup struck the wooden tabletop hard, making a crisp, ringing sound like a bolt of lightning tearing through the silent night sky.

The sudden noise snapped him back to his senses, and he stared at Ei in astonishment.

She slowly rose to her feet, her movements graceful and light, like a butterfly dancing in the air.

She walked around the table and came up behind him, then gently placed both hands on his shoulders.

The gesture was so familiar that it reminded him of that night. Bronya had stood behind him in the same position, her hands resting just as gently on his shoulders.

In that moment, time seemed to freeze. His entire body went stiff, unable to move.

"Contact as a matter of courtesy..." Her voice came from right beside his ear, carrying a dangerous edge. "Would leave this kind of mark?"

Her fingers brushed the back of his neck. Stimulated by Electro, a hidden ice pattern immediately appeared, glowing faintly blue on his skin.

Only then did he realize that Bronya's "parting gifts" weren't limited to the ones on his chest...

[Warning! Hidden mark exposed!]

[Raiden Shogun's emotional value: 68 (continuing to rise)]

[Recommendation: act pitiful and play weak!]

"I... I refused at the time..." His voice trembled involuntarily. "But she is the Tsaritsa, after all... I couldn't resist..."

Ei's fingers suddenly tightened, gripping his shoulder bones painfully hard.

Just as he thought he was about to be punished, she abruptly let go and returned to her seat.

"Forget it." She let out a long sigh. "I didn't think it through. I shouldn't have sent you to Snezhnaya alone."

Her gaze fell on the Electro Archon's Talisman on his chest. "At least... you came back safe and sound."

[Raiden Shogun's emotional value has fallen to 60]

[Affection +2%, currently 56%]

[Self-reproach has neutralized anger]

Ei poured another cup of tea, her movements much gentler this time. "Starting tomorrow, we'll resume regular training."

She paused. "Also... it's best not to use Cryo until those marks have completely disappeared."

He nodded, his anxious heart finally settling a little.

Ei seemed to relax as well and began asking for details about what he had seen and heard in Snezhnaya-the composition of the Fatui, Bronya's daily habits, the layout of the Zapolyarny Palace... Her questions were detailed enough to resemble some kind of intelligence gathering.

Their conversation lasted late into the night. When he was finally allowed to leave, Ei suddenly called him back.

"This is for you." She handed him a small box. "Apply it to the marks before bed. It'll help them fade faster."

The box contained a pale purple ointment that gave off the fragrance of Thunder Sakura.

He thanked her and was about to leave when Ei added:

"Oh, right. Take tomorrow off. You can look around the city... Remember to bring a guard."

[Item acquired: Thunder Sakura ointment]

[Effect: accelerates the fading of elemental marks, reduces pain by 30%]

Back in his room, the familiar furnishings made him feel as though a lifetime had passed.

His adventure in Snezhnaya felt like a dream. Only the ice pattern on his chest and the talisman around his neck reminded him that it had all really happened.

System, check my current status.

[Scan complete!]

[Physical condition: mildly fatigued]

[Elemental mastery:

Electro: LV.51 (+2%)

Cryo: LV.33 (+1%)]

[Current conquest progress:

Raiden Shogun: 56% (easing period)

Bronya: 64% (watching from afar)]

He took out the ointment Ei had given him and carefully applied it to the ice patterns.

The moment it touched his skin, he felt a slight tingle, and the stinging from the ice patterns immediately eased considerably.

[Thunder Sakura ointment taking effect...]

[Emblem of Ice remaining time: 38 hours]

The next morning, sunlight streamed in through the curtains.

For once, he slept in, only waking when a maid knocked on his door.

"Lord Baichen, breakfast is ready," the maid called through the door. "Lady Kujou said she can accompany you out whenever you're ready."

After getting dressed, he made his way to the dining room with a spring in his step and spotted Kujou Sara at once.

She sat there quietly, as though she had been waiting for quite some time.

Kujou Sara looked a little different today. Instead of her imposing military uniform, she wore a light set of casual clothes.

The outfit made her look more easygoing and approachable, and it was also easier to move around in.

The pair of wings on her back, which spread out like wings when unfurled, were now folded close against her back. Without looking carefully, one could hardly tell they were there.

"Where would you like to go?" she asked without preamble. "Hanamizaka? Naganohara Fireworks? Or..."

"Let's go have a look at Yae Publishing House first," he suggested. "I'd like to see if there are any new light novels."

Kujou nodded, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly. "The Guuji will surely be delighted to know you've returned."

The streets of Inazuma City were livelier than he remembered.

The reconstruction seemed to be completely finished, with shops lining the streets and pedestrians everywhere. As they passed a tricolor dango shop, the owner greeted them enthusiastically:

"Lord Baichen! Long time no see! How about some special dango?"

He was just about to agree when Kujou spoke first. "No need. We're in a hurry."

She lowered her voice to explain. "The Shogun instructed you not to eat food from outside indiscriminately."

[Kujou Sara's affection +1%, currently 15%]

[Doing her duty]

Yae Publishing House was especially busy today, with a long line outside.

Only after squeezing inside did they discover that the latest volume of "Reborn as the Raiden Shogun" was on sale.

Miko stood behind the counter signing copies in person. When she saw them come in, her fox ears immediately perked up.

"Oh my, isn't this our little cutie?" She waved dramatically. "Back from Snezhnaya?"

Today, she was as dazzling as cherry blossoms in spring.

Her cherry-pink furisode kimono was as gorgeous as the evening clouds on the horizon, with exquisite patterns embroidered on the cuffs and hem. With every movement she made, it was as though petals were falling.

Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, and a delicate fox ornament was tucked into it. The fox's eyes seemed to wink with life, lending her a touch of playfulness and mystery.

Her appearance, like the brightest star in the night sky, drew everyone's attention.

The customers looked over curiously. Some appeared awestruck, while others began whispering among themselves, seemingly discussing the beautiful woman.

Miko pulled him into the inner room without another word. Kujou tried to follow, but Miko stopped her with a look. "A private chat between girls. Miss Tengu, don't come join the fun~"

The inner room was piled high with manuscripts and sample copies, and the scent of ink filled the air.

Miko closed the door, her expression changing at once. "Well? That woman Bronya didn't devour you whole, did she?"

"P-pretty much..." He scratched his cheek awkwardly.

Miko narrowed her eyes and suddenly pressed a hand against his chest. "Just as I thought... a Cryo mark."

She leaned close and sniffed. "And the Tsaritsa's perfume... Tsk, tsk, you really went all out, didn't you?"

[Yae Miko's affection +3%, currently 27%]

[Her gossipy spirit is burning]

He hurriedly took a step back. "It's not what you think!"

"Don't worry~" Miko produced a bottle of liquid from her sleeve as if by magic. "I knew this would happen, so I specially prepared some 'scent-removing water.'"

She added with a mischievous grin, "Otherwise, if Ei smells another woman on you... Hehe."

The liquid was pale pink and carried the fragrance of cherry blossoms.

He hesitated, but took it in the end and poured some onto his hands to rub over himself.

"Works well, doesn't it?" Miko winked smugly. "It doesn't just remove unwanted smells; it can temporarily mask elemental traces too~"

[Item acquired: Miko's scent-removing water]

[Effect: removes foreign elemental scents for 6 hours]

Miko also pressed several newly released light novels into his hands. "Take these to pass the time.

Next time, tell me all about your 'adventures' in Snezhnaya~" She deliberately emphasized those words.

As they left Yae Publishing House, Kujou looked him over suspiciously. "What did the Guuji give you?"

"Just... a few books." He waved the paper bag in his hand.

Kujou was doubtful, but didn't ask any more questions.

They continued strolling along Hanamizaka. As they passed a newly opened dessert shop, a familiar voice called out to him:

"Mr. Baichen!"

He turned to see Sangonomiya Kokomi standing outside the shop, holding a cup of pearl milk tea.

Today she wore Inazuman-style casual clothes, her long pink-blue hair tied up with a ribbon. She looked like an ordinary schoolgirl.

"Lady Kokomi?" he greeted her in surprise. "What brings you to Inazuma City?"

"I'm here for peace talks." She smiled and walked closer, her gaze moving between him and Kujou. "I didn't expect to run into you... Did you just get back from Snezhnaya?"

Kujou immediately stepped between them. "Lady Sangonomiya, please keep your distance."

Kokomi took no offense. She took a small conch from her bag. "Here, a Calming Conch, a specialty of Watatsumi Island. It can help you sleep."

She added pointedly, "Especially... when you've had a nightmare."

[Sangonomiya Kokomi's affection +2%, currently 21%]

[Item obtained: Calming Conch]

[Effect: calms the mind, aids sleep, and wards off nightmares]

Kujou interrupted their conversation again. "Mr. Baichen, it's time to go to the next place."

After saying goodbye to Kokomi, they arrived at Naganohara Fireworks.

Yoimiya was testing a new formula in the backyard. The moment she saw him, she jumped up excitedly:

"Xiao Bai! You're back!" She rushed over and hugged him. "I heard you went to Snezhnaya. Was it super cold there?"

Yoimiya wore her signature orange work clothes today, as though she were one with the sunlight.

Her golden hair cascaded down her back, tied high in a ponytail.

It swayed gently as she moved, as though telling of her vitality and liveliness.

But what drew the most attention was her face, which had somehow gotten a little gunpowder ash on it.

The tiny black specks dotted her fair skin. Far from making her look disheveled, they made her all the more playful and cute.

Yoimiya's enthusiasm was like the fireworks in her hands, blazing and dazzling.

Her laughter rang out as clearly as silver bells, echoing through the air in stark contrast to the somewhat cautious atmosphere among the Inazumans around them.

The contrast brought a smile to one's face and left a deep impression of her personality.

"Yeah, it really was cold," he answered with a smile. "But the ice sculptures were beautiful."

"I knew it!" Yoimiya pulled him along to see her latest creation. "Look at this Ice and Snow Phoenix. I made it especially for you!

"When I heard you were coming back, I spent ages working out the formula for the icy blue color!"

The phoenix-shaped firework was crystalline from end to end, glowing faintly blue in the sunlight. It really did capture some of the charm of Snezhnaya's ice sculptures.

[Yoimiya's affection +4%, currently 35%]

[Note: a pure welcome]

Kujou cleared her throat nearby. "Miss Yoimiya, the Shogun instructed me to..."

"I know, I know~" Yoimiya waved her hand, but still slipped him a small box. "My latest invention, the Cold Light Fireworks. Set them off secretly at night, okay~? Nobody will notice!"

Inside the box were several slender sparklers, cool to the touch.

He carefully slipped them into his pocket and thanked Yoimiya.

[Item obtained: Cold Light Fireworks]

[Effect: no sound or light, only releases a beautiful icy mist]

As the sun set, they arrived at their final stop-the Komore Teahouse.

The owner, Taroumaru, wagged his tail happily when he saw him. "Woof, woof!" (Welcome back!)

To his surprise, Kamisato Ayaka was there too!

Dressed in an elegant, understated kimono, she knelt gracefully by the window, gently lifting a teacup and savoring the fragrant tea.

When she saw him enter the room, her coral-colored eyes visibly lit up, like stars twinkling in the night sky.

But she quickly concealed that moment of surprise and resumed the dignified manner of a noble lady. The corners of her lips rose slightly in a gentle, reserved smile.

"Baichen, it's been a long time." She bowed gracefully. "I heard you went to Snezhnaya... was everything all right?"

Today, Ayaka wore a pale blue kimono, its color as fresh and soft as the sky on a spring morning.

Her silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, loosely pinned up with a camellia. Its petals set off her silver hair, making her locks look even silkier.

Compared to the Ayaka in his memories, she seemed to have grown a little thinner.

Her already delicate face looked smaller now, her chin slightly pointed, giving her a fragile appearance.

Yet her eyes remained as bright as stars, revealing determination and intelligence.

This was their first formal meeting since the "confinement incident."

"I-I was fine..." he answered, somewhat awkwardly.

Ayaka motioned for him to sit and poured him a cup of tea herself. "My brother asked me to convey his apologies... the Kamisato Clan behaved discourteously on that occasion."

Her fingers gently brushed the rim of the cup, and her voice grew quieter. "I... I owe you an apology too. I was too impulsive then..."

[Kamisato Ayaka's affection +1%, currently 38%]

[Note: restrained longing]

Kujou stood close behind him, one hand on her sword hilt, clearly on guard against Ayaka.

Ayaka seemed to notice and moved a little farther away with a rueful smile.

"Please rest assured, I've given my actions serious thought." She took a small sachet from her sleeve. "This is a calming camellia sachet... please accept it as a token of my apology."

The sachet felt soft in his hand and gave off a faint scent of camellia.

He thanked her and accepted it, and Ayaka's expression visibly relaxed.

[Item obtained: Ayaka's camellia sachet]

[Effect: soothes emotions, mildly calming]

By the time they left the Komore Teahouse, the sky was completely dark.

The lanterns on either side of the street lit up one by one, bathing Inazuma City in a warm glow.

Kujou escorted him back to the entrance of Tenshukaku and suddenly said:

"The Shogun is waiting for you in the courtyard."

The courtyard of Tenshukaku was especially quiet at night.

Under the Thunder Sakura, Ei was drinking alone. Tonight, she had changed into a deep purple yukata, and her loose hair glimmered softly purple in the moonlight.

"Did you have fun?" she asked without turning around.

"Yeah, it was a full day." He sat down beside her. "Thank you for giving me the day off, Shogun."

Ei handed him a cup of wine. "Try it. It's freshly brewed Thunder Sakura wine."

The wine tasted crisp and cool, carrying the distinctive fragrance of sakura blossoms. They drank in silence for a while before Ei suddenly spoke.

"Those women... what did they give you?"

The unexpected question nearly made him choke.

But Ei went on by herself. "Yoimiya's fireworks, Miko's book, Sangonomiya's shell, the Kamisato Clan's sachet..."

She listed them one by one, as though she had seen them with her own eyes. "You're certainly... popular."

[Raiden Shogun's emotion value: 67 (rising slowly)]

System! Help!

[Quick, praise her! Hurry!]

[Just say your favorite gift was the one she gave you!]

[Otherwise, I'm afraid you're going to cosplay Kamisato Linghua's ()]

"But!... But I don't think any of them compare to the ointment you gave me, Shogun," he said hurriedly. "I felt much better after putting it on."

Ei's expression softened subtly.

She reached out and gently stroked his cheek, her fingertips carrying a faint Electro tingle. "Remember, you're mine." Her voice was soft, but it carried an unquestionable force. "You always will be."

[Raiden Shogun's emotion value dropped to 60]

[Affection +3%, currently 59%]

The night breeze stirred, and Thunder Sakura petals fluttered down.

In the quiet night, Ei's profile was breathtakingly beautiful.

A sudden stab of pain came from the ice pattern on his chest, reminding him of Bronya's existence... and that unfulfilled "promise."

What should he do...?