Ei: What the Heck?

[Woohoo, chapter two is here ovo]

When the first rays of morning sunlight slipped through the gaps in the paper door and fell into the room like a sheer veil, Baichen did not wake from a sweet dream as usual. He was still staring fixedly at the ceiling, as if it were a painting full of secrets waiting for him to unravel.

The tatami beneath him was more than ten times softer than his dorm bed, as if it could gently envelop him.

Yet, comfortable as the bed was, he could not sleep peacefully in it.

The silk bedding embroidered with lightning patterns looked luxurious, but it could not bring him even a shred of peace.

Last night's dream played over and over in his mind like a horror movie.

Purple lightning flashed and intertwined in the darkness, its dazzling light making it almost impossible to keep one's eyes open.

At the center of the lightning was a pair of eyes, as bright as the stars in the night sky, yet carrying a chilling, mesmerizing coldness.

"Lord Baichen, are you awake?" a maid called gently from outside the door.

He hurriedly sat up, only then realizing that "lord" referred to him. "P-please come in."

The paper door slid gently open, and three maids in matching kimonos filed in, carrying washing supplies.

They deftly prepared warm water, tooth powder, and a towel for Baichen, keeping their heads lowered the whole time and not daring to meet his eyes.

"The Shogun instructed you to change and proceed to the main hall."

The maid in the lead held out a dark blue kimono. "These clothes were prepared for you."

Baichen took the clothes, feeling the cool, smooth silk beneath his fingers. Tiny lightning patterns were embroidered on the lining. "Thank you... um, I can manage on my own."

The maids exchanged glances, seemingly puzzled by his politeness, but bowed and left the room nonetheless.

Once dressed, Baichen studied himself in the bronze mirror-the kimono fit unexpectedly well.

The dark blue fabric made his complexion look even fairer, while the silver threads on the sash sparkled in the sunlight.

What concerned him most was the lightning family crest embroidered over his left breast, which represented a very high status in the Tenryou Commission.

[Ding! Daily quests updated]

[Quest 1: Have breakfast with the Raiden Shogun (0/1)]

[Reward: Electro affinity +5%]

The system notification made Baichen's heart race.

When he pushed open the door, two members of the Okuzumeshuu immediately knelt on one knee. "Lord Baichen, please follow us."

They passed through winding corridors, and in the daylight, Tenshukaku displayed a majesty completely different from its nighttime appearance.

Vermilion pillars gleamed in the sun, and wind chimes beneath the eaves jingled in the sea breeze.

Passing samurai bowed to him, though their eyes betrayed unmistakable curiosity.

The doors to the main hall stood open, and from a distance he could see the Shogun kneeling in the seat of honor, reviewing documents.

The morning light edged her long purple hair with gold, and the eternal flower in her hair seemed forever in full bloom.

"You're here?" she said without looking up, her brush moving smoothly across the paper.

Baichen stood helplessly in the doorway until she looked up and motioned for him to sit.

Breakfast was already laid out on the low table: glistening rice, grilled fish, miso soup, and a small dish of pickled plums.

"Eat," The Shogun said, setting down her brush and taking a sip from her teacup. "I have already eaten."

He picked up his chopsticks carefully, the aroma of grilled fish wafting into his nose.

The moment he tasted the first bite of rice, Baichen was almost moved to tears-this was undoubtedly the most fragrant, sweetest rice he had ever eaten.

"Is it to your liking?" The Shogun suddenly asked.

"It's delicious!" he exclaimed sincerely. "The rice grains are plump and chewy, the grilled fish is crispy outside and tender inside, and even the miso soup has just the right amount of salt..."

Halfway through, Baichen realized he was getting too excited and quickly shut his mouth.

But then he saw the corners of the Shogun's lips lift slightly. "The head cook will be pleased to hear such praise."

[Raiden Shogun affection +1%, current: 10%]

[Reward: Electro resistance (basic) granted]

[Note: Appreciation for a sincere attitude]

A warm current suddenly surged through Baichen's limbs and body, leaving a faint tingling sensation across his skin.

He stared at his arm in surprise, barely able to make out pale purple lightning flowing through his veins.

The Shogun's gaze grew deep. "Interesting. Your body... is accepting Electro."

She suddenly reached out and grasped Baichen's wrist, sending Electro flowing into his body through the point of contact. The sensation was both painful and pleasant, like millions of tiny needles traveling through his veins.

"Just as I thought..." She released his wrist. "Your constitution is very unusual."

Baichen was about to ask for details when hurried footsteps suddenly sounded outside.

Kujou Sara strode into the hall, her wings still carrying the scent of morning dew.

"The Shogun, the envoy from Sangonomiya..." She paused noticeably when she saw Baichen. "...has arrived at Ritou."

The Shogun rose, the hem of her kimono tracing a graceful arc. "Prepare the reception room. Baichen, you will come too."

The reception room was on the west side of Tenshukaku, a spacious room furnished with low tables and cushions.

A map of the waters around Inazuma hung on the wall, marked with the defensive deployments on each island.

The Shogun took the seat of honor, while Baichen was placed to her right-an arrangement that visibly surprised Kujou.

"Let them in."

At the Shogun's command, the sliding door slowly opened.

A familiar figure led the way: Sangonomiya Kokomi. Her long pink-and-blue hair swayed gently with each step.

Two Resistance soldiers followed her, keeping a wary eye on their surroundings.

"Raiden Shogun." Kokomi bowed gracefully, her voice as pleasant as a clear spring. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with us."

Her gaze paused on Baichen for a second, a flicker of puzzlement in her eyes.

It was no wonder. A man without a Vision appearing on an occasion like this was indeed unusual.

"Get to the point," The Shogun replied coldly.

Kokomi drew a scroll from her sleeve. "This is a list of Watatsumi Island's requests. We hope you will reconsider the Vision Hunt Decree..."

"Impossible." The Shogun cut her off. "Visions are a source of calamity that disrupts eternity. They must be confiscated."

The atmosphere instantly dropped to freezing. Baichen noticed Kokomi's fingers tremble slightly, but she quickly composed her expression. "At least... please allow us to keep Hydro Visions used for healing. The residents of Watatsumi Island need them..."

"I have said there will be no exceptions." The Shogun's voice was like ice.

Kokomi took a deep breath and suddenly turned her gaze to Baichen. "And this is...?"

Every gaze instantly converged on Baichen.

The Shogun fell silent for a moment, then gave an unexpected answer. "Baichen, my... guest."

The ambiguous description brought a flash of shrewdness to Kokomi's eyes.

She suddenly gave him a gentle smile. "Mr. Baichen, do you think there should be exceptions to the Vision Hunt Decree?"

Baichen froze, feeling the Shogun's gaze like a thorn in his back. The question was a trap-no matter how he answered, he would offend one side.

[Warning! Critical dialogue choice]

[Option 1: Support the Shogun (Raiden Shogun affection +3%, Sangonomiya Kokomi affection -5%)]

[Option 2: Support Kokomi (Raiden Shogun affection -5%, Sangonomiya Kokomi affection +3%)]

[Option 3: Propose a compromise (requires a successful charm check)]

He gritted his teeth. "I think... Visions used for healing should indeed be kept."

As soon as he spoke, the temperature in the reception room seemed to plunge ten degrees.

The Electro around the Shogun began to roil, purple arcs of electricity darting across the floor.

"Your reason." Her voice was frighteningly cold.

Baichen steeled himself and explained, "The Shogun, losing the ability to heal will lead to more casualties, which will in turn undermine Inazuma's stability... and affect eternity."

A suffocating silence lasted a full ten seconds. Then the Electro around the Shogun subsided. "...A very interesting insight."

Kokomi's eyes lit up with surprise and delight. "Then, the Shogun, you agree?"

"Only on Watatsumi Island, and every Vision used for healing must be registered."

The Shogun spoke coldly. "Kujou, you will oversee this matter."

[Charm check successful!]

[Raiden Shogun affection +2%, current: 12%]

[Sangonomiya Kokomi affection +8%, current: 8%]

After the meeting, Kokomi made a point of approaching Baichen. "Mr. Baichen, thank you for speaking up for us."

She discreetly slipped him a seashell. "If you ever have a chance to visit Watatsumi Island, please be sure to come see me."

The shell was cool to the touch, and tiny runes were carved on its inner surface.

Before Baichen could examine it closely, the Shogun had already stepped between them. "It is time to go, Baichen."

After they left the reception room, the Shogun suddenly stopped. "Do you know Sangonomiya Kokomi?"

"No, today was the first time we met."

"Then why did you speak for her?" The Shogun turned, her purple eyes fixed on his.

Baichen swallowed nervously. "I just... thought she had a point."

To his surprise, the Shogun nodded lightly. "Daring to stand by your own views before me... good."

She reached out and straightened Baichen's crooked collar. "I must attend to state affairs this afternoon. You may do as you please, but you are not to leave Tenshukaku."

[Raiden Shogun affection +1%, current: 13%]

[Note: Approval of an upright character]

That afternoon, Baichen wandered around Tenshukaku with the token the Shogun had given him.

Without realizing it, he reached the vicinity of the library and suddenly remembered Yae Miko's warning-there was a barrier here.

Just as he hesitated over whether to leave, a familiar voice came from behind him. "Oh my, isn't this the Shogun's little pet?"

He turned to see Yae Miko leaning against a corridor pillar, toying with the kagura bell in her hand.

Today she wore formal shrine maiden robes, her long pink hair tied high with a golden cord, making her look more dignified than she had yesterday.

"Lady Guuji." He bowed respectfully.

"So formal~" Miko pouted. "Yesterday you were still calling me Yae Miko." She suddenly leaned close and whispered in Baichen's ear, "Would you like to see the forbidden books in the library?"

Her warm breath brushed his ear, carrying the scent of cherry blossoms. Baichen instinctively stepped back half a pace. "The Shogun said there was a barrier there..."

"Barriers don't work on me~" Miko winked slyly. "And there's something inside that will interest you~"

After much hesitation, curiosity finally overcame fear.

He followed Miko to the library entrance, where she gave the kagura bell in her hand a gentle shake. The purple barrier parted like rippling water, opening a gap.

The inside of the library was deeper and more secluded than he had imagined.

Towering bookshelves reached all the way to the ceiling, packed with ancient books and scrolls.

Miko led Baichen through several rows of shelves with practiced ease, finally stopping in an inconspicuous corner.

"Look at this." She took down a dusty ancient book and opened it to a page.

"This is...?"

Just then, footsteps sounded in the distance. Miko quickly closed the book and stuffed it back in place. "It's Kujou Sara. We have to go."

She pulled Baichen behind a bookshelf as Kujou's footsteps drew closer and closer.

Through a gap, Baichen saw her checking the barrier.

"Strange..." Kujou murmured. "There was definitely a fluctuation in the barrier..."

Miko's body was pressed tightly against Baichen, her back against his chest, and he could clearly feel the rise and fall of each breath.

The scent of cherry blossoms lingered at his nose, making him a little dizzy.

[Yae Miko affection +3%, current: 6%]

[Note: Pleasure at being accomplices]

After Kujou left, they quietly slipped out of the library.

Miko adjusted her robes. "What happened today is our little secret~" She suddenly reached out and pinched Baichen's cheek. "Next time I'll take you somewhere even more interesting to have fun~"

With that, she transformed into a flurry of cherry blossom petals and vanished into the air.

Baichen stood where he was, the touch of her fingertips still lingering on his face.

Toward evening, Baichen was admiring the sunset in the courtyard when he suddenly heard the sound of wooden sandals behind him.

He turned to see the Shogun standing there, though he did not know when she had arrived. The setting sun cast her shadow long.

"How was your day?" she asked.

"Very... eventful," he answered nervously, afraid she would discover he had been to the library.

The Shogun stepped closer and stood beside him, looking into the distance. "Tomorrow I will inspect Tatarasuna. You will accompany me."

"Me?" Baichen looked up in surprise. "But isn't that the front line?"

"Precisely because it is." An emotion he could not understand flashed in the Shogun's purple eyes. "I want to see how you react on the battlefield."

The answer made Baichen's heart tighten.

Could she suspect him of having ties to the Resistance?

Dinner was served in Baichen's room.

The Shogun had sent over a lavish meal, even including a flask of sake.

After several rounds of drinks, the pleasant buzz made him a little bolder.

The system notification suddenly sounded:

[Daily summary]

[Current affection:

[Raiden Shogun: 15%]

[Yae Miko: 6%]

[Sangonomiya Kokomi: 8%]

[Tomorrow's quest: Accompany the Shogun to Tatarasuna]

In the distance, at the highest point of Tenshukaku, a purple figure likewise stood beneath the moonlight.

Their gazes seemed to pass through the layers of buildings and meet briefly in the night sky.

At that moment, Baichen inexplicably felt that a trace of something seemed to flash through the eyes of this god who pursued eternity...

...loneliness.