Happy Times in Inazuma Before Departure

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Morning light streamed through Tenshukaku's paper windows. Baichen opened his eyes and found that the last trace of the icy pattern on his chest had finally disappeared.

The mark Bronya had left behind had vanished completely like melting snow, leaving only a faint, barely visible blue pattern on his skin.

[System notification]

[The Ice Crest has completely dissipated]

[Raiden Shogun's affection: 62% (stable)]

Finally got rid of it...

[Don't celebrate too soon!]

[Bronya's snowflake pendant is still with Kujou!]

Baichen stretched as crisp birdsong drifted in through the window.

Ever since Ei had agreed to let him go to Liyue, her attitude toward him had changed noticeably.

The strict control she had exercised before seemed to have vanished all at once, as though she had suddenly grown much more reassured about him.

He found that she no longer drew up those suffocating training schedules for him, instead giving him more free time to do what he wanted.

She even allowed him to wander around the city alone, something that would never have been permitted before.

That morning, a maid brought Baichen breakfast as usual, but this time she also brought a special kimono.

The kimono was pale purple, embroidered with intricate lightning patterns that made it look exceptionally refined.

The cuffs and hem were also designed in a distinctive way, allowing him to move freely while giving the garment a unique beauty.

Baichen put on the lightweight kimono and felt as though he had become more agile.

Its fabric was soft and comfortable, allowing him to stretch freely without worrying about being restricted.

He could not help feeling a little surprised by Ei's thoughtful arrangements, and he was also full of anticipation for his coming life in Liyue.

"The Shogun has gone to the morning court session," the maid said as she arranged the tableware. "She instructed me to tell you that you may do as you please today, but you must return before sunset to pack your belongings."

The trip to Liyue was set for tomorrow, and today was Baichen's last bit of free time in Inazuma.

He took a bite of tricolor dango, its sweet, chewy texture melting on his tongue. Compared with Snezhnaya's overly sweet pastries, the flavors of Inazuma really were more to his liking.

[Status acquired: culinary satisfaction]

[Effect: mood +15%]

In the early morning in Inazuma City, sunlight streamed through the clouds onto the streets, illuminating every corner.

Compared with the quiet of the afternoon, the city was especially lively.

Fishermen stood along the shore, loudly hawking the various kinds of seafood they had just caught.

Fresh fish and shrimp gleamed silver in the sunlight, drawing the attention of passersby.

Housewives carrying bamboo baskets made their way through the crowd, carefully selecting the freshest ingredients to prepare a hearty breakfast for their families.

Children laughed and played in the streets, running through the crowds and chasing one another, their laughter and shouts ringing throughout Inazuma City.

As he passed a newly opened tea shop, Baichen was drawn in by the owner's enthusiastic greeting.

"Lord Baichen! Come try our newly arrived tea from Liyue!"

The owner spoke with a broad smile. As Baichen entered the shop, a faint fragrance of tea greeted him.

The shop was small, but it was packed with all kinds of tea caddies, from fragrant Biluochun to mellow Pu'er. It had everything.

Seeing that Baichen was interested in the tea, the owner grew even more excited as he introduced it:

"These are all fine teas shipped from Liyue. Look at this caddy of Biluochun, with its emerald-green color and delicate fragrance;

and this caddy of Pu'er has a rich, mellow taste and a lingering finish."

Just as Baichen was losing himself in the fragrance, the owner mysteriously pulled a small ceramic jar from beneath the counter and said softly:

"This is 'Thunderclap Tea,' specially set aside for you. They say it grows in the thunderstorm region on the border between Liyue and Inazuma, and only a few pounds are produced each year. It's extremely precious!"

The tea leaves were deep purple, and a faint trace of Electro could be detected when he leaned close to smell them.

Baichen had just reached for his money when the owner waved his hands repeatedly. "No need, no need! The Shogun has already paid for it. She said you like tea..."

[Item acquired: premium Thunderclap Tea]

[Effect: restores a small amount of Electro power]

After leaving the tea shop, Baichen suddenly felt an urge to visit the Grand Narukami Shrine.

After all, he had not paid a formal visit to worship there since returning from Snezhnaya.

He slowly climbed the long stone staircase, the thunder sakura trees lining the path already past their flowering season.

Pink and white petals drifted down like snowflakes, gently covering the stone steps as though laying a soft carpet over the hard stairs.

With every step, he could hear the petals rustle faintly beneath his feet, as though they were whispering to him.

He finally reached the shrine entrance. There were few people here, and it was exceptionally peaceful.

Several young women in shrine maiden attire were diligently sweeping the courtyard, their movements light and graceful, complementing the ancient shrine.

When Baichen entered the shrine, the shrine maidens seemed to notice his arrival.

As one, they stopped what they were doing, turned to face him, and bowed respectfully.

Baichen smiled and nodded to them, and they stepped aside in quiet understanding and resumed their work, as though he were merely an ordinary visitor.

Beside the purification basin in front of the main hall, an unexpected figure was drawing water-Sangonomiya Kokomi.

"Lady Kokomi?" Baichen greeted her in surprise. "You're still in Inazuma?"

Today, Sangonomiya Kokomi was dressed in standard shrine maiden attire.

Her long pink-and-blue hair cascaded over her shoulders, and the braids tied with sandalwood paper swayed gently in the breeze, seemingly giving off a faint fragrance.

Her face was delicate and graceful, her skin as white as snow. Like a lotus in full bloom, she gave off a fresh, ethereal air.

When her gaze met Baichen's, her coral-colored eyes brightened slightly, like stars twinkling in the night sky.

The corners of her lips lifted in a gentle smile, and she said softly, "Mr. Baichen." Her voice was clear and pleasant, like heavenly music.

She bowed gracefully to Baichen, her movements smooth and natural, as though perfected through countless repetitions.

Then she straightened and explained, "I'm learning the ceremonial procedures at the Grand Narukami Shrine... Watatsumi Island plans to rebuild its own shrine." Her tone held a trace of anticipation and excitement.

With that, she gestured for Baichen to purify his hands with her.

Baichen went to the basin and dipped both hands into the cool water.

The water flowed over his fingertips, bringing a chill, while the faint scent of sandalwood lingered around his nose, leaving him refreshed.

"I heard you're going to Liyue?" Kokomi lowered her voice. "As it happens, I've received an invitation from Lady Ningguang as well."

The unexpected news left Baichen momentarily stunned.

Kokomi seemed to notice his confusion and explained with a smile, "As a representative of Watatsumi Island... with the Shogun's permission, of course."

She took a small conch from her sleeve. "This is for you, an improved 'communication conch.' You can use it in Liyue too."

The conch was only the size of a thumb and pearly white all over, with the faint sound of flowing water coming from within.

Baichen thanked her and accepted it, and Kokomi's expression visibly relaxed.

[Sangonomiya Kokomi's affection +2%, current: 24%]

[Item acquired: Kokomi's communication conch]

[Effect: short-distance voice transmission (cross-region version)]

After finishing his worship, Baichen stopped in front of the ema rack.

The rack was covered with wooden plaques bearing all kinds of wishes.

Some prayed for good health, some hoped for romance, and others wanted to strike it rich...

In the most conspicuous spot hung an ema with a chibi portrait of the Raiden Shogun and the words "I hope the Shogun smiles more often" written on it. One look was enough to tell it was Yoimiya's handiwork.

"Would you like to write one?"

The moment Baichen turned around, Miko's heavenly voice suddenly came from behind him.

He looked back in surprise and saw that Miko was wearing formal shrine maiden attire today. Its colors were vibrant yet dignified, as though perfectly suited to her bearing.

Unlike a standard shrine maiden outfit, however, her skirt was about an inch shorter than usual.

That small alteration left her legs partially visible, and her slender ankles, wrapped in white stockings, revealed a hint of sexiness and playfulness.

Miko also held a blank ema in her hand, its wood grain clearly visible, as though waiting for her to paint the wish in her heart upon it.

Her fox ears were twitching slightly, conveying a hint of slyness, as though she were plotting something amusing.

"I'll make a special exception and let you use the finest camellia wood plaque~"

Baichen took the ema, thought for a moment, and wrote the words "a safe journey."

Miko leaned over to take a look and pouted in disappointment. "How unimaginative~"

As if by magic, she produced another one. "Here, let me write a new one for you!" With a flourish of her brush, she wrote, "I hope to be surrounded by Liyue beauties,"

and drew a few hearts as well. Baichen hurriedly snatched it back. "Stop messing around!"

[Yae Miko's affection +1%, current: 30%]

[Prank successful]

By the time Baichen stepped out through the shrine gates, the sun was high in the sky and it was nearly noon.

The sunlight brought a touch of warmth to his skin. He strolled down the mountain to a teahouse at its foot and decided to have lunch there.

The owner welcomed Baichen warmly and recommended a newly developed dish-"Thunder Sakura Cold Noodles."

The owner said the cold noodles were refreshing and pleasant, perfect for the increasingly hot weather.

Baichen was intrigued by the description and ordered the dish without hesitation.

Before long, the cold noodles were brought to his table.

The noodles in the bowl were long and springy, topped with a thin layer of ice that gave them a cool appearance.

The garnishes included tender vegetables and thinly sliced thunder sakura petals, their colors complementing one another and making the dish look appetizing.

Baichen stirred the noodles to coat them evenly in sauce, then lifted a mouthful with his chopsticks.

At that instant, a cool sensation spread through his mouth.

The noodles were smooth, and the thunder sakura petals added a delicate floral fragrance that blended perfectly with the sauce.

Every bite was refreshing, as though the dish were awakening his entire body.

After lunch, Baichen continued on his way. His destination that afternoon was Naganohara Fireworks, where he planned to visit his friend Yoimiya.

When he arrived, however, he found the shop's doors shut tight, with a sign hanging on them that read "Closed today."

He was a little surprised, but decided to go around to the back courtyard and take a look.

As soon as he reached the entrance to the courtyard, he heard a series of explosions from within.

Baichen's heart tightened, and he hurriedly pushed the door open. Smoke filled the courtyard, and Yoimiya was emerging from it, covered in soot.

Her golden hair, normally as bright as sunlight, had a few strands blackened by smoke, and there was soot on her face. She looked somewhat disheveled.

"Xiao Bai! Just in time!" She excitedly pulled Baichen inside. "Look at my new invention-the Soundless Lightning Shell!"

Several strangely shaped metal tubes stood in the courtyard.

After Yoimiya lit the fuse, a firework shot silently into the air and burst into countless tiny flashes of lightning, still clearly visible in the sunlight.

"Designed especially for daytime festivals!" Yoimiya announced proudly. "We're planning to use them for the Shogun's birthday next month!"

"Ei... the Shogun's birthday?" Baichen asked in surprise. "How come I didn't know?"

Yoimiya winked mysteriously. "It's a secret! She never celebrates it, but this year we're planning to surprise her~"

She pressed a small box into Baichen's hands. "This is for you, an improved Rainbow Cold-Light Firework. It lasts longer now!"

[Yoimiya's affection +2%, current: 39%]

[Item acquired: long-lasting rainbow firework]

[Effect: no sound or light, duration +50%]

By the time he left the fireworks shop, the sun had begun to sink in the west.

Baichen decided to stop by Komore Teahouse before returning to Tenshukaku.

As soon as Taroumaru saw him, he came over wagging his tail. "Woof, woof!" (The young lady of the Kamisato Clan has been waiting for you for a long time!)

Sure enough, Ayaka was sitting in her usual spot by the window, with two cups of matcha and several plates of wagashi in front of her.

When she saw Baichen come in, she rose gracefully and bowed. "I heard you're setting out for Liyue tomorrow?"

Her voice was softer than usual. "I prepared some snacks for you to eat on the way."

Today she wore a pale purple visiting kimono, her silver hair loosely pinned up with an early-blooming hydrangea, giving her a more relaxed appearance than usual.

Exquisite bento boxes sat on the table, filled with various kinds of sushi and rice balls that were easy to carry.

"They're all kinds that keep well," Ayaka explained. "The food at sea might not suit your taste..."

Kujou appeared in the doorway at some point and cleared her throat, interrupting their conversation.

Ayaka tactfully stepped back and took a small sachet from her sleeve. "This is an enhanced calming incense... I heard that inns in Liyue often use agarwood, and I was afraid you might not be used to it."

The sachet was made of fine silk and gave off a faint fragrance of camellia and mint.

Baichen thanked her and accepted it, and the corners of Ayaka's lips lifted slightly.

[Kamisato Ayaka's affection +1%, current: 40%]

[Item acquired: Ayaka's travel sachet]

[Effect: calms the mind + repels unpleasant odors]

When Baichen finally returned to Tenshukaku, the sun was already slanting westward, its lingering rays painting the entire courtyard gold.

From a distance, he saw Ei standing in the middle of the courtyard, her tall figure looking especially slender in the sunset.

Ei wore a black kimono with a red sash around her waist. Together with her long black hair, it made her skin look even whiter.

She held her tachi in her hand, carefully wiping its blade as though it were a precious treasure.

Baichen slowly approached Ei. She seemed to sense his arrival, stopping what she was doing and raising her head.

When their eyes met, Baichen saw that her purple eyes shimmered gold and red in the sunset, like the brightest stars in the night sky.

Ei smiled faintly, sheathed her tachi, and walked toward Baichen.

Her steps were light and graceful, each one like a movement in a beautiful dance.

When she came to stand before him, Baichen caught a faint, delicate fragrance, a scent unique to her.

"Finished saying all your goodbyes?" she asked calmly.

"Mm... I went to a few places."

Ei nodded and gestured for Baichen to follow her.

They came to her private tea room, where dinner was already laid out on the table. It was far more lavish than usual, and even included several Liyue specialties.

"To help you get used to the flavors ahead of time,"

Ei explained, personally serving Baichen a bowl of Liyue-style yanduxian. "The food will be very different over there."

The soup was rich and savory, fragrant with bamboo shoots and cured pork.

Ei's private chef was surprisingly skilled, and Baichen couldn't resist having several more bowls.

"Slow down," she said softly, placing a piece of almond tofu on Baichen's plate. "The desserts too... Liyue's are much sweeter than Inazuma's."

The meal was unusually quiet, with little conversation, but the atmosphere was not oppressive.

Ei sat quietly across from Baichen, elegantly enjoying her food. Occasionally, she looked up and gazed at him with her deep eyes, then continued eating as though nothing had happened.

During the meal, Ei occasionally told Baichen about the local customs and culture of Liyue.

Her voice was soft and calm, like a breeze passing over a lake. Though her tone remained level, the concern in it was perceptible.

Baichen listened intently, as though he were walking through Liyue's streets and alleys, taking in its unique culture and scenery.

After the meal, Ei gently set down her chopsticks, then took a short blade from her robes and placed it on the table.

The blade's sheath was made of deep-purple, lightning-struck wood and engraved with intricate patterns. Silver thread was wrapped around the hilt, and a tiny Electro crystal was set into its end, glowing faintly.

Baichen looked at the blade curiously. Ei seemed to notice his gaze and smiled faintly. "This is for you." With that, she pushed it across the table to him.

Baichen looked at her in surprise, then carefully picked up the short blade and drew it from its sheath.

Its surface glimmered with a faint purple light. It had clearly been infused with pure Electro energy.

The edge was exceptionally sharp, gleaming coldly in the lamplight, enough to send a chill down one's spine.

"For self-defense," Ei said briefly. "Infuse it with Electro to activate 'Engulfing Lightning.'"

She demonstrated, and the blade was immediately wrapped in lightning, giving off a pleasant hum.

Baichen tried to imitate her. Though the effect was not as strong, he managed to produce a faint glow of lightning.

[Item obtained: Raiden Shogun's Gifted Blade]

[Effect: Electro damage +25%; can activate the "Engulfing Lightning" state]

"And this." Ei took out a small box. "One pill a day. It will help you adjust to the local conditions."

The box contained seven purple pills that gave off the fragrance of Thunder Sakura.

Baichen carefully put them away. Ei's expression softened a little. "Remember, two weeks," she emphasized. "Not a day longer."

[Raiden Shogun affection +3%; current: 65%]

[Note: restrained concern]

Back in his room, Baichen began packing.

Besides his everyday clothes, there were the various gifts he had received recently-Miko's bath salts, Yoimiya's fireworks, Ayaka's sachet, Kokomi's conch... Each carried its own distinct memories.

The system displayed a prompt at just the right moment:

[New map "Liyue Harbor" unlocks tomorrow]

[Current guide progress:

Raiden Shogun: 65% (stable)

Bronya: 64% (keeping watch remotely)

Other characters: 24-40%]

What will be waiting for me in Liyue...?

[Analyzing database...]

[Among the Liyue Qixing, Ningguang, Keqing, and Ganyu meet the romance conditions]

[Special notice: Tianquan Ningguang's danger level: extremely high]

Outside the window, moonlight poured in like water, falling gently over the luggage as though draping it in silver.

The silver glow stood out in the darkness, making the otherwise ordinary luggage seem mysterious and solemn in an instant.

Baichen sat quietly by the window, gazing at the moonlit luggage as an indescribable feeling welled up inside him.

His fingers unconsciously brushed the short blade Ei had given him. The patterns on its hilt were faintly visible in the moonlight, like traces of the years it had seen.

The blade reminded him of Ei, and her image kept appearing in his mind.

Yet Baichen's thoughts had already drifted to that unfamiliar port city far away.

It was where he would soon be going, a place full of unknowns and challenges.

He didn't know what kind of people he would meet there or what he would experience, but he felt an inexplicable anticipation.

The moonlight still fell quietly over the luggage, but my thoughts had long since crossed mountains and rivers, flying toward that distant city.

What would happen...?