There's No Place Like Home, Snuggle Snuggle Snuggle Snuggle Snuggle Snuggle with Ei

[Minna-san, I'm baaaack again]

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You don't want this book to end badly either, do you? Hhh

The cold wind at Snezhnaya's harbor cut across Baichen's cheeks like a knife. He pulled the white fur coat Bronya had given him tighter around himself, and his breath condensed into tiny ice crystals in the air.

He stood alone at the edge of the dock, his fingers clenched tightly around the Electro-Patterned Magatama on his chest. After last night's strange incident, Bronya had actually returned it to him.

"Ei... I'll see you soon..." the boy murmured softly to the magatama, as though he could convey how much he missed her that way.

People came and went through the harbor. Fatui soldiers patrolled in formation, while vendors called out, selling hot drinks and warm clothing.

As agreed, Baichen arrived at the designated spot at noon sharp to wait for the ship back to Inazuma.

Bronya did not appear. Only a few maids stood at a distance, seemingly watching his every move.

[System notification: Last chance to check in at Snezhnaya]

[Check in?]

Check in.

[Check-in successful!]

[Obtained: Emergency hand warmers ×5 (stored in system inventory)]

[Effect: Provides localized warmth for 8 hours]

Baichen glanced distractedly at the system notification, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

Suddenly, a tall figure blocked his view. It was a man wearing a beaked mask and a Fatui Harbinger's uniform, with a badge marked "The Doctor" pinned to his chest.

"Well, well, isn't this Lady Bronya's little pet?" The Doctor's voice came through his mask with an unpleasantly cloying quality. "Waiting for a ship all by yourself?"

Baichen instinctively stepped back, his back hitting the icy railing.

A strange chemical smell emanated from The Doctor, and the lenses set into his beaked mask reflected a cold light.

"What a perfect test subject..." The Doctor suddenly reached out and seized Baichen's chin, gripping it painfully hard. "Such pure elemental affinity, and this unmodified body..."

Fear surged over him like a tide. Baichen tried to call for help, but his throat felt as though something were blocking it, and he could only whimper faintly.

The Doctor's fingertips brushed over his carotid artery, and the eyes behind the mask gleamed with madness.

"Come to my laboratory, little one." He leaned close and whispered in Baichen's ear. "It'll only take a few days... no, a few hours will do... I'll let you experience pleasure like never before..."

[Warning! Danger level: Extremely high]

Baichen struggled desperately, but The Doctor's hand held firm like an iron clamp.

Just as he was about to be dragged away, a bolt of lightning split the sky and struck precisely at The Doctor's feet!

"Let him go."

Ei's voice rang out like a thunderclap. Baichen looked up to see the Raiden Shogun standing on a raised platform at the dock, her long purple hair whipping wildly in the wind and violent Electro coiling around her naginata.

Her gaze was colder than the wind in Snezhnaya, and the pressure radiating from her made the surrounding Fatui soldiers retreat.

The Doctor, however, burst into uncharacteristic laughter. "The Raiden Shogun! What a perfect control group!" Instead of releasing Baichen, he pulled him closer. "Did you know? I've always wanted to study the physiological differences between the Electro Archon and ordinary humans..."

"You're asking for death."

Ei vanished in an instant, appearing before The Doctor the next second.

Her naginata came down with the force of a thunderbolt. The Doctor dodged hastily, and the wind from the blade cut a crack in his mask.

He was forced to release Baichen and retreat several steps to put some distance between them.

Baichen staggered toward Ei, only for an ice wall to appear and block his path.

At some point, Bronya had appeared at the other end of the dock, her long ice-blue hair shimmering in the sunlight.

"Dottore." The Tsaritsa's voice was as cold as Siberian permafrost. "Did I give you permission to lay a hand on my person?"

The Doctor spread his hands in an exaggerated gesture. "Your Majesty, I merely wanted to borrow your little pet for a few small experiments..." His voice suddenly turned dangerous. "After all, you don't seem to have succeeded in taming him..."

Bronya's gaze turned icy in an instant.

She raised a hand gently, and countless icicles formed around The Doctor, surrounding him. "Mind your words."

The tension on the dock was ready to erupt. Ei shielded Baichen behind her and pointed her naginata straight at Bronya. "Is this how Snezhnaya treats its guests?"

Bronya's gaze passed over Ei and settled on Baichen.

Her expression was difficult to read, but in the end, she let out a soft sigh. "It was only an accident." She waved a hand, dispelling the icicles. "The Doctor will pay for overstepping his bounds."

The Doctor muttered something in displeasure, but under The Tsaritsa's icy gaze, he reluctantly bowed, then turned and left.

His retreating figure soon vanished into the crowd at the harbor, but the sinister chill he left behind lingered.

[The Doctor's threat has been neutralized]

[Bronya's affection +5%, current affection: 70%]

Ei put away her naginata, turned around, and carefully checked Baichen over.

Her fingers brushed the boy's reddened chin, anger and tenderness mingling in her purple eyes.

"Does it hurt?" Her voice was much gentler than usual.

Baichen shook his head, then suddenly threw himself into Ei's arms, burying his face against her chest. "Ei... I missed you so much..."

The frank declaration made Ei stiffen for a moment.

She slowly raised her arms and gently embraced the boy's slender body. "...Mm."

Bronya watched the scene, a trace of loneliness flashing through her ice-blue eyes before she quickly regained her imperial dignity. "The ship is ready." She pointed to a medium-sized sailing ship moored in the harbor. "It will take you directly back to Inazuma."

Ei gave a cool nod and took Baichen's hand, preparing to leave. Bronya suddenly spoke.

"Wait."

She walked up to Baichen and took an exquisite little ice-crystal box from inside her clothes. "A parting gift." She pressed the box into the boy's hand. "Open it after you return to Inazuma."

Baichen hesitantly looked at Ei, and only after receiving her tacit approval did he carefully accept it. "Thank you... Lady Bronya..."

The corners of The Tsaritsa's lips rose slightly.

She bent down and placed a cool kiss on the boy's forehead. "Remember, Snezhnaya's doors will always be open to you." She spoke so softly that only the three of them could hear.

Ei frowned, but did not react.

She tightened her grip on Baichen's hand and turned toward the waiting ship.

Baichen looked back at Bronya one last time. The Tsaritsa stood on the dock, her figure looking particularly lonely in Snezhnaya's cold wind.

[Item obtained: Bronya's Secret Casket]

[Note: Unlocks after returning to Inazuma]

The sailing ship slowly left the harbor, and Snezhnaya's kingdom of ice and snow gradually shrank to a speck on the horizon.

Baichen stood on the deck until he could no longer see the frozen land. Only then did he let out a long breath and relax completely.

"Scared?" Ei asked from behind him.

Baichen nodded honestly. "The Doctor... he was so scary..."

Ei's gaze darkened. "I won't let you face danger alone next time."

She paused, seeming to hesitate before continuing. "...I was very worried."

The rare admission warmed Baichen's heart. He worked up his courage, rose on tiptoe, and kissed Ei on the cheek. "I'm home."

The tips of Ei's ears turned slightly red.

She cleared her throat and changed the subject. "Bronya... did she do anything to you..."

"No!" Baichen shook his head quickly. "She was... um... a little forceful, but in the end she respected my choice."

Ei looked thoughtfully into the distance and asked no more.

The sea breeze brushed through their hair, carrying the scent of salt and moisture.

Unlike Snezhnaya's biting cold, there was already a hint of warmth in the wind. They were drawing close to Inazuma.

[Ei's affection: 100%]

[Status obtained: Peace on the Journey Home]

Inside the cabin, Ei personally examined Baichen.

Apart from the bruise on his chin and a few minor patches of frostbite, the boy was essentially unharmed. She took out the ointment she carried with her and gently applied it to his injuries.

"What's that?" Baichen asked curiously. The ointment gave off a faint Thunder Sakura fragrance and felt cool and soothing.

"Special medicine for injuries," Ei answered briefly, massaging the bruise in circles with her fingertips. "It'll be better tomorrow."

Baichen narrowed his eyes in comfort, like a cat having its chin scratched.

The corners of Ei's lips rose almost imperceptibly, and her touch grew even gentler.

"Ei..." Baichen suddenly spoke. "While I was away... did you miss me?"

The direct question made Ei's hand pause. She turned her face away, her voice barely audible. "...Mm."

Baichen's eyes lit up instantly.

He threw himself into Ei's arms and rubbed against her chin. "I missed you so much too! Snezhnaya was so cold, and the bed was so hard, and there wasn't any tricolor dango..."

Ei listened to the boy's stream of complaints, the tenderness in her eyes growing more apparent.

She gently stroked his back, as if confirming that this treasure she had lost and regained was truly unharmed.

"When we get home..." she suddenly said, "I'll have someone make you dango."

Baichen looked up in delight. "Really? Yay!"

Ei nodded, a rare smile in her eyes.

That promise stirred his heart more than any sweet words could have.

Baichen hugged her tightly, listening to their heartbeats echo through the quiet cabin.

The voyage went more smoothly than expected.

By the following evening, the outline of Inazuma's harbor was already clearly visible.

Baichen leaned excitedly over the ship's rail and spotted Kujou Sara and several Tenryou Commission soldiers waiting to welcome them from afar.

"Shogun! Lord Baichen!" Kujou bowed respectfully. "Welcome back."

Ei gave a slight nod and took Baichen's hand as they walked down the gangway.

The moment he set foot on Inazuman soil, the boy nearly cried. The familiar fragrance of Thunder Sakura, the warm air, and the imposing silhouette of Tenshukaku in the distance... he was finally home.

"Back to Tenshukaku first," Ei told Kujou. "Prepare hot water and food."

"It's already been arranged," Kujou replied, her gaze resting on Baichen for a moment. "Should I summon a physician?"

"No need," Ei declined curtly. "I'll take care of him myself."

On the way back to Tenshukaku, Baichen was like a bird set free from its cage, looking around at the familiar sights along the road.

The streets of Inazuma City were far livelier than Snezhnaya's. The vendors' calls, the laughter of children, even the sound of a gong advertising a new book from Yae Publishing House... these ordinary sounds were so comforting now.

"Ei..." Baichen suddenly tugged at the Shogun's sleeve. "I want the fried shrimp from Uyuu Restaurant..."

Kujou frowned. "Lord Baichen, Tenshukaku has already prepared..."

"Go buy some." Ei interrupted her, taking a purse from her sleeve and handing it to a soldier nearby. "Freshly fried."

The indulgent gesture made Kujou's eyes widen.

She looked at the Shogun as if she wanted to speak, but ultimately said nothing. She merely made a silent note of this new rule: Lord Baichen's requests came first.

[Ei's affection: 100% (stable)]

[Status obtained: Joy of Returning Home]

The hot spring at Tenshukaku was even more comfortable than he remembered.

Baichen soaked in the steaming water, every pore in his body relaxing as Snezhnaya's chill was completely driven away.

Ei made an exception and joined him in the bath, though a bamboo screen separated them.

"Ei..." Baichen peered through the gaps in the screen at the blurred figure on the other side. "Bronya gave me a box... she said I could only open it after returning to Inazuma."

Water splashed, and Ei's voice drew closer along with the sound of footsteps. "What box?"

The bamboo screen was lifted, and Ei appeared before Baichen wearing only a bath towel.

The boy's face instantly turned red, and he instinctively sank lower into the water.

Ei, however, looked perfectly composed as she reached out and took the little ice-crystal box he handed her.

"It has an elemental seal." She examined it. "It can only be opened under certain conditions."

Baichen leaned closer curiously. "What conditions?"

"Electro." Purple electricity flickered at Ei's fingertips,

and with a soft click, the box slowly opened.

An ice-blue earring lay quietly inside, a perfect match for the Thunder Sakura earring Ei had given Baichen, which he wore on his other ear.

"This is..." Baichen carefully took out the earring. "Snezhnayan ice crystal?"

Ei's expression grew complicated. She picked up the earring and held it against the light. "It's more than an ornament." After a pause, she added, "It's protective."

Baichen blinked in surprise. "So this is... a gift?"

"It's also a mark." Ei gave a soft huff, but put it on him herself anyway. "Wear it. It really can provide extra protection."

[Item obtained: Bronya's Ice Crystal Earring]

[Effect: Cryo resistance +30%]

[Set effect activated with "Ei's Thunder Sakura Earring"]

Once the earring was on, Baichen suddenly remembered something and took the hand warmer Bronya had given him when they parted out of his system inventory. "You can have this too! I got it in Snezhnaya. It can keep you warm..."

Ei accepted the strange little packet, a trace of tenderness flashing through her eyes. She gently rubbed the boy's wet hair. "Come out and eat dango after you finish washing."

Sure enough, there was tricolor dango for dinner. Although the shapes were a little uneven, their sweet, chewy texture was just as good. Baichen ate with relish, feeding Ei one now and then. Though the Shogun looked resigned, she obediently accepted every one.

"Ei..." Baichen asked indistinctly around a mouthful of dango, "During the few days I was gone... did anything change in Inazuma?"

Ei thought for a moment. "Yae Publishing House released a new book." She paused. "The sequel to Reborn as the Raiden Shogun."

Baichen nearly choked on his dango. "Th-that one again?!"

"Mm." There was amusement in Ei's eyes. "The part where the protagonist goes to Snezhnaya on business."

At the thought that he might become the inspiration for a light novel protagonist, Baichen's face instantly turned red to the tips of his ears.

He decided to go to Yae Publishing House first thing tomorrow and confiscate all the stock!

Late at night, Baichen lay in his familiar bed, surrounded by Ei's warm embrace.

Compared to the cold and loneliness of Snezhnaya, this was practically paradise. He nuzzled into the crook of Ei's neck and sighed contentedly:

"Home really is the best..."

Ei said nothing, but tightened her arms around her.

Moonlight streamed through the window lattice, draping the two in each other's arms in a veil of silver. (So heartwarming.)

Please, everyone, tap that poop-colored button, boohoo. Please send some free little gifts too, thank you, everyone qwq. Big gifts would be even better.

This author is begging you, boohoo.