Early the next morning, Akio opened his eyes to find that Yae Miko was no longer by his side. Stretching, he walked out and saw Yae Miko and Kitsune Saiguu already sitting outside, chatting.
"Awake?" Kitsune Saiguu smiled. "I'll be going to Liyue with you later."
"???" Akio looked at Kitsune Saiguu, surprised. This was sudden—she hadn't mentioned anything about going before.
"I've been absent from Teyvat for five hundred years, and I'm curious to see what Liyue has become," Kitsune Saiguu explained.
"Miko's letting you go?" Akio asked with a laugh. Ever since Kitsune Saiguu's resurrection, Yae Miko had been dragging her around to handle shrine affairs.
"Hmph, I had to pay quite a price for her to agree," Kitsune Saiguu nodded, shooting a glare at Yae Miko.
"Don't worry, Akio, I won't disturb you," Kitsune Saiguu said with a grin, then her figure vanished, transforming into a white-furred fox.
"This form shouldn't bother you, right?" Kitsune Saiguu leapt onto Akio's shoulder and settled down.
"Of course not," Akio shook his head, his eyes lighting up. He absolutely loved Yae Miko and Kitsune Saiguu's fox forms—they were incredibly cute and a joy to pet.
Yae Miko's fur was pink, while Kitsune Saiguu's was pure white, without a single stray hair, giving her an air of elegance.
Akio pulled Kitsune Saiguu down from his shoulder and cradled her in his arms, gently stroking her smooth, thick fur. It was incredibly soothing to the touch.
"Purr…" Clearly, Kitsune Saiguu was enjoying Akio's affection, letting out a contented purr as she shifted into a more comfortable position.
"Well, aren't you lucky, Lady Saiguu? You'd better take good care of Akio," Yae Miko teased. "Remember what we agreed on, or else… hmph."
"No problem, no problem," Kitsune Saiguu waved her little paw dismissively.
"Let's get ready to go," Akio said. "But first, we'll stop by the Kamisato Estate. I need to pick up Kaedehara Kazuha."
"Alright."
Soon, the two of them and the fox arrived at the Kamisato Estate. Kazuha was already prepared, dressed in the attire of a Yashiro Commission official, his face subtly altered by Thoma.
"Lord Akio! Guuji Yae!" Kazuha greeted them as they arrived, while Kamisato Ayaka gazed at Akio with gentle eyes.
"Hmm," Akio nodded.
"Kazuha, Akio is taking you out against the Shogun's wishes. I hope you'll keep your word," Yae Miko said to Kazuha, then walked over to Ayaka.
Yae Miko already knew that Ayaka was Akio's lover—Akio had told her. What surprised her was that Ayaka had been the one to confess first. Yae Miko hadn't expected this seemingly delicate girl to have such courage.
"Gu-Guuji Yae," Ayaka stammered, feeling a bit intimidated, like a mistress meeting the wife.
"Why so formal? Call me 'Big Sister,'" Yae Miko lifted Ayaka's chin, teasing her.
"B-Big Sister," Ayaka blushed furiously, but this meant that Yae Miko had accepted her.
"You've got quite the courage, little girl. Come to the Grand Narukami Shrine today and keep me company. I have some things to discuss with you," Yae Miko said, then stopped teasing Ayaka.
"Ayaka, we'll be going now," Akio said.
"Akio," Ayaka quickly walked over and whispered, "Be safe on your journey. I'll be waiting for you in Inazuma."
"Alright," Akio nodded, giving Ayaka a gentle hug.
Under Ayaka's reluctant gaze, Akio and the others headed to Ritou.
At Ritou, a massive fleet was anchored by the shore, with a large group of people unloading cargo. A beautiful woman with an eyepatch was conversing with someone.
Seeing the group, Beidou quickly walked over. "You're here?"
Beidou knew that today's ship would be carrying a distinguished guest—the Great Divine Official of the Grand Narukami Shrine! Tsk tsk, that was a figure on par with the Liyue Qixing.
"Please wait a moment. We're just unloading the cargo and replenishing supplies, then we'll be ready to depart," Beidou said.
"Hello, Captain Beidou. I'm Akio. I'll be in your care for this journey," Akio extended his hand.
"Hello, Lord Akio. Just call me Beidou. It's no trouble," Beidou shook Akio's hand. So this was the Great Divine Official of the Grand Narukami Shrine? He was surprisingly young.
As everyone exchanged pleasantries, a sudden burst of thunder erupted in the sky, and a bolt of lightning appeared at the port.
When the light faded, everyone realized it was the Raiden Shogun herself.
"Your Excellency!" All the Inazumans quickly bowed. This was their god.
"The Raiden Shogun!" Beidou was startled. This was the supreme deity of Inazuma, one of the most revered figures in all of Teyvat, on par with the Geo Archon.
"Hmm," Ei nodded coldly in acknowledgment, then walked over to Akio. "Be safe on your journey."
"I will," Akio nodded. "You know my strength, don't you?"
"That's good. You're one of Inazuma's masters. Don't let yourself be wronged outside," Ei said. "If you are, just cut them down. Don't worry about the consequences."
When it came to combat, Ei feared no one, not even the ancient and powerful Geo Archon.
Ei wasn't sure if she could defeat the Geo Archon, but she certainly wouldn't lose easily.
"Don't worry," Akio nodded. He wasn't the type to be wronged.
The Geo Archon was the oldest of the gods, and as long as Akio didn't harm Liyue, he wouldn't cause trouble. Besides, the Geo Archon was planning to fake his death and retire soon—he wouldn't interfere much.
Ei nodded, then glanced at the white fox in Akio's arms. "With her accompanying you, I won't have to worry about your daily life."
Kitsune Saiguu was skilled in all sorts of matters, especially when it came to daily life. She was the epitome of a perfect wife and mother, having taken care of them all in the past.
"Come back soon. Don't keep me waiting too long," Ei said, then without hesitation, transformed into a bolt of lightning and returned to Tenshukaku.
Akio naturally understood Ei's meaning, but Beidou and Kazuha were left utterly shocked. Did the Raiden Shogun have a special relationship with Akio?
Beidou was especially stunned. Just what kind of man was this? What kind of charm did he possess to make the Raiden Shogun say such things?
Well, Beidou had to admit, Akio was incredibly charming—the most charming person she'd ever met. She had many suitors, including wealthy young masters from Liyue, but none of them could compare to Akio in any way.
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A/n - To all the readers who enjoy this story, please consider leaving a review ! and next powerstones target is 400 ( 2 extra Chapter )