Chapter 165: Yae Miko - You Must Be Responsible for Seeing the Tail
Amon opened the lottery card pool and immediately drew four gacha.
They say that procrastination leads to failure.
And decisiveness leads to death at the speed of light.
The first three draws all produced blue lights.
He obtained props: stop charms, strange beans, and a fox mask.
Amon carefully examined the effect of the stop-transformation talisman. It seemed that if stuck on Qiqi's body, it would allow her to develop a sense of taste.
Honestly, Qiqi is quite pitiful.
She has no sense of taste when eating anything. Most of the time, she just hugs a coconut milk bottle while watching others enjoy their food.
Now, with the talisman, Qiqi can savor delicious meals again.
As for the strange beans, consuming them increases resistance to soy products.
The fox mask, similar to the one left behind by Hanasari, has no special effects when worn. It simply looks good.
When Amon drew the lottery for the fourth time, a purple light appeared.
It was an elemental combat skill called "Niwabi Fire Dance."
Many people may not recognize the name of this skill. It is Yoimiya's elemental combat skill. When used, it imbues bows and arrows with fire elements, eliminating the need for additional charging.
This is Yoimiya's elemental skill. When she activates it, her arrows transform into Gatling-like shots emitting red Pyro elements.
Come to think of it, Yoimiya is probably still just a little girl at this time.
Amon had a bold idea: to visit Yoimiya and set off fireworks during the festival.
Ayaka will also attend this year's Inazuma Festival, making it quite lively.
After finishing the lottery, Amon exited the system interface.
He glided through the air, holding Sara in his arms, and walked up to Yae Miko.
Yae Miko, as always, looked nonchalant.
She had seen Amon use the wind and lightning elements and witnessed him bestow a Vision upon Sara.
To be honest, Yae Miko was very curious about Amon.
To her, Amon held many secrets.
Digging into those secrets would be fascinating.
However, Yae Miko refrained from asking him about them.
She understood well that everyone has their secrets—herself included.
Yae Miko glanced at Amon, then at the innocent little Sara in his arms.
After a moment of silence, she left a meaningful remark:
"Mr. Amon, you are quite something."
Pausing briefly, she continued, "Alright, the Kamisato estate is just ahead. I won't accompany you further."
"It's getting late, and I'm tired. Time to get some beauty sleep."
As she spoke, Yae Miko stretched lazily, inadvertently exposing her pink fox tail.
It was the first time Amon had seen Yae Miko's tail.
It was entirely different from the usual charming fox-like image she portrayed—pink, fluffy, and undeniably adorable.
Yae Miko also noticed that her tail had been revealed to Amon.
She looked at him, chuckled, and said,
"Mr. Amon, you're in trouble now."
"Um?"
"Anyone who sees my tail is either no longer alive or becomes mine. Choose wisely."
Amon: ???
Is that really a rule?
Do you have to take responsibility just for seeing a tail?
No wonder Yae Miko keeps her tail hidden—it's quite the trap.
"Look at how nervous you are. I was just teasing you."
"Alright, go back and rest early. Only proper sleep ensures creativity for novel writing."
Yae Miko paused, her eyes gleaming mischievously, and added with a sly smile,
"Don't get up to any mischief late at night."
She spoke to herself and then left without looking back.
Her steps were unhurried, as if she were taking a leisurely stroll, yet she disappeared in the blink of an eye.
After she left, the Gnosis she carried gradually dimmed.
Everything that had just happened was recorded within it.
---
Plane of Euthymia
Raiden Shogun and Raiden Makoto sat across from each other.
After a brief silence, Raiden Ei spoke first.
"I sense a strong Geo elemental aura from Amon, but there's also the presence of Anemo and Electro elements."
"And that Vision—what is its origin?"
Raiden Ei crossed her arms, frowning in confusion.
She truly couldn't make sense of it.
After all, she didn't know much about Amon.
Standing up, she said softly,
"I can't determine the reason for this just yet."
"But one thing is clear: Mr. Amon is a very caring person."
"It might be interesting to go shopping with him tomorrow."
Makoto smiled faintly.
Come to think of it, she wasn't sure what Inazuma looked like these days.
It would be nice to explore and see the world again.
These are among the few days she can spend in Inazuma.
After the festival, she will likely leave Inazuma and begin a new life as an ordinary person.
Chapter 166: Raiden Ei - Today I Am Just an Ordinary Citizen
Time passed quickly, and morning arrived.
Amon made his way to the castle tower early, as planned with the Raiden sisters.
A group of curious little ones followed behind him, their eyes filled with wonder as they gazed at the majestic castle tower.
Today, the giant statue outside the tower was absent, and the area was eerily silent.
Golden sunlight streamed through the clouds, casting a serene glow over the eaves of the castle tower.
...
The castle tower was exceptionally quiet, with only the occasional chirping of birds breaking the silence.
Neatly dressed shogunate soldiers stood guard at the entrance, holding spears with unwavering discipline.
Observing the scene, Amon suddenly grasped the full meaning of the term "heavily guarded."
Shoguns led teams in all directions, creating a security network so tight that not even a bird could cross undetected.
For ordinary people, even catching a glimpse of the castle tower from afar was a rare privilege.
After all, the castle tower was the residence of Raiden Shogun, an inaccessible place for most.
As Amon approached, the leading Shogun announced loudly,
"The Shogun has decreed that Mr. Amon may enter and leave the castle tower freely!"
At those words, the shogunate soldiers stepped aside in unison, their armor clanging loudly as they moved.
Onlookers from a distance were stunned. For many, it was their first time hearing of someone being granted unrestricted access to the castle tower—and a stranger, no less!
Curious, they couldn't help but steal a few more glances at Amon.
Even Amon was slightly taken aback by the grand gesture, but he maintained his composure and strode confidently into the castle tower.
Once inside, it felt as though he had entered an entirely different world.
The noise of the outside world was completely muted, blocked by the castle's heavy gates.
The interior was so quiet that Amon could hear his own footsteps echoing in the vast space.
The little ones with him were not idle.
Ningguang pondered whether she could design merchandise inspired by the castle tower to sell.
Qiqi blinked her large pink eyes, uninterested in the surroundings, her gaze fixed on the birds flying overhead.
Beidou admired the shogunate soldiers' weapons, finding them intriguing.
Shenhe appreciated the tranquil atmosphere, remembering her master Ganyu's words about such environments being ideal for comprehending immortal arts.
Keqing stared at the Electro symbol on the castle tower, hoping Raiden Shogun might grant her strength.
Ayaka appeared nervous, knowing that as the Kamisato family princess, her behavior reflected upon her family. She resolved to remain composed in front of the Shogun.
Sara focused intently on the shogunate troops, dreaming of one day becoming a powerful Shogun to protect her brother Amon.
At that moment, Raiden Shogun approached Amon.
Her striking purple eyes fixed on him as she said gently,
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Amon, unable to distinguish between the Raiden sisters by appearance, relied on their tone and expressions.
Given her kind and gentle demeanor, he assumed it was Makoto.
Smiling, he replied,
"It's alright, Makoto. If you're ready, let's go."
Raiden Shogun's expression shifted slightly before she responded with a hint of resentment,
"I am Ei. Makoto is currently in the Plane of Euthymia."
"She's a bit interested in the Shogun doll, so I'll take you to explore Inazuma this morning. She'll join you this afternoon."
Pausing, Ei stared intently at Amon and asked,
"Mr. Amon, you can't even tell us apart?"
Amon was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected the gentle tone to belong to Ei.
Awkwardly but politely, he smiled and said,
"I didn't mean to offend—it's just hard to tell sometimes."
Ei tilted her head, puzzled by his response.
Breaking the tension, Amon said cheerfully,
"Ei, today's ceremony is about to begin. Let's go!"
Ei snapped out of her thoughts and nodded slightly before following Amon out of the castle tower.
As Ei stepped outside, the shogunate troops and nearby citizens quickly gathered to pay their respects.
Their expressions were filled with awe and reverence for the Shogun.
"There's no need for formalities," Ei announced.
"Today, I am just an ordinary citizen exploring Inazuma."
Her words left everyone stunned.
Was the Shogun herself really going to attend the ceremony in person?
...
Anticipation for the Festival
The festival promised to be lively, filled with colorful displays, delicious food, and exciting activities.
Ningguang and Ayaka planned to explore the market stalls, while Qiqi and Shenhe looked forward to the peaceful scenery. Beidou eagerly awaited the fireworks, and Keqing hoped for an opportunity to demonstrate her determination to Raiden Shogun.
As for Ei and Amon, they strolled leisurely through the bustling streets of Inazuma, blending in as ordinary citizens.
Everyone was excited, and the festival atmosphere was infectious.
It was a day to relax, enjoy, and make unforgettable memories.
The story continues... but for now, remember to rest well and avoid staying up late!
Chapter 167: The Little Girl with Purple Hair and Crying Loudly
Amon walked along the streets of Inazuma, his feelings a mix of curiosity and unease.
This festival was nothing like what he had imagined.
In fact, it wasn't just slightly different; it was entirely unrelated to his expectations.
When Raiden Ei walked through the streets, the relaxed smiles of the Inazuma people instantly vanished.
In their place appeared an indescribable mix of respect and tension.
In Inazuma, Raiden Ei represented the supreme will of the land, a god held in unwavering reverence.
To see the deity they worshipped in person left the people flustered and uncertain about how to act.
Even their speech became awkward.
"Shogun?!"
"It's truly the Shogun! Did something important happen in Inazuma to warrant her presence?!"
Amon had overheard countless conversations like this throughout the day.
Despite Raiden Ei's repeated attempts to reassure everyone that she was merely out for a casual stroll, her words did little to ease the tension.
After all, an uncrossable boundary separates gods from ordinary people.
The current situation left Raiden Ei visibly troubled.
It turned out that blending in as an ordinary person was far more challenging than she had anticipated.
At that moment, Amon pulled out a fox mask and handed it to Ei.
"Ei, perhaps this mask can help you escape your troubles," he suggested.
"There happens to be a mask event at today's festival," he added, pointing to a bustling street lined with cherry trees in full bloom.
The street was lively, with people wearing various masks, creating the atmosphere of a grand masquerade.
If Raiden Ei wore a mask, she could effectively conceal her identity and experience life as an ordinary citizen.
Ei studied the mask in silence before finally reaching out to take it.
It had been a long time since she last wore a mask. The previous time was when she served as Makoto's shadow.
Now, wearing a mask again brought a different feeling.
After a brief pause, Raiden Ei said softly, "Thank you. This mask is very beautiful."
"This fox pattern reminds me of someone."
Without needing her to elaborate, Amon immediately knew who she meant—Yae Miko, the mischievous fox.
Speaking of which, since today marked the start of the festival, Amon wondered if Yae Miko might do something outrageous like urge him to submit a manuscript even now.
Surely not, right?
But as the saying goes, what you fear often comes true.
As Amon was lost in thought, a charming and teasing voice called out from a short distance away, "Oh my, I finally found you, Mr. Amon."
"You left the Kamisato estate so early this morning. Were you trying to avoid me?"
Hearing the familiar voice, Amon looked up.
What greeted him was the sight of a woman dressed in a red-and-white shrine maiden's outfit, her long pink hair standing out vividly.
It was none other than Yae Miko.
Today, however, she wore a mask.
The mask featured the design of a little girl with purple hair, crying loudly.
Raiden Ei's gaze lingered on the mask, her expression contemplative.
After a moment, she pointed at it and asked, "Miko, is the pattern on your mask supposed to represent me?"
Yae Miko looked at Raiden Ei, then replied in mock surprise, "From the voice and tone, could it be our esteemed Shogun?"
"Oh my, I never thought the Shogun would be interested in attending a festival."
"If I'd known, I would've prepared a cuter mask," Yae Miko quipped, her tone playful.
In all of Inazuma, she was likely the only one who dared to joke with Raiden Ei in such a manner.
After a brief pause, Yae Miko continued, "But I didn't come here to meet the Shogun today."
"I came specifically to find Mr. Amon."
She began walking toward Amon, step by step.
Raiden Ei instinctively stepped forward, shielding Amon behind her.
"Miko, I'm taking Amon to explore Inazuma today. You can't take him away before that," she declared firmly.
Yae Miko stopped, a sly smile forming on her lips.
"My original plan was to show Mr. Amon around Inazuma," she replied.
"What a coincidence!"
"In that case, why don't we go together?"
Without waiting for Ei's response, Yae Miko added with a chuckle, "Someone who hasn't left the Plane of Euthymia in hundreds of years suddenly decides to take someone on a tour of Inazuma? I'd be impressed if she doesn't lose her way."
"Alright, alright. Let's get moving. It looks like an event is about to start over there."
...
Chapter 168: It's Sad, but It's Okay
As Yae Miko spoke, she grabbed Raiden Ei's arm and led her toward the bustling crowd.
How could Ei, a sheltered figure, truly understand the changes Inazuma had undergone over the past several centuries?
Yae Miko saw this as the perfect opportunity to reintroduce Ei—and Amon—to the Inazuma of today.
Meanwhile, Amon would glance back from time to time to ensure none of the little ones were left behind.
Thankfully, the children were obedient and well-behaved.
They followed Amon diligently, resisting the urge to wander off in excitement.
However, their big, curious eyes were glued to the vibrant street scenes of Inazuma.
For them, today's Inazuma was like a whole new world.
The streets were lined with stalls offering a variety of delicious snacks, their aromas tantalizing and their appearances irresistible.
The children's gazes were particularly drawn to an oden stall, their eyes full of longing.
The bubbling pot was filled with various ingredients cooking away, exuding a rich, savory aroma.
It looked absolutely delectable.
(?′?﹃?`?)
Amon, unable to resist their adorable, hopeful expressions, felt his heart melt.
Without hesitation, he purchased a bowl of oden for each child.
The shop owner, delighted by such a large order, could barely contain his joy.
He quickly filled their bowls with care, even adding extra ingredients in celebration of the festival, making each serving especially hearty.
The oden bowls were filled with fish balls, kelp, barbecued pork, and other unique Inazuma specialties.
Soon, every child held a bowl of steaming oden in their hands, their faces lighting up with pure delight.
The children from Liyue were particularly thrilled.
It was their first time tasting Inazuma's local snacks, making the experience all the more exciting.
Even Ayaka, who had lived in Inazuma for years, found herself overwhelmed with joy.
Due to her strict upbringing, she had never been allowed to eat street food like oden.
Every time she passed such stalls, she could only glance wistfully from afar.
But today, her wish was finally fulfilled.
"Brother Amon is so kind," she thought, her heart brimming with gratitude.
Sara, on the other hand, stared at the oden in her hands, deep in thought.
Having grown up in the harsh mountains and forests, food had always been more about survival than choice.
She often ate whatever was available, regardless of preference.
Now, feeling the warmth radiating from the bowl in her arms, Kujo Sara's heart felt a warmth that matched it.
"Brother Amon is truly gentle," she thought, her admiration for him growing.
As the other children enjoyed their oden with joy, there was one little girl who remained expressionless.
Qiqi.
Due to her condition, she couldn't display emotions on her face, giving her a perpetually dazed and adorable appearance.
While her face betrayed nothing, her tone and large, peach-colored eyes spoke volumes.
At this moment, Qiqi held the oden handed to her by the shopkeeper, her eyes reflecting a sense of confusion.
For Qiqi, food had no taste.
And so, as everyone around her ate happily, she felt out of place.
"Qiqi… wants to fit in…"
"Qiqi… should eat happily too…"
Mimicking the others, Qiqi picked up a bamboo skewer and placed a fish ball into her mouth.
Everyone else seemed to love the fish balls, smiling as they savored them.
But Qiqi couldn't feel the same joy.
She tasted nothing.
Lowering her head, Qiqi's eyes filled with quiet sadness.
She didn't want her feelings to dampen the happy atmosphere.
So she sat quietly at the edge of the group, trying to stay inconspicuous.
Naturally, Amon noticed her behavior.
He saw the sadness and isolation hidden in Qiqi's gaze.
Without hesitation, he reached into his bag, pulled out a talisman, and walked over to her.
Noticing Amon's approach, Qiqi lifted her head and offered him the oden in her hands.
"Amon… Qiqi can't taste the food… You can have it instead," she said softly.
"It's okay. It's sad, but it's okay."
Seeing her pitiful expression, Amon felt a pang of heartache.
He crouched down and gently rubbed her small, cold cheeks.
"Qiqi, you should keep this oden for yourself," he said warmly.
"Because you're about to regain your sense of taste."
With that, he placed the talisman on Qiqi's head.
The moment it touched her, the talisman glowed and dissolved into a soft light that merged with her body.
...