Chapter 2 An open-hearted conversation with Ei

It's been two days since Ei finished reading the light novel and she decides it's about time to pay the Chief Retainer of the Kamisato Clan a visit. In spite of its funny synopsis, the story is surprisingly well-written, emotional, and captivating. She has been so impatient to read the next volume she nearly left her Plane of Euthymia to make a break for the teahouse as soon as she finished digesting the last word. Thankfully, she was reminded of her promise to herself before she could take control of her puppet.

A formal apology to a mortal. How long has it been since Ei swallows her pride and apologizes to someone? Being an Archon, she can do anything and rarely would a mortal dare to oppose her (those who did are striked down). In other words, she can pretty much do no wrong.

The thought of having to apologize for her mistake is unfathomable.

But the situation here is different. Ei is different now. There are people who can oppose her, withstand her strike, and defeat her in battle. She has seen how her people have suffered due to her unwillingness to listen to Miko. Yes, she's an Archon and she doesn't need to apologize. But when she's forced to witness first-hand how her beautiful Inazuma is now clouded in thunderstorms, crawling with enemies, and packed with lifeless mortals robbed of their ambitions, she can no longer convince herself her method of ruling is correct.

The Raiden Shogun has to change; Eternity has to change. Ei began by abolishing the Vision Hunt Decree and Sakoku Decree. Seeing the smiles on people's faces when they received their visions—their ambitions—back confirms her belief that she's on the right track. Then, she listens to the traveler and modifies her puppet so she makes a public appearance more often. And now, the last thing on her list concerns the young man she feels responsible for.

Ei grips the book tightly and brings out her courage to apologize, for the first time in centuries.

If Thoma didn't trust fortune slips before, he definitely does now after that encounter with the Raiden Shogun. He makes it a habit to wake up early and get one from the Grand Narukami Shrine every single day before he starts his daily business. He hasn't gotten a single misfortune one after that day, so his mood has improved and the Shogun's promise to return the novel when she's done has been pushed to the furthest corner of his mind.

So when Thoma goes to the Komore Teahouse per Ayaka's order, the Shogun sitting on a stool gracefully with a sleeping Taroumaru on her lap is the last thing he's expecting to see.

"Your excellency!" Thoma exclaims, nearly dropping the packages he's holding.

Taroumaru twitches in his sleep, and the Shogun brings a finger to her lips, hushing him. There's something strange about her. Thoma isn't sure if it's just him, but she somehow feels more...approachable today.

"M-My apologies," Thoma whispers.

"I'm here to return the book, but…" The Archon's amethyst eyes seem to glow as she eyes his arm full of stuff. "I can wait."

Yeah, something's definitely not right with the Raiden Shogun.

"I'll put this away and return as soon as possible."

Thoma makes his way to the back while keeping his footsteps soundless to not awaken Taroumaru. He enters the room where Ayaka is residing and finds her dressed in a kimono and reading volume 3.

"Thoma!" She glances up, brows furrowing in concern when she notices his frantic expression. "What got you in a hurry?"

"She's here, milady." Thoma gasps. "Her excellency is here."

Ayaka widens her eyes, her face slightly flushed as she realizes she's kept her Archon waiting outside while she's sitting here reading a light novel. "Oh my, I can't believe I- Here, let me take these."

She takes the packages and sets them on the ground before rushing out of the room with Thoma following closely behind. Unlike Thoma, she's already expecting to see the Raiden Shogun, so the first thing she pays attention to is not the Archon, but rather the sleeping Taroumaru.

"Your excellency, I apologize for not noticing your arrival." Ayaka bows, her voice quiet.

"No need to worry." The Raiden Shogun smiles, smiles, as she gestures for Ayaka to rise. "I'm here for Thoma, so I didn't see the need to bother you."

Both Thoma and Ayaka are startled by the unforeseen benevolence but Thoma recovers faster, having already noticed her difference in demeanor earlier and is half-expecting something like this.

"I'm truly sorry for making you wait. I wasn't expecting to see you today, so…"

The Shogun chuckles, chuckles! "Oh relax. I won't bite. There's no need to tread on eggshells when talking to me."

"Y-Yes." Thoma clears his throat, suddenly feeling a little awkward. "Alright."

"Ayaka." The Shogun takes out the book without disturbing Taroumaru and hands it to Ayaka. "Can you bring me the second volume?"

"O-Of course!"

The Raiden Shogun waits until Ayaka disappears around the corner before turning her gaze onto Thoma, one hand resting on her lap and the other stroking Taroumaru's furs.

"Thoma, I've been meaning to talk to you. Come, have a seat."

Despite his instincts screaming at him to remain standing cause it's disrespectful to sit in front of the Almighty Shogun, Thoma obliges because it's even more disrespectful to disobey her order. And yes, he knows he's done it before, and that's exactly why he must ensure his behavior is impeccable before her just in case her generosity is only temporary.

"Is everything alright with your Vision?"

As if he hasn't had enough surprises for the day, the Archon drops a meteor of a question.

"My...Vision?" Thoma's mind blanks out. What could be the purpose of this question? Is she regretting her abolishment of the Vision Hunt Decree and wanting to start with him? Or has his behavior angered her somehow so she wants to confiscate his Vision as a punishment? Or perhaps she wants to ensure his Vision is still functioning so she can order him to duel her to the death, as punishment for throwing a polearm at her?

A few seconds pass before Thoma realizes the Shogun hasn't vocalized her disdain for his "uncouth behavior." She's still stroking Taroumaru's fur, appearing totally unperturbed by his belated response.

"My Vision is working fine…"

"I see, that's good." She smiles, gazing down at Taroumaru who rolls onto his side in his sleep as if he owns her lap. "I'm glad that my mistake back then hasn't caused you any permanent damage. It would sadden me greatly if you had to bear the consequences for my...imperfect plan for Eternity. For all it's worth, I'm sorry for making you go through that."

She apologized. The Almighty Shogun. Apologized. To him, a mere mortal.

Thoma leaps to his feet so fast he not only startles the Shogun but also wakes up Taroumaru, who yawns and stretches, not even fazed by his circumstances.

"W-W-Wha…" Wow, good job Thoma. That's some intelligent response right there. "I-I… Hold on, why are you apologizing?"

The Raiden Shogun cocks her head to the side like a confused puppy—Thoma mentally slaps himself into the abyss because how dare he call his Archon a damn puppy!?—and asks, "Isn't it proper etiquette to apologize when you've made a mistake?"

"Y-Yes, but you're the Raiden Shogun and I'm just a mere mortal! You don't need to-"

"This is the kind of mindset that led to me establishing the Vision Hunt Decree," the Shogun says, her amethyst eyes shimmering with...dare he say, remorse? "I distanced myself from my people, so I didn't understand them at all and thought my idea of Eternity can bring about eternal happiness and peace to Inazuma. I rarely appear in public, so I wasn't aware of the suffering my insensitivity has caused. And because of my ignorance, I continued chasing after my ideals and ignored the warning signs that're begging me to hear the agonizing cries of Inazuma."

Thoma remains silent. His impression of the Raiden Shogun has gone a complete 180. What can he even say after all that? The smooth talk that's saved his mora pouch so many times decides to now fail him when faced with the anticipated gaze of the Shogun.

"I… I accept your apology."

The Shogun sighs, her stiff body—which Thoma hasn't even noticed—now relaxed in the seat. Before she can say anything else to render Thoma speechless, Ayaka appears with the second volume in hand. She doesn't seem to notice the strange atmosphere as she hands the book to the Archon with both hands.

"Here is the second volume. I have the third volume, too, if you want it now."

Ayaka doesn't appear to notice that she has just revealed she's the true owner of the light novel series, and the Raiden Shogun doesn't seem to notice either as she takes the book.

"No need. I will stop by when I'm done with this volume. It gives me a reason to see my people and this adorable puppy, so two birds with one arrow." She looks down at Taroumaru, who's licking her hand, and pats his head affectionately. Taroumaru wags his tail happily, mouth open in a wide smile with his tongue hanging out.

The Raiden Shogun gives him one last pat before handing him over to Thoma. She stands but rather than heading for the door, she turns to Ayaka.

"That kimono looks good on you. Is today a special occasion? I don't remember ever seeing you not wearing your usual outfit."

Ayaka blushes at the compliment, even the tips of her ears turn red. "Ah, thank you. Today isn't any day special. I was just practicing wearing a kimono for the...festival this weekend."

"Festival?"

"The Sakura Festival," Ayaka explains. She glances at Thoma, hesitating. They both know why she's afraid to reveal the reason. But at last, she decides to relent and trust the Shogun. "I've always wanted to go to the festival as a normal person and be myself rather than be what's expected of me as the eldest daughter of the Kamisato Clan. But my appearance is too distinguishable, so I ordered a kimono and a mask from Ogura Textiles & Kimonos, hoping I can enjoy the festival this time without fearing others' judgement."

Ayaka fidgets with her fingers as she opens her heart to the Shogun. This is the real Kamisato Ayaka under all the titles and expectations she's carrying. Archons forbid the general public find out their model of perfection isn't as perfect as they believe it to be. And the one who holds the final say in whether Ayaka's real self remains hidden or exposed is the Raiden Shogun, who thankfully has a look of understanding on her pristine features.

"I see. This is indeed a good idea. Festivals, huh…" She trails off as a look of longing crosses her features, her amethyst eyes staring at something far into the past.

Festivals. When was the last time Ei went to a festival? She can't even remember what a festival looks like, so it must have been at least a few centuries.

If she wants to understand her people better to improve her plan for Eternity, then going to a festival is a good place to start.

But being the Raiden Shogun, going to a festival would be a little…

Hold on. What was that store called? Ogura's Kimonos?

Hm… Ei supposes it's time to pay Miko a visit.

AN: Seems like I'm not the only one who ships Thoma/Baal... *tears of joy*

Chapter 3 will be posted next weekend.