Kokomi sat across from her once mortal enemy the Raiden Ei, sipping tea. Ei invited her to tea, a proposition Kokomi accepted with reluctance. Even if they'd put aside their differences, she still didn't trust the goddess.

Ei lowered her cup. She'd been silent since they sat down. Now, she spoke with somber reflection.

"Thank you for meeting with me. I wish to discuss a matter with you."

Kokomi said, "Very well. What is it?"

Her violet eyes mellowed. "I am sorry."

Kokomi blinked, unsure she heard correctly. Noticing her perplexity, the goddess repeated.

"I am sorry. My foolishness led to the Vision Hunt Decree that put our nations at war. I caused suffering and bloodshed in my quest for eternity. In pursuing what I believed was best for Inazuma, I ignored the wishes of the people. For that, I am sorry."

Kokomi was speechless. A goddess apologizing for a war—she never thought she'd see the day.

Ei continued, "Also, I wanted to explain why I slew Orobaxi."

"I already know the story. Our god went mad, and you had to destroy him."

Ei saddened. "That's only half the story."

For a fraction of a second, the immortal archon trembled. She took a deep breath.

"Orobaxi killed my first lover."

In the ensuing silence, the crackling fireplace became deafening. Each snapping log was a cannon shot in the still manor. Neither spoke nor could speak for a good while.

Kokomi placed her cup on its saucer. Ei mirrored the action.

"So you see," said Ei, "I killed Orobaxi as revenge. I am a selfish goddess."

Kokomi rested her hand across Ei. The gesture surprised them both. Watatsumi endured a brutal war because of the Shogun. And yet,. Kokomi felt the hate she once harbored for the goddess sifting through her palms like sand.

"Thank you for telling me the truth," said Kokomi. "But you're wrong."

Ei frowned. The priestess replied in a gentle voice.

"Loving someone is not selfish. Hating the person who killed your lover is not selfish. You are not selfish."

"But what I did was unforgivable." Ei sighed. "All I can do now is promise you that I will be a better archon."

Kokomi smiled, "I think you're already fulfilling that promise, judging by today."

Ei permitted herself a slight smile.

They shared tea a while longer until both had to return to their duties. Dabbing a napkin to her lips, Kokomi bowed.

"Thank you for the treat."

"Thank you for meeting with me," replied Ei. "Though, I do have one more request."

"I'll grant it if it's within my power."

"I have been giving thought to the future of our nation," said Ei. "I intend to lead Inazuma to a brighter tomorrow. I wish you would be at my side while I forge that future. To that end, there is something I would have you do for me."

Ei took a deep breath. "I intend to have children with Aether. I'd like you to be the second godmother."

Kokomi stuttered. "What? Why me?"

"The conflict of the Vision Hunt Decree must never repeat. To that end, our nations must become closer. If my heirs have your guidance, we can foster understanding and trust. Then, when our time ends, perhaps the next archon of Inazuma shall be one for all the nation."

Kokomi tried wrapping her head around this request. It seemed too unreal: the Raiden Shogun's children, godchildren to the former Resistance Leader.

"You do realize you'd be giving me influence over possibly the most powerful beings in Teyvat? Are you okay with that?"

"I am. Despite everything, Kokomi, I trust you."

She offered her hand. The divine priestess shook it, accepting this great responsibility with gladness. Ei and Kokomi departed, dreaming about the bright future of Inazuma.