"Maybe Lady Kokomi is coming this time to learn god-descent techniques."
"…Ah."
Although Yae Miko's words were clearly meant to provoke, Kamisato Ayaka couldn't help but feel that it wasn't entirely impossible.
After all, it had only been a few months since Inazuma's internal war ended.
The deaths from that conflict, and the deep rift between the two sides, had not yet faded with time.
Kokomi herself had once said that although she disliked war and never wished for it to return, if the Raiden Shogun continued to ignore the will of the people, she would still lead Watatsumi Island in resistance.
Gods were, ultimately, hard to understand.
And Idris—he was someone who had truly brought gods under human control.
If Kokomi wanted to learn from him… it wasn't unthinkable.
Yae Miko, however, looked amused rather than concerned.
"Desire tends to grow alongside capability," she said lightly.
"If Lady Kokomi learns nothing this time, that's one thing."
"But if she truly gains something from Grand Sage Idris…"
"Wouldn't that be troublesome?"
Ayaka shook her head firmly.
"No. I believe Lady Kokomi isn't that kind of person."
"And besides, Lady Guuji—after saying all this, are you actually hoping Inazuma, which has only just found peace, will descend into chaos again?"
Yae Miko merely smiled.
"Not at all. I'm simply curious."
"If a human were to lead Inazuma… what kind of change might that bring?"
"Inazuma claims to be the land of Eternity—but perhaps even now, the Shogun herself doesn't truly understand what Eternity is."
As she spoke, Yae Miko sighed inwardly.
This trip to Sumeru carried an additional, private commission from Raiden Ei.
She was to ask Idris one question:
What price must be paid to revive a god?
No matter how reclusive Ei was, she knew of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's revival—and she knew Idris possessed such power.
Ei still missed her sister.
Listening to this increasingly dangerous conversation, Yoimiya scratched her head and laughed.
"Uhh—how about we pause the scary talk for a bit?"
"We're on a trip, right? Shouldn't having fun be the priority?"
Yae Miko chuckled.
"A carefree mindset is admirable—and worth encouraging."
And so, the ship continued its leisurely voyage toward Sumeru.
Yet during the journey, Yae Miko harbored another concern.
Under Idris's rule, Sumeru had entered a genuine new era.
Compared to that momentum, Inazuma's values felt… outdated.
Worse still, Sumeru's national strength could now be described as formidable.
Yae Miko worried that this diplomatic visit might not even register as important to Idris.
After all, among the Seven Nations, Inazuma currently ranked near the bottom.
Unless the Raiden Shogun herself appeared, it would be difficult to command real attention.
And reality soon proved her concerns were not unfounded.
When the Inazuman ship docked at Port Ormos, there was no formal welcome.
The port bustled with activity—workers, merchants, sailors—all going about their business, treating the ship as if it were just another trading vessel.
Later, a mid-ranking Akademiya official—someone they didn't recognize—arrived merely to guide them to Sumeru City.
Once there, the delegation was escorted to the Grand Bazaar, where they received warm hospitality.
The food was excellent.
The arrangements were generous.
Yet throughout the entire process, no truly high-ranking figure appeared.
It felt… perfunctory.
As if Sumeru were simply going through the motions.
Yae Miko couldn't help feeling a hint of disappointment.
Fortunately, the lively atmosphere kept Ayaka and Yoimiya cheerful—neither showed any dissatisfaction.
Only when the reception was nearing its end did Idris himself finally appear, smiling as he approached.
"My apologies, everyone," he said calmly.
"I've been quite busy lately, so I couldn't welcome you personally right away."
"Still, I hope the hospitality here at the Grand Bazaar has been satisfactory."
Before Yae Miko could respond, Ayaka hurriedly smiled and spoke.
"Not at all! We completely understand how busy you must be, Grand Sage Idris."
"The fact that you could make time to meet us today already feels like an honor."
The other Inazuman guests nodded in agreement.
As for Yoimiya—lacking any official position—she simply smiled brightly and offered Idris a friendly nod.
Yae Miko, meanwhile, sighed inwardly.
Still too young, she thought.
Idris appeared only after most of the ceremony had already passed, and the entire reception had been handled by minor figures.
This wasn't subtle.
It was a deliberate show of hierarchy.
Not aimed at Ayaka or Yoimiya—but squarely at Yae Miko, the seasoned diplomat.
Her smile remained charming, but her mind was already stacking plans upon plans.
As Idris took his seat at the reception table, she spoke smoothly.
"Grand Sage Idris, you truly are a busy man."
"To be honest, when we first arrived, we wondered whether someone like you would even appear in person."
Idris smiled as if he heard nothing amiss.
"Not at all. Treating all nations equally has always been my principle."
"Though my work keeps me occupied, I made time once I learned of your visit."
"On behalf of Sumeru, I welcome you."
His tone was warm.
His presence imposing.
As Human King and Grand Sage, Idris's authority filled the space effortlessly.
The Inazuman guests felt genuinely honored.
The younger women even flushed, lowering their heads while stealing glances at his composed, mature features.
Yae Miko watched this and felt secretly relieved.
Good thing Ei didn't come.
With her social skills, she'd probably be completely led around by the nose.
As for Idris's claim of "equal treatment"?
Yae Miko dismissed it entirely.
Equality was for good people.
Not for a man like him.
This "show of respect" was intentional—meant to remind Inazuma of its position.
Sumeru was no longer what it had been months ago.
It no longer needed elaborate schemes or desperate economic diplomacy.
Smiling outwardly, Idris continued.
"So—how do you find Sumeru so far?"
Yae Miko nodded politely.
But Ayaka and the others responded far more enthusiastically.
"It's wonderful," Ayaka said warmly.
"Everyone here feels full of vitality—both the people and the land itself."
"Yes!" Yoimiya chimed in.
"And I saw some round little sprites in the city!"
"But they all run away when I get close. Did I scare them?"
"What are those little beings, Grand Sage?"
Ayaka glanced at her in confusion.
Sprites? I didn't see anything…
Idris wasn't surprised at all.
In the original story, only adults who retained childlike hearts could perceive the Aranara.
He smiled.
"They're the rainforest's guardians—called Aranara."
"If you can see them, it means your heart is still pure and childlike."
"They are followers of the Little Lucky Lord and the Elder Princess."
"And when necessary," he added casually,
"they also listen to my commands."
This was true.
After his visit to Vanarana, the Aranara had pledged their allegiance.
And they understood one thing very clearly:
The King of Sumeru was the beloved of their goddesses.
Yoimiya, thinking she'd been praised, blushed happily.
"Hehe, guess I just got lucky!"
Idris took a sip of tea and continued.
"Since you all seem so satisfied with Sumeru, I'm relieved."
"Still, you may have noticed that the rainforest soil is quite damp."
"Walking here can be tiring—mud, puddles, uneven paths."
At those words, Yae Miko's eyes narrowed slightly.
She felt it.
Here it comes.
The bamboo pole was about to come down.
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