Seeing Gu Chen's face full of reluctance yet helpless acceptance, Kitsune Saiguu reached out with her pale hand and patted his shoulder.
"Kid, just enjoy it in secret!"
"Huh?"
Gu Chen looked back at her in confusion, unable to understand how there was anything to be happy about.
"Think about it. Once Her Highness and I go traveling the world, when Ei can't handle things on her own, who do you think she'll come asking for help?"
"At that point, your roles will be completely reversed~"
"We're creating opportunities for the two of you!"
Kitsune Saiguu teased him with an expression that clearly said you should be thanking us.
After listening, Gu Chen curled his lips. "You really shouldn't have said that. Just thinking about Ei… how should I put it? I seriously suspect she'd have trouble handling even the smallest matter…"
As everyone knew, Raiden Ei really didn't know how to govern a nation.
So Gu Chen had already foreseen a future of endless toil.
Raiden Makoto smiled at that. "Alright, alright. Ei will grow slowly too. It's just that you'll have to work hard for a while."
"If Your Highness says so, then I'll just have to suffer a bit," Gu Chen nodded.
"You, honestly." Raiden Makoto laughed helplessly.
Kitsune Saiguu lifted the little Yae fox in her hand. "Don't forget this one too. You'll have to take care of her as well!"
"The shrine's affairs? I understand those?" Gu Chen frowned.
Kitsune Saiguu replied matter-of-factly, "You've been living in the shrine all this time. Even if you haven't personally handled its affairs, you should at least understand how it operates. So… I'll leave this heavy responsibility to you!"
"I have faith in you~"
Gu Chen: "..."
You really don't have to believe in me this much.
Gu Chen asked, "Is it still possible to move out of the shrine now?"
"Too late," Kitsune Saiguu shook her head.
"Fine then. Guess I owed you all in my previous life." Gu Chen bared his teeth.
"No, you owe us in this life too," Raiden Makoto nodded.
"Sigh, my fate is truly bitter."
Gu Chen raised a hand to his forehead.
"Come on, I'll take you back first so you can keep familiarizing yourself with shrine matters!" Kitsune Saiguu said.
"Alright."
Knowing he couldn't escape, Gu Chen nodded in agreement.
[Nilou]: Why does it feel like… Lady Makoto and Lady Kitsune Saiguu had already foreseen the future? This really feels like they're making final arrangements! (Paimon · Shocked)
[Collei]: Ah?! You're right—now that you mention it… Lady Makoto leaves and Lady Ei takes over, Lady Kitsune Saiguu leaves and Lady Yae takes over, and even Mikoshi Chiyo leaves with them… In the end, only Lady Ei, Lady Yae Miko, and Mr. Gu Chen are left… If we ignore Mr. Gu Chen, that perfectly matches the history of the present era! (Collei · No Response)
[Tighnari]: It's not that they foresaw the future. It's just that we're viewing this from an omniscient perspective, so it seems like they knew what would happen. In reality, if Lady Makoto had known in advance, she should already be teaching Lady Ei how to govern. But she hasn't begun doing that, so she probably didn't foresee the future—she simply planned to travel with Kitsune Saiguu. Still, it does feel like final arrangements. (Tighnari · Startled)
[Kamisato Ayaka]: If "travel" were replaced with "falling in battle," it would be very clear. (Kamisato Ayaka · Dazed)
[Paimon]: So everyone's destined to fall this episode?! (Paimon · Shocked)
[Kaeya]: Leader! Rise up, Leader! (Shouting)
[Venti]: I don't think it'll work. This episode clearly has many restrictions. Overusing that cursed power could even get the Leader killed, so this one is probably full of tragedy. (Sigh)
[Gu Chen]: How is that my fault?
[Raiden Ei]: This can't be blamed on brother-in-law. It just shows that his strength in this episode isn't enough—too many things can't be changed. (Raiden Ei · Depressed)
[Zhongli]: By common reasoning, that is indeed the case. The more you wish to change, the greater the power required. The Leader's strength in this episode is clearly insufficient. (Zhongli · Drinking Tea)
[Kujou Sara]: From the current situation, all we can do is go with the flow.
[Shikanoin Heizou]: I still hope Mr. Gu Chen can survive by laying low. With that bit of power he has, he could easily last a few hundred years—as long as nothing unexpected happens. (Praying)
[Lumine]: @[Prince] Get ready to take the blame first! (Smug)
[Prince]: What does this have to do with me?! (Angry)
[Dainsleif]: By common reasoning, Venti is right. Someone like you, standing in the shadows, tends to attract calamity. Whether you caused it or not, just take the blame first.
[Kaeya]: Carry it, bro! (Smug)
[Prince]: Fine, fine, is this how you're going to play it? @[Kaeya] Don't think I don't know—you're a surviving heir of the Khaenri'ah royal court! (Nahida · Pointing)
[Jean]: ?
[Lisa]: Oh my? Kaeya's background is that complicated? (Light laugh)
[Kaeya]: Welp, that's bad—exposed. (Shrug)
[Diluc]: I've known for a long time.
[Jean]: If Senior Diluc already knew, then that means Kaeya isn't bad and is worthy of trust. (Nods)
[Kaeya]: Hehe! (Zhongli · Dragon King Crooked Smile)
[Nilou]: Ah, I'm still really worried about Lady Ei. Mr. Kaeya, could you tell us about Khaenri'ah's past? @[Kaeya]
[Kaeya]: I don't really know either. I already said I'm just a survivor—how would I know much? I only know that I supposedly shoulder hatred toward the Seven Nations, then came to Mondstadt as a spy. But I clearly don't want to do that job, so… that's it. (Shrug)
[Dainsleif]: Can a person truly not be influenced by the deep hatred in their bloodline?
[Kaeya]: What you all went through, I never did. I grew up in Mondstadt. If I turn against Mondstadt, that's betrayal; if I don't, it's betrayal of my bloodline. So I can only pretend not to see anything. (Qiqi · Fainted)
[Gu Chen]: Stop pulling on these unsolvable topics. In short, Kaeya's trustworthy. (Smug)
[Venti]: The Leader has spoken. Anyone who can cultivate the Tai Xuan Scripture can't be that bad. (Certain)
[Dvalin]: I've discovered a flaw in the Tai Xuan Scripture—it actually lets someone like Venti cultivate it! (Smug)
[Venti]: Don't slander me. Mondstadt is full of my achievements. (Smug)
While everyone chatted idly—
In the video.
Mt. Yougou, Grand Narukami Shrine.
On the open ground behind the shrine, Raiden Ei was guiding Gu Chen in sword practice.
The little Yae fox wasn't very intelligent yet, but it could still understand human speech.
Kitsune Saiguu told it that it would bear the responsibility of cheering Raiden Ei up.
If it succeeded, it would get fried tofu to eat.
Under a mix of coaxing and trickery, the little fox was quickly fooled.
Raiden Ei, supervising Gu Chen's practice, was soon amused by the clumsy, silly little fox.
As a reward, Kitsune Saiguu really did give it a piece of fried tofu.
"Stop grinning there like an idiot. I'm telling you—after this, you'll need to learn how to govern,"
Gu Chen said while practicing his sword.
Raiden Ei's smile froze. Then she muttered, "I don't want to learn."
"There's no such thing as wanting or not wanting,"
"Ei, you wouldn't want your sister to be so exhausted forever, right? You should share some of the work!"
Gu Chen said with a smile.
Raiden Ei said nothing, her face full of worry.
The shadow warrior who only knew how to fight had never once thought about governing.
Just imagining it made her scalp tingle.
"Ei, whether Makoto and I can successfully travel depends on you," Kitsune Saiguu said solemnly.
That tone was as if she were entrusting an immense responsibility to Raiden Ei, leaving her flustered.
She truly didn't want to learn.
Raiden Ei resisted. "Isn't there A-Chen? Just leave it to him—he's pretty smart."
"No. He can assist you, but he won't take the lead," Kitsune Saiguu shook her head.
If anyone understood Gu Chen best, it was Kitsune Saiguu.
She knew him all too well—he was the laziest of them all.
Without Raiden Ei's pressure, he'd probably be too lazy even to practice swordsmanship.
Noticing Kitsune Saiguu's gaze, Gu Chen shrugged.
Wasn't slacking off enjoyable?
Even if Raiden Ei handed him the heavy responsibility, he wouldn't accept it.
Ask why? Because he wasn't good at governing.
"…Alright."
Raiden Ei accepted helplessly.
What else could she do?
Once Kitsune Saiguu opened her mouth, endless reasoning poured out, and Raiden Ei was quickly talked into confusion.
Rather than being "reasoned into submission," she might as well accept it early.
"Mornings for teaching A-Chen swordsmanship. Afternoons, you go learn governance from your sister," Kitsune Saiguu arranged.
"Mm."
Raiden Ei nodded gloomily.
"Don't be unhappy. I prepared some pastries for you before you came," Gu Chen said, sheathing his sword with a smile.
"Eh!"
Raiden Ei froze, then her mood improved a little. "You're still the best!"
"Of course," Gu Chen accepted the praise without hesitation.
Kitsune Saiguu's gaze shifted between Gu Chen and Raiden Ei. Suddenly she asked,
"When are you two getting together?"
"Huh?"
Not only was Gu Chen stunned—Raiden Ei, who was eating sweets, froze as well.
Her cheeks puffed out, eyes wide.
"Very difficult," Gu Chen shook his head.
"Why?" Kitsune Saiguu asked, puzzled.
"She's a bit dumb," Gu Chen sighed.
"What do you mean by that?!"
Raiden Ei immediately flared up.
After gulping down some tea and swallowing the pastry, she glared at Gu Chen.
"So now you're even disliking me? I think you're dumb too!"
"I'm just lacking talent in martial arts," Gu Chen replied calmly.
Raiden Ei frowned and thought about it. That did seem to be true.
For a moment, the shadow warrior was struck speechless and became depressed.
"Wouldn't it be enough if you can beat him?" Kitsune Saiguu fanned the flames.
Raiden Ei's eyes widened, a smile curling at her lips. "That's right! As long as I can beat you, it's fine!"
"What kind of nonsense is that?"
Gu Chen frowned. "Raiden sisters, Grand Shrine Guuji—why does this sound like bandit logic?"
"Eh, you're right—but it works!" Kitsune Saiguu nodded cheerfully.
Raiden Ei agreed wholeheartedly.
"Don't teach the little fox bad things," Gu Chen sighed.
"Don't worry, she doesn't understand any of this," Kitsune Saiguu gestured for him to relax.
Gu Chen not only failed to relax—he felt even more worried.
"If the next Grand Shrine Guuji still has your personality, I'll truly worry for the world," Gu Chen said with a troubled expression.
"Then how about you teach her?" Kitsune Saiguu giggled, picked up the little fox, and stuffed it into Gu Chen's arms.
"Just say you want to slack off."
Gu Chen looked at the little creature in his arms and continued, "Fine. With me here, at least I can ensure she won't turn into someone as nasty as you."
"Hahaha!"
Kitsune Saiguu let it go in one ear and out the other.
She was very happy right now.
Dumping the task of educating the little fox onto Gu Chen made her feel completely unburdened.
"You two take your time practicing—I'm heading off first!"
Kitsune Saiguu left eagerly, itching to go have fun.
Gu Chen and Raiden Ei looked at each other.
"What are you staring at? Practice your sword!" Raiden Ei shot him a sideways glance.
"You only beat me in martial arts," Gu Chen curled his lips.
Raiden Ei didn't refute it—she knew it was true.
But Gu Chen's look of disdain made her extremely annoyed.
How infuriating.
The shadow warrior resolved to work harder in other areas and make Gu Chen look at her in a new light!
With that, she snatched the box of pastries and walked off quickly.
Only after she had gone some distance did Gu Chen stop practicing. He said to the little fox,
"Alright then. Looks like teaching you is my job now too… Let me think—what should I teach you?"
Gu Chen entered a very regular routine.
In the mornings, Raiden Ei taught him swordsmanship.
In the afternoons, Raiden Ei went to Raiden Makoto to learn governance, while Gu Chen taught the little fox.
Days passed one by one.
Raiden Ei didn't improve much and was often teased by Raiden Makoto, leaving her to gloomily seek pastries from Gu Chen.
The little fox's progress, however, was visible to the naked eye.
It became smarter and smarter.
It was estimated that before long, it would be able to take human form.
This made Kitsune Saiguu acknowledge Gu Chen's teaching ability.
She even tried to hand more tasks over to Gu Chen—but would he agree?
He refused on the spot.
Days passed one by one.
Raiden Ei still made little progress.
But the little fox finally transformed.
She became a girl just over one meter tall.
Lively and energetic, she chattered nonstop, clinging to Gu Chen and asking for food.
The little fox's favorite was fried tofu.
[Kamisato Ayaka]: Lady Guuji Yae growing up slowly also means the days are drawing closer. (Amber · Save me)
[Nilou]: It's unavoidable. If only Lady Yae could grow a bit slower—just a little more time. (Klee · Please)
[Shikanoin Heizou]: It feels like the outbreak of the Khaenri'ah war is getting closer and closer. (Paimon · Shocked)
[Yae Miko]: It's already right before our eyes.
That day.
Mt. Yougou, Grand Narukami Shrine.
Gu Chen was making fried tofu for the little fox when Kitsune Saiguu rushed in.
"Have you seen Lady Makoto?"
"Hm? No. What's wrong?" Gu Chen asked, lifting his head in confusion.
"I didn't see Makoto at Tenshukaku, and she's not at the shrine either. I don't know where she went," Kitsune Saiguu said, rubbing her temples.
"She wouldn't skip teaching Ei and run off early to have fun, would she?" Gu Chen stroked his chin.
"That's impossible," Kitsune Saiguu thought for a moment and shook her head.
"She wouldn't do that. At the very least, she'd leave a letter!"
"True," Gu Chen nodded. "But she didn't even tell you… Where could she have gone?"
"That's exactly the problem!" Kitsune Saiguu said anxiously. "This is the first time she's vanished without a word."
"Then let's try searching," Gu Chen said.
"Ei is already looking," Kitsune Saiguu nodded.
[Shikanoin Heizou]: Looks like the Khaenri'ah war has broken out. But why was it so urgent that she didn't even have time to leave a message before being summoned? (Paimon · Shocked)
[Nilou]: Sigh… the unavoidable has arrived. (Sigh)
[Collei]: It feels like this episode is following the historical list of those who fall—losing them one by one. (Klee · Aggrieved)
[Kamisato Ayaka]: It's over. I remember that on the cover, Mr. Gu Chen is also about to fall… It feels like Lady Ei in the video will become even more extreme than she is in the present era. (Paimon · Shocked)
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