"In the eyes of the world, the two were always seen as one. They complemented each other and governed Inazuma together, so the people had no need to know the truth. Not only the Archon name Baal but even the title Raiden Shogun could be understood to refer to both of them simultaneously. That was until Makoto died in a war several hundred years ago—one I did not personally witness; after that, Ei stepped onto the stage."
Paimon said, "That must have hit Ei hard."
Lumine seemed to think of something. "A war several hundred years ago... Could it be Khaenri'ah?"
Yae Miko replied, "So Ei's change began from that point. For her, that was the greatest loss."
[Ningguang: I never imagined such secrets lay behind it all.]
[Furina: This livestream really is a place to learn new things.]
[Zhongli: Indeed, these secrets are rarely recorded in books.]
Paimon said, "So that's the story. I think I understand Ei a little better now, but what kind of deity was Makoto, really?"
Yae Miko thought for a moment before answering, "I didn't spend much time with her, but my impression is that she was a gentle deity. She always cherished every beautiful thing before her."
[Ningguang: Beauty... it always makes one want to pause and appreciate it.]
[Navia: Yes. I still cherish the memories of time spent with my parents.]
[Keqing: Every day of hard work is beautiful in its own way.]
[Paimon: Keqing's tone shifted so suddenly! If it were me, I'd probably miss chicken legs the most.]
[Yae Miko: While reading novels is enjoyable, editing them can sometimes be painful. Many submitted manuscripts give me a headache.]
...
Some time later, Lumine was strolling through Inazuma City when she encountered Thoma. They seemed to be discussing something—perhaps the thunderstorms.
Lumine and Paimon approached. "Hey, Thoma. Is something wrong?"
Thoma turned around. "Oh, it's you. We were just talking about the impact you've left on Inazuma."
Lumine asked, "Is that a tease?"
Thoma replied, "No, not at all. The Three Commissions' usual work involves gathering information for the Shogun and executing her assigned tasks. But recently, the Shogun announced she would be cultivating herself in seclusion and would not see anyone. In other words, there's no one to make decisions for us anymore."
"We understand that the Shogun needs quiet time to sort out her feelings. But another situation has arisen—almost simultaneously, the thunderstorms off Inazuma's coast have become turbulent."
Lumine said, "I recall that was a manifestation of the Shogun's will to close off the nation."
Thoma nodded. "Correct. For a long time, the scale and pattern of the thunderstorms never changed. But now, they seem to be trending closer to Inazuma's islands."
[Beidou: Those thunderstorms off Inazuma's coast are no joke. Every time I try to sneak in, it takes considerable effort.]
[Zhongli: Using the power of thunderstorms to seal off most communication between Inazuma and the outside world is quite imposing.]
[Beidou: Indeed. If not for the lucrative business, no one would risk crossing those storms to reach Inazuma.]
Paimon was shocked. "Is her will now to destroy Inazuma? Or is she seeking revenge on us?"
Lumine glanced at Paimon. "The Shogun isn't that childish. Paimon, are you afraid of her?"
Paimon quickly retorted, "No way! She's just someone we've defeated—nothing to fear. But... I'm a little worried she might be angry. Just a little worried, that's all."