The thunderstorms showed no favoritism to any outsider daring to enter Inazuma's outer seas. They were devoid of emotion, filled only with overwhelming heavenly might.
Inside the cabin, Lora could hear thunder crashing down incessantly, striking the surrounding waters with tremendous force. While the crew hid within their quarters, she instead pushed open the window and gazed out at the ocean awash in violet light.
A bolt of lightning split the sky and struck directly before her.
"Whoa!"
Hélie stood behind Lora, tilting her head. "Lady Lora, aren't you afraid of being struck by lightning? These bolts… they're the power of Inazuma's god, aren't they? They look very dangerous…"
"Dangerous?" Lora shook her head. "Not to me." Then she sighed in regret. "What a shame I didn't bring the Kamera. If I had, I could've snapped a photo of this spectacle and sold it to The Steambird. Just imagine how much I could charge in royalties!"
A firsthand image from the very heart of the thunderstorm—unprecedented, and likely never to be seen again.
No reporter from The Steambird would dare risk their life to capture such a scene. What a wasted business opportunity, all because she forgot to bring her Kamera. Truly tragic.
Just as she was lamenting, Hélie quietly pulled a Kamera from her bag and handed it over. "Lady Lora, the Kamera is here. I brought it with me…"
"What? You actually brought it?!" Lora froze, then beamed as she snatched it from Hélie's hands. "Hélie, you're amazing. I love you!"
"Eh? Eh?!"
Hélie blinked in confusion, clearly caught off guard.
Lora eagerly snapped several shots worthy of The Steambird's front page. After examining the images, she nodded in satisfaction.
"Perfect. I'll send these over when I get the chance and squeeze a hefty manuscript fee out of them."
Once the ship cleared the thunderstorm zone, Ritou came into view from the deck. Flying Liyue's official insignia, the vessel docked smoothly at the harbor.
But the moment they disembarked, a large force of Kanjou Commission soldiers surrounded the area.
Lora paused, frowning.
"What's this about? We just arrived, and we're already getting detained?"
She had already been imprisoned once in Mondstadt and once in Liyue. Surely she wasn't about to make it a tradition in Inazuma as well.
The crew looked uneasy. "We're not sure what's happening either. They're all from the Kanjou Commission. Since we're sailing under Liyue's official banner, they wouldn't openly offend Liyue… would they?"
"Hard to say," Lora muttered.
At this point in time, both the Kanjou Commission and the Tenryou Commission seemed utterly unreasonable. Who knew what they might attempt, emboldened by their Electro Archon's authority, especially after learning that Rex Lapis had passed?
"Lady Lora, don't worry! I'll protect you!" Hélie stepped in front of her, staring vigilantly at the approaching soldiers.
When Lora and the others stepped forward, the soldiers did not advance. Instead, they parted to form a path. A man approached, flanked by individuals who clearly held high-ranking positions.
He stopped before Lora and offered a practiced smile. "I am Hiiragi Shinsuke, head of the Kanjou Commission. You are representatives sent by Liyue's authorities, correct?"
The crew instinctively looked to Lora.
She stepped forward calmly. "I am Lora. We represent Liyue's official authority in coming to Inazuma. With so many men surrounding us, does the Hiiragi Clan Head intend to arrest us?"
"Of course not."
Hiiragi Shinsuke smiled.
"Surely you are aware that our nation is currently under lockdown. As the Kanjou Commission, we are obligated to inspect all vessels entering Inazuma. Moreover, in a few days' time, Her Excellency the Raiden Shogun will hold a ceremony for the confiscation of the hundredth Vision. Under such circumstances, caution is only natural. I ask for your understanding."
Lora watched his smiling face and couldn't help but admire how adept the Kanjou Commission was at tailoring their tone to their audience. Had she arrived alone, without Liyue's backing, would they have been this courteous?
Liyue was, after all, the most prosperous nation in Teyvat and its commercial center. Even with its Archon's passing, the Millelith remained formidable. It was not a power to be taken lightly.
Maintaining a curious expression, Lora asked, "The hundredth Vision?"
Hiiragi nodded.
"Indeed. Under the Vision Hunt Decree issued by the Raiden Shogun, the bearer of the hundredth confiscated Vision has been apprehended. Tomorrow, a ceremony will be held beneath the Statue of the Omnipresent God in Inazuma City."
"May I attend?" Lora asked smoothly. "I heard of the Vision Hunt Decree while in Liyue. I would very much like to see it for myself—and pay my respects to the Raiden Shogun."
"In principle, there should be no issue." Hiiragi hesitated briefly, his gaze flicking to the Vision at her waist.
"However, I must ask—what is your official position within Liyue's government, Miss Lora? And what is the purpose of your visit?"
Lora had not considered that question.
Before she could answer, the captain beside her spoke up.
"Lady Lora is the plenipotentiary representative jointly appointed by the Liyue Qixing. All actions she takes in Inazuma represent the will of the Qixing. Her purpose here is to discuss the future diplomatic relationship between Liyue and Inazuma. After all, you have surely heard about Rex Lapis…"
At that, Hiiragi immediately understood.
Only Lora and Hélie looked bewildered.
…What?
Plenipotentiary representative of the Liyue Qixing?
When had she acquired such a title? Wasn't she just a freeloader at the Jade Chamber?
Hiiragi's attitude grew noticeably more respectful.
Though Inazuma was under the Sakoku Decree, the Tri-Commission was far from ignorant of the outside world. They were well aware of events in Liyue. If the Liyue Qixing—the highest governing body of Liyue—had granted her full authority, then her status must be among the very highest tiers in that nation.
He smiled politely.
"Miss Lora, you must be tired after such a long voyage. Please rest well tonight. Tomorrow, I shall personally arrange for you to be escorted to Inazuma City to meet the Raiden Shogun."