To everyone else, the outcome had been decided in a single instant.
But in Lora's eyes, she could clearly follow the battle between Lumine and Ei within the Plane of Euthymia—though even there, it ended almost just as fast.
"Ah… that weak? I thought she'd last a little longer…"
Lora clicked her tongue and shook her head.
The soldiers from the Kanjou Commission and the Tenryou Commission beside her shot her puzzled looks. Still, given her status, none dared to question her.
Amid the blazing radiance of thunder, Lumine collapsed to the ground.
The Shogun's eyes, once filled with brilliance, gradually dimmed into hollow stillness. Paimon hurried to shield Lumine, while Thoma broke free of his restraints and seized the opportunity to strike.
The Shogun flicked her hand, knocking the weapon aside. Yet in that fleeting opening, Thoma managed to grab Lumine and Paimon and retreat from the plaza.
That anyone could escape the Shogun's grasp was beyond anyone's expectations.
She watched them flee but made no move to pursue. For a deity, chasing prey did not suit her dignity.
"Add her to the Vision Hunt Decree. The next time we meet, I will strike again."
Her voice remained calm as she watched them disappear into the distance.
"Yes!"
The soldier at her side responded immediately.
As the Raiden Shogun turned and walked toward the Statue of the Omnipresent God, her gaze suddenly shifted in Lora's direction.
Blending into the crowd, Lora had already concealed her aura. The Shogun should not have been able to sense any divine presence from her.
Was it instinct?
Well, that's what happens when you train your blade to perfection—you start noticing the tiniest things.
The glance lasted only a moment. To anyone else, Lora looked no different from an ordinary spectator. At most, perhaps a little out of place.
Lora quietly let out a breath.
She had no desire whatsoever to face the current Electro Archon. The Gnosis was not in her possession, and there was no reason to confront Ei directly. She could already imagine what would happen if Ei discovered she was alive.
That would not end well.
The thought alone made her shiver—not from fear, but from the inevitable headache it would bring.
Thus, the ceremony marking the hundredth confiscated Vision concluded in a dramatic and rather abrupt fashion. The spectacle gave the crowd ample gossip. Many were already whispering about the golden-haired Traveler who had intervened—and the floating companion at her side.
As Liyue's envoy, Lora's presence had already been reported to both the Tenryou Commission and the Yashiro Commission. Representatives from both soon came to call.
With Inazuma still under the Sakoku Decree, foreign envoys were exceedingly rare. Naturally, both commissions treated the matter with great seriousness. And since the Yashiro Commission oversaw cultural and diplomatic affairs, they assumed responsibility for hosting her.
Kamisato Ayaka personally extended an invitation, requesting that Lora stay at the Kamisato residence.
"The Kamisato residence…"
Lora considered it briefly, then nodded.
"Very well. I'll have to trouble the Kamisato family for the time being."
Conveniently, the Kamisato residence stood not far from the Grand Narukami Shrine. If she needed to visit that fox—or consult the Sacred Sakura—it would be quite convenient indeed.
Kamisato Ayato, head of the Kamisato family, personally welcomed Lora alongside Ayaka.
Whatever thoughts they might harbor in private, their courtesy was impeccable—befitting the Yashiro Commission.
"It is our honor that Miss Lora will be staying at the Kamisato residence. As for a formal diplomatic audience, I'm afraid it must be postponed for the time being. As you know, Inazuma has faced considerable unrest of late, and the Yashiro Commission has had little capacity to attend to additional affairs."
Ayato spoke calmly as he guided Lora on a leisurely walk through the estate, Ayaka accompanying them.
"I understand."
Lora inclined her head graciously.
"The head of the Kamisato family works tirelessly to uphold the Yashiro Commission. I've long heard of your diligence. Truly, a hero in his youth."
Ayato smiled faintly.
"Miss Lora is equally remarkable. To represent the Liyue Qixing at such a young age is no small accomplishment."
It was an exchange of courtesy—though not entirely devoid of sincerity.
After showing her around, Ayato came to a stop.
"I still have numerous matters to attend to and cannot spare further time. My sister, Ayaka, will continue to accompany you and address any questions you may have."
Lora hummed softly in acknowledgment and did not refuse.
Once Ayato took his leave, Ayaka offered a slight bow.
"Miss Lora, please allow me to guide you through the rest of the grounds."
Lora followed without objection.
However, the path Ayaka chose grew increasingly secluded. Before long, no one else was in sight, and the surroundings no longer seemed familiar.
Had they already passed beyond the main estate grounds?
Ayaka was not someone who would lose her way.
That left only one explanation.
She wished to speak in private—about something not meant for other ears.
Soon, Ayaka stopped and turned to face Lora, hesitation flickering across her expression.
Seeing this, Lora offered a gentle smile.
"There's no need to worry. Hélie is someone I trust completely."
Hearing that, Ayaka understood that Lora had already seen through her intention. She let out a soft breath, no longer attempting to conceal it.
"As expected of Lumine and Paimon's companion. I've heard many… stories about you from them."
"Stories?"
The corner of Lora's lips twitched.
Was she truly so old now that people spoke of her in stories?
"Paimon said you're an Adeptus of Liyue—one powerful enough to suppress the Overlord of the Vortex, Osial. Is that true?"
Ayaka looked at her with undisguised anticipation.
Lora inclined her head slightly.
"She's not wrong."
"Then… would you be willing to help us put an end to the Vision Hunt Decree?"
Ayaka asked carefully.
Lora smiled faintly. She had expected this.
She shook her head.
"Miss Ayaka, I am Liyue's envoy. My actions in Inazuma represent the Liyue Qixing. The Vision Hunt Decree was issued by your Archon. Are you asking an outsider to help you oppose your own god?"
"No!"
Ayaka shook her head at once.
"We would never defy the Raiden Shogun. It's just…"
She hesitated, her voice softening.
"For the people of Inazuma, the Vision Hunt Decree has taken so much from them. And yet… the Shogun does not see it."