"You're planning to go back already? Not staying a few more days?" Zhongli took a sip of tea, looking at Akio with some surprise.
"The Rite of Parting is about to begin. Don't you want to see it?"
"True, I've been away for quite a while now," Akio nodded. It had been over a month since he left, and it was time to return.
"Come on, you're holding your own funeral. Aren't you embarrassed?" Akio gave Zhongli a disdainful look.
"For the people of Liyue, Rex Lapis has already passed away, so the Rite of Parting must be conducted with solemnity," Zhongli said without a hint of shame.
"Yeah, yeah, Rex Lapis is dead. Now there's only Zhongli," Akio nodded.
"From a universal rational perspective, that is indeed the case," Zhongli replied calmly.
"Since you're planning to return, I won't try to keep you," Zhongli said. "Whenever you come back, I'll welcome you with open arms."
"Inazuma's current situation is tense, so it's better to return sooner rather than later," Akio nodded. "I'll visit again when I have the chance."
"That's true," Zhongli agreed. He was well aware of Inazuma's situation.
"Zhongli! Akio!" Just as the two were talking, Paimon's voice rang out.
The two looked over and saw Paimon and Lumine approaching.
"Traveler, what brings you here today?" Zhongli asked.
"After the Rite of Parting, Lumine plans to head to the third nation, Inazuma, to continue her journey of seeking the Seven Archons and find information about her brother," Paimon explained. "We went to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to ask for your advice on how to get to Inazuma, but Hu Tao told us you and Akio were having tea at Heyu Teahouse."
Lumine nodded in confirmation.
"I see," Zhongli nodded, gesturing for them to sit down.
"Continuing your journey might be a bit difficult," Zhongli said calmly. "Inazuma, Liyue's maritime neighbor, is currently under a Sakoku Decree."
"Huh? Sakoku Decree?" Lumine was surprised.
"Yes, the Electro Archon of Inazuma, is known locally as the Raiden Shogun, just as I am known as the Geo Archon in Liyue," Zhongli explained.
"Right! I've heard that the Archon of Inazuma is called Raiden!" Paimon chimed in.
"Indeed, and since Raiden is the Shogun of the Shogunate, she is also revered as the Narukami Ogosho," Zhongli nodded.
"But I've heard at the docks that although Inazuma's situation is tense, it hasn't reached that point yet, has it?" Paimon asked.
"Zhongli, you're the Geo Archon of Liyue. You must know a lot about Inazuma. Can you tell us why the Raiden Shogun has implemented the Sakoku Decree?" Paimon said.
"Regarding Inazuma's issues, I don't think you should be asking me," Zhongli shook his head.
"Huh? Why not?" Paimon was puzzled.
"You should be asking Akio. He is a deity from Inazuma, standing alongside the Raiden Shogun. Perhaps soon, his name will resonate across the entire continent of Teyvat," Zhongli said, looking at Akio.
Akio had told Zhongli about his upcoming divine coronation, and Zhongli was well aware of it. Recently, the Ministry of Civil Affairs had also received an invitation from Inazuma, inviting Liyue's representatives to attend the Divine Coronation Ceremony in Inazuma two months later.
"Akio, you can also refer to him as the Great Divine Sovereign of Inazuma," Zhongli explained. "Compared to the Great Divine Sovereign, my methods are insignificant. If Akio is willing to help you, entering Inazuma shouldn't be difficult."
"Wha—what?! The Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven?!" Paimon stammered. She knew Akio was a deity, but she didn't expect him to be a deity from Inazuma, standing alongside the Raiden Shogun!
"Indeed," Akio nodded. "You're welcome to come to Inazuma, but the current situation there is very tense. If you're coming, there's one thing I'll need your help with."
"If you agree, I'll naturally take you to meet the Shogun," Akio smiled.
"What is it?" Lumine asked curiously.
"It's not something I can explain right now. You'll understand once you arrive in Inazuma," Akio shook his head.
What was it? Of course, it was to make the adorable Lumine a tool to carry Inazuma's will and defeat the Shogun. If she fought the Shogun, wouldn't she get to meet her?
Akio felt like he'd been spending too much time with that sly fox Yae Miko—he was starting to become just as cunning!
"Alright, I agree," Lumine said without hesitation. After all, it was just a matter of being a tool. She was a helpful traveler, an Honorary Knight!
"Oh? You're agreeing so readily?" Akio looked at Lumine with a smile.
"It's just one thing! The Traveler is always ready to help! She's a kind-hearted person!" Paimon boasted.
"Right, thank you both," Akio smiled. "So, are you planning to go to Inazuma now?"
"Uh… not right now," Lumine quickly shook her head. "Besides helping Zhongli with the Rite of Parting, we've also received a commission to investigate the Treasure Hoarders and the Abyss Order."
"I see," Akio nodded. It seemed like this was the part of the story where Lumine would eventually reunite with her brother.
"However, I'll be returning to Inazuma in a couple of days," Akio said.
"Huh? Then how will you take us to Inazuma?" Paimon asked.
"Hmm… that is a problem," Akio thought for a moment. "The Kanjou Commission is rotten to the core. They'll try to extort any foreigner they see. Even if you mention my name, it probably won't help without proof."
"Oh, right," Akio thought of something. He took the Divine Official's Token from his waist and, using the power of the Herrscher, created an exact replica of it.
He handed the replica to Lumine and said, "Take this. It represents the Great Divine Official of the Grand Narukami Shrine and serves as a token of authority. When you arrive at Ritou, if the soldiers question you, just show them this."
"Alright, thank you," Lumine nodded, accepting the token.
"We'll get going now!" Having gotten the answers they needed, Lumine and Paimon bid farewell and happily left.
"Hmm… this should be fine, right?" Akio wondered. If the Kanjou Commission soldiers didn't recognize the Divine Official's Token and accused them of forging it or disrespecting the Grand Narukami Shrine, wouldn't he have just set Lumine and Paimon up for trouble?
Probably not. In such a situation, the Kanjou Commission would likely verify with the Grand Narukami Shrine. After all, no one in Inazuma would dare forge the Crest or the Sacred Sakura emblem.
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