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For the third time in less than five minutes, Ei rearranged her outfit in the mirror. It was not in her habits to worry about her appearance like that. She always made sure to look presentable whenever she met dignitaries or other people coming to see the Shogun. But she had never taken so long to do it before.
But you had to be at your best when it was him.
She would never have believed that she, the Almighty Narukami Ogosho would be there, sitting in front of her mirror in her room in Tenshukaku preening for a stranger.
Well, maybe stranger wasn't the word. A stranger to her nation yes, he was a traveler from beyond Teyvat. But he was no longer a stranger to her people. Every day she heard at least one discussion involving the Traveler and his actions in Inazuma. Whether for good or for bad. Not everyone appreciates him, some for less reasonable reasons than others. There were those who disliked him because of his association with the Watatsumi Island Rebellion or for daring to face her and her ideal. Then there were the others and one in particular who had silly reasons not to like him.
"How much longer do you plan on standing in front of that mirror combing your hair? »
Ei didn't bother to respond to the Shogun puppet. The Shogun thought the Traveler was a nuisance as he distracted Ei from her duties to eternity.
' How would my relationship with him affect my eternity goal? ' she asked the puppet.
' You get attached to him but you don't know anything about him. You want to get into a relationship that will probably end up leaving you with a broken heart.'
' I don't wish to hold him back in Inazuma if that's what you're implying. I know that his quest to find his sister is his priority and I accept it. I will support him in his goal even if he does not wish to be with me. '
' So save yourself the trouble of entertaining that kind of thought. He said he was a star traveler. The only reason he's still on this world is to find his sister. Once he finds his family he will leave and will probably never come back. '
' You don't know that. '
' And neither do you. '
Ei tried to forget about this conversation and got up from her seat after putting her brooch back on.
She descended from her apartments and arrived in the throne room, having only to await the arrival of the traveler.
She had sent a messenger inviting him to Tenshukaku that the Shogun wished to speak with him. She had used the same excuses to invite him several times and thought that she should give him a pass to enter as he pleased like Miko.
Speaking of this woman, she had to be very careful. She hadn't said anything, but Ei had seen the look she had given her when she commandeered the Traveler who was with her. She had understood that she too, despite all her sayings and jokes, was attracted to him. A silent competition was then launched to know which of the two would arrive first to have him.
She felt a little bad thinking of him as some kind of trophy but she was just taking Miko's advice to think about her and her desires. And she wanted to be with him. She was clear on that.
But in the end, it was all well and good to say that they were in competition, but the truth was that neither of them made much progress.
She had observed through her Euthymia eye the meal he had had with Miko the other day and had seen that the kitsune's plan had failed, they even seemed to have argued, at least initially. Shortly after he had whispered something in her ear and Miko had become excited like when she was a young kitsune.
Ei otherwise could not go further than simple friendship. Maybe she should ask Paimon for advice on getting closer to him. The fairy who accompanied him could tell her what he likes or dislikes.
She had kept it simple this time and had just had some dangos prepared with some tea to go with it. It was their little ritual. He would come and have tea with her and they would talk about their day. He would ask her how she was doing and if her reflection on eternity was progressing. And she, for her part, still dared not tell him that she wanted him to be part of it. At least not yet. She would ask him to tell some stories about his travels and he would then talk about the adventures he had had with Paimon and especially the recents one in Sumeru.
He had asked her if she would agree to meet the young Buer who wished to renew contact with the other Archons. They would meet in the Traveler's adepti teapot and take time to get to know each other. And although after hearing Traveler's description Ei would be very happy to meet the young dendro Archon, she had to consider seeing Barbatos and Morax again who would also be invited. She wasn't sure how to behave around them. When the Archons last gathered, Makoto was the Electro Archon and she was her Shadow Warrior.
But she would think about that another time, she had just felt the Traveler entering Tenshukaku. She braced herself for his arrival and arranged her clothes one last time ignoring the Shogun in her head who was mocking at the action.
The Traveler entered her chambers and seeing her gave a big smile that Ei knew made more than one heart drop, she was no exception. She returned his smile and greeted him.
“Hello Traveler, I'm glad you've accepted to come. »
“When Kujou Sara comes to see you with a letter from the Tenryou commission, it's hard to say no. » He chuckled, clearly not bothered by the method. Ei covered her mouth to stifle her laughter as she imagined General Kujou coming again to fetch the Traveler to escort him here. The Tengu must have known that this was no official business, but was at least doing her job diligently.
"Yes, I should probably tell them that the armed guard is not necessary."
“Oh no let them. It's fun to watch Itto bicker with Sara every time they cross paths. »
" Who ? »
“Oh nothing forget that. » He said, dismissing the subject with the back of his hand before continuing.
"So I asked for a stop on the way so I could buy you this." He unpacked the bag from its pocket dimension and pulled out three bottles of Dango Milk. Ei's eyes lit up at the sight of the treat and she reached for one of the bottles to open one.
" Thank you so much. I was thinking of going to get some but I have the impression that my presence intimidates the seller. » She said in a sullen voice.
“They're just shy. If you went there more often he would get used to it and be less tense in your presence. Nahida does this in Sumeru city, the locals have already started to greet her when she passes by. »
“Our cases are a bit different. She has never had the opportunity to come out of her cage, so her people welcome her without prejudice. Me, on the other hand, the reputation I have accumulated over five hundred years has prompted citizens to treat me with the greatest respect. And with fear. Besides you and Miko, there's really no one else who treats me that way as a friend. »
“I can help you if you want. We can start simple, for example the next time we see each other, we will eat in town like the first time. »
“Hoping that no commission business comes to disturb us? » She asked with a smile remembering the first time he got her out of Tenshukaku.
“Hoping that no commission business comes to disturb us. » The Traveler repeated, taking a bite of Dango Milk.
They chatted a bit about their day in a calm atmosphere before the Traveler asked.
"How is the Shogun?"
“The Shogun? » Ei repeated surprised that he mentioned the puppet. “Uh.. well there was no problem to report, it is perfectly functional. »
"No I mean, how is she personally?" »
Ei didn't know what to answer, she had never cared about the puppet's emotional state. She did what she was programmed to do and it stopped there.
"Well.. I think she's fine."
"Can I speak to her ?"
Ei refrained from pouting at the request. Her time with him was going to be wasted because he wanted to talk to the puppet. But she had no valid reason to tell him no, so with an inward sigh she gave control to the Shogun who was watching the interaction from the plain of Euthymia.
Ei's body expression went blank and she spoke in a flat voice.
"Greeting Traveler, what do want from me ?"
Straight to the point as usual. Ei was seriously considering altering his social skills. At least be a little friendlier in unofficial business.
“Hello Shogun, I'm glad to see you. It's been a long time since we last met. »
“Since our fight in the Eternal Plain of Euthymia indeed. »
The Traveler poured himself more tea and offered it to the Shogun.
“I have no need to drink such a drink. Food is also useless for this body. »
“There's nothing wrong with indulging yourself once in a while. Do me a favor and at least taste the Dango milk I brought. I bought one of them especially for you. »
The Shogun looked at him in surprise then looked at the bottle on the table. She stared at it for a long moment and the Traveler chuckled at her hesitation.
"Unless drinking a bottle of milk is an obstacle for eternity?"
The Shogun made a haughty noise at the comment for his audacity before picking up the bottle and raising it to her lips. She intended to drink the bottle in one go, but as soon as she tasted it, her eyes widened. It was sumptuous and smooth on the palate and made her want to drink more. She tasted the bottle under the smiling gaze of the Traveler and put the bottle down.
“I'll bring you more next time. » He said with a big smile.
“I never said I wanted to. » Denied the Shogun.
“No need, I knew you would like it. »
"And where does this assumption come from that you know what I like?" She asked crossing her arms over her chest. »
"Well.. You and Ei share the same body, don't you?"
" Indeed. This body is for common use. »
“So you have the same taste buds? »
Oh.
She understood where he was going.
"Yes..." she said with resignation, knowing that lying would get her nowhere.
"So I suppose it that if Ei likes something, you will too."
She says nothing. There was nothing to say.
Ei inside the plain of Euthymia, despite her annoyance at being kicked out of her date, chuckled at the Shogun's lack of a word.
But suddenly Ei's vision cut off and she couldn't see anything that was happening outside. Ei tried to regain control of the Shogun but she felt nothing outside the dimension.
" What is going on ? » Ei had complete control over her dimension and could exit it as she saw fit. At least as long as she had a body to house outside. If she couldn't get out that only meant one thing.
“She pulled the blade out. »
The Shogun delicately placed the Musou no Hitotachi on the table in front of her while the Traveler brandished his sword having prepared for an attack. In barely a second the Shogun had drawn her katana from her chest and the Traveler had thought she was going to strike him.
"Forgive me for the sudden action Traveler. I wish you no harm. »
The Traveler remembered that Ei's spirit was sealed within the blade and that without a wielder she was stuck inside.
“Why did you do that? » he asked, slowly lowering his sword.
“Because I have to ask you questions and my creator wouldn't let me. »
"So you are capable of rebelling against her like this ?"
"I can't turn against her, the time I did that was just another programming she had created in me to keep her from wandering off the path of eternity. I use the same programming to do this. »
"She strays from eternity right now?" The Traveler asked, still not understanding why she had done that.
" Now ? No ? But maybe in the future. And that's why I have to ask you these questions to know what should be done. Sit down, please. »
The Traveler hesitated to do so, but he watched the katana lay harmlessly on the table and calmly sheathed his own weapon trusting that she didn't want to fight. And besides if he left now there would be no guarantee that she would give control back to Ei.
So he sat down opposite her and waited for her to speak. The Shogun closed her eyes for a moment before looking the Traveler in the eye.
"What will you do if you find your sister?"
The Traveler looked at her silently and said nothing for a long moment.
“If I find her, I guess I will take the time to make up for lost time with her. »
" And after ? » The Shogun insisted because that wasn't the answer she was looking for.
" I do not know. All I want right now is to be reunited with her. »
“Are you planning to leave Teyvat and go back to the stars? »
The traveler stared at the Shogun upon hearing the question. They looked at each other in silence before he asked.
“What would happen if I said we were leaving? »
“If you are going to leave this world, I will ask you not to give Ei false hope by not coming to Tenshukaku anymore. If you and her get too close and leave, I'm afraid the cost will be too much for her. That would then be a problem for her desire for eternity, one that I would not allow to happen. »
“Do you think so little of her will? »
“Not at all. I know firsthand that her will is strong. During our fight in the plain of Euthymia she did not weaken for a single moment despite the fatigue and the passage of time. But it wasn't until you arrived that she managed to get the better of me. Your presence gave her the strength to go on and beat me. Your departure, on the other hand, could have the opposite effect. I don't know what would happen if that were to happen. »
The Shogun saw him ponder her words. Contemplating himself the consequences that his choices can have.
“And if I stay? »
“If you choose to stay on Teyvat then…everything is fine. I'll give control back to Ei and make sure I don't bother you two again. »
He looked at her oddly after saying that.
“You don't bother me Shogun. I like talking to you as much as I do to Ei. »
The Shogun looked at the Traveler with an indescribable gaze then turned her eyes to the katana glowing with electro energy on the table.
“Yet you never wished to speak to me before. »
It was a fact, neither more nor less. He had never asked to see her during his previous visits. The Traveler, however, thought he sensed something else in her statement. Usually the Shogun never looked away.
" I'm sorry. I should have asked to speak to you long before. I foolishly thought you were indeed just an empty puppet who felt nothing but…” He seemed to recall a memory, one the Shogun couldn't guess. “But some recent event has made me realize there's so much more to you than that. I realize that under all these strict and direct words there is also a heart. »
“As a puppet I don't have a heart. » She said calmly as if she didn't believe his words.
The Traveler smiled softly and whispered.
“Another thought the same. »
Silence fell between them and the Musou no Hitotachi began to vibrate on the table.
“Ei is getting impatient. » The Traveler said to the Shogun who seemed deep in thought.
“Yes, shortly she will force the sword back into me and she will regain control. So tell me Traveler, what is your answer? »
“Would you like me to stay? » He asked innocently looking at her.
The Shogun by reflex was going to deny but seeing his look wondered if her opinion would have an impact on his decision. Did she want him to stay? Why would she? For Inazuma? Eternity? For Ei? For...
She didn't finish that thought because she didn't feel allowed to think such a thing. She wasn't even sure where that thought came from. Maybe she had a heart like he said. It was illogical but she couldn't totally dismiss the idea.
"I suppose… your company isn't unpleasant." That’s all she said.
A smile emerged on the Traveler's lips and she felt strange knowing that she was the cause of it. The katana began to vibrate more violently and she knew their time together was over. She looked at him and waited for his answer.
“I can't choose without talking to my sister about it. If she wishes to leave Teyvat I will surely follow her. »
It was to be expected. The Traveler's priority is above all his sister. She wondered what emotion she felt when she heard that.
"But if she wants to stay, I'll have no problem doing the same. This world has so many wonders and mysteries within it. I can imagine myself settling here. »
The Shogun did not answer. She looked out the bedroom balcony window and a faint smile appeared.
“I guess that's acceptable. »
The Musou no Hitotachi flew off the table and came back inside the Shogun. Immediately afterwards Ei stood up and frantically looked around for enemies or any other trouble. The Traveler stood up straight away and grabbed Ei by the shoulders preventing her from moving any further.
“Hey calm down. Everything's good. »
She looked at him and slowly she relaxed taking the time to see that she hadn't moved since her loss of control. No sign of a fight or any other issues.
" What happened ? I suddenly lost contact with the puppet. Did she try to attack you? »
The Traveler smiled at her concern and sat her down, rubbing her shoulder reassuringly.
“There was no problem. The Shogun just wanted to talk to me in private. »
" Really ? » Ei asked surprised that the puppet could take such an initiative.
"And what did she wanted?"
At this the Traveler only laughed which made Ei even more confused.
"I'm afraid I can't talk about it. »
“Heh?! But why ? »
Why would he hide this information from her. This is her puppet. If she had the audacity to put her aside to discuss with him then it must be important.
"Well, simply because she didn't want you to hear this conversation. If you want to know what it was about you'll have to ask her yourself. »
Ei was outraged by this response. He even had the audacity to smirk as he said it.
" I do not believe it. I am ostracized in my own home and denied the right to know why. And me who was worried about your safety. I'm really the stuffing turkey here. »
He laughed out loud hearing her sulking and that pissed off Ei even more. He saw this and still chuckling grabbed her hand and squeezed it, catching her attention.
“Thank you for worrying about me Ei. It touches me. »
Ei tried to keep her facade upset but it was difficult seeing his affectionate gaze. She let out a breath of exasperation and asked.
"Do you promise me there's no problem?"
" None. »
"You would tell me if there was one wouldn't you?"
“You would be the first. Well... after Paimon, not too many choices on this side. »
Ei finally relaxed and settled back at the table with the Traveler right next to her.
“Alright, I'll let it go for now. But I'll get the truth out of the Shogun. I didn't like this little rebellion on her part. »
“Don't be too hard on her. She too can have bad days. »
The Traveler raised his left hand and a small book appeared.
" What is this ? » she asked seeing the dark purple blanket.
He simply handed it to Ei and she looked at the cover of the book. She then raised her hand and hid a laugh as she read the title.
« My weird bipolar Raiden Shogun. »
"Miko really didn't like the book I sent her, did she?"
“She couldn't stop ranting about it when she saw it. Since then she has stopped everything to focus on this one. The worst thing for her I think was that the book was well written. »
" You think so ? » She asked happy to know that her little joke towards Miko had pleased him.
“Yeah, I never would have thought she was like this before. »
"Yes, one wouldn't recognize her. I remember when just a little Fried Tofu was enough to fool her. »
"Seeing how she nearly ripped the book you sent I wonder what she wrote about you. Would the Raiden Shogun do me the honor of reading to me? » He asked like a servant of Tenshukaku.
"Is that why you bought the Dango Milk? To bribe me and make a fool of myself in front of you? » She asked lightly, amused by his act.
« Pretty please ? »
"Mmm..." Ei considered what to do. Whatever Miko scored in it wouldn't be flattering. But she knew he wouldn't judge her on things that happened over five hundred years ago.
“Very well, but on one condition. »
“What would be this condition? »
“Tell me something about yourself that no one knows. Something even Paimon doesn't know. On your childhood for example. »
The Traveler's smile faltered a little at the innocent request. He said nothing and Ei realized that the request made him uncomfortable.
"You don't have to if you don't want to. I do not want to force you. » Ei took the last slice of Dango and started nibbling on it before feeling his hand return to hers.
“I don't have many memories of my childhood. And the few that I have left are not necessarily very happy. But I remember one in particular. »
Ei listened in silence grateful that he trusted her enough to share it with her.
“My sister and I have always been together. One never wanted to do anything without the other. Some have already tried to separate us but each time we managed to find each other. There was a bond between us. And once a bunch of kids who thought they were tough cornered me in an isolated place to try to beat me up. I said 'try' because before they could do anything my sister fell from the sky and crushed one of them into the ground. The other kids saw this and ran off at full speed, leaving their friend behind. As for my sister, she just got up on top of the unconscious kid under her and gave me a thumbs up shouting, 'I beat the idiots bro, you proud of me' ."
Ei chuckled and the Traveler smiled at the memory.
“Your sister seems like a real badass. »
“You have no idea. I have lost count of the number of times I had to stop her before she started a fight. »
“Yes, I see very well what it is. Except that with Makoto it was rather me the hothead. »
“You a hothead? Really ? »
Ei laughed at his shocked expression before lifting the book.
"Yes. And I think Miko must have rewritten a scene or two of it. »
"Only one way to know, isn't there?" he said with a teasing smile. Ei smiled too and without saying more opened the book with one hand and read the first page.
“Everyone knows the Almighty Raiden Shogun Narukami Ogosho, but few know the less divine aspect hidden behind all this facade of steadfastness and power. The Raiden Shogun is in fact a bipolar layabout who does nothing all day and who relegates all her tasks to her subordinates who worship her as their God. »
"Like she's better..." Ei muttered afterward. The Traveler chuckled beside her as he listened.
She kept reading the book with the Traveler listening every word, the two as confortable as ever.
They didn't realize their hands were clenched the whole time.