Chapter 44

When Bai Luo was investigating information about Visions, he also conducted other surveys.

For example, whether the attributes of a Vision were related to the personality and living environment of its holder.

The results showed that there was indeed some correlation.

For instance, those with Pyro Visions, no matter their circumstances, were always the most enthusiastic and lively.

Well... with one exception, but let's not name names.

As one of the representative characters of the Pyro element, Yoimiya was exactly that kind of person.

It could be said that Hanamizaka had a livelier atmosphere than the main streets, thanks to Yoimiya and Arataki Itto.

Though the latter was more of a troublemaker.

"Customer, were you also watching that oni earlier?"

Yoimiya, who seemed carefree on the surface, had actually been paying attention to Bai Luo's expression.

When she accidentally mentioned Arataki Itto's name, Bai Luo's expression subtly changed. It was a nuanced shift, but it definitely didn't seem positive.

"Yeah, it's been years since I last saw an oni."

"Actually, oni aren't that bad. Even though everyone in Hanamizaka complains about him, they all like him deep down. Otherwise, they wouldn't have let him stay in Hanamizaka for so long."

Yoimiya enthusiastically explained.

As she said, Bai Luo had witnessed Inazuma's xenophobic tendencies. Not only toward non-humans, but even the Fatui took a long time to be accepted.

Yet, despite this exclusionary mindset, they allowed an oni to roam freely in the streets. Their attitude spoke volumes.

"By the way... what kind of fireworks are you looking for, customer? Did you bring one of our firework slips?"

Yoimiya had been listening carefully to Bai Luo's words and naturally remembered him saying he'd been here more than once.

Though she didn't recall seeing Bai Luo before, perhaps he was a customer of her father's?

If he was an old customer, he must have had a firework slip.

"Slip?"

Bai Luo was momentarily stunned but quickly remembered that after completing the main storyline in the game, he had been given a slip.

But what was in the game stayed in the game. He couldn't bring it here.

"Yes, it's a tradition of the Naganohara family. You see... the fleeting bloom of fireworks might seem to contradict the Shogun's ideal of eternity, but the beauty and emotion passed down through the slips, as well as the splendor of fireworks etched in people's hearts, could also be seen as a form of eternity. Maybe that's why the Shogun hasn't troubled us."

"Sorry, I didn't bring the slip."

"No problem. If you describe the specific features of the fireworks, I can still help you recreate them."

Yoimiya didn't show disappointment or complain.

She always struck a perfect balance—never overbearing, never crossing boundaries, never cold, and never overly persistent.

From the elderly to babbling children, everyone could get along with her. It was this art of communication that made her so popular in Hanamizaka.

"Let the past... stay in the past. Maybe I need a fresh start. Do you have any recommendations, Yoimiya?"

"Hmm... there's the Scattered Petal Bullet, which blooms into petals upon impact; the Cheerful Spinning Top, which emits a clear birdcall as it spins; and the Neon Dragonfly, which changes colors as it rises. These are all quite popular recently. Oh, and there's also a new one I recently developed—a goldfish that blows bubbles."

When it came to fireworks, Yoimiya had even more to say. She enthusiastically introduced her creations to Bai Luo, occasionally bringing out samples from the shop.

If it weren't still daytime, she might have rolled up her sleeves and started lighting them on the spot.

"You choose for me. I trust the craftsmanship of the Naganohara family."

Fireworks were just an excuse for Bai Luo. He didn't really care what they looked like. But his nonchalant attitude didn't escape Yoimiya's notice.

"Customer, fireworks may be fleeting, but the emotions they evoke last forever. No matter how difficult the past may have been, there are always moments worth remembering, right?"

Yoimiya didn't know Bai Luo's true intentions, but from his few words, she guessed he might have had a troubled past.

"Fireworks fade, and people drift apart..."

The phrase "fireworks are fleeting" almost made Bai Luo break into song.

"True, people often say fireworks are ephemeral, fleeting things. But as long as they are beautiful enough, they can bloom eternally in people's hearts."

Yoimiya hauled over a full box of fireworks and placed it in front of Bai Luo.

"Fireworks are things that can carry wishes. When I made this box of fireworks, I received my own Vision. Actually... I even used my Vision as a lighter back then.

Since the gods gave me my Vision at such a crucial moment, it means even the gods love these fireworks. Maybe they'll bring you a different kind of feeling."

Bai Luo could tell that Yoimiya genuinely cared about him.

This was the charm of Pyro Vision holders. No matter the situation, they were like the blazing sun in the sky, warming everyone.

Except for a certain red-haired man.

"How much?"

Fireworks that even the gods loved must be expensive, right?

But it didn't matter. Mora was just a number to him. He had earned a lot from selling books, and with the Fatui's resources, he didn't need to worry about money.

"No charge. If you feel bad about it, you can write down your thoughts after watching the fireworks. It might give me some great ideas for improving them."

Yoimiya waved her hand dismissively.

This wasn't the first time she had done something like this. In the past, her father might have complained a bit, but now that the Naganohara Fireworks shop was in her hands, the decision was hers, and her father didn't interfere much.

"Thank you, then."

Bai Luo was momentarily surprised but not overly shocked. In his impression, Yoimiya was exactly the kind of person who would do something like this.

Afterward, Bai Luo chatted with Yoimiya about some interesting things in Hanamizaka and casually inquired about the green-haired girl who looked so much like her.

It wasn't until her father called her away to help that Bai Luo finally left, carrying the fireworks on his own.

After walking a few steps, his stomach began to growl. Bai Luo then remembered that the original purpose of his outing was to have lunch.

By afternoon, the food stalls were mostly empty. Bai Luo found a small stall in Hanamizaka and ordered some simple dishes.

Compared to the main streets, Hanamizaka might not be as luxurious, but it had a strong sense of life and community.

A girl with a fishing rod, an old man with a hoe, a woman carrying a child—each of their faces told a story. Eating here was a unique experience.

After a satisfying meal, Bai Luo carried the fireworks back to his courtyard. But as soon as he reached the gate, he saw his subordinates anxiously pacing.

"What's wrong? Did Tenshukaku send a message?"

Seeing this, Bai Luo thought the Raiden Shogun, who had been silent for so long, had finally decided to meet him.

"Sir, you're finally back! There's a letter from Her Majesty the Tsaritsa!"