Chapter 160: "Can you accept such an outcome?"
Raiden Ei approached Amon step by step, her bright purple eyes locked on him without a single blink.
The intense gaze made Amon feel slightly uneasy. Her delicate face, now filled with solemnity, gave him the impression she might draw her sword at any moment.
The atmosphere grew tense.
However, Raiden Ei bore no hostility. She simply wanted to thank Amon.
To Ei, gratitude should be expressed formally and with utmost seriousness.
"Amon, I'm grateful for your intervention in Khaenri'ah earlier," she began, her voice steady.
"I mean, thank you for saving my sister."
Back in Khaenri'ah, Amon had delivered the potion and left in a hurry, leaving Ei with no chance to thank him properly. Now, she could finally express her belated gratitude.
Ei paused for a moment, then continued, "From now on, the doors of Inazuma will always be open to you."
"As long as you are in Inazuma, the naginata in my hand will always protect your safety. This is a promise from the Narukami Ogosho."
Unsure of how to adequately convey her appreciation, Ei felt that the least she could do was to ensure Amon's protection.
Hearing her words, Amon raised an eyebrow instinctively.
So Ei had come to express her gratitude.
But why such a stern expression?
This could easily lead to misunderstandings.
Why does Ei feel so awkward about this? Amon thought to himself.
But there was one point that puzzled him—Ei mentioned he had appeared in Khaenri'ah to save her sister.
No, Amon mused, I've only been in Teyvat for a short time and just recently left Liyue. The Khaenri'ah War happened centuries ago.
The realization dawned on him. The Historical Void Book must have altered the causal chain in the past.
It's probably the influence of the Fool and Error Authority, he speculated.
Just then, Raiden Makoto stepped forward as well.
"Sir, Ei is right. Thank you so much for your help back then," Makoto said with a warm but sincere tone.
"I will always remember your life-saving grace."
"If there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to let me know."
"As long as it's within my power, I will never refuse."
Both sisters were keenly aware that without Amon's intervention, they would have been separated forever.
The thought made their gratitude toward him deepen even more.
Amon's thoughts stirred.
Anything? Does she truly mean anything?
A bold idea flashed through his mind.
Looking at Makoto, Amon smiled slightly and said, "In that case, I'd like to request something simple. Could you two be my guides during my visit to Inazuma?"
"I'm unfamiliar with the region, and having local guides would make things much easier."
The request was straightforward, but it had another purpose.
Ei, having spent years in the Plane of Euthymia, had become a recluse, unfamiliar with many of the changes in Inazuma.
Makoto, having recently been resurrected, was equally unfamiliar with the current state of the nation.
This request was a way for Amon to get them both to explore the outside world once again.
Of course, for safety reasons, he decided that only one of them should accompany him at a time.
After hearing his request, Raiden Makoto nodded gently.
"Of course. I haven't seen what Inazuma looks like now, so this is a good opportunity to explore."
Makoto was well aware that her presence in Inazuma wasn't ideal for long-term visibility.
Her plan was to take this chance to see Inazuma one last time before settling in another region.
As for where she would go, she hadn't decided yet. She would make plans after touring the nation.
Makoto glanced at her sister, Ei, who remained silent—a sign of her agreement.
At that moment, the system's voice rang in Amon's mind:
"Ding! Raiden Makoto's favorability has increased from 0 to Level 1. Congratulations to the host for obtaining an Intertwined Fate."
"In addition, you have received an item: Vision (Kujo Sara)."
---
Meanwhile, on the boundless sea, a massive black ship sailed, its presence commanding attention. It was the vessel of the Kamisato family.
Lunchtime had arrived.
Onboard, a chef hired at great expense by the Kamisato family prepared meals exclusively for the Kamisato siblings and their guests from Liyue.
Kamisato Ayato personally brought a tray of food to his sister, Kamisato Ayaka.
However, Ayaka glanced at the food and shook her head lightly.
"Brother, I'm not hungry. I don't have much of an appetite," she said softly.
Ayato, understanding his sister's temperament, sighed helplessly and placed the food aside before leaving.
Ayaka wasn't the only one feeling this way.
The other children aboard the ship were in similarly poor spirits.
They ignored most activities, instead staying on deck, waiting anxiously for Amon's return.
Qiqi, in particular, couldn't even bring herself to hold her beloved coconut milk.
She stood quietly on deck all night, gazing out at the horizon, hoping to see Amon return.
The little ones were visibly distracted and disheartened during Amon's absence.
If it weren't for Yae Miko's repeated assurances that Amon would return soon, they might have ventured out to search for him.
Finally, a rift in the void appeared, and Amon stepped through it.
The first thing he saw was the group of children looking at him with tearful, hopeful eyes.
Before Amon could say anything, they all rushed toward him.
"Brother Amon, we were so worried about you!"
"Brother Amon, are you hurt? Are you okay?"
"Brother Amon..."
Their small voices overlapped, filled with concern and affection.
Amon's heart melted at the sight of their worried faces.
"Little ones, I'm sorry for making you worry," he said gently.
He then explained what had happened in the Plane of Euthymia.
The children listened intently, finally understanding the reason for his prolonged absence.
It turned out that the Shogun had taken Amon away to study the peculiar similarities between two weapons.
With the situation now resolved, everyone felt at ease.
Amon soon discovered that the children hadn't eaten during his absence.
He encouraged them to eat, reassuring them that everything was fine.
Relieved by Amon's return, the children obediently began eating, savoring their meals with newfound appetite.
Amon sat beside them, watching the heartwarming scene unfold.
These little ones are so attached to me, he thought, but how will I manage this in the future?
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