Chapter 180

Through the joint efforts of Liyue and Inazuma, Inazuma gradually recovered its former vitality. However, it would still take time to return to its previous prosperity.

Although they were aiding Inazuma, Liyue also profited handsomely from this arrangement.

Lumine had completed many commissions in Inazuma, and despite the hard work, her wallet had become quite full...

Well, mainly because in Inazuma, their food and lodging expenses were all covered by Raiden Makoto and the others.

That was a significant expenditure. As time drew near, Jiang Ning and the others were preparing to return to Liyue.

Raiden Makoto and Kitsune would be traveling with them.

Raiden Ei initially didn't want her sister to leave, fearing a repeat of the nightmare where she arrived too late and her sister had already died.

However, as Raiden Makoto reasoned, she would be quite safe by Jiang Ning's side.

Moreover...

Inazuma needed someone to handle official duties here, and frankly speaking, even Ei was better at it than the Shogun.

Yae Miko wanted to go along to Liyue to look around and meet Ganyu.

But Raiden Makoto ordered her to stay in Inazuma to assist Raiden Ei.

Yae Miko naturally didn't want to - this blockhead would either take out her sword to cut herself or strike herself with lightning when things didn't go her way.

However, Raiden Makoto gave Yae Miko special authority.

If this unfortunate sister acted willfully again and tried any questionable operations without listening,

Then, hit her, hit her hard - as her familiar, Yae Miko could discipline her deity however she saw fit.

Then Yae Miko was delighted and decisively chose to stay.

Today was the day of departure, and Jiang Ning found the busy departure island quite interesting.

It felt like he had come here for a vacation, solved some of Inazuma's problems along the way, and somehow gained two wives and a fox in the process.

Along with helping Liyue secure some business deals.

Ah, the things he did for Liyue, he really put his heart and soul into it.

Jiang Ning felt pleased with himself.

"What are you thinking about?" Raiden Makoto came to Jiang Ning's side, casually playing with his white hair.

Jiang Ning's white hair had grown somewhat long, and he had originally wanted to cut it because it felt inconvenient.

But this was unanimously vetoed by his wives.

This head of snow-white hair was so beautiful, how could they let him cut it?

Jiang Ning casually said, "Nothing much, just that I haven't seen Ayaka these past few days."

Raiden Makoto's hand paused in playing with his hair, then continued helping him arrange it as she said softly:

"Have you taken a liking to our Inazuman White Heron Princess? Would you like me to act as a matchmaker?"

Jiang Ning looked at Raiden Makoto strangely: "I thought you would be against me finding more..."

Raiden Makoto said, "I'm not against it... After all, during the Archon War, there were many archons, and you're actually being quite conservative. I just have one requirement, which is also what Lady Ningguang and I agreed upon after discussion."

"When did you get in touch with Ningguang?"

Jiang Ning asked curiously.

Raiden Makoto said, "We met by chance in the Serenitea Pot earlier when you weren't around... But never mind that. We agree to you finding more girls, but we must approve them first. We can't let just any random woman into the family."

Jiang Ning said, "Don't worry about that."

He would only choose those who looked like they could be in the gacha pool... those were wife material.

The others were just NPCs.

Raiden Makoto was very satisfied and continued, "However, I quite like that little girl. If you really have such intentions, I'll help."

"Let's talk about that after I properly marry you, Ei, and Keqing first..."

Jiang Ning felt he should finish what was on his plate before serving more food.

Raiden Makoto didn't push the matter, but hearing Jiang Ning's direct words made her blush and her heart race.

Nearby, Raiden Ei just stared blankly at her sister's interaction with Jiang Ning, not knowing whether to envy one or the other.

Kitsune was whispering with Yae Miko, occasionally glancing at Raiden Ei and giggling.

They were probably discussing how to tease their deity.

Yoimiya was busy helping the sailors load fireworks onto Beidou's Alcor.

Unfortunately, due to having many unfulfilled orders, she couldn't go to Liyue with them for now.

Kujou Sara and Sangonomiya Kokomi also came to see them off.

The former came with Raiden Ei.

The latter came sincerely to bid farewell.

Although she had been intimidated by Jiang Ning before, and Watatsumi Island had lost many people because of him,

Those were all stubborn people, and moreover, they were upper-class individuals who valued power over the people's wellbeing.

The remaining citizens were truly living better lives.

It was said that they would later open a tourism route between Inazuma and Watatsumi Island, which would help boost Watatsumi's economy.

So the little fish princess went from being terrified and afraid of Jiang Ning to being extremely grateful.

"You're really not coming back to Liyue with us?" 

Jiang Ning asked Lumine and Paimon before him.

"Although we miss Liyue's food, there are still many places in Inazuma we haven't explored. They say there's a place perpetually shrouded in mist, we want to go explore it. After we finish exploring Inazuma, we'll come find you in Liyue."

Paimon said with a smile.

"Then after resting, we'll head to Sumeru."

"Is that so... When you go to Sumeru, let me come along," 

Jiang Ning's eyes lit up as he spoke.

"Huh? Why do I feel like you, the successor to the Geo Archon, are just running around all over Teyvat?" 

Paimon scratched her head and said.

Jiang Ning sighed: "Ah, well, it's a long story. Since I'm going to become the Geo Archon, and there's actually a covenant between the Seven Archons - unless another nation's deity agrees, you can't just go to other countries freely."

"Mondstadt and Inazuma are fine, I can come anytime, but other nations aren't necessarily the same. So, I can only try to travel around more before I take the position. Since coming to Teyvat, I haven't really had the chance to travel much."

Although he hadn't played the game and didn't intend to delve too deeply into some secrets, at least he should see the cultural landscapes, and meet some current and potential future wives, right?

Lumine said, "Alright then, we'll go together when the time comes."

Paimon also danced happily: "Yay! This way we can travel very comfortably!"

After all, traveling with Jiang Ning, aside from being wanted (which was their own doing), everything else like food, lodging, and travel was very enjoyable.

The Mora earned could be used to buy some favorite souvenirs and small accessories.

Without Jiang Ning... Lumine even doubted if she could support Paimon just with Adventure Guild commissions.

That was truly a divine mouth and divine stomach - hungry again right after eating.

"Well, whenever you need Mora for anything, just go to the Liyue merchants and expense it. They'll settle it with Sister Ningguang when they return."

Jiang Ning said.

"Yay! Then we won't be polite!" Paimon was delighted.

Lumine then said, "Have a safe journey... I'll miss you. We're going now."

"Hey! Lumine! Wait for me!" Paimon hurriedly followed.

Although Lumine was usually mischievous, she was still a young woman, and saying such things made her shy.

So, after dropping those words, she hurriedly left.

Raiden Makoto gently stroked Jiang Ning's head, teasing: "You really are quite charming, such a sinful man."

Jiang Ning spread his hands: "My fault, I guess."

Raiden Makoto said, "Not your fault."

"Everyone, prepare to board the ship."

At this moment, Keqing arrived, announcing that the Alcor was fully prepared.

Jiang Ning said, "Coming... Ei, then I'm leaving."

Raiden Ei nodded, hesitated for a moment, then said, "Take good care of my sister."

Jiang Ning nodded: "Mm, I will."

Raiden Ei struggled for a moment, then stepped forward and hugged Jiang Ning.

Judging from her reddened face, this was her first time initiating a hug with Jiang Ning.

Different from Raiden Makoto's touch - if Raiden Makoto's embrace was soft and full of gentleness, then Raiden Ei's was taut and full of elasticity.

Perhaps it had to do with one being scholarly and the other martial.

However, what they shared was the same all-encompassing bosom and that orchid-like musk fragrance.

"...I'm going."

Another one left due to embarrassment.

Raiden Makoto and Kitsune wore knowing smiles - how nice, had Ei's wooden brain finally started working?

"Let's go, let's go, board the ship!"

Jiang Ning said.

"Alright! Brothers! Hoist the sails, we're setting off!"

Beidou grinned and called out loudly.

...

As the Alcor gradually sailed away, the port slowly returned to its usual rhythm.

However, this day was destined to be talked about by many people.

Because they had the fortune to see their deity and the deity's betrothed showing intimacy between the three of them.

And the Shogun's shy appearance at the end made her seem somewhat more approachable than her usually lofty position.

At the same time, on a hillside of the departure island, an elegant and noble young lady stared intently at the departing Alcor.

Behind her were her retainer Thoma and her brother, Kamisato Ayato.

"My lady, they've gone far away."

Thoma couldn't help but say.

But Kamisato Ayaka didn't speak, just continued gazing into the distance.

Thoma helplessly looked toward his master.

Kamisato Ayato also sighed, saying to Kamisato Ayaka's shoulder: "Ayaka, you..."

"Brother, no need to say more, I understand."

Kamisato Ayaka finally spoke.

Kamisato Ayato was very relieved, thinking his sister knew what he was going to say.

Finally stopped being a waiting stone?

Although his sister was among the most noble people in Inazuma,

She was still human, while Jiang Ning and the Shogun and others?

They were all deities. Let alone the difference in status, just the lifespan gap was enough to make his sister step back.

Kamisato Ayato didn't know what those around Jiang Ning now thought.

But at least, in several decades, when his sister was old and gray-haired, could Jiang Ning still love her the same way?

At least, Kamisato Ayato had his doubts about this. If there was a possibility of pain, wouldn't it be better to cut off these thoughts from the beginning?

Just as Kamisato Ayato thought his sister was being sensible, Kamisato Ayaka continued speaking.

Her eyes were very determined, her words revealing a trace of resolution.

"Since Vision holders can become Original Gods, then there's also a chance to become a god... Although this chance is extremely slim, I want to try."

A young lady's secret love is like a flower bud waiting to bloom. Kamisato Ayaka had made her decision to stand by Jiang Ning's side.

If... she couldn't succeed, then she would leave Jiang Ning before becoming an old woman.

At least, she could have several decades of happiness, right?

Kamisato Ayato was stunned - this was more than just understanding what he wanted to say!

This was going all in!

Wait, although his sister would eventually need to marry, why did she have to set her sights on Jiang Ning?

Kamisato Ayato couldn't accept it.

What was so good about that philanderer?

Kamisato Ayato's teeth itched with frustration.

So what if he was a bit handsome, a bit powerful, and treated his people well...

But thinking about it carefully, those seemed to be mostly good points, and they were quite devastating to women.

Especially after Kamisato Ayato learned how Jiang Ning had stood up for his sister.

Her shy appearance after returning, and recently spacing out while working, then blushing and smiling foolishly...

Oh no, she had really fallen for him.

But why are you just watching here? If you want to express your feelings, why not just go directly?

Kamisato Ayaka continued: "Brother, after some time, when Inazuma's finances and other affairs have stabilized, I'd like to go to Liyue to clear my mind."

That's not going to clear your mind, I'm almost embarrassed to point it out.

However, his sister had grown up and had her own ideas... It's just going to Liyue, at worst he would take over all of his sister's work... oh right, and Thoma too, Thoma couldn't escape either.

Kamisato Ayato sighed: "Ayaka, if you've really made up your mind, then go do it. Your brother will always be behind you. If you get tired on the path of pursuit, if you can't chase anymore, it's okay. The Kamisato estate will always be your safe harbor."

"Brother..."

Kamisato Ayaka felt warmth in her heart, very moved.

"So... Thoma, during this time, slowly take over the work from Ayaka's hands. You've been quite idle at Watatsumi Island for some time now."

Kamisato Ayato directly grabbed the spectating Thoma, smiling as he spoke.

But this smile looked like a fox's smile to Thoma.

"Huh?" Thoma made the confused sound of a modern college student.

His eyes revealed a clear foolishness.

Wait, wasn't he just accompanying the master here?

And keeping an eye on the young lady to make sure nothing happened.

But in a turn of events, how did he get conscripted?

He was household staff, not a civil servant!

How could you say such things without shame?

However, under Kamisato Ayato's threatening smile, Thoma still surrendered.

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