Chapter 80: The Goddess's Fall: A Timeless Tale (6k words)

Focalors had arranged for the Raiden Shogun to stay in one of the vacant bedrooms at Palais Mermonia.

As a deity, she found nothing amiss with this arrangement.

Though Baalzebul repeatedly insisted she didn't need sleep, Focalors couldn't possibly let her sleep rough on the streets or under bridges!

Unable to sway Focalors' insistence, Baalzebul ultimately settled into the top floor of Palais Mermonia.

When Neuvillette and Furina met, two taciturn yet straightforward individuals sat in the same room, their exchange containing enough information to give Furina a heart attack.

"Neuvillette, you must hold back!"

"Palais Mermonia can't withstand it!"

Furina was referring to how their structure would be too fragile to endure the clash of energy between the Raiden Shogun and the Dragon Sovereign.

But clearly, Neuvillette misunderstood.

"As the sole survivor who has regained the full dragon's essence, even if I were to reverse all the sea's water back to the heavens, I must fulfill my oath and duty."

"Narukami has seized the great authority of Electro, destined to be remembered among the usurpers."

"But this concerns the Dragon Sovereign of Electro. The power taken from Him should be reclaimed by His own hand."

In short, this has nothing to do with me.

"Rest assured, even if we come to blows, I, as a complete dragon, will not lose."

"The administration of Palais Mermonia won't be neglected either."

And there's no real chance of conflict.

Neuvillette's eyes darted about. He was indeed a Dragon Sovereign, aligned with the others against the Gods by nature. But this natural enmity didn't necessarily mean war.

Moreover, the Fontainians had been born from the Primordial Sea, created and pardoned by his own hand. In a sense, they could be considered subjects of the Hydro Dragon Sovereign.

Since he had already reclaimed everything within his territory, Neuvillette - now a solitary dragon - concluded that governing Fontaine took precedence.

As for Narukami's affairs, he'd let the Electro Dragon Sovereign handle that himself.

Furina stared at Neuvillette in disbelief, but upon careful consideration, his reasoning held truth. Even the Seven Gods required divided territories to avoid interference. How much more so would territorial-minded Dragon Sovereigns resist others meddling in their domains... right?

Focalors clutched her stomach, laughing until it hurt. "Ha ha ha! Neuvillette might as well declare himself a weepy little water dragon who hates fighting!"

"At his age, even the Gods of the current generation consider him a child."

"Though he's gained much experience in Fontaine these past few centuries, fundamentally, he's no match for those divine beings."

Themis pulled Focalors up from the bed where she was doubled over with laughter, patting her back to prevent her from gasping for air.

In a sense, Neuvillette had been raised under their watchful eyes since childhood—a little water dragon who received Fontaine's finest education and Themis's constant protection, leaving no room for him to develop any improper tendencies.

A proper Dragon Sovereign must find a reason to exploit himself.

All for the greater glory of Fontaine!

Now, about the matter of Fontaine's official rulers being the Hydro Archon Focalors and Furina...

And the fact that he served as the Hydro Archon's Judge, working alongside a deity like himself...

Not a single word was mentioned about that.

Fortunately, Apep, the Dendro Dragon Sovereign of neighboring Sumeru, remained completely unaware. Otherwise, the mere thought might have driven him to an early grave.

As for the matter of Azhdaha and Dvalin, Apep could endure it with proper restraint.

But how could Neuvillette do this?!

He was the only complete dragon to have obtained the full authority of the Dragon Sovereign. He could be said to be the greatest hope for the Dragon Sovereigns' vengeance against Celestia, the sole legitimate heir to the Dragon Sovereign throne!

Apep, enraged to the point of madness, roared, "You traitorous Dragon Sovereign, snap out of it!"

Neuvillette replied with perfect seriousness, "I'm perfectly lucid."

Themis sent birthday gifts every year, and Fontaine had Melusines, the most beautiful being in existence. Could other Dragon Sovereigns have that?

Furina also gave him gifts and even made birthday cakes. Could other Dragon Sovereigns have that?

Focalors... Focalors... Focalors wrote unofficial histories. Could other Dragon Sovereigns have that?

That's what Neuvillette would say.

All of this was just wild imagination. In short, if Apep really heard any of this, the oldest Dendro Dragon Sovereign might just die of pure fury.

-

Furina sat by the window, twirling a lock of her long hair absently. She rubbed her eyes, stretched lazily, and let out a cute yawn.

The sudden silence around her made Furina wary.

The tuft of hair on Furina's head quivered twice, signaling an ominous premonition.

Long, slender fingers grasped Furina's delicate shoulders. Themis smiled, her golden eyes reflecting Furina's image completely.

Focalors, unwilling to be outdone, pressed close too. With Furina's evasive gaze, she cheerfully pinched the girl's cheeks.

Furina's large, watery eyes brimmed with the mischievous smiles of both women.

Fingers stiffening, Furina attempted to protest with reasonable logic, "The Raiden Shogun lives on the same floor. Isn't this... improper?"

"How could it be?" Themis kissed the corner of Furina's lips. "As long as you hold back, even Raiden Ei won't hear a thing." Her lips curved as she teased, eyes locked on Furina's.

Focalors nuzzled Furina's face while methodically unfastening the small round buttons on her upper body.

Themis's fingers slipped through the leg ring cinched at Furina's thigh. As she pulled it up and flicked it back, a pale pink mark bloomed across Furina's alabaster skin.

The tuft of hair atop Furina's head quivered like a feather in the wind. One hand clutched at Focalors' arm pressed against her chest, while the other tried to pry Themis' fingers from the leg ring.

But two hands couldn't match four hands. With two enthusiastic Gods bearing down on her, Furina's mind screamed, Oh no, this is bad.

Themis had been the first to move - ah, the first to move her lips.

Furina blinked, then bit down. Themis's pained whimper and pitiful expression softened Furina's resolve. She kissed the goddess tenderly, murmuring comforts.

Meanwhile, Focalors had already unfastened Furina's jacket, sliding it off her shoulders. The white vest and black cravat beneath lay exposed.

Long fingers fumbled with the white shirt collar. Furina's meticulously layered attire pleased Focalors, but now proved inconvenient.

Fortunately, with two of them working together, they methodically undid Furina's clothing piece by piece. In a way, this could be considered a form of flirtation.

The shirt's buttons came undone as Focalors caressed Furina's soft abdomen with lingering fingers. Unable to resist, she buried her face in the blue-white cat's belly, nuzzling against it. Furina leaned half-reclined in Themis' embrace, her head tilted back, exposing her slender, pale neck to the lamplight.

Focalors' eyes narrowed as she gently bit down, eliciting a cute mewl from Furina. Curiosity piqued, she licked twice more. "Tastes bland."

"Of course it does! What's so strange about that?"

"But Themis said you're sweet."

Focalors asked knowingly, savoring the sight of Furina's flushed face. Perched on Furina's lap, she reveled in the kitten's bashful, delicate beauty.

Themis' arm wrapped around Furina's slender waist while the other hand captured the cat's head, preventing its evasive movements. In a huff, Furina bit down on the finger Themis had placed at her lips, leaving behind a glistening droplet of moisture.

The blue-white cat, bristling with indignation, was still adorable. The blueberry cream cake proved soft and yielding when bitten into.

Everywhere she tried, the slightest nibble would elicit a delicate whimper from the kitten.

Furina closed her eyes in bashful surrender, abandoning all resistance.

Against two opponents, there was no way to fight back.

As they say, life is like that thing—when you can't resist, you might as well enjoy it.

When it came to devouring the blueberry cream cake, Themis proved particularly enthusiastic, managing to consume two portions without pause.

She twirled a strand of Furina's blue-white hair between her fingers. The hair, smooth and fluffy from careful maintenance, felt cool against the skin—almost uncomfortably so when pressed against Furina's pale flesh.

Focalors leaned forward, exchanging a kiss with Themis.

The pair then pushed Furina onto the bed.

Two hands roamed across Furina's abdomen, their touch neither heavy nor forceful. Each cool fingertip's caress sent shivers through her body.

Focalors freed a hand to capture Themis' fingers resting on her face, leisurely licking them clean.

Like a noble and reserved cat, the crimson tongue made Themis catch her breath.

Compared to Furina, Focalors was indeed more experienced in this matter.

As expected of the Hydro Archon who had been writing Fontaine's erotica for five centuries!

Though they shared memories, there was a difference between knowing such knowledge existed and actually acting upon it. So it wasn't surprising that Furina was now cowering like a quail.

But since they were already sharing the same bed, there was no point in hiding anymore.

First, Focalors dealt with Furina. She straightened Furina's body, laying her face-up on the bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling.

Focalors gave Furina a long, sticky kiss. The kiss lasted so long that Furina couldn't breathe, her eyes filling with tears.

Furina's face flushed red. Focalors propped her head up with interest, watching Furina's adorable expression.

If the timing had been right, she would have taken a photo to keep as a trophy. Maybe even captured Furina fainting from embarrassment.

First, they began with foreplay, teasing Furina's anticipation and preparing her for what was to come.

Themis moved with gentle care, paying close attention to Furina's reactions. She accelerated when necessary, focusing on areas that brought Furina pleasure.

On the other side, Focalors' actions proved more tormenting. Rather than desire, her exploration stemmed from curiosity.

Her feather-light touches danced across Furina's body, each caress adding to the tension rather than easing it. Though Furina wanted to ask if Focalors was doing this deliberately, the woman's gleaming eyes answered the question before it could be voiced - this was all intentional!

Thankfully, Themis proved more reliable than her counterpart.

Furina bit her lip, the dual sensations of pleasure and embarrassment clashing within her. With Beelzebul nearby, she couldn't risk making any sounds that might betray her state.

The skilled hands continued their exploration, leaving a trail of red marks across Furina's soft inner thighs. As the fingers ventured deeper, Furina's eyes welled with tears, the salty drops clinging to her long lashes.

Focalors reached out, her fingers instinctively caught between Furina's teeth. The words died in her throat, leaving only muffled sounds.

When it ended, Furina lay gasping on the bed, her breathing ragged as she tried to catch her breath.

Focalors kissed Furina's pink-tinged cheeks, finding her more adorable with each passing moment.

Themis' fingers curled slightly, causing Furina's body to shudder involuntarily as they withdrew.

The moisture on her fingers stained Furina's disheveled white blouse.

Blue-white strands of hair were brushed aside, revealing those cat-like eyes glistening with moisture. Pupils dilated, Furina received another kiss at the corner of her eye, pulling her back from the haze.

Focalors ruffled Furina's hair and nuzzled her cheek. "Furina, my dear girl, you should rest now."

After all, Furina had work tomorrow. It wouldn't do to push things further.

But compared to the obedient Furina, Focalors was a gluttonous child.

With nothing else to do, Focalors indulged herself far more than Furina ever would.

After using divine power to clean Furina, Focalors winked at Themis, signaling the start.

...My wife is so cute. She's truly beautiful!

Everything about Furina was adorable.

But Focalors clearly had additional beautiful features. For instance, Themis loved the long blue-white hair cascading down Focalors' back.

Especially when lying in bed, the white hair would get pressed beneath Focalors' divine legs, creating a striking contrast.

In truth, Themis found this image of a long-haired beauty utterly captivating.

And Focalors and Furina's white hair only intensified this allure.

Together, they resembled a blueberry candy.

The sight nearly overwhelmed her senses.

As they reached climax, transparent liquid dripped down Focalors' legs, soaking the tips of her long white hair and creating a glistening effect.

At that moment, Focalors would tightly clutch Themis' neck, her rapid breathing against Themis' ear creating a tingling sensation.

Their tightly pressed bodies trembled slightly. Focalors, now somewhat relieved, bit down on Themis's shoulder. Saliva trickled down, dampening the white silk fabric and spreading a dark stain.

Let me say it again—Focalors's divine attire is truly divine. The white legs beneath her short skirt are equally stunning.

The spectacle of the pure Hydro Archon falling into carnal desires never grows old.

When climax came again, Focalors wrapped her arms around Themis's neck. A sweet, trembling voice, tinged with mock reproach, emerged from her throat. "Who's the greedy little brat now~?" she murmured, eyes glistening with moisture.

Themis didn't answer, being one who preferred action over words.

Her legs went weak, her waist limp, yet she was pulled upright again and again.

Suppressing her gasps, Focalors clutched at Themis's clothes so tightly her knuckles turned white.

Furina had long since fled to her room, knowing she'd never sleep otherwise.

The night passed without dreams. At dawn's first light, sunlight spilled across the land, gilding everything in a golden haze.

Furina was sleeping soundly under her covers when she was suddenly lifted up.

"Furina, wake up! You have to be the big director today."

Today, it wasn't Themis who came to wake her, but Focalors herself!

Compared to Themis' gentle movements, Focalors' actions carried a certain carefree recklessness.

She wrapped her arms around Furina and started smooching her face until Furina gave up struggling, her eyes glazed over. Only then did Focalors reluctantly release her.

Dazed, Furina sat up and pushed Focalors' face away. "Focalors, if you keep messing around like this, I'll be truly angry."

"I mean it this time!" Furina said, her thin eyebrows knitted together as she glared at the grinning Focalors.

"Ah, why be like this? I just love you so much, you're just so adorable."

"I only want to hug you and express my affection. Is that really not allowed?"

Wiping imaginary tears from her eyes, Focalors put on a pained expression and looked at Furina.

The corner of Furina's eye twitched. She grabbed a nearby pillow and threw it at Focalors' face.

This God really knows how to push her buttons!

Furina hopped off the bed in a huff, ignoring Focalors' dramatics as she pretended to sob. She went to wash up.

After finishing her morning routine, Furina noticed Focalors had already settled on the sofa with a book. "Aren't you supposed to be with the Raiden Shogun? Why are you back?"

"Obviously because Themis went to keep her company."

"Furina, if you want to go, you still have time~"

Furina shook her head. "I have work today. No time."

She drank a cup of warmed milk and ate a small piece of bread before bidding farewell to Focalors.

"I'll be back tonight. No need to prepare lunch for me."

"Alright, but if you stay any longer, you'll really miss your filming appointment~"

"Ugh, I know! I'm going now!"

Focalors watched Furina's retreating figure with a soft chuckle.

The curtains fluttered in the breeze as she lay on the bed's edge. From this vantage point, she could see Furina stealthily leaving Palais Mermonia and rushing toward the gathering spot.

Focalors rested her chin in her hand, the book in her grasp spread open. As expected, it was a new novel.

She had spent the entire night writing the latest volume!

After her conversation with Raiden Ei, she felt she understood the character's essence even more deeply.

This unofficial history of Inazuma and her portrayal of the domineering Raiden Shogun were flowing more smoothly than ever.

Though she might have... perhaps... possibly... offended Buer from neighboring Sumeru.

After all, this new volume belonged to Raiden Ei's and her own domain.

Ah, yes, that's right.

The second volume's story began after Buer and Raiden Ei's engagement.

She'd already sent the manuscript off. Yae Miko had guaranteed its release before Raiden Ei returned.

As for what Buer would think upon reading it? Focalors didn't want to know.

She was just a novelist. What Yae Miko felt had nothing to do with her.

Themis rose early, leading Raiden Ei through several secluded areas.

Unlike Inazuma's aquamarine palette, the soft, bright blue of this place lifted Raiden Ei's spirits, its gentle hues calming her mind.

Yesterday, when following the Hydro Archon Focalors to the New Academy, she hadn't paid much attention to these sights. Now she feel a bit guilty about that.

Standing by the seaside, out of curiosity, Raiden Ei crouched down, scooped up a handful of water, and tasted it with her mouth.

"It's not salty... Hmm... It's not sweet either."

This quiet mutter made Themis feel torn between laughter and tears.

Even if Furina loved sweets, it was absurd to think the waters of Fontaine's sea would be sweet like sugar water.

"Miss Raiden Ei, where would you like to visit next?"

"Huh? Me?"

She blinked her large eyes in confusion. To be honest, she was new to Fontaine and barely knew anything about it. She only recognized Fontaine City and the iconic Palais Mermonia.

The surrounding mountains and sea differed from Inazuma, but fundamentally, they were all mountains and sea. Raiden Ei wasn't particularly interested in wasting time here.

"Yesterday, Focalors told me Fontaine has its own unique detective novels, and there's a 500-year-old sweets shop."

The unspoken implication was clear: she wanted to experience both firsthand.

Eat sweet treats, read detective novels.

Themis saw Furina in Raiden Ei.

Though Furina normally worked too... though her frequency had decreased in the past few centuries.

Still, this work rate was higher than Beelzebul's.

Raiden Shogun protested indignantly. She worked tirelessly for twenty-four hours a day, managing Inazuma's affairs without rest.

Both Raiden Shogun and Raiden Ei believed they were one and the same, with no distinction between them.

Thus, Raiden Shogun naturally felt that her labor equaled Raiden Ei's.

Themis had no desire to argue this point. As long as Raiden Ei was content, that was all that mattered.

Since Raiden Ei showed interest in novels and pastries, they naturally needed to visit Fontaine City for a proper experience.

Yesterday, upon arriving in Fontaine, she had rushed straight to Palais Mermonia where the Hydro Archon Focalors resided, the surrounding scenery flashing by too quickly to truly experience.

Now, entering Fontaine City from the outskirts, Raiden Ei took in the bustling scene before her.

Observing the Fontainians' distinct clothing and architecture compared to Inazuma's, the overwhelming sensory input immediately revealed the cultural differences and novelty between the two worlds.

However, up to this point, it wasn't particularly surprising.

Not having examined closely during the initial visit didn't mean she hadn't observed at all.

Themis led Raiden Ei to Fontaine's bookstore, where the latest printed novels were available in a wide variety. With such a comprehensive selection, Raiden Ei was certain to find something to her liking.

But upon opening the door and seeing Focalors - who shouldn't have been here - Themis had to admit she was somewhat surprised.

What's going on? Has Focalors, that otaku girl rivaling Raiden Ei, come out shopping too?

"Don't look at me like that. Even gods can be curious about the culture popular among citizens."

Raiden Ei wholeheartedly agreed with Focalors' words, her gaze toward Focalors brimming with the affection of kindred spirits.

Focalors, being more knowledgeable about novels than Themis, immediately took Raiden Ei aside to help her choose books.

Watching the two goddesses interact so harmoniously, Themis realized she was no longer needed here.

With Focalors and Raiden Ei occupied, Themis could now spare time to check on Furina.

As Themis approached the location of Furina's filming for the day, she spotted from afar a group of actors passionately rehearsing their scenes.

Furina sat upon an opulent, plush chair, one leg casually crossed over the other. She stood beside it, offering continuous corrections and guidance to the actors, her attention so absorbed that she failed to notice Themis's arrival.

Making a hushing gesture to the cast, Themis positioned herself behind Furina's chair, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.

Kamisato Ayaka and Chevreuse had numerous scenes, and their acting skills were exceptional. They could summon tears at will, their performances genuine enough to outshine many overpaid actors who merely feigned emotion.

While the drama itself was entertaining, Themis found greater amusement in observing Furina's shifting expressions - her furrowed brow of dissatisfaction, sudden smiles of approval, and moments of radiant praise. These emotional fluctuations held far more fascination than any staged scene.

In Themis's eyes, nothing compared to the sight of Furina in action. Even the Hydro Archon's Regent, witnessing this scene for the first time, found herself captivated by her.

Just as the Fontainians had said when they arrived, the Regent of the Hydro Archon was incredibly indulgent toward Lady Furina.

Though Kamisato Ayaka didn't fully understand and had limited experience, she found the sight pleasing.

Neuvillette approved wholeheartedly. Watching from the side, he found it a visual delight, with a sense of perfect harmony.

The key point was that not only was it pleasing to the eye, but it also filled one with beautiful expectations for the future.

Lumine held her camera, watching Themis stroke Furina's hair without her noticing. She felt like she was eating bitter jealousy.

Despite having eaten little that morning, she felt full and bloated.

Lumine and Paimon exchanged glances, both wearing identical smiles.

Understood, understood. We both understand!

After all, the affection between Themis and Furina was plain for all to see. These were all things Themis had earned through risking her life - in other words, these were things she deserved.

After filming this scene, Furina stood up satisfied and clapped her hands.

"Excellent. At this rate, we'll finish shooting before the scheduled time."

"Chevreuse and Miss Kamisato Ayaka are both in great condition."

"You've all worked hard. Take a break first, then we'll head to the next location for filming."

Furina organized their upcoming work, everything proceeding smoothly.

Until Furina turned around, startled to see Themis standing behind her chair, the cat startled.

Crossing her arms, Themis smiled. Furina rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. "When did you get here?"

"I've been here for quite some time. Watching you work, I couldn't bear to disturb you."

As Furina and Themis conversed, the others tactfully kept their distance, though they couldn't resist stealing glances and straining their ears to listen.

"Hmm... They're chatting as if no one else is present."

Paimon chuckled, her words carrying a clear implication of gossiping. "I've never seen the Regent and the Hydro Archon together before."

Chevreuse didn't wait for Paimon to respond. "I mean both of you don't need to work," she continued. "You're just strolling the streets together."

"Normally, when Lady Furina travels, she always brings guards."

"At the very least, she'd take Clorinde with her."

Paimon shrugged. "It can't be helped. Furina's situation was... special."

The Inazuma delegation had heard rumors about the Hydro Archon's circumstances, but it wasn't proper to discuss it further.

Kamisato Ayaka smoothly changed the subject, pulling Chevreuse into a discussion about Inazuma's customs. Yoimiya's attention was immediately diverted.

"When summer comes, the summer festival on Narukami Island is my domain," Yoimiya declared.

"I'll create a custom fireworks display for you! When we show it in Fontaine City, it'll blow everyone's mind!"

"Thank you, but Fontaine City strictly prohibits flammable and explosive materials within the city limits," Chevreuse replied.

"We could always go to the outskirts."

"If the application is approved, they might even hold a fireworks display."

Chevreuse wasn't one to resist change and was always curious about new things, so she naturally accepted Yoimiya's kind offer.

Though whether she'd actually attend would depend on the circumstances.

"A fireworks display? That does sound rather nice."

"I'm particularly interested in those that spark when lit."

Furina had approached at some point, tilting her head as she spoke to Themis. "Why don't you create one?"

Themis nodded, finding the idea sound. "We just need to ensure proper fire safety measures."

After all, it would be a terrible loss if a well-intentioned fireworks display sparked a forest fire.

In that case, they'd have to drag Neuvillette out as insurance, or perhaps squeeze the Oceanids for help.

In addition to his work on architecture, internet research, and festival preparations, Rene had recently developed an antidote to detoxify Fontaine's waters.

The toxic substances from Erinnyes in the water will soon be completely dissolved.

When that happens, we can recruit more Oceanids - no wages, no rest periods, no need for communication, and they'll understand commands instantly, saving us so much time!

Then Fontaine's infrastructure will undergo a new wave of innovation.

The Aquabus waterway patrol boats are fine, but we can replace them with suspended trains. The blueprints for this technology was developed back when the Old Academy still existed.

Now that we have Rene, we can further speed it up and upgrade it.

How useful you are, Rene.

Subordinates who won't be overworked to death and never complain about labor - how convenient they are.

This is the Regent's heartfelt praise, and it makes him even more eager to lure the Oceanids back to Fontaine's homeland for work.

When that happens, Neuvillette the Hydro Dragon Sovereign can become the Minister of Water Affairs, Rene can serve as a technical advisor, and the Oceanids can do the work. It would be absolutely perfect.

Far away in the Tunigi Hollow of Sumeru, the Oceanid Idia sneezed. A chill ran down her spine as she had an ominous premonition.

But the Tunigi Hollow appeared calm and peaceful. Apart from the flower spirit Sorush who often made her cry, there was no sign of danger.

I must be overthinking things, Idyia reassured herself, trying not to dwell on it. Then she continued her slacker routine.

The entire Oceanid had sprawled out, barely turning under the sun's rays as she lay on her side, engrossed in Fontaine's newly released novel.

It had been sent by Focalors. Receiving a novel from the Hydro Archon herself brought Idyia genuine joy.

Yet this book demanded careful reading in private, lest it corrupt the young minds around her.

Scratching her rear, Idyia sat up and spread the book on the grass. How peculiar!

Aranara Aramuhukunda, the floral spirit, fluttered over and perched on Idyia's shoulder, peering curiously at the contents.

What he saw nearly short-circuited her mental circuits. "Eh? Since when was there a marriage pact between the Dendro Archon and Raiden Shogun? And they even have children now?"

Aramuhukunda's brain nearly overheated.

He'd grown accustomed to Fontaine's unofficial histories, but this... the Hydro Archon and Raiden Shogun marrying and having children...

This, this was absolutely riveting!

Though he couldn't identify the author, the amused Aramuhukunda floated about in mid-air, his heart brimming with delight.

He could only wonder what expressions the Dendro Archon and Raiden Shogun themselves would wear upon reading this.

Seeing the Dendro Archon and Raiden Shogun forging a marriage pact to combat emerging calamities...

It felt so strange. Why must Raiden Ei marry the Dendro Archon? Couldn't Raiden Makoto suffice?

"Perhaps... maybe even Raiden Makoto herself was in danger?"

Idyia concluded that this answer made the most sense after careful consideration.

The book stated that the gods had come here to combat the calamity long ago. The Tunigi Hollow, formed from the remains of the former Hydro Archon Egeria, served as the main battleground.

As Idyia continued reading, her expectations proved correct—Raiden Makoto had perished during the calamity.

Yae Miko's elder, the matriarch of the white fox clan, died in the war against the calamity, later becoming the miko of the Narukami Grand Shrine.

Meanwhile, the Dendro Archon devoted all her power to oppose the calamity, ultimately transforming into a child.

After witnessing Raiden Makoto's death and losing all her companions, the Raiden Shogun nearly suffered a breakdown. Though she managed to maintain her composure, the immense trauma drove her to become increasingly radicalized.

In pursuit of eternal life and as a memorial to Raiden Makoto, she sought to create an indestructible doll as a vessel. However, the prototype doll failed and was subsequently sealed away.

When the sealed entity awakened, emerging from its prison in a state of confusion and uncertainty, a series of mishaps led to the Dendro Archon's intervention.

The entity, now without a name, came to identify itself as the Wanderer.

To this end, an online poll was launched to collect names for the Wanderer. The winning entry would earn the right to name the son of the Raiden Shogun and Dendro Archon!

Idyia... Well, Idyia was somewhat difficult to evaluate.

Aramuhukunda couldn't contain his laughter any longer.

"Hahaha, what an interesting author this is."

"Not only did they invent a God, but they also fabricated the emotional life of the Raiden Shogun and Dendro Archon, complete with a child."

If those fanatics found out about this, they'd probably hunt the author down.

But even if they did, it wouldn't matter - this was written by the Hydro Archon herself.

As one of the Seven Archons, could she possibly spread rumors?

How could matters of the gods be considered rumors? She might have just... perhaps... maybe... written about events from another parallel world!

-Sumeru-

Hat Guy, renowned for his talent and beauty, clutched the doujin novel with trembling hands. This wasn't from emotion - he was shaking with fury, eyes blazing with fire.

Don't let him find out who the author is!

In a fit of rage, he tore the book apart, nearly dying from sheer anger.

Who would want to be a child of that cold-hearted Beelzebul? That woman who casually discards her creations was utterly detestable. And giving himself a name? Who would want that?!

"Ah, Hat Guy, you shouldn't litter carelessly."

The Little Dendro Archon Nahida, with a benevolent smile, picked up the torn novel.

Though she had the physique of a young girl, her maternal radiance was blinding.

"You can't possibly believe this trash, can you?!"

"I don't need this!"

"What mother? The very idea is disgusting."

The Wanderer, abandoned and labeled as a failure from birth, had never experienced maternal love. Toward Raiden Ei, he maintained a facade of defiance, yet his true feelings were a complex mix of resentment and anger.

Under Nahida's maternal gaze, he felt an overwhelming urge to flee.

"But..." Nahida observed the Wanderer before her, her smile widening. "Everyone is quite interested."

"Interested?"

The Wanderer froze.

"Yes, in giving you a name. Everyone is very interested."

"Hah? Are they all insane?!"

The Wanderer bristled, incredulous that anyone would waste time naming a character who existed only in a novel!

What kind of people are these?!

Nahida refused to reveal the author's identity, and the Wanderer couldn't pry it out. In the end, she let him storm off in a huff to cool down.

The Wanderer truly couldn't bear Nahida's maternal gaze any longer.

I treat you as my superior, yet you see me as a child.

"Damn it! Don't let me catch this author!"

Frustrated by his powerlessness, the Wanderer seethed with impotent rage.

Adhering to the principle of knowing one's enemy, the Wanderer returned to Sumeru City after regaining composure in the wilderness.

After purchasing the latest Inazuma Unofficial History and Raiden Shogun's Novel, the Wanderer took deep breaths to steady himself, vowing not to tear the pages.

As he flipped through the Inazuma Unofficial History, the Wanderer had to admit - his mind was utterly bewildered, his thoughts blank, even his pupils quivering like an earthquake.

Even as Beelzebul's staunchest detractor, he couldn't deny that an uninformed reader might mistake this author for Raiden Shogun's biggest fan!

To portray Raiden Ei as a sister-imprisoning, melodrama-soaked scoundrel? The Wanderer nearly burst into derisive laughter.

"Beelzebul, you've finally met your match!"

But when he reached the selected comments section at the end, the shock was overwhelming.

The Wanderer closed the novel with a dazed expression. Had he fallen behind the times?

How could people in this era still admire such a deity?!

"You fools risking your lives for this - wake up!"

"Beelzebul is a vile woman!"

"Don't let her innocent looks, tragic backstory, and pretty face blind you!"

With a stormy expression and a heart that felt dead, the Wanderer trudged to class under Nahida's persistent urging.

Then he noticed his classmates were looking at him with strange expressions.

Confused, he glared back at those staring at him, his face darkening.

"Quick, look! He looks just like the Raiden Shogun on the cover!"

"Yeah, exactly the same purple hair! Their eyes are almost identical too."

"Except for being male, they were practically cast from the same mold."

"I saw him walking with the Dendro Archon earlier."

"Could it be the Dendro Archon really has some kind of marriage arrangement with the Raiden Shogun?!"

"Huh? So it's true? I thought it was just artistic license!"

The whispers didn't escape the Wanderer's ears. His hand clenched the table edge so hard that a corner cracked off with a sharp crack.

As expected, Nahida came to retrieve him. The Wanderer kept his head bowed, lost in thought.

"What are you thinking about?" Nahida asked.

"If I can't defeat them, I'll join them," the Wanderer replied.

Nahida stared blankly, completely baffled by his answer.

The next day, she understood everything.

The Wanderer had prepared paper and a brush, and he'd begun writing.

Just spread rumors about that woman Beelzebul?

What a coincidence! My writing skills are perfect for those unofficial history authors!

The only pity was that the unofficial history author was even better at writing erotica.

Meanwhile, the Wanderer's book dripped with bitter resentment, inventing numerous "sister lovers" and "little sisters" for Beelzebul.

Those unaware could ask Nahida. After her initial hesitation, even she found herself somewhat swayed.

Apart from the author's identity being concealed, the book also revealed some of Beelzebul's friends.

A child wanting to understand their mother—surely that couldn't be wrong... right?

The lewd film featuring Beelzebul, now inexplicably burdened with a host of fabricated lovers, sneezed violently. Focalors looked up, her eyes wide with surprise.

Can even gods catch cold?

"Must be the miko whispering curses behind my back."

Clearly, gods don't succumb to colds—that meant someone must be speaking ill of her.

Having forgotten about the Wanderer's lewd fic, Focalors immediately pinned the blame on Yae Miko, that sly pink-haired vixen.

Even gods can catch cold?

After all, in Raiden Ei's experience, aside from Yae Miko, no one else would dare scheme against her.

The Raiden Shogun stared coldly at Focalors before her. "That's not necessarily true."

"Huh?" Raiden Ei blinked in confusion.

Though she didn't fully grasp the Shogun's meaning, the Shogun's unusually critical attitude toward Focalors still gave her a headache.

"Shogun, perhaps you're misunderstanding?"

"Focalors wouldn't possibly..."

"Don't let a single cake fool your true self!" the Raiden Shogun snapped.

Unbelievable! Absolutely unbelievable!

The Raiden Shogun watched in exasperation as Focalors' few words effortlessly diverted Raiden Ei's attention. She feared that if she didn't intervene, her true self might end up counting the money for the very person who sold her out.

The young Raiden Shogun had been fretting over Raiden Ei's safety since she was barely out of her teens.

However, Raiden Ei felt the Shogun was being overly cautious.

After all, she was a God—surely not as easily deceived as the Shogun imagined.

Focalors narrowed her eyes, smiling as she listened to Raiden Ei recount the Shogun's concerns.

Like the belief that a mere piece of sweet could fool her.

Focalors mused the Shogun's excessive worry wasn't entirely baseless.

Her own partner was indeed gullible, and Raiden Ei herself was no less so.

The dynamic between these dual-souled Raiden Shoguns proved intriguing.

Decision made, Focalors thought, I'll write a novel about the beautiful relationship between the Raiden Shogun and Beelzebul later!

Just the idea fired up Focalors' creative juices!