Chapter 23

Kael's face alone was the best pass.

Kael and Kazuha passed unhindered all the way to the chamber where the Raiden Shogun resided. 

There were no guards stationed outside. 

This was the domain of one of the Seven Archons, the deity of Inazuma. 

No one dared challenge her authority. 

Naturally, no heavy guard was deemed necessary at her door.

Today, however, a warrior who dared to face the lightning's glare had appeared. 

Sounds of fierce combat emanated from inside.

Hearing the noise, Kazuha's face turned anxious. 

"Is the Raiden Shogun herself fighting in there?"

Kael frowned. "No. If it were the Raiden Shogun, the fight would have ended with one strike. That's Kujou Sara. They're engaged in a duel before the Shogun."

Kazuha's tension eased slightly. "If it's Kujou Sara, then my friend might stand a chance."

There was no such chance. 

Kael knew, with his "omniscient" perspective, that Kazuha's friend would lose. 

In the end, the Raiden Shogun herself would step in and deliver her devastating Musou no Hitotachi. 

This would be the fate of the first person in centuries to challenge the Shogun's authority. 

His quest for martial excellence and his bravery would turn into a cruel joke, leaving behind only the husk of a Vision. 

Kael had to stop this tragedy from happening.

Kael pushed open the chamber doors and stepped inside. 

"I am Kamisato Kael of the Yashiro Commission. I greet the Shogun."

The Raiden Shogun sat atop the high platform, her expression cold as she watched the intense duel below. 

Upon hearing the voice, she turned her gaze toward Kael.

"What business do you have?"

"Shogun, I have come to report that Kujou Takayuki, the head of the Tenryou Commission, has been colluding with the Fatui to overthrow your rule and destabilize Inazuma."

"Clang!" 

Kujou Sara's hand faltered, sending her arrow off-course and embedding it into a pillar. The feathered shaft still quivered in the air. 

She quickly regained her composure and resumed her battle, though her focus kept drifting back to Kael's words.

The Raiden Shogun remained composed. "Oh? And do you have proof of this?"

"Of course," Kael replied confidently. "A witness informed me that the Fatui have been operating on Yashiori Island, producing items known as Delusions. These items mimic the power of Visions. At a time when you have decreed the Vision Hunt, the Fatui dare to manufacture such objects to disrupt the people's faith."

"And what evidence ties this to my father?" 

Kujou Sara interjected as she launched another strike, her voice rising.

"Naturally, I have evidence. That witness is standing right here! He's seen Tenryou Commission soldiers frequenting the Fatui's factory."

"Ah?" 

Kazuha, suddenly called out, looked momentarily bewildered. But seeing the glance Kael gave him, he quickly caught on.

"Yes… yes, Shogun. I… I saw it myself!"

"You're spouting baseless accusations! My father has always been loyal to the Shogun. How could he possibly—Ah!" 

Distracted, Kujou Sara was struck on her arm. She managed to roll away, cutting off her opponent's attack just in time. 

If not for her quick reaction, her arm might have been severed.

"If the Shogun does not believe me, you may send someone to investigate the cliffs near the Serpent's Head on Yashiori Island. The factory is located right at the edge."

The Raiden Shogun narrowed her eyes. A flash of lightning glinted in her gaze as a bolt struck between the combatants. 

Kujou Sara and Kazuha's friend, both on the verge of a decisive exchange, paused to avoid the strike.

"Sara, your mind is unsettled. This duel is no longer fair. It shall be postponed."

Kujou Sara gritted her teeth. She had been close to victory. 

But she could not defy the Shogun's command. "Yes, I obey."

"Since this matter was uncovered by the Yashiro Commission, let them handle the investigation."

Kael felt a weight lift from his shoulders as he saw his plan succeed. 

But before he could truly relax, the Raiden Shogun added: "Kael, for trespassing in Tenshukaku and interrupting the duel before the Shogun, you are to be detained and await further punishment."