Furina, Focalors, and Themis had gone to Inazuma, leaving Neuvillette alone in Fontaine, so busy he worked non-stop.
The Abyssal Swordswoman Skirk, having been subdued by Themis earlier, was now laboring diligently.
It was said that Tartaglia, the harbringer, heard his master was currently toiling at concrete work for the newly rebuilt Academy and was rushing to Fontaine to join the construction efforts, all to have a few more words with his master.
What a touching master-disciple relationship!
So when Neuvillette saw the document from his subordinate about Tartaglia coming to provide friendly assistance, he only hesitated briefly before stamping it with approval.
May Monsieur Tartaglia, Fontaine's honorary citizen, live the life he desires at the construction site.
While Neuvillette was working non-stop, Themis in distant Inazuma was living a life of leisure.
Her left hand held Furina, her right hand held Focalors, all because a certain great writer needed material for their work.
So now Themis was working hard to accompany the two of them, acting as their guardian. Furina obediently stayed by Themis' side, but Focalors was more mischievous.
She could keep both the Inazuma tanuki kits and the prairie foxes occupied for hours.
Then she'd coax Furina into joining her in toying with the prairie fox spirits.
When Themis glared at the little fox being tormented by the two girls with her golden eyes, the already overwhelmed creature simply closed its eyes and pretended to be dead.
Little fox: "Folks! I was just sitting peacefully on the grass when suddenly two people started messing with me. Then that third white-haired one gave me this murderous look! I'm so scared!"
Themis stepped forward, releasing the little fox spirit that Furina and Focalors couldn't bear to let go of. She grabbed their hands and placed them on her own hair.
"Pet me. I'm better than it."
After saying this, she didn't forget to lift her head and let out a slightly tsundere-like humph. Furina blinked her eyes. Though she didn't understand what had happened, just being able to be close to Themis made her very happy.
Furina buried her face in Themis' long, silky hair, the warm fragrance making her linger in the moment.
Focalors rested her chin in her hand, committing this rare expression of Themis to memory.
Kissing Themis—who was so consumed by jealousy (like 'eating lemons') that she'd envy even a small animal—Focalors secretly smiled while feeling genuinely happy.
Look how adorable her lover is.
Themis internally grumbled a few times, but her face remained impassive.
After all these years, the once-innocent university student had become a master of roasting. Yet, due to her status, she had to maintain a dignified expression. In reality, when confronted with particularly absurd situations, she would unleash a torrent of insults, thoroughly cursing out the other party.
However, with these two wives before her, Themis could only cling to them desperately, completely consumed by bitter jealousy.
Carrying the exhausted Furina, Themis followed Focalors with a sense of refreshed vigor, occasionally taking a few sniffs of the adorable Furina's "cat" scent.
Furina nestled in Themis' embrace, soft and pliant, offering no resistance whatsoever.
Though it might also be because no one was watching them in this place.
Even if people were watching, in a foreign land, not everyone would recognize the Hydro Archon of Fontaine.
After experiencing Inazuma's local customs firsthand, Focalors gained a deeper understanding of the Raiden Shogun's realm.
She hoped the Raiden Shogun would listen more to her beloved subject's advice and stop stubbornly working alone.
When they returned to their residence after their stroll, Zhongli and Venti had disappeared to who knows where.
But Themis didn't ask questions. They're gods, after all. They couldn't possibly get robbed halfway home and have their underwear stolen, could they?
Only players would do something like that.
Yae Publishing House's light novel competition was judged by sales.
After Focalors sent her manuscript to Yae Miko, once the goddess approved it for printing, the novel could go straight to press.
To be honest, while Yae Miko felt deeply shaken by the unconventional style of this unofficial history, she still published Focalors' masterpiece because she wanted to enjoy the Raiden Ei.
Though those who bought it found the contents peculiar, they couldn't deny its charm.
The Shogun depicted in this book bore more than a passing resemblance to the real-life Shogun. While not identical, the author had preserved most of her features while introducing subtle innovations.
Compared to previous works featuring useless shoguns and debt-ridden transformed generals from light novels,
this so-called Inazuma Unofficial History captured the shogun's character and dignity with remarkable fidelity.
Yet...
Yet... why did something still feel off?
Did the shogun truly have a sister?
And Yae Miko... to think you were once so innocent and adorable as a child!
Ah! While Inazuma culture does hold the belief that miko can become wives of the Gods, this is the first time I've seen it written into a story!
The author clearly knew how to create dramatic effects. When describing Yae Miko, they even included an illustration of a pink little fox.
This made readers who purchased the Inazuma Unofficial History inwardly exclaim:
"Save me! This is incredible! The young Lady Yae Miko is just too cute!"
The character designs had been authorized by Yae Miko herself, so there was nothing to fear.
When readers learned the shogun had found her true reincarnated sister, they cheered—what wonderful news!
When they discovered someone had bullied Makoto while keeping it from the shogun, they seethed—how despicable!
When they read that Makoto didn't consider herself the shogun's sister, and how the young shrine master's treatment of her as an independent individual had brought tears of joy, readers' emotions split into two camps.
One faction firmly believed Makoto was the True Lord's reincarnation, making the shogun's actions entirely reasonable.
The other faction insisted Makoto, lacking power and memories, was a new individual who shouldn't be bound by the shadows of the past.
Both factions were equally stunned by the eighteen-plus content that followed—was this something they should even witness?!
Save me! The shogun is defiling her own sister!
How monstrous! She's crying on the bed!
Wow, though Makoto resists fiercely, I can't help smiling while watching this!
The urge to keep reading was completely unstoppable!
Not only that, but I also wanted the Shogun to be even more excessive with the now weak and powerless True Lord.
Ahhh!
They must be corrupted! You vile Unofficial History authors, can't you be less skilled at writing?!
The part where Lady Miko used her wedding to help the True Lord escape and gain freedom...
Oh no, I've fallen for a new ship.
Just as readers were eagerly anticipating Makoto's regained freedom, the Shogun's sudden appearance came as a surprise, though not entirely unexpected.
After all, the entire Inazuma belonged to the Shogun. The movements of the palace attendant and the True Lord could never escape her notice.
So...
This isn't the Shogun using the palace attendant as a threat to force the True Lord to move herself!
But one must admit, at this moment, the True Lord was truly... truly...
So damn sexy!
My nonexistent limb is twitching...
Just as everyone was wondering how the story would unfold next, it ended.
Yes, that's right—it ended!
Heartbroken and teeth grinding, how could the author of this Inazuma Unofficial History make the chapter so short?!
"Update now—!"
"Get me an update immediately! Author!"
"Author, you don't want to miss out on the light novel awards, do you?! Then get your ass updating!"
The first version of the Inazuma Unofficial History unexpectedly became a sensation, something even Yae Miko herself hadn't anticipated.
The main reason was everyone's love for erotica. Yae Miko had underestimated the allure of explicit content to readers.
After reading this unofficial history, other novels seemed utterly tasteless, with no desire to continue reading them.
In no time, the Inazuma Unofficial History became invincible in the light novel competition.
"Absolutely brilliant!"
Venti scrolled through the comment section, seeing it flooded with demands for more updates to the Inazuma Unofficial History. Even as a free spirit, he had to admit Focalors understood freedom better than him when it came to these unofficial histories.
Standing beside him, Zhongli—who bravely embraced new things—still wished Focalors, that young junior, would show him some mercy.
I've already faked my death and retired—can't these rumors die down now?!
Yet unofficial histories don't care whether their subjects are dead or alive. They only grow bolder when the deceased can't rise to defend themselves!
Focalors was still working hard!
She'd discovered with surprise that Inazuma's light novel competition actually offered prizes for all three top winners!
Isn't this convenient? she thought. Me, Furina, and Themis—three people.
Three of us standing together on the podium would look perfect!
Though the other two were likely just there to help her claim the prize, true couples should receive awards hand in hand!
With this resolve, Focalors prepared to fight herself—though this time, she quietly switched to a new pen name and started a second book.
While readers gnashed their teeth over the Unofficial History author's short, unsatisfying chapters, demanding updates, the author had already created an alternate account and finished writing the next novel.
By the time readers noticed, the adult section now clearly stated: "Only mature readers may purchase."
[The Raiden Shogun's Little Wife is Being Devoured by the Tyrannical Monarch's Unrelenting Demands!]
Hiss...
A wave of gasps rippled through the crowd. Holy crap—this title is absolutely insane!
The last time something this outrageous came along was the Inazuma Unofficial History!
Truth be told, in Inazuma's light novel history, this book's title could easily rank among the top two! The Unofficial History undoubtedly took the first spot!
But as readers began devouring their purchased copies, doubts arose about whether the Unofficial History truly deserved that top position.
Let them properly evaluate this phenomenon!
Palpitating hearts, trembling hands.
Sayu found herself blended into the crowd, desperately fighting to stay awake while helping with the queue.
The number of proxy buyers today was unusually high.
Kujou Sara's, Kamisato Ayaka's.
Ah, only two people in total.
But both had chosen to purchase ten sets each. Sayu couldn't comprehend it, but when she finally received the books, she could only think: Never let me handle this again.
After Miss Ayaka received the book, Sayu couldn't tell if it had any effect on her.
But when she handed it to Kujou Sara, she clearly sensed the general's intense anger.
But what did this have to do with Sayu?
The book's title was indeed explosively provocative, and it was about the Raiden Shogun.
She must have thought the book blasphemed against the Shogun's dignified image.
Blinking in confusion, Sayu recalled the book's title. It was true... it was quite... shocking.
Should she buy one to read herself?
It sounded fascinating anyway, and she wasn't on duty today.
After a few seconds of hesitation, Sayu decided to buy a copy.
But the book proved unexpectedly popular, making it impossible for Sayu to get through the crowd.
By the time her turn came, it had already sold out.
"Ah... I didn't get one. Sayu is so sad."
Sayu swayed like a tumbler doll, left and right on the roadside.
"Hey, isn't that the little raccoon? What's wrong? Why are you suddenly acting like this on the street?"
Arataki Itto's distinctive voice called out. Sayu felt a bit annoyed - why was this big guy so free all day?
"Ugh, don't touch my head! You'll make me short!"
Sayu swatted away Arataki Itto's intrusive hand, glaring at him with soft eyes - but her face was too cute.
Arataki Itto just thought she was being playful.
"Alright, alright, little raccoon..."
"I'm not a raccoon!"
She jumped up to hit Arataki Itto, but only managed to land a blow on his arm.
"Ha ha ha..."
After his hearty laugh, Arataki Itto noticed Sayu's growing anger and cleared his throat.
"Ahem, I saw you in line twice earlier. Didn't you buy a bunch of books before? Why are you still queuing?"
"Sayu was just completing a task. I was buying for someone else," she explained, her voice tinged with disappointment. "I forgot to get my own copy, and now they're sold out."
Sayu's heart ached as she fought back tears.
"Is that all? You couldn't get the novel?"
"Heh heh~ Truth is, I did get it! This unofficial Inazuma history and that The Raiden Shogun's Little Wife is Being Devoured by the Tyrannical Monarch's Unrelenting Demands!"
Announcing these titles in public made her blush crimson, despite the burning shame she'd felt reading them alone. Now, Sayu's face burned under the crowd's stares.
"Must you shout that in the street?!"
Flustered, Sayu dragged Arataki Itto into a narrow alleyway.
"What's there to be secretive about?"
Arataki Itto scratched his head. Since Yae Publishing House had already put it up for sale, he figured there was nothing wrong with mentioning it!
"Alright, are you going to look or not?!"
He held up two books in front of the little tanuki, watching her eyes follow the one about the domineering Raiden Shogun. That immediately gave him the idea.
Without wasting time, he found a relatively quiet spot with Sayu to read together.
Though he'd bought the book, Arataki Itto hadn't gotten around to reading it yet.
"Let me see what exactly is going on here!" Arataki Itto declared.
"See what exactly is going on here!" Sayu echoed.
Meanwhile, on another side...
After days of relentless work writing her novel, Focalors had finally completed her second book.
She stretched lazily, then collapsed into Themis' arms, nuzzling and rubbing against her.
Themis decided to let Focalors enjoy her moment of happiness, but then thought to ask:
"Isn't spreading those rumors about Raiden Ei a bit inappropriate?"
Focalors looked up, her eyes filled with disapproval. "How can you call it a rumor? What if it's true?"
Her mischievous grin reminded Themis of her own experiences years ago being the topic of focalors creativity.
Themis pinched Focalors' cheek in irritation. "Enough already. You've been holed up in your room these past few days while Zhongli and the others went out to play."
"Let's go out together and have some fun," Themis suggested. "Just to take your mind off things."
"What's this? Some kind of private date between us?"
Focalors allowed herself to be lifted by Themis, grumbling slightly. "Furina won't get jealous if she finds out, will she?"
"Nope." Furina wouldn't be jealous at all; she might even feel sorry for Focalors' poor waist.
Furina knew firsthand how formidable Themis could be. When Focalors' book about the domineering Raiden Shogun came out, Furina immediately recognized the writing on the wall. With remarkable foresight, she'd fled with her two senior companions.
What Furina hadn't anticipated was escaping physical labor only to face financial ruin instead.
"Surintendante Chevalmarin, please pay the Mora."
Furina summoned the money manager, shooting an exasperated glance at the unreliable senior who'd let them down at the worst possible moment.
Zhongli calmly sipped his tea, having experienced this exact scenario countless times before.
As for the Anemo Archon Barbatos... The wind god had always been free-spirited, and now he lay sprawled on the ground, drunk and sleeping in a disheveled heap.
Furina's face creased in a frown as she sighed inwardly.
Even the first-generation gods aren't perfect, it seems.
Over the past few days, the trio had journeyed from the distant island to Narukami Island. Furina had ended up footing most of the Mora bills for both Venti and Zhongli.
Venti was relatively responsible, diligently preparing to play his lute and sing for Mora. But why did he insist on dragging her into a duet performance?
Unable to refuse Venti's persistent coaxing, Furina found herself reluctantly performing on the streets for the first time.
Her singing immediately drew a crowd. Even off-stage, a celebrity's presence remains captivating.
As for Zhongli, whenever Surintendante Chevalmarin wasn't watching him, he'd rack up a mountain of bills in no time. It left Furina's head spinning. Morax may be the God of Mora, but that doesn't mean the Hydro Archon should use Mora to cover his expenses!
Save some Mora, Morax!
Listen to Lady Furina's advice - you can't keep living like this!
In just a few days, the grand images of the two elders had completely collapsed in Furina's mind.
She let out a long sigh. Who would have thought that in matters of daily life, she Furina was actually the most reliable one!
There was no help for it. After all, she was the only one who knew what genuine humans were like.
Having lived as a human for five hundred years naturally made her understand more than gods pretending to be human.
However, Focalors couldn't help but feel a bit envious of Furina's foresight in fleeing.
Focalors clutched Themis's body, biting down on her shoulder.
Taking her out to play? What a lame excuse. Focalors could tell this was clearly an attempt to play with her.
But now it was too late to regret stopping. Themis proved to be even more stubborn than she'd imagined in such matters.
She hoped to see the sun rise tomorrow with her eyes open, rather than sleep through the entire day.
Themis kissed Focalors's long hair and asked softly, "What's on your mind? You seem distracted."
Rolling her eyes at Themis, Focalors bit down harder on her shoulder. The sudden increase in force made Focalors gasp audibly, involuntary sounds escaping her.
Golden eyes sparkled with mischief. Themis's mind was brimming with wicked thoughts - yes, she was doing it on purpose.
Compared to Furina's side, when spending time with Focalors, Themis always enjoyed teasing her by asking a barrage of questions.
After all, Focalors' forced attempts at restraint were truly adorable.
Yet sometimes, those silk-like coquettish glances and dazed expressions only made Themis want to tease her even more.
The Hydro Archon's recovery ability was impressive, likely inherited from her Oceanids' resilient physique, allowing her to maintain most positions.
Themis' hand brushed against Focalors' soft, delicate abdomen, feeling her involuntary shivers. A delighted chuckle bubbled up in Themis' mind.