Jiang Chen observed the pint-sized Shogun with great interest.
This version of the Shogun will probably be a lot more approachable, right?
The previous Shogun had been a lesson learned, so Ei had modified the settings.
"Program… what happened to me?"
"Did you… rebuild my body?"
The Shogun stared at her tiny hands in confusion.
This was extremely strange.
Her memories had been preserved, but Ei had rewritten her core directive—from pursuing eternity to pursuing Inazuma's prosperity.
To prevent her from starting wars or causing chaos, Ei had also installed multiple safeguards.
She had gone to great lengths for this new Shogun.
Presumably, she wouldn't be as rigid as before.
Ei was mainly afraid of her sister's scolding.
If she made another inflexible Shogun, Makoto would probably beat her up again.
Recalling how her sister had disciplined her earlier, Ei couldn't help but sigh.
This was so hard.
"My sister has returned, so we can no longer share a body."
"From now on, you'll use this one."
Ei spoke solemnly to the Shogun.
Hearing this, the Shogun nodded in understanding.
"Understood."
"If there's nothing else, I shall attend to my duties."
With that, the Shogun gracefully hopped off the bed.
Despite her diminutive stature, she carried herself with solemn dignity as she strode toward her office.
As she passed Jiang Chen, she gave him a brief glance before walking out.
So adorable.
Jiang Chen couldn't help but chuckle.
Zero intimidation factor, yet acting all "majestic."
She'll probably become the group's mascot, won't she?
Shaking his head in amusement, Jiang Chen turned back to the others.
"Guizhong, let's go. It's time to leave."
Guizhong nodded and looked at Ei.
"Come visit Liyue when you have the chance."
"We can exchange more… techniques."
Ei agreed without hesitation.
She had already decided—when Makoto goes to Liyue, she's following.
As for Inazuma?
She'd leave it to the Shogun, Lady Saiguu, and that sly fox (Yae Miko).
Most importantly—
She would protect her sister at all costs.
She never wanted to relive the past.
She refused to lose Makoto again.
If it happened a second time… she'd lose her mind.
After bidding Ei farewell, Jiang Chen and Guizhong departed.
He also brought Ayaka along, stuffing everyone into his Heroic Spirit Realm.
Once everything was settled, Jiang Chen vanished on the spot.
Makoto watched him leave and sighed softly.
"Shogun, you must study hard from now on."
"I'll teach you how to be a proper leader."
"When we're no longer in Inazuma, the nation will truly depend on you."
Makoto looked at the serious-faced Shogun beside her.
When she first saw this miniature version, she had been stunned.
But now, seeing her trying so hard to appear dignified, Makoto couldn't help but smile.
She's just like Ei when she was little.
Too cute.
"Understood, Sister Makoto!"
That's right—the Shogun now called Makoto "Sister."
Ei had changed so much about her.
Now, she could address Makoto so affectionately without even realizing how unusual it was.
With Jiang Chen gone, Makoto returned to her work.
Inside the Heroic Spirit Realm, Ayaka looked around in awe.
"Is this an adeptal art?"
"I've heard that the adepti of Liyue can carry entire worlds with them."
"Is this something similar?"
Ayaka was fascinated.
This place resembled a palace, yet it was completely empty.
Perhaps it was just Jiang Chen's private retreat?
"This is the Hall of Heroes."
"Those resurrected by Jiang Chen can return here."
"Even if they die again, they'll revive within this space."
Guizhong explained with a smile.
"Eh?!"
"Really?!"
Ayaka's eyes widened.
This place was that important?
Incredible!!
"Indeed."
"Also… this is where Jiang Chen hides his women."
Guizhong glanced meaningfully at Lumine.
Lumine froze under her gaze.
Guizhong knew about her and Jiang Chen?!
Since when?!
For a moment, Lumine was genuinely shocked—she had no idea when she'd been exposed.
But after some thought, she shrugged it off.
It was probably obvious, anyway.
Only someone as clueless as Paimon wouldn't notice.
The Archons could likely tell she wasn't pure anymore.
They probably figured it out ages ago.
No point hiding it.
The only ones she could fool were naïve people like Paimon and Keqing.
Those with life experience would see right through her.
But if it was out in the open now, so be it.
It'd make things easier when she and Jiang Chen went public.
The thought instantly brightened her mood.
Ayaka, however, didn't understand Guizhong's implication.
"Hides his women?"
What does that mean?
Like how we're hidden here now?
"Come on, I'll give you a tour."
"Next time you return, it won't be this easy—you'll have to sail for days."
"Since we're here, you might as well take a look around."
"We've got plenty of time before reaching Liyue."
Lumine dragged Ayaka off to explore.
This time, Ayaka was hitching a ride, but next time?
No such luck.
Ayaka didn't refuse, letting Lumine guide her through the realm.
Meanwhile, Jiang Chen was speeding toward Liyue.
With Inazuma's affairs settled, his next target was Sumeru.
Beyond that, he needed to accelerate his plans.
He was itching to leave Teyvat and head to Honkai: Star Rail.
Once back in Liyue, he'd start mass-producing alchemical inventions.
Now that he had also mastered alchemy, there were many things he could create himself.
As he traveled, Jiang Chen pondered some game mechanics he wanted to replicate.
For example—Teleport Waypoints!
He had to build these.
Relying solely on flight was too cumbersome.
Plus, he now had a Gnosis in his possession.
Could he use its power to enable teleportation?
Isn't that how Zhongli used it?
He hadn't tested it in Inazuma—he'd ask the old man when he got back.
He hadn't had the chance to study the Gnosis properly before.
But now that it was his, he could experiment freely.
If he could create Teleport Waypoints, life would become so much easier.
He'd plant them all over Teyvat, just like in the game.
And then…
Charge toll fees!
He worked hard to develop this—was it too much to ask for a small fee?