Qin Yu's consciousness returned to reality, and he was slightly stunned.
When had he, Qin Yu, ever been small!
And why did the General look so interested!
"General."
Before Qin Yu could stop her.
"Little Qin Yu... what is that?"
Ei walked up to Yoimiya, her voice filled with curiosity.
It indeed resembled Qin Yu quite a bit.
"Mmm."
Facing a deity at such close proximity made Yoimiya a little nervous.
"It, it's just very... you know..."
"Mmm, it moves and moves... very lively..."
Yoimiya struggled for a long time but couldn't explain it clearly.
After all, this puppet was truly magical.
It seemed to possess a life of its own.
"A very exquisite puppet."
Ei took Little Qin Yu and pondered.
The craftsmanship involved was extraordinary.
"Click."
Little Qin Yu shook its head.
"Hm?"
Ei extended a finger and poked its cheek.
She then squeezed its body.
Her purple eyes fluttered as she clearly enjoyed herself.
"..."
Someone suddenly felt a pang of envy for the puppet.
"The General really likes touching Little Qin Yu."
Yoimiya blinked and blurted out.
See, after a few touches, the puppet started moving again.
Quite sensitive.
"It's alright."
Ei put Little Qin Yu down, sensing the gazes of the women.
They seemed to be asking if the General liked such small toys?
"I merely found the puppet to be of excellent workmanship."
"You can all touch it too."
"Yes, General."
The women straightened up, their pretty faces serious.
So, next...
Under Qin Yu's peculiar gaze.
The women reached out and earnestly touched Little Qin Yu.
What kind of strange ritual was this?
And he, the real person, seemed to be ignored.
...
Time slowly passed.
Finally, it was time to depart.
"General, see you tomorrow."
Qin Yu stood up and bid farewell under Ei's watchful gaze.
He couldn't possibly sleep on the floor in the Tenshukaku.
"Don't forget."
Ei slowly closed her eyes and said softly.
Not restricting Qin Yu's freedom was their agreement.
She would not go back on her word.
"Okay."
Desserts and light novels, Qin Yu knew what this meant.
This was their little secret with the General.
...
Outside the Tenshukaku.
"Miss Kujou, have a good time working overtime."
Yoimiya pouted, sounding a little sad.
She hadn't expected Kujou Sara to be the first one to have to work overtime.
The Sakoku Decree was about to be lifted.
As the head of the Kanjou Commission, she had to be prepared.
"It's alright, you all be careful on your way."
Kujou Sara smiled, her gaze lingering on Qin Yu with a strange intensity.
And the elegant girl smiling beside him.
"Thank you for your hard work."
Kamisato Ayaka stood by Qin Yu's side, her smile gentle.
Keep working hard, Miss Kujou.
This time, finally, no one would disturb her.
"Don't overwork yourself."
"Now, there are more people who care about you."
Qin Yu smiled slightly and said softly.
As a slacker, he didn't have much to say.
After all, the thought of dealing with official duties made his head ache.
"Mmm, Little Yu is the best."
Simple words, yet they contained a warmth that filled her heart.
Kujou Sara lowered her head slightly, her cheeks flushing.
Having grown, could she be a little bolder now?
Thinking of this, she raised her face.
"Little Yu!"
"What is it?"
Before Qin Yu could finish speaking, a fragrant breeze enveloped him.
Kujou Sara suddenly lunged forward, giving him a big hug.
At the same time, she couldn't resist glancing at the young lady whose smile had frozen.
Little Yu was hers!
Qin Yu gently hugged the girl back.
It felt like holding a ball of cotton, his heart filled with contentment.
Light, warm, and comfortable.
"Keep up the good work, Kanjou Commission head."
"I, I'll be going back now!"
The courage she had just mustered was blown away by the warmth by her ear.
Kujou Sara covered her burning face and ran back to the Tenshukaku.
General, this is too embarrassing!
Qin Yu was helpless. Why was she suddenly so shy?
"It was just a normal hug."
Someone coughed lightly, feigning calmness.
"Really?"
Kamisato Ayaka slowly closed her paper fan, her smile benign.
To actually do that in front of her...
What an unruly master.
"The time from now on belongs only to me, right?"
...
The divine pronouncements of Inazuma were issued one after another.
The most noteworthy, naturally, was the lifting of the Sakoku Decree.
This monumental change had far-reaching implications.
People rejoiced and spread the news.
Until it was carried by those with intentions, crossing the seas.
Until... another nation.
Liyue.
Liyue Harbor at night was brightly lit.
This was the oldest trading port on the entire continent.
All wealth and prosperity converged here.
Mt. Tianheng.
Along the corridor, a girl in a purple dress walked.
She was a girl of exceptional beauty.
Her smooth purple hair was tied into twin tails.
From afar, it resembled cat ears.
But what was most captivating...
were her long legs wrapped in black silk.
"Hengxing-sama."
A secretary from the Mt. Tianheng approached, bowing respectfully.
In Liyue, there was only one Hengxing.
"Thank you for your hard work."
Keqing replied with a slight smile.
"Has anything happened recently?"
"Mmm... does Inazuma lifting its Sakoku Decree count?"
Keqing blinked in surprise and asked:
"Really?"