-

Morning arrived with the scent of sea salt and the distant sounds of Ritou waking up. The group gathered in the inn's dining area, sharing a quiet breakfast as they planned their next move.

Neuvillette set down his teacup, his expression as composed as ever. "I've sent word to Fontaine's archives. We should receive any relevant documents about the ruins soon."

Arlecchino leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "And I have contacts looking into any mentions of Celestia's involvement in similar structures."

Yoshika listened, but her mind was still on the voices she had heard in the ruins. Something about them felt personal, as if they were calling to her specifically.

Then, a messenger entered the room, bowing politely before handing Furina a letter sealed with an ornate emblem.

Furina raised an eyebrow. "An invitation? And from..." She paused, her dramatic persona momentarily slipping.

Yoshika noticed the shift. "Who is it from?"

Furina hesitated, then unfolded the letter and read aloud:

"To the Former Fontaine's Biggest Celebrity and her esteemed companions,
The Eternal Shogunate of Inazuma formally invites you to an audience with the Raiden Shogun. A matter of great importance requires your presence in Tenshukaku. Your arrival is expected within three days."

Silence followed.

Lyney whistled. "An invitation from the Electro Archon herself. That's quite the honor."

Lynette tilted her head. "Or a warning."

Yoshika frowned. "Why would she summon us?"

Neuvillette studied the letter. "It is rare for the Shogun to invite foreigners directly. Whatever this is, it is not a simple courtesy."

Furina sighed, tossing the letter onto the table. "Oh, wonderful. Another god who wants to meddle in our affairs. Can't they just let me enjoy my dramatic return in peace?"

Arlecchino shot her a look. "You are hardly one to avoid drama."

Furina smirked. "True, but I prefer drama on my own terms."

Yoshika picked up the letter, reading it again. "We should go."

Furina turned to her. "You're that eager to meet the Shogun?"

Yoshika's expression remained unreadable. "If a god is involved, it might be connected to Celestia. We can't ignore this."

The group exchanged glances before Neuvillette finally nodded. "Then we leave for Inazuma City."

-

Later That Day - The Journey to Tenshukaku

The streets of Inazuma City bustled with life, merchants calling out their wares, travelers moving about. The group, now dressed more formally for their impending audience, made their way through the city under the watchful eyes of the Shogunate's guards.

As they neared Tenshukaku, Furina glanced at Yoshika. "You don't seem nervous."

Yoshika's gaze remained forward. "Should I be?"

Furina grinned. "Most people would be. But then again, you're hardly 'most people.'"

Before Yoshika could reply, they arrived at the towering gates of Tenshukaku. The guards stepped aside, allowing them through.

Inside, the grand hall was silent, save for the faint hum of Electro energy crackling in the air. And at the far end of the chamber, standing with an air of absolute authority, was the Raiden Shogun herself.

Her violet gaze swept over the group before settling on Yoshika.

"I have been expecting you."

-
𝖠𝗇 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝖤𝖨 𝖬𝖤𝖭𝖳𝖨𝖮𝖭𝖤𝖣𝖣????!! 𝖶𝖺𝗂𝗍 𝗇𝗈, 𝖲𝖧𝖮𝖦𝖴𝖭 𝖬𝖤𝖭𝖳𝖨𝖮𝖭𝖤𝖣𝖣???!!!!!??!?