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Author Note:
[ ] = When Twilight is speaking.
{ } = When talking through Telepathy.
' ' = When thinking in your mind.
<< >> = When talking with your Pokémon or Tamed Beast.
--- --- = When describing a certain period OR Another place.
** ** = Point Of View, i.e., POV
/// /// = In Call
" " = System and when talking to it.
「 」 = Thoughts being heard
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*A\N: LONG CHAPTER
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A Day passed by.
People were cheerful because of their victory over the "Fleet of Fog." However, this happiness took a different stage when they heard Primis' coronation ceremony would occur the next day.
Hearing that, it was as if all their fatigue and tiredness after the battle vanished instantly, and they became more enthusiastic.
One girl could be seen running from one house and building to another, checking to see if everything was going fine.
The girl had a fair complexion, golden eyes, orange-red makeup painted at the corners, and shoulder-length light strawberry-blonde hair. A small flower tattoo was near her left shoulder, and another similar tattoo patch containing a redfish, flowers, and purple swirls was around her upper left arm.
The girl had a smile on her face as she interacted with people on the way.
Lanterns could be seen on the building and over the streets. Bamboo trees were decorated with colorful papers. Some men were carrying sacred lanterns decorated with paper cherry blossoms. There were also many colorful hangings right outside the door of the buildings.
In truth, by now, everything was done. The girl was doing some final inspecting to make sure everything went well.
There were also some food stalls. Still, because of the few natives, they only made seven of them.
The first stall serving was a candy apple. These were made of apples coated with a layer of sugar that had been heated to a hard crack stage.
The second stall was Baby Castella. They were the smaller version of the traditional sponge cake. They were shaped as little spheres.
The third one was Takoyaki. They were spherical dumplings with a chunk of octopus inside and were consistently tasty and easy to eat since you just stab them with a toothpick and pop them in your mouth. Still, watch out, though, as they're incredibly hot on the inside.
The fourth was Yakisoba, a stir-fried noodle dish with cabbage, pork, carrots, and a few slices of pickled ginger. It was about the perfect food to share with a friend, so grab an extra pair of chopsticks.
The fifth one was Steak skewers. Skewers, known as kebabs, were a versatile and delicious way to enjoy grilled meats.
The sixth one was Shaved Ice. It's a dessert made of fine ice shavings and sweet condiments or syrups.
The seventh and last one was a drink called Ramune. It's a carbonated beverage based on lemonade.
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After reviewing that everything was fine, the girl started to stroll around, checking to see if anyone needed help.
Soon, she met a pair of siblings roaming around and enjoying the atmosphere. Seeing them, she waved her hand and walked over to them.
???: Lady Ayaka, Lord Ayato, it's nice to see you both.
This attracted the attention of the siblings, and they greeted her back.
Ayaka: Yoimiya. It's good to see you too. It seems you are busy with the festival work as always.
Yoimiya: True. But not that much today. After all, we started the preparation a year ago. Hence, there is little to check—just some regular inspection.
Ayato: Even regular inspection is also essential to ensure everything goes fine.
Yoimiya: Hehe. I won't dent that, Lord Ayato.
Smiling, he spoke.
Ayato: While I am the current head of Kamisato Clan, according to Your Majesty's new policy, there is no such thing as noble and commoner. Everyone is equal. So please address me as Ayato—no need to add Lord.
Ayaka: Um. I also agree with my brother. There is no need for formalities. Just Ayaka is fine.
Yoimiya: But that's...
As the girl became silent, Ayaka smiled and pointed at the people, attracting her attention.
Ayaka: Let me tell you my story, Yoimiya.
Yoimiya: Huh? Oh…Ok.
Taking a minute to gather her thoughts, Ayaka opened her mouth.
Ayaka: Ever since birth, I was forced to learn many things, like being poised and graceful, noble, and virtuous. While children of my age were going out with their parents to enjoy and make friends, I had to remain in the house to learn the history of our clan and our nation, study different materials, and so on.
Here, she paused and started walking. Ayato and Yoimiya remained silent and followed.
Ayaka: It would be a lie if I said I didn't hate it. Seeing how other children were enjoying it made me feel envious of them. I always questioned why I was born in Kamisato Clan. Can't I just be born into a commoner family? Such thought started to haunt me to the point that I even thought of running away.
Here, she glanced at Ayato and continued.
Ayaka: But then I saw my brother. He had even more restrictions and responsibilities as the head in succession than me. I saw him being busy most of the time, yet whenever he saw me, he smiled and said he was fine. No matter what I asked, he never said no to me and helped me however he could. Even from the shadow... Unlike me, he faced his duty as the next head of the clan head-on determination...…That's when I made my decision.
She then looked in front in again.
Ayaka: I want to help my brother by removing some of his burden. So, I threw the thought of running in the bin and focused on learning as much as possible. And finally… I succeeded. I told my brother to let me handle the internal and external affairs while he focused on handling government affairs.
Nodding, the head of the Kamisato Clan added.
Ayato: Yeah. I still remember when you knocked on me and said that. At first, I was worried that it would be too much for you to handle, so while I permitted you, I kept an eye on you to lend you a hand in case you needed it. However, you exceeded my expectations and handled things perfectly. This finally put my mind at ease. Because of that, I can focus my entire attention on my things and even get some time to relax. For that, I am grateful to you, Ayaka.
Ayaka: What are you saying, Brother? It's me who should be saying that. Because with time, I faced challenges and made many mistakes. Yet, neither did you get angry nor did you blame me. I thought you would consider me incompetent and say I am not suited for that. Yet, you didn't. You even taught me how to handle such situations and said you believe in me. That's what gave me the confidence to keep on going. Hence, I should be grateful to you for your trust.
Ayato: Because I know you can do it.
Ayaka: Thank you, Brother.
Returning to the story, she continued.
Ayaka: From that day onwards, I started appearing on social occasions and interacted more with the common folk. This earned me the title of Shirasagi Himegimi, a figure greatly admired by the people for her beauty, dignified demeanor, and noble character.................. You must have known what people would say if someone asked about me.
Yoimiya: Yes. They said, "Lady Ayaka is as graceful and pure as an egret. And look at her elegance, her clever yet proper speech — why should she not be named a Princess?" OR "Lady Ayaka may be of noble birth, but she is gentle and polite to us. She is kind, loyal, and willing to help others. She even went against the opinions of others and took in that commoner, Thoma."
Ayaka: Um...... Actually, I had a self-fish reason when I took Thoma under me.
Yoimiya: Selfish reason?
Even Ayato was looking intently at her sister now.
Ayaka: You see, whenever I interacted with the people, I could tell they were reserved in my presence. I can see the distance in their eyes. And I understand that it was because of higher status. I want people to be more open and let out their true thoughts. Yet, they didn't......That's also when I rescued Thoma. I want him to be someone who will treat me like others. Someone who I can show my true self. Someone who I can call .........a friend.
Yoimiya: ......…
Ayato: .........
Letting out a deep sigh, she spoke.
Ayaka: But it didn't work. On the contrary, it has the opposite effect. I can see the deep reverence and respect in Thoma's eyes when I made him my subordinate as if I were some princess and goddess. Someone that one can only look up to... Hence, knowing that it's pointless to even think about it, I decided to continue my life as it was...............… However, everything changed because of Your Majesty.
A beautiful smile appeared on her face as she spoke.
Ayaka: Because of his policy, I lost the status of the noble. As a result, when I talk with people now, I can see they are not as reserved with me as before. The distance in their eyes has also significantly shrunk, mainly because we all stand on the same stage now. And so…
Scratching her cheeks to hide her embarrassment, she continued.
Ayaka: I can say that I have friends now. Like you...Yoimiya.
Hearing that, the strawberry-blonde girl widened her eyes before jumping and hugging Ayaka.
Yoimiya: Of course, I am your friend, Ayaka. In truth, I already thought of you as a friend when we met for the first time.
Ayaka: …Thank you. Still, now you understand why I want you not to call me 'Lady.' If you do that, people will again think of me as someone of high stature.
Yoimiya: I understand, Lad—I mean, Ayaka.
On this side, witnessing their interaction, Ayato beamed.
'Ayato: Is that your intention all along, Your Majesty? It was deeply rooted in people's minds that the three clans were noble and others were mere commoners. This will result in the remaining inhabitants forever being chained as inferior people who can only follow what the Nobles tell them. But now that Your Majesty has broken those chains, people will be more united and open. This will also remove any fighting between commoners and nobles if nobles start taking advantage of them.'
Here, he turned and looked in the direction of Tenshukaku.
'Ayato: Instead of letting nobles control people, you removed the barrier between them and handled everything yourself. It's daunting to govern the whole nation on your own. That's why other nobles and clans are made for.........… Yet, you never complain and administer everything on your own with perfection........................ Your Majesty, you have my utmost respect.'
Here, he bowed his head towards Tenshukaku and turned back, returning to the conversation between Ayaka and Yoimiya.
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Paimon: Lumine, can't we ask them to give us some right now?
On the other place, the Traveler and her companion were also walking around, looking at everything people had prepared.
When they walked past the food stall, Paimon's mouth became watered. If not for Lumine holding her, she was afraid Paimon would have jumped at the vendor asking to make some for her.
Lumine: Can't you wait for the Coronation to end? After that, you can eat whatever you want.
Paimon: But Paimon is very hungry.
Lumine: When are you not hungry? It would be disrespectful to Mr. Erste if you ate before he even appeared. It would look like we are just here for free food, not for him.
Paimon: Well...…Paimon is sure that Mr. Erste won't mind. He would let Paimon do whatever Paimon wanted.
Hearing this, a vein appeared on the blonde's forehead as she tried her best not to knock on Paimon's head.
'Lumine: Of course, I know that! I know how much he spoils you. An example was when I fought for my life back in Dragonspine; you were enjoying yourself here. Eating and sleeping whenever you like. Like a life of luxury where no one would say anything to you.'
Gritting her teeth in frustration, Lumine calmed herself.
Lumine: No, means no. If you still insist, I won't let you eat my cooking from now on.
Paimon: No way.
The fairy's face turned pale as she hurriedly apologized.
Paimon: I am sorry, Lumine. Anything but that. Paimon promises that Paimon won't eat anything till the coronation ceremony ends.
Lumine: Hmph.
Snorting, the girl walked away while the flustered fairy followed.
It's not surprising, as Lumine, who should be the worst cook according to the plot, became one of the best thanks to Primis's teaching. Hence, no matter how good the people of Inazuma made the meal, it won't come on par with Lumine's. That's why, to the foody like Paimon, being unable to eat her cooking was like a death sentence.
After seeing Paimon behaving now, Lumine let go of that little grudge and spoke.
Lumine: Don't go back on your words.
Paimon: Paimon won't.
The fairy answered while punching her chest in the process.
Paimon: Ow!
Lumine: Pfft~
Seeing Paimon's action, the Traveler chuckled.
Lumine: What are you doing?
Paimon: Paimon had seen knights and soldiers punching their chest to salute. Paimon also tried the same. But no one told Paimon it would hurt like this!
Lumine shook her head and held the fairy in her arms, spoke, and patted her chest.
Lumine: Pain, Pain, go away.
Paimon: What are you doing, Lumine?
Lumine: Don't worry, it's a chant that will take away your pain.
Paimon: Really.
Lumine: Um.
A minute later, the Traveler removed her hand and asked.
Lumine: How are you feeling now?
Paimon: Wow! Paimon is no longer feeling pain. How did you do that, Lumine?
Lumine: Who knows.
'Lumine: In the end, she is still just a little kid who believes in such nonsense.'
While the blonde was thinking that, Paimon pouted at Lumine's answer.
Paimon: Hmph. Paimon won't talk to you again. Bleh~
The little fairy showed her tongue to Lumine, who shook her head and strode.
Before long, Paimon got attracted to some decorations, and they started talking again. As if their previous fight never happened.
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Mt. Yougou.
Kujou Sara: Is here fine, Guuji Yae?
Yae Miko: Hmmm…Move it to the right a little.
Kujou Sara: Now?
Yae Miko: No, it's too much to the right. Move it somewhat back to the left.
On the top of Mt. Yougou, Kujou Sara was putting the hangings on the Narukami Shrine per Yae Miko's instructions. Paper lanterns were also placed all around the shrine, making it beautiful.
Since the entire town was decorated, the Shrine should follow suit. Otherwise, it would not look perfect. That's what they were doing right now.
Yae Miko: Ok, that's it. You can come down.
Nodding her head, Kujou Sara jumped down.
Looking at the current Shrine, a satisfied smile appeared on Miko's face.
Yae Miko: I will leave the surroundings to you.
She spoke while looking at the three women behind.
Kokomi: Of course, Lady Guuji Yae.
Saying the Priestess stepped forward and started concentrating. Once she gathered enough energy, a burst of hydropower was released.
SPLASH!!
Kokomi controlled her element to fall on every piece of grassland while avoiding the Shrine. By the time she was done, every grass had a few drops of water, making it look like morning dew.
Next, Shenhe stepped forward. She started using her element, and her target was those dews.
Shenhe: Manifest.
Some cryo power was released from her body and covered the entire top of Mt. Yougou. The good thing was that the energy was not enough to affect anyone around her. However, it was enough to freeze half part of the water droplets.
Because of that, when the sunlight fell on the grassland, those half-frozen droplets reflected the light, making the place appear more beautiful, thanks to the touch of light.
By the way, Shenhe only froze half of the droplets so the temperature wouldn't become too cold.
Yae Miko: It's time for the final touch.
It was now Ganyu turn.
The half-Adeptus joined her hands, and the golden aura of Adeptus inside her surged. The aura then covered everything here before dispersing.
At this time, she lowered her hands and waited. The others did the same.
Before long, they saw a flock of birds coming from the distance. They circled the mountain before taking their place on the shrine's roofs.
Also, lowering their heads, Ganyu and others saw many butterflies, dragonflies, and ladybugs flying around the grass.
Yae Miko: Now, this is what I call simple and perfect.
Kujou Sara: Can't deny that, Guuji Yae. It's amazing.
Yae Miko entered the shrine, showing her usual smile before returning with the bird's food. She placed it at the side before addressing others.
Yae Miko: Now that everything is done here, let's join others.
Everyone nodded before descending the mountain and taking part in the festival.
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Training Ground.
Ei stood at the side and looked at the field in front, her hands crossed while deep in her thoughts.
No one else was present here except for her. She was looking at some cracks and markings on the ground, a testament to the soldiers' Will to become strong.
???: It's surprising to see you here alone...... Oh, my mistake. That's how you used to be before. Well, you can't blame me as now you spent most of your time by Your Majesty's side. You both seemed inseparable.
Snapping out of her thoughts, Ei looked at the person.
Ei: Makoto.
Makoto: Yes, me.
Walking over to her twin sister's side, Makoto asked.
Makoto: So, what are you doing here? Everyone else has already arrived at the celebrations.
Ei: Well...
Makoto: Worried about something.
In response, she shook her head.
Ei: No. I am just thinking about the past.
Makoto: Past. Huh.
Ei: Um. Many things occurred so quickly that I still have difficulty believing it when I look back.
Makoto: I understand that somewhat… When I died at Khaenri'ah, I was sure that I wouldn't be able to see you again. While I still leave a piece of my consciousness in the "Musou Isshin," I hope to see you and Inazuma with my own eyes. Even when I know it was just wishful thinking.
Ei: Makoto…
Makoto: But who would have thought fate had something else in store for me? I was able to see you and Inazuma again...............…but not the way I wanted it to be. Because of that, I have a hard time believing that everything has changed so much.
The first electro-archon still remembered how happy she was when she met Ei again. Next, she wanted to see how Inazuma was doing. However, seeing it in ruins broke her heart.
Makoto: I guess we can't have everything. It's already a miracle that I returned to life; asking for more makes me look greedy.
Ei: ...I am sorry.
Makoto: Huh? Why?
Ei: Even if Inazuma won't be in ruin, you would be disappointed if you saw how it was doing under my control.
Makoto: ...…
Ei: After your death, I was devastated and retreated myself in the search for "Eternity." I leave its governing to my puppet and the corrupted government. That made people suffer even more. I was, of course, aware of it. Yet, I disregarded it.
Makoto: Ei…
Ei: Remembering the pain people suffered under me sometimes makes me wonder, what if it were me who died in Khaenri'ah instead of you? Then wouldn't Inazuma be as peaceful as before you ruled it? Won't people be happier?
Makoto: Ei, let me tell you this. One of the reasons that I went to Khaenri'ah without telling you is that I was sure that even if something happened to me, Inazuma would be fine in your hands. You would be a good ruler. And that thought didn't change even now.
Ei: But I---
Makoto: It's okay, Ei. No one is born perfect. We all make mistakes. What matters is that we learn from those mistakes.
Ei: ...Thank you, Makoto.
Chuckling, the first electro archon spoke.
Makoto: Anyway, shall we go now? I am sure that you wanted to miss the coronation ceremony the least out of everyone.
Ei: True. Let's go.
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An Hour Later.
Tenshukaku.
Primis was in his room, sitting and leaning on his chair with his eyes closed. He had been like this since he told others about his coronation ceremony.
It may appear that he was sleeping, but Ais, who was by his side, could see something that others couldn't.
Two forms of powers were revolving around Primis. Those powers were something that even Ais wasn't aware of till Primis told her. She was shocked when she learned that Primis intended to control both simultaneously. After all, the might of just a single one is astounding, let alone both.
Hence, he was focused on completely controlling them for the past day. Now, he seemed to have succeeded as neither fought against the other while revolving around him.
Seeing that everything was fine now, Ais approached him and brought her mouth near his ear while speaking softly.
Ais: It's time, My Lord.
Primis: We see.
The man answered and slowly opened his eyes.
Smiling, Ais stepped back and watched as the two powers revolving around Primis finally merged with him. Then, a tremendous amount of energy erupted from him.
BOOM!!!!
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Outside.
People chatting and walking around heard the explosion and turned their heads towards its direction.
BOOM!!!
They saw a pillar made of two lights burst out of the Tenshukaku.
As people looked at the pillar in awe, it disappeared in the next second.
GUSH!!
SPLASH!!
They didn't get the chance to collect themselves before a stream of water came out from the entrance of Tenshukaku. The water was so clear and beautiful that people could even see their faces in it.
Noticing the stream coming for them, people subconsciously moved back as if afraid of dirtying it by stepping on it.
The Stream kept moving before it finally left the vicinity of the town. And then….
SHINE!!
A burst of light came from the distance, and everyone hurriedly covered their eyes.
When they opened them again, they were fascinated by the spectator in front.
They saw a magnificent crystal palace that appeared out of nowhere.
The moving stream splits into two before joining, creating an empty area in the middle. Around the stream, they saw many seats that appeared out of nowhere.
Still, no one dared to step forward to sit on any of them, as their very being was warning them not to do so as they were not worth sitting on any of them.
Four crystal pillars came out of the split stream with an empty area in the middle. More pillars could be seen around the seats, making this a pulchritudinous palace.
CREAK!!
At this time, the door of Tenshukaku opened, and Primis stepped out.
Everyone unconsciously turned their head in his direction. In the next moment, they all fell into a daze.
There, they saw Primis in his new Emperor's attire. They can tell that his attire was not made of some cloth or fabric, but it was made of the very element of light and darkness.
Why they were so sure about it?
Looking at his coat, they remembered his appearance in the scene above as the Ruler of the Netherworld and Heaven. His attire was made of darkness in the Netherworld, while in Heaven, it was made of holiness. And right now, both of them have come together and become one.
The next thing was his long hair. They were now more smooth, shiny, and glossy. As they flow like waves, people instinctively desire to touch them.
And the last time was the color of his hair. They were no longer only black like before. Half of them had turned had turned white. They looked so pure and white as if no amount of dust or smoke could pollute them. It's like even having such a thought would be blasphemy. In comparison, his other half-black hairs appeared darker. This was thanks to the courtesy of the two powers, who merged perfectly with his being.
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Pic: Primis – Eternal Netherworld Emperor
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By now, Primis was no longer suppressing his charm. That's why people were still looking at him in a trance, unable to move their gaze away from him.
STEP!
STEP!
STEP!
Step by step, Primis walked on the stream's surface and made his way toward the Imperial Palace in the distance.
As people were paying attention to his face, none saw azure and crimson fishes swimming around Primis legs happily.
Before long, Primis reached the palace and stopped in front of the empty area in the middle.
WHISTLE!!
Suddenly, a beautiful light fell from the sky in the middle.
SHINE!!!!!!!!!
There was another burst, which made people cover their eyes again. And when they opened them again, they saw something unbelievable.
The entire sky above the Imperial Palace was full of stars. And in the once empty area, there was a Majestic Throne.
It seemed this Throne was standing in the middle of the universe itself.
Stepping forward, Primis ascended the stairs one by one. When he finally reached the throne, he turned, looked at everyone, and sat on it.
WR!!
WR!!
…
The entire world, cosmos, and universe trembled. As if celebrating Primis's ascension.
THUD!!
It was also when everyone in the Inazuma kneeled and bowed their heads in submission—ending this coronation ceremony.
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Pic: Three Realms Throne
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*A/N: Please throw some power stones.
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