Surprisingly, laying in the comfort of his new room at the shrine Elias had fallen asleep. For him it had been years since he slept without interruption and though he did not know it yet himself he was truly comfortable. The environment of the shrine was like a veil of safety and peace, acting to ward off his memories.
Years had passed since the incident however, the memories still haunted him every night. The fear he felt, the pain he experienced, and the way he ran away. All of it made him feel.. pathetic… He was forever changed after that incident. He vowed to himself it would not be the same when fate brought them together once more.
Be that as it may, he was peacefully sleeping right now. His trauma had seemingly drifted away in the comfort of the shrine. He couldn't explain it in words but to him the shrine had a unique energy, it was warm and welcoming but, still strong and powerful to ward off evils.
It was like a homey stronghold. One where he could hide away from his duties and, of course the others. He had no clue when they would awaken. What he did know, when they woke up they would be in a state of disarray trying to find him.
---
Elias
A few gentle knocks caused me to lift myself from the pillow cradling my head and to shuffle out of the covers. I yawned and rubbed the sleep from my eyes.. wait? Sleep?
I don't remember any nightmares? Or episodes of constantly waking up? A full night of sleep! I had done the impossible for many such, workers, students and of course shut-ins.
Another round of knocks on the door shook me from my thoughts. I slowly and reluctantly stood from the bed and walked to the door gently sliding it open.
On the other side of the door was The Guuji herself, Lady Yae Miko. Slightly surprised, my eyes widened, "To what do I owe the pleasure of being awoken from my slumber by the Guuji herself?" she laughed lightly raising her hand to her mouth.
"My little one.. it is well past midday already." My expression went blank hearing her words and she smiled teasingly.
"Oh I see. I must admit I haven't slept that well in a while." I answered with an embarrassed laugh. A small prideful smirk cast it's place on her face.
"So then, I take it your first night in the room was well worth the price then?" Her grin once again switching to a teasing manner. I let out a sigh remembering the monthly price tag.
"I suppose it is so far, Lady Yae." Her smirk grew and she quickly answered.
"Wow you rate the room so highly. Maybe I should increase the price?' she asked with an evil grin on her expression and I could only help but just quickly shake my head in refutal.
"Well you see it was actually a pretty average room! I didn't even have that much space and all." I quickly shot back trying to make sure she would keep the price where it is.
She laughed once more and her evil smirk had faded slightly, though I still felt threatened by her power… Money is truly a terrifying thing in this world… "Do not worry little one I won't be raising the price just yet." She said happily as she looked behind me around the room.
'Wonderful, now she knows a way to control me…' I thought while trying my best to hold in an irritated sigh. "So what else do you want? Going to force me into labor or something?"
With an amused hum she responded, "Not just yet, my dear. It would be rude to force the first guest resident of the shrine into work on their first day." I simply rolled my eyes, 'So basically, she plans to eventually…' I thought as I focused my incensed gaze on to her mischievous, malignant grin.
"You are one evil fox.." I muttered just under my breath as she turned around though her sakura fox ears twitched indicating she heard what I had said.
"Oh little Elias, I wouldn't say evil." She said as she turned back towards me. Her smile was beautiful yet I could see the true nature behind it.
"So what would you call yourself." I questioned with a raised brow. She brought her hand to her lips and thought for a moment.
"I'd describe myself as cunning and perspicacious." Hearing her answer I couldn't help but let out a small laugh. A true laugh. I was always busy and overwhelmed by everything back then that I'd forgotten how good it felt to actually laugh.
A light laugh dragged me back down into the pleasant moment. "Oh? Doesn't a laugh and smile look good on you, dear Elias." Yae Miko teased at me with a tilted head. In response to her I couldn't help but smile just a little more.
"Oh but how could I not laugh hearing you describe yourself as such?" A jest expression found its way onto my face as my playful smile grew. "One such as yourself is cunning indeed, and I must admit you are rather intelligent."
A surprised yet sly expression crept onto her features as she quickly responded, "And here I thought I was evil.." here voice resonated with an obvious tone of mocking.
"You are evil…" I blankly responded looking at her with a slightly dismissive expression. Her lavender eyes gleamed playfully hearing my response.
"Oh my how mean of you, little one. Maybe the rent does need increasing..?" She responded, turning her head away from me but still keeping her gaze in my direction.
My eyes widened quickly in realization and panic, I jumped forwards a bit clinging my hands together as if I was praying. "I didn't mean it! You're not evil whatsoever! In fact! I think you're the kindest person I've ever met! Your generosity knows no bounds!" I praised her practically constantly hoping she decides to keep the rent where it is. Her eyes gleamed a playful purple and her evil smirk felt like it was directly attacking me.
"So there is no need to increase the rent, right!?" I begged quickly, her expression softened and her head slowly turned towards me.
"I suppose for now I can keep the rent the same." She said in a generous, giving tone, as if she had just saved my life." I felt tears fall from my eyes as I graciously thanked Miko. Realizing this probably was the reason she was teasing me with raising the price my expression quickly went blank.
"Ahem. You saw nothing." I said, narrowing my eyes towards Miko who had a sly expression, as always, showing she was entertained.
"Of course, I saw nothing at all." Her answer came quickly and she gave a few sarcastic nods, like she was agreeing with her own statement.
I straightened my posture and took on a more graceful stature, once more I cleared my throat before speaking to Yae Miko.
"I think I'm going to take a stroll back into Inazuma City today, for just a bit." Yae Miko's curiosity returned to the situation and I could see the interest on her expression.
"That sure is quite the treck. Especially since this is, 'for just a bit.' Don't you think?" Mentally I could only nod at her argument. The journey up this mountain was indeed quite painful and now, not even a day later, I planned to go all the way back down?
"There are a few things I want to buy from the local shops. I suppose I may also check out the Yae Publishing House if it is less busy this time." At the mention of the Publishing House a small glint in Miko's eye shone slightly brighter.
"Ah, yes! Checking out the Publishing House is a must do. I suppose as a small token I could give you something to help with the lines." Her voice was calm but her smirk revealed the high amount of pride she held towards the Publishing House.
"Elias~?" Miko's voice rang out from way too close to my ear, the sensation of her warm breath causing me to flinch back holding my ear fearfully.
With a soft giggle she spoke once again, "Seems I lost you to your thoughts there, little one." She then held her hand out towards me. In her hand was what seemed to be a small decorative item made from pinkish wood.
"You may show this to the people working at the House. It should deal with the line quite well." I reached my own hand out and took the item from her from there I gently turned my focus to her form.
"Thank you. I appreciate it. Seems you're not as evil as I thought you were.." I answered quite quickly in a playful tone. Miko simply gave off a sinister smile that I could easily read as a threat to my immediate safety, but hey. We roll.
---
Elias
Once again I had arrived in the beautiful city of Inazuma. Shockingly, it did not take as long to get back here as I thought it would.
I reached for the inside pocket of my black overcoat I was wearing and calmly pulled out a small pocket watch.
"Around about 3pm? I've got loads of time then." I muttered to myself as I placed the small pocket watch back into my inside pocket.
Getting a bearing of how long I should stay in the city I began to walk towards my first destination. I believe it best for me to check out the Yae Publishing House first. After all, Yae did give me this pretty little trinket to skip the links with.
With the time being not so late yet not so early there were still quite a few crowds distributed around the city. Some were queuing at delicious smelling foods stands, others intently focused on wonderful street performances, and even a few just admiring the scenery.
As I continued walking towards the Publishing House I allowed my thoughts to wonder. I began to wonder how despite the people of Inazuma basically having a dictator as leader, how they were so carefree and happy.
It was obvious to me that the vision hunt decree is a serious problem but the pros in the city are still so carefree and happy. Do they trust their Goddess that much? No, maybe not. Then what could it be?
In that moment I took one more look at all the groups around me and noted one thing. The people they happy in their
communities. Despite having a cry-baby Goddess and their ambitions torn away, in some cases, the people around them are where their trust lies.
Though… they probably just also don't want to defy an Archon and I could be analyzing it too deeply.
Ending my train of thought I had arrived at the Yae Publishing House. I looked to my left to see an extremely vast line. I cringed slightly at the sheer length. I truly feel bad for the people waiting..
I walked closer to the establishment and a man from inside spoke out.
"Greetings! Welcome to Yae Publishing house. I must inform you sir, there is a line you must join." He spoke trying to stay as sincere as possible. I assume with such a popular woman running the place people must try to cut the line quite a lot.
"Ah yes. I do know about the Line. However, I have this?" I took the wooden trinket from one of my inside pockets and placed it on the counter.
The worker seemed confused but then took a closer look at the trinket I had placed down on the counter.
"Oh? I believe this is one of Lady Yae's. It's hard to imagine she favored you enough to give you one of these. In all my time working here you're the first!" He ogled the trinket with genuine shock and awe.
"favor? I too find it hard to imagine." I quickly responded completely devoid of any emotion.
(A/N)
Well, well. It has been a very long time indeed! I've honestly been slacking. I started grinding out the Elden Ring Dlc when it came out then binging a bunch of different animes.
Anyway, this chapter may be a bit slow and boring but I hope you do enjoy nonetheless. This will probably be part 1 of 2 because I didn't want you to have to read a 4k word chapter or more.
Also the next update will most likely be for "A New Sixth."
See you all next chapter!