Duel Before the Throne.
The word "御" (御前, Yūzen) refers to the ruler of Inazuma—the Raiden Shogun.
To ordinary people, a duel before the throne might seem like a sacred event.
Betting everything for a duel of honor.
The victor wins a chance, while the loser loses everything.
Including their life.
In reality, a duel before the throne was merely a form of entertainment for the shoguns in feudal times.
With a simple promise of honor, they could make warriors fight desperately like monkeys before them.
And all the ruler had to offer was a simple commitment.
Whether or not the promise would be fulfilled was another matter entirely.
Even though the duels before the throne in Inazuma carried a different significance, it didn't change one fact.
It was a cruel farce.
Bai Luo had been working on the second volume of "My Electro Archon Can't Be This Cute."
But suddenly, someone entered his sensory range, causing him to stop what he was doing.
Since coming to this world, he has marked many people.
Yet, this particular person's presence made it clear who it was, thanks to his unique vision.
According to the previous path, he should have reached near Nazuchi Beach with Kazuha by now.
So how could he be here?
When he sensed the person entering the Tenryou Commission, he understood what was happening.
A Vision bearer entering the Tenryou Commission was no different than courting death.
Unless they were planning something big.
And the only big thing that can be done in the Tenryou Commission was...
Putting down his pen and paper, Bai Luo summoned his subordinate.
"My Lord."
The one who entered was still the Fatui member who had previously delivered his manuscript.
Because Bai Luo found him useful, he hadn't replaced him.
As for Ah Qi—that guy was borrowed by Scaramouche for the Delusion Factory.
Even Sveta, the Mirror Maiden who had come to Inazuma with him had gone there too.
Now, he was left with some nameless extras.
"Go and invite that wandering young man who just left the Tenryou Commission to come in. Tell him..."
Bai Luo initially wanted to give his name, but on second thought, he realized that neither of them had revealed their names when they last parted.
Hiss—Should I go out myself if this doesn't work?
"Just tell him that a friend he met on Ritou Island invites him for a chat."
Bai Luo ultimately decided not to go out himself but subtly mentioned the place where they had met.
The Fatui subordinate was momentarily stunned, finding it very strange. How could Lord Ausbilder, who had been writing in his room, know about a wandering young man outside? But as a subordinate, he only needed to follow the Harbinger orders without questioning them.
Before long, with a bewildered look, he led in another equally bewildered young man.
The young man had already realized who was seeking him before he came in. He knew Bai Luo was with the Fatui, but he didn't realize Bai Luo held such a high position among them.
Sitting opposite Bai Luo somewhat nervously, the young man removed his bamboo hat, revealing a shy smile.
The white cat in his arms had already recognized Bai Luo. It had no fondness for this person who would suddenly appear and disappear. Emboldened by its owner's presence, it puffed up and made a show of aggression with a few mock punches.
However, it didn't dare actually hit Bai Luo, merely swatting at the air.
"Long time no see."
Bai Luo pushed a cup of tea towards the young man, his expression somewhat complex.
He had thought that Kazuha's friend had challenged Kujou Sara to a duel before the throne only after she confiscated his Vision. But now it seemed... he was deliberately seeking death.
Yes, seeking death.
This was not a game; this was the world of Teyvat.
Strength wasn't determined by star ratings here.
Even though the young man before him had a five-star template, this was still not a game.
Humans were inherently at a disadvantage against monsters.
Kujou Sara, having grown up in a military camp, was much stronger than the average Vision bearer.
His actions could indeed be considered seeking death.
"I thought your words when we parted were just pleasantries, but I didn't expect..."
The young man glanced at the mask hanging from Bai Luo's waist, unable to help but sigh.
Since Bai Luo is one of the newly appointed Harbinger of the Fatui, not many people know his face, so it was naturally impossible for the young man to discover Bai Luo's true identity.
However, since Bai Luo is residing next to the Tenryou Commission and commanding such respect from the Fatui... his status might be higher than the young man had imagined.
"Actually, what I said last time still stands. If you want my help, I can resolve this matter for you."
If the duel before the throne had already started, Bai Luo naturally wouldn't have any means to intervene.
Even La Signora, after losing a duel before the throne, was utterly obliterated by the Raiden Shogun, leaving nothing but a handful of ashes.
How could Bai Luo possibly save the other party under such circumstances?
But things were different now.
Within his sensory range, there was no sign of Sara.
This meant she hadn't yet been informed of the duel before the throne.
As long as he contacted Takayuki, he could easily cancel the duel before Sara returned.
Both the Tenryou Commission and the Kanjou Commission were now under the influence of the Fatui, so resolving this issue was quite simple.
The young man first showed a surprised expression.
He hadn't mentioned anything about the duel before the throne after sitting down.
But considering Bai Luo's knowledge of his whereabouts and the fact that he had him brought over, the young man relaxed.
Perhaps this prominent figure had some extraordinary abilities.
His gaze fell again on Bai Luo's Dendro Vision.
Could this person communicate with plants through his Vision?
Maybe.
However, Bai Luo's offer represented his last chance for survival. It meant that if he regretted it, he could completely withdraw.
From Bai Luo's calm and confident tone, it was clear he could definitely accomplish it.
But...
"Thank you for your kind offer, but I have made my decision and will not change it."
The young man's tone had changed, addressing Bai Luo with formal respect.
He believed Bai Luo deserved his respect.
At least in his understanding, no one else would dare to extend a helping hand to him in his current situation.
Well—except for Kazuha.
Would he regret it?
In fact, after making this decision, he had given himself time to reconsider.
He understood that regardless of the outcome of this duel, he could not avoid the Raiden Shogun's Musou no Hitotachi.
If he lost, he would die.
If he won, even if the Raiden Shogun did not act in front of everyone, she would not easily let him go.
Perhaps the moment he stepped out of Tenshukaku, the Raiden Shogun would strike.
After all, he had trampled on the shogunate's dignity.
No ruler would allow someone like him to live.
After parting with Kazuha, he had walked a long way.
This journey had not made him regret his choice; instead, it had strengthened his resolve.
He had witnessed firsthand what happened to those whose Visions were confiscated.
Dazed, with lifeless eyes, they became like walking corpses.
Most importantly, they had lost something crucial.
Their aspirations.
And their hope.
Even some beautiful aspects.
At such a time, someone had to stand up.
He knew that neither his identity nor his status could influence the Raiden Shogun's decision.
But he wanted to show the esteemed and lofty Narukami Ogosho, the true ruler of Inazuma, that there would always be creatures on the ground who dared to face the might of thunder!