After having a meal at the Sangonomiya Shrine with Sangonomiya Kokomi, Lumine and Paimon hurriedly made their way to the Grand Narukami Shrine.
Since they had already gained some experience on their way here, Lumine managed to reach the foot of Mount Yougou in just one day. The early morning view of Mount Yougou was breathtakingly beautiful.
"Oh no! Do we have to climb this mountain too?" Paimon complained, looking up at the towering peak. After traveling all night, even her phantom limbs were tired.
"Of course! If we don't go up now, when else would we?" Lumine nodded. "The sooner we see Akio, the sooner we can meet the Shogun."
"Alright then..." Paimon pouted, preparing to climb Mount Yougou with Lumine.
"Please wait, you two." Just as the two were about to muster their strength to climb the mountain, a gentle voice called out from behind them.
"Huh?" They turned around to see a stunning girl with white hair approaching.
"Who are you?" Lumine asked.
"Hello, I'm Kamisato Ayaka," the girl said. "I just overheard that you're heading to the Grand Narukami Shrine to find Akio?"
"That's right," Lumine nodded. "We need to discuss something with him."
"I see," Ayaka nodded. "I'm also heading to the Grand Narukami Shrine. Shall we go together?"
Ayaka had been missing Akio for several days now. Unable to contain her feelings, she decided to take a small break from her duties at the Yashiro Commission and visit the Grand Narukami Shrine to see her "Lord Akio."
As she approached, she overheard the conversation between Lumine and Paimon about finding Akio. Unable to resist, she stepped forward to join them.
"That works," Lumine nodded, and the three of them walked side by side toward the Yashiro Commission.
...
With Ayaka leading the way, the trio moved smoothly without getting lost and soon arrived at the Grand Narukami Shrine.
"Miyuki!" Ayaka greeted Kuki Miyuki, who was busy early in the morning. Ayaka had visited the Grand Narukami Shrine many times and had long since become acquainted with this shrine maiden who was very close to Akio. The two had become inseparable friends.
"Oh? Ayaka? You're here so early. Are you here to see Lord Akio?" Miyuki asked happily when she saw Ayaka.
"Yes," Ayaka nodded. "Is Lord Akio still resting?"
"I'm not sure, but he hasn't come out yet, so he's probably still resting," Miyuki said.
"And who are these two?" Miyuki asked, looking at Lumine and Paimon.
"Hello! I'm Paimon, and this is Lumine," Paimon quickly introduced herself. What a gentle shrine maiden!
"Hello, I'm Kuki Miyuki," Miyuki nodded.
"Miyuki, we'll go see Lord Akio now," Ayaka waved.
"Alright," Miyuki nodded. "You can have breakfast at the Grand Narukami Shrine later."
"Okay," Ayaka nodded and led Lumine and Paimon inside.
Ayaka walked to Akio's door and gently knocked. "Lord Akio..."
After a moment, the door opened. Akio was wearing a loose robe with a wide-open collar, revealing his well-defined chest and abs—a picture of perfect health.
But Akio didn't mind. After all, the Grand Narukami Shrine was filled with girls who admired him. It wasn't like he was exposing anything inappropriate.
"Ayaka, you're here?" Akio saw Ayaka and pulled her into his arms.
"Lord Akio, I missed you," Ayaka hugged Akio's waist, burying her face in his chest and inhaling the scent that captivated her.
"Wow! The noble Ayaka can show such an expression too?" Paimon and Lumine had already figured out that Ayaka was also Akio's lover, so they weren't surprised by their intimate actions. They were just curious that the elegant Shirasagi Himegimi could also act so coquettishly in her lover's arms.
After a moment of affection, Ayaka remembered there were outsiders present and shyly said, "Lord Akio, these two have come to see you about something."
"Oh?" Akio had already noticed Lumine and Paimon. He released Ayaka and smiled. "It seems you've completed my commission?"
"Yes! We've been traveling day and night," Paimon nodded, then glanced at Akio's exposed chest and complained, "Akio, can't you dress properly? Don't leave your robe open like that! Paimon and Lumine aren't your lovers!"
Akio ignored Paimon. It wasn't like he was exposing anything inappropriate. Besides, others would love to see his chest, but he wouldn't let them.
"Then tell me, what did you find out?" Akio led the three to some nearby chairs and asked.
"Well..." Lumine nodded, forcing her gaze away from Akio's chest. Despite her unknown age, she had never seen another man's chest besides her brother's.
Her brother was so skinny! He didn't have the same muscular build as Akio. Lumine's face turned red as she felt Akio's physique constantly drawing her attention.
Lumine recounted the opinions they had gathered from the people of Watatsumi Island. Akio nodded, clearly satisfied. As long as the people didn't want war, Watatsumi Island wouldn't be able to cause much trouble. It seemed it was time for the Tri-Commission to discuss reparations with Watatsumi Island.
As for the Delusions, it was within Akio's expectations. As long as Sangonomiya Kokomi wasn't a fool, she wouldn't allow them to circulate.
"You've done very well!" Akio nodded in satisfaction. "As expected of Lumine and Paimon."
"Hehe! Of course!" Paimon said proudly. "Akio! Since we've completed your commission, shouldn't you take us to meet the Raiden Shogun now?"
"I heard the Shogun resides in Tenshukaku in Inazuma. Let's go quickly," Paimon said eagerly. Finally, they could meet the formidable Raiden Shogun!
Lumine also nodded. She was equally eager to meet the Shogun.
"There's no need to go to Tenshukaku. The Shogun you wish to meet is currently at the Grand Narukami Shrine," Akio shook his head.
"Huh?" Lumine and Paimon looked confused.
"Wait a moment," Akio stood up and walked into the room.
Looking at Ei and the Raiden Shogun, who were resting with their eyes closed, he gently leaned down and kissed their lips.
"Akio..." Ei opened her eyes and looked at him, responding to his kiss.
"The Traveler from another world wishes to meet you. You and the Shogun should get up now," Akio said softly.
"Alright," Ei nodded, and she and the Shogun got up, changing their clothes in front of Akio without any hesitation.
Then, the three of them walked out of Akio's room, leaving Lumine and Paimon utterly stunned.
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