Genshin Impact: The Daily Life of Inazuma's Youkai

"They're a bit fragile," Raiden Makoto remarked, eyeing Ei's scattered clones.

"Unavoidable," Raiden Ei said, pushing Makoto forward as an irate Yae Miko and Torachiyo stormed over.

"Despicable, ganging up like that!" Torachiyo growled.

"That's my line!" Yae Miko snapped, her singed tail hairs fueling her fury. Makoto grabbed her, ruffling her tail.

"True…! Stop!" Yae protested.

…

During Reisen Riou's routine work…

"Hm? Why are Kanjou Commission documents here? Shouldn't these go to the Third Scribe's Office?" Reisen Riou asked, singling out a file.

"They sent it over," an elder clerk replied. "It's a technical exchange request from Khaenri'ah, civilian, not official, sent via their ambassador to the Yashiro Commission, so it came to us."

"Alright, let's see," Reisen Riou said.

It was Rhinedottir, "Gold," requesting an exchange on the One System, Ten Thousand Divine Machines.

"…" Reisen Riou recalled the Khaenri'ahn knights' grim fates. So it's about the One System.

He'd love to expand it, but production relied on Ritou's Ley Lines, and without his clone as a core, the machines' knowledge-transfer efficiency dropped sharply. Still, an exchange could yield Khaenri'ah's alchemy secrets—core techniques always held back from publications.

"Needs Narukami's approval," he said, filling out the report and heading to Tenshukaku.

The atmosphere was off—laughter echoed outside. Narukami's real body is here, he realized.

"Your vassal, Fifth Scribe Reisen Riou, requests an audience," he announced.

The chatter stopped. "Enter," Makoto called.

"Yes." He bowed. "Greetings, Lady Narukami, Lady Ei, Lady Yae, General Torachiyo." First time reporting to Makoto's true self in years, he felt a twinge of nerves despite past casual encounters in Inazuma City or the Shoryou.

He presented the report. "Khaenri'ah's eyeing the One System, Ten Thousand Divine Machines," Makoto noted.

"Yes," Reisen Riou nodded. "It's not exactly secret, so it's no surprise."

Makoto and Yae whispered briefly. "Your plan?" Makoto asked.

"I'd agree," Reisen Riou said. "The One System's core isn't the machines but Ritou Shrine's Ten Thousand One Intellect—its stored memories, complex evaluation system, and my unique ability. Unless I become Narukami Island's Ley Line youkai, it's not universally viable in Inazuma."

Makoto glanced at Ei, recalling Ritou Shrine's origins. Ei nodded, confirming his ability's centrality, though it wasn't unlearnable.

"Approved. You'll host Khaenri'ah's ambassador," Makoto said.

"Yes." Reisen Riou bowed and left.

…

He didn't expect Rhinedottir, Khaenri'ah's "Gold," to arrive so fast—day two after the document hit their embassy. At the Yashiro Commission, she humiliated Inazuma's craftsmen, her masterful alchemy reducing them to nothing.

Planned for day five, Reisen Riou was summoned early on day three. Arriving with Yurei, he saw Amemuki Uji fuming—likely tied to an insulted Amemuki elder.

Reisen Riou calmed Amemuki and listened. Rhinedottir was trashing Inazuma's forging, likely bitter over crystal marrow export limits, calling it garbage and craftsmen wasteful.

He shook his head. Thought she'd have something profound. Just small-minded.

"Wrong," Reisen Riou said, striding in. "Forging isn't trivial. Alchemy dazzles, but forging holds its own."

All eyes turned to him. "And you are?" Rhinedottir asked, feigning ignorance despite recognizing him.

"Fifth Scribe of the Inazuma Shogunate, Reisen Riou," he replied, seeing through her act but unfazed. "No grand theories here. Inazuma's forging, gifted by the divine, is elite. A humble smith like me can handle a godless nation's visitor."

Rhinedottir's face darkened. "Godless" was a slur, and his jab stung. "Let's see," she said through gritted teeth.

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