Power.
Power.
And more power.
Power was the eternal theme etched into Scaramouche's soul.
His thirst for power was like that of a parched traveler in the desert longing for a spring, like a starving wolf craving fresh meat—he was willing to pay any price for it.
And never before had Scaramouche's hunger for power burned as fiercely as it did now.
"Adventurine… I'll make you pay for this!"
Scaramouche roared in fury, his voice crashing like thunder.
Shajin stared calmly at the furious, impotent Scaramouche, a flicker of boredom surfacing in his eyes.
He glanced Indifferently at the guard still kneeling on the ground, then picked him up with one hand like lifting a chick.
Then, he shoved a Mora coin into the guard's palm.
"Take this to the manager of Hyakumean Furnace in Inazuma. He'll know where to place you."
But the guard just stood there, dazed with terror.
Annoyed, Shajin knocked him lightly on the head, snapping him out of his stupor.
"Get lost!"
Shajin barked.
"Yes, sir!!"
The guard, as if waking from a nightmare, scrambled away in a panic.
Shajin then turned to the now-silent Scaramouche and casually waved his hand.
In response, the threads entangling Scaramouche gradually receded and vanished. His freedom was restored.
"Hmph."
With a cold snort, Scaramouche turned and headed toward the factory.
Shajin exchanged a glance with La Signora, then followed.
Tartaglia stretched, yawned, and trailed after them with a bored expression.
The factory was filled with towering heaps of crystal marrow, glowing faintly in the dim light—an essential material for crafting Delusions.
They were stacked neatly, awaiting processing.
The four sat down in the spacious, well-lit hall, gathered around a finely crafted round table.
The atmosphere was heavy. No one spoke, each lost in thought about what came next.
"Scaramouche, I'd like to hear your progress in Inazuma."
Shajin broke the silence, his gaze fixed on Scaramouche, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Though displeased by Shajin's tone, Scaramouche knew better than to let it show. The gap in strength between them was clear.
He merely gave a cold snort, folded his arms, and looked away with disdain.
The fatui agent beside him instantly understood and stepped forward. After bowing to the other three, he began to report.
"Lord Harbingers, our operations in Inazuma have made significant progress."
"Through a series of… measures, we've successfully taken control of two of the Tri-Commissions—the Tenryou and the Kanjou."
"Using the Tenryou Commission, we implemented the Vision Hunt Decree, effectively weakening the Shogunate's military strength."
"At the same time, with the Kanjou Commission's help, we've acquired large quantities of crystal marrow, the key ingredient for Delusion production."
"Furthermore, we've been supplying these Delusions to the resistance forces on Watatsumi Island. This has boosted their combat power and escalated tensions between both sides."
"All that remains now is to further inflame the conflict between the Inazuman populace, the Shogunate, and Watatsumi Island. That should force the Raiden Shogun to emerge from Tenshukaku—and with that, we may uncover the whereabouts of the Gnosis."
Shajin stroked his chin, thoughtful.
'Hmm… the overall strategy seems solid enough.'
'However…'
His brow furrowed slightly.
He didn't believe the Gnosis was still with the Raiden Shogun.
The Fatui's intelligence network was powerful, pervasive. Their reach extended into every corner of society.
And as far as he knew, Scaramouche was discarded by the Raiden Shogun precisely because he couldn't bear the Gnosis's power.
She wouldn't stumble over the same stone twice, would she?
So, to her, the Gnosis was probably nothing more than a useless trinket.
Then where would she have stashed it?
Most likely… with someone she could trust.
And right now, the one closest to the Raiden Shogun—Raiden Ei—was none other than the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine… Yae Miko.
Meanwhile, Rosalyne glanced at the sky and realized it was getting late.
She stood up, dusted off her dress.
"Well then, it's time for me to head out. Our diplomatic negotiations with the Tri-Commissions of Inazuma are about to begin~"
"And you, Adventurine—don't even think about skipping. You're coming with me!"
She turned to shout at Shajin.
Shajin, who had been preparing to sneak away, stopped in his tracks and sighed.
"Sigh… fine~"
Rosalyne picked a few Electro Cicin Mages and Mirror Maidens, then dragged the reluctant Shajin along as they headed toward Inazuma City.
…
Just before entering the city, Shajin pulled a mask out of his Vision-space and put it on.
Rosalyne tilted her head in confusion.
"No one in closed-off Inazuma knows who you are. Why wear a mask?"
Shajin touched his face through the mask and replied lazily.
"Can't help it. This face of mine… just doesn't give off a 'villain vibe.' Too easy to underestimate us~"
Rosalyne clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes.
"So you're saying my face does scream 'villain'?"
Shajin stretched and responded with a yawn in his tone.
"I never said that~"
In the Kanjou Commission headquarters within Inazuma City—
Kujou Takayuki, head of the Tenryou Commission;
Hiiragi Shinsuke, head of the Kanjou Commission;
And Kamisato Ayato, head of the Yashiro Commission—
The three leaders of the Tri-Commissions had already been waiting.
"You're early, esteemed lords of the Commissions~ Or are we late?"
La Signora's voice rang out from outside the chamber as she stepped in with practiced grace.
The Gambler followed, with two Electro Cicin Mages and two Mirror Maidens in tow.
Seeing that only the main seat remained vacant, The Gambler shoved La Signora into it and stood behind her like a bodyguard.
Kujou Takayuki exchanged glances with Hiiragi Shinsuke, subtle tension flashing between them.
But Kujou reacted first, standing and offering a respectful bow.
"Not at all. You're right on time. We were just… a little too eager."
Hiiragi Shinsuke quickly followed suit.
"Yes, yes, we're honored you could spare the time for us. Your schedule must be quite demanding."
Under the table, Kamisato Ayato clenched his fist… then slowly relaxed.
He rose and gave a slight nod toward their side of the chamber.
The Gambler leaned casually over La Signora's chair, watching the scene unfold with amusement.
How ironic.
The political, military, and economic pillars of this great nation had all surrendered.
Only the cultural branch struggled alone to hold the line.
What a ridiculous farce.
_
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