“All aboard! We’re departing shortly!”
That was close.
As soon as I reached the pier, I hopped onto a cargo ship laden with goods that looked ready to set sail at any moment. I’d nearly missed the boat by dawdling, relying too much on the convenience of Teleport Waypoints.
“Dad.”
“Yeah?”
“How does something this big and heavy stay on top of the water?”
“Well...”
As a 21st-century person who had gone through a standard education, it was common knowledge, but I only knew the gist of it. Since I didn't know the exact physics or formulas involved, I trailed off vaguely.
Fortunately, Nahida just gave a small “I see” and didn’t press for more details when I went quiet.
Instead, her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she started hopping and skipping around the deck. I watched her with a fond smile until she started leaning over the railing, at which point I panicked and pulled her back.
“You’ll fall if you do that.”
“But Dad will save me.”
“That’s...”
“Won’t you... save me?”
“Of course I’d save you, but it would cause trouble for everyone else, so you shouldn't do it.”
“Mhm. Okay.”
Nahida settled into my arms, quietly feeling the sea breeze as she gazed at the horizon. The line where the blue waves met the sky divided the world into shades of azure and deep blue.
“It’s pretty...”
“Our Nahida is prettier.”
“No, it isn't!”
“Fine, my daughter is the prettiest.”
“Hehe, yeah!”
I chuckled at her nodding along and gave her cheek a playful little tug.
Watching her beam and make cute little “Awoo” noises was a sight that never got old.
After watching the scenery for a while, I carried Nahida inside the cabin once she lost interest in the ocean.
They called it a special suite, and it certainly lived up to the name. It was so large and comfortable that it was hard to believe we were even on a ship.
“Let’s see here.”
On the table sat a thin booklet. This coverless manuscript was the collection of information Ganyu had organized for me regarding Inazuma.
I flipped to the first page.
[The following has been written as a memorandum for the reader’s convenience.]
Well, isn't that thoughtful of you.
- Inazuma is an absolute monarchy governed by the Raiden Shogun. In reality, Inazuma is currently in a warring states period where various factions claim their own territories as nations. Therefore, strictly speaking, it is more accurate to refer to the central government as the Narukami Shogunate led by the Raiden Shogun, rather than simply 'Inazuma.'
- However, since more than half of Inazuma is already under Baal’s rule, the conflict between the Shogunate and external forces is more significant than internal strife within Inazuma itself.
- Please keep this in mind and use your own judgment. You must not get confused once you arrive.
“...”
Just wait until I get back. I’ll find a way to make your life miserable. How should I do it?
She said she hates having her horns touched, so I’ll go with that.
- An interesting point: Baal, also known as Raiden Makoto, the deity of Inazuma, possesses lackluster martial prowess. However, do not be mistaken; 'lackluster' only means she is weak compared to other transcendent beings. It does not mean she is inherently weak. She will not hesitate to go to war if necessary, and she will take lives without a second thought.
- Conversely, Beelzebul—Baal’s shadow warrior, Raiden Ei—is exceptionally powerful. Since she is deeply devoted to the martial arts, she spends most of her time honing her mind and strength, meaning very little information is known about her.
The content was written like casual notes—easy to read and remember. I felt a bit sleepy, but I kept my eyes wide and continued reading.
- Currently, the situation in Inazuma can be seen as a struggle between the Narukami Shogunate, ruled by the Raiden sisters, and the opposing forces consisting of Inazuman gods who have yet to surrender, along with gods from the sea.
- Due to its geographical nature as an island nation surrounded by the sea, Inazuma has many areas to defend. Based on this, it seems the Narukami Shogunate has reached its limit in terms of expansion; trying to conquer more territory might leave their current holdings vulnerable to invasion.
- However, maintaining the status quo is often the hardest part of ruling. The reason the Narukami Shogunate has not lost its influence despite numerous invasions is due to the exquisite balance between the Raiden sisters.
- Makoto, who pursues 'Dreams' despite her lack of raw power, uses her benevolence and wisdom to lead the people toward a shared vision, earning their loyalty. Conversely, Ei uses her sheer might to crush foreign invasions and preemptively shatter the enemies' will to fight. Thanks to this, the Narukami Shogunate has never faced an internal rebellion.
- That being said, the Narukami Shogunate is extremely isolationist. Foreigners entering from the outside, or even Inazumans returning from abroad, are subjected to intense scrutiny.
I paused.
My hand stopped as I was about to turn the page. I remembered the original game's lore.
The discrimination against foreigners in Inazuma was severe. They were taxed more heavily than locals, treated with high-handed attitudes, and the whole system was riddled with corruption. Even a character as social as Thoma was subtly ostracized.
But after a moment’s thought, I shook my head. I was a diplomat with a guaranteed identity, so it shouldn't be an issue.
I turned the page again.
- Despite the harsh treatment and difficult conditions, merchants never stop traveling to Inazuma. Because of its isolated island geography, the nation relies heavily on external goods.
- Ultimately, is this not a failure of us civil servants to protect our citizens? I should increase the workload. I think I’ll have to work overtime tonight.
Hey, don't write your personal complaints in here. It’s entertaining, though.
The phrase 'Would you like to work overtime?' naturally popped into my head. I chuckled and kept reading.
- To get back on track, the Narukami Shogunate... To be honest, the power of the Raiden sisters is the most attractive thing to the people of Inazuma. It is the safest place with the lowest risk of being plundered by foreign invaders.
- Therefore, even if the territory of the Shogunate doesn't expand, the population within it is steadily growing. Humans desire a better life, so they leave their beloved hometowns to settle there.
- Most gods act for the sake of their people, even if their methods and philosophies differ. I wonder what they think when the people they protect leave them of their own accord. Betrayal? Resignation? Despair? Understanding? Acceptance? Rationalization?
At this part, my hand stopped for a moment before moving again. It felt strange.
- To begin with, I don't understand why the Archon War even started. There were always small and large conflicts, but never anything that risked the very fate of nations like this... My master said even she doesn't know the reason. She said Rex Lapis would likely know.
This hasn't even been revealed in the original game yet.
Just as Earth became overpopulated and humans destroyed nature faster than it could recover, there was a theory that Teyvat had too many gods, and the war happened to thin their numbers.
“Whew.”
After reading for a long time, I stood up and stretched my back. I felt like I’d been at it for hours, but the sun was still high in the sky, showing no signs of setting.
“Dad.”
Nahida called out to me, holding the memorandum Ganyu had written.
“Can I read this too?”
“Go ahead.”
I watched her open the booklet and then quietly slipped out of the room. Once Nahida started reading, she became so focused—savoring every single word—that she’d be quiet for a long time.
It wasn't like she was usually rowdy, but she was frighteningly silent when she had a book in her hands.
Stepping out onto the deck, I saw a variety of people: some enjoying the sea breeze, sailors scurrying about for reasons unknown, and others sleeping in hammocks.
Passing them by, I climbed up to the raised poop deck at the rear of the ship. As expected, there were hardly any people here.
Leaning against the railing, I looked down at the ship's side. I watched the hull slice through the water, sending white foam and ripples crashing outward in every direction.
“Ho there. The good view is at the front. Why is a landlubber hanging around the back? Are you an outcast or something?”
“...”
What is this guy?
He had friendly eyes, a thick midsection, scarred forearms visible beneath his sleeves, and a bandana on his head.
A man who looked like a simple yet seasoned sailor approached and struck up a conversation.
Since he wasn't saying anything particularly useful, I gave him a glance and went back to looking down at the water.
“Say, do you know what the scariest thing at sea is?”
“...The weather.”
I figured he’d keep talking if I ignored him, so I gave a standard answer.
They say even the most skilled fisherman can't escape death when the heavens are fickle. I thought it was the model answer.
However, the man just let out a hearty laugh at my response.
“Weather? Hah! It’s common sense for us sailors not to even head out if there’s a ten percent chance of rain.”
“Well, then... a hundred-meter-long sea monster?”
“The water isn't even a hundred meters deep here. How’s a hundred-meter monster going to show up?”
“...”
I looked away from the sea and stared at the man. Meeting my gaze, he flinched slightly and cleared his throat.
“The scariest thing at sea, no matter what anyone says, is pirates. As long as there’s no typhoon, a big ship like this won't even tilt, and sea creatures generally don't approach anything bigger than themselves. How many creatures are actually bigger than a ship?”
Splash. Crash.
The sound of waves breaking against the hull. The briny, yet not unpleasant, scent of the sea.
It was starting to feel real—that I was actually on the ocean.
And for some reason, his words felt like an omen, making me scowl slightly.
“My name is Rihto. See you around.”
With that, the man walked out of my sight and immediately went to strike up a conversation with someone else further ahead.
‘He must be incredibly bored.’
He probably changed targets because I didn't give him much of a reaction.
I let out a small sigh and looked back down at the side of the ship.
‘I hope that wasn't a plot flag.’
#
“Pirate ship! A pirate ship has appeared!!!!”
‘God damn it...’
Weapon Equipped - Primordial Jade Cutter
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