Road to Interlude II - Inazuma, Act I: To Err Is Human...
There were seldom few sights in Teyvat that rivalled the sight of the mighty nation of Inazuma.
It had been quite some time since Lumine and company had last travelled to Inazuma, but the beauty of the country had certainly left a lasting impression on everyone present. With the sun's rays shimmering upon the waters and the striking architecture of Inazuma gracing everyone who visited, it was a fine day indeed to go exploring without the imminent threat of the Raiden Shogun lopping off Lumine's head.
...Honestly, looking back on it all now, it was strange to think that just a while ago, Lumine and the Shogun were fierce enemies. Those times seemed so far away now, and since getting to know her, Lumine could firmly consider her a good friend now—both her and Ei were key members of the party that she couldn't even imagine going on through Teyvat without them.
Lumine's thoughts were shaken by Beidou crossing her arms.
"It's gonna be some time before the Alcor ends up leaving Inazuma, so if you end up needing a ride back for any reason... Well, just come give us a shout, and we can take you back to Liyue."
Lumine looked to Beidou in mild surprise.
"You mean you guys are staying here? How come?"
"We're going to be staying here for roughly a week-ish. It takes a bit of time for us to get back and forth from Inazuma to Liyue, and we've got to trade, rest up now that we can actually land here with time to spare, so on and so forth..."
"That, and Kazuha wants to visit Inazuma. I'm definitely not going to say no to a vacation."
Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. Kazuha stood off to the side, looking at her with a myriad of different emotions on his face that Lumine couldn't quite place. In the end, he bowed his head ever-so-slightly.
"I never thanked you properly for all you have done in liberating Inazuma. If it hadn't been for you, then the Vision Hunt Decree—and, indeed, the Sakoku Decree—would still be enacted even now. Thank you."
"Well, uh, I mean... You really don't need to thank me... I do what I do because I want to do it, after all."
"I have heard that's your primary reason for doing things. I can admire that frank honesty."
Kazuha glances to the Raiden Shogun, currently standing with Ichiban as they begin stepping off of the ship and unto the docks of Ritou.
"...Even if I confess that I can't quite understand how your mind works, from time to time."
"...Yeah, I guess I never did say anything about that to you guys, did I...?"
Lumine clears her throat.
"Listen... I'm really sorry about what happened to your friend. What I heard was the reason I wanted to go to Inazuma in the first place. When someone hurts anyone I care for, I'd move mountains to make things right."
"Ah. I believe you may be misunderstanding me. My issue is not with you, though I must admit I was quite surprised when I learned you planned to topple Inazuma almost immediately after we met."
Kazuha looks back to his friend's Vision... the one that had briefly illuminated way back when during the final clash with the Raiden Shogun.
"...My issue is that the Raiden Shogun is appearing to simply move on as though nothing has happened in the first place. But that is neither here, nor there—I will no doubt see whether or not she's changed from when she joined your party."
Lumine sighs. Being completely honest, it had slipped her mind that the Shogun engaged in the persecution of almost a hundred people. After seeing what happened to those who had their Visions confiscated by force, the thought of seeing it again was deeply angering.
It reminded her of that conversation she had with Noelle back in Sumeru. If she couldn't forgive the Shogun, she had no right to forgive Aether.
...But that's just Lumine. Is everyone else going to forgive the Shogun, too? Kazuha himself seems to be wary, which is fair, but...
"Alright! Run along now, Lumine. Kazuha, before you go, you're helping me unload some of the crates off the Alcor. Let's get moving!"
"Of course. I'll be right with you."
Looks like it's time to go back to Inazuma.
