Genshin Impact: I Am the Snezhnaya Envoy

"Eek?!"

The sudden voice made Sayu's tail stand on end.

She couldn't mistake it—it was that woman's voice.

Turning her head, she saw the woman smiling at her.

Though the smile seemed friendly, Sayu knew better. This woman was far from as kind as she appeared.

On the contrary, she was full of mischief, perfectly matching Sayu's image of a cunning fox.

"N-nothing! I was talking about that mean woman at the city gate who wouldn't let me wash my face! Mean woman! She deserves to be scolded!"

Sayu's sleepy brain, usually slow to react, was now working at full speed.

This was the first time she had ever lied so smoothly.

It seemed that human limits were truly pushed to the extreme under pressure.

"Did you bring what I asked for?"

The woman took a bite of the tri-colored dango in her hand. The soft, chewy texture lifted her mood considerably.

The glaze on the dango sparkled like morning dew on flowers, and the taste was as delightful as a garden in full bloom.

Eating such a treat while admiring the flowers naturally filled one with a sense of happiness, as if the entire year ahead would be as splendid as the blossoms before them.

Hmm... maybe I should bring some for Ei too. She might come out to see me then.

"Y-yes! I brought it!"

Sayu reached into her large tail and rummaged around.

Before long, she pulled out a scroll.

It contained all the information she and the Shuumatsuban ninja had gathered over the past few days in Ritou, including the suspected Fatui Harbinger's codename, mask pattern, Vision type and attributes, and his daily activities.

Even the secret discussions Bai Luo had with the Hiiragi Clan were recorded on the scroll.

"Good work, little mujina ninja."

"I'm a tanuki, not a... wait, what did you call me?!"

As the woman's words sank in, Sayu's face first showed shock, then joy.

Finally, someone realized she was a tanuki, not a mujina...! No, she was a mujina, not a tanuki!

This woman was amazing! Truly worthy of being the wise and beautiful Ya...

Wait, no!

Realizing what had happened, Sayu nervously backed away several meters.

So scary!

With just one sentence, the woman had almost won her over, even making her think, "It wouldn't be so bad if she patted my head."

If Sayu weren't so resistant to people touching her head, she might not have noticed something was off.

"Never mind. Since you delivered the information before he arrived, I'll let you off this time. Go back and tell your clan head that he doesn't need to keep an eye on the Kabukimono anymore. Just focus on this strange Fatui agent called the Instructor."

"Before he arrived?"

Sayu paused, following the woman's gaze to the lower part of Inazuma City.

Since Inazuma City was built on a mountainside, the further in you went, the higher the elevation.

The highest point was the Tenshukaku, where the Raiden Shogun resided.

From their position in the middle of the city, they could clearly see the Fatui carriage that had just arrived.

"I understand."

Thinking about Bai Luo, who had chased her half the night, Sayu shuddered again.

She was already quite skilled at escaping, but Bai Luo had managed to stay on her tail, earning him a spot on her list of people to absolutely avoid.

At least top five.

After bypassing Bai Luo's likely route, Sayu perfectly demonstrated her skills as a Shuumatsuban ninja, gradually disappearing into the cliffs on either side of Inazuma City.

Meanwhile, the woman, still holding her tri-colored dango, leaned against the railing at the edge of the cliff, squinting as she watched the Fatui carriage below.

"The Instructor, huh? Interesting guy."

...

Following the ancient slope upward led to the outskirts of the city.

The outskirts of Inazuma City had a quaint, leisurely charm.

It seemed the bustling prosperity of the city hadn't affected this area. Though it was far from the Tenshukaku, the Shogun's authority and blessings still permeated here, bringing a quiet yet vibrant life.

Beyond the outskirts lay Inazuma City, the most bustling and lively district on Narukami Island, where most Inazumans lived.

From Hanamizaka to the shopping streets, one could follow the upward slope, visiting traditional shops and tasting Inazuma's unique delicacies.

Like tri-colored dango and kitsune udon.

There were even slightly eccentric dishes like dango milk.

But to the more conservative Inazumans, such dishes were an insult to tradition, and few were willing to try them.

Perhaps someday, when a prominent figure tries it, this uniquely flavored dish will finally gain popularity.

The Tenryou Commission's headquarters was also located in the city, managing public safety and the Shogunate's military affairs.

The most famous figure there was General Kujou Sara.

Even though everyone knew she was a tengu, her diligent and responsible attitude had earned the respect of most citizens.

Some even insisted, "General Kujou is definitely not a tengu! Someone is slandering her!"

But Kujou Sara didn't let her tengu identity bother her.

In her eyes, even if she was a youkai, a tengu...

As long as she could serve the Shogun, it was worth it.

Her loyalty was always to the Shogun and the Shogun's unchanging eternity.

As the saying goes, "The path of eternity is vast and grand, and the Narukami is eternal!"

The lightning on the Shogun's naginata was her unwavering faith.

Where the Tenryou Commission and the streets met stood the Tenshukaku.

The Tenshukaku was the unquestionable center of power in Inazuma. Under the eternal, serene gaze of the Shogun, the bustling populace would eventually shed their worldly attachments and reach a paradise where desires no longer needed to be chased—though what kind of paradise the Shogun envisioned remained a mystery.

What people loved to talk about most were the cherry blossoms that adorned the island.

During cherry blossom season, the petals formed a canopy like clouds, and if you weren't careful while passing by, they would rain down, covering you in a shower of pink.

Before the Sakoku Decree, this place was a haven for bards and scholars.

Even the residents of Inazuma City took pride in this petal rain.

But with the Vision Hunt Decree in place, the island lost its former liveliness and warmth.

The drunken figures of bards were no longer seen under the trees, replaced only by decaying petals and endless sighs.

After entering Inazuma City, even as an envoy from Snezhnaya, Bai Luo no longer had any special privileges.

After all, Anemo Slimes were still monsters.

Bringing such a creature into the city would be like handing the Tenryou Commission an easy win.

Under the curious gazes of the Inazuman citizens, Bai Luo stepped out of the Slime carriage and stood under the cherry blossom tree where Sayu had leaned earlier.

The Anemo Slime would be properly taken care of by the Tenryou Commission.

He could retrieve it when he left.

But if it caused any trouble during that time, Bai Luo would be held fully responsible.

Not that it mattered—the Fatui would cover the costs.

He could just charge it to the Fatui's account.

No matter how much he spent, it couldn't possibly compare to Tartaglia's expenses.

After all, Tartaglia had a certain Mr. Zhong, who treated money like dirt and had no concept of bargaining.

Compared to the two of them ordering a full banquet for just a meal, Bai Luo could never outspend them.

After the Tenryou Commission officers checked Bai Luo's travel permit, they let him through.

As he took back his documents, Bai Luo seemed to sense something.

He looked up and locked eyes with a woman.

Instead of avoiding his gaze, she confidently waved the tri-colored dango in her hand at him.

As if to say...

"Welcome to Inazuma."