The Grand Narukami Shrine. I had no idea what that meant, but I trusted Ei to guide me. Still, the idea of going to a place with such deep significance in this world made me feel even more out of place.

As I walked through the corridors, I noticed the intricate details on the walls and decorations. Everything in this residence was luxurious, yet imbued with a sobriety that seemed to reflect Ei’s personality. The sliding wooden doors, hand-painted folding screens, and lightning-shaped engravings made me feel as though I were inside a palace straight out of a dream—or rather, out of one of the stories I used to hear in the nurses’ voices when they talked about Genshin Impact.

“Ei, what is this Grand Narukami Shrine?”
I asked, breaking the silence between us. My voice sounded a little calmer, though the nervousness hadn’t completely left me.

“It is where the head priestess resides—someone of great importance to Inazuma. It is a sacred shrine, dedicated to me and to the Sacred Sakura, of course.”
Her tone was neutral, but I couldn’t help noticing a faint hint of pride when she mentioned the place.

“So this place is called Inazuma… and, um, then I’m going to meet this priestess?”
I asked, trying to prepare myself for what was coming.

“Exactly. She is Yae Miko, one of my oldest and most trusted allies. Don’t worry—Miko is… peculiar, but she will know how to adapt to the situation. Just follow my instructions.”

“Peculiar?” I repeated to myself. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but something in Ei’s tone made me feel a bit more uneasy. This Yae Miko had to be quite an interesting person, to say the least.

After a few more minutes of walking, we reached the exit of the residence. Massive doors opened before me, revealing a magnificent garden, with cherry blossom petals gently drifting through the air, illuminated by the morning sun. Stone paths led toward a towering red torii gate standing proudly in the distance.

A group of guards waited at the entrance, all bowing their heads as they saw me emerge.

“Shogun, the transport is ready.”

One of them said, gesturing toward an elegant carriage pulled by beasts I didn’t recognize. They were majestic creatures, with horns and shining eyes.

“Transport? Do I really need this?”
I murmured to myself, though Ei, as always, heard me.

“It is part of your role as Shogun. Appearances are important. Besides, you wouldn’t want to walk all the way to the shrine. It’s far.”
She replied in my mind. I sighed.

“Fine, but this all feels like too much.”

I climbed into the carriage a bit awkwardly, silently grateful that the guards made no comments. As the vehicle moved forward, I observed the scenery. Mountains rose majestically in the distance, wrapped in clouds that seemed to be touched by lightning. Around me, the cherry blossoms created an atmosphere that left me speechless.

“Inazuma is beautiful.”
I murmured, almost without realizing it.

“It is. A place worthy of being called the Nation of Eternity.”
Ei replied in my mind, her tone slightly softer than usual. I caught a faint emotion in her words—something I hadn’t expected from someone as serene and calculating as her.

As the carriage continued on, I tried to think about what lay ahead. I was going to meet someone important—someone who expected to see the Shogun, not a girl who had no idea what she was doing.

“Ei, how am I supposed to behave in front of Yae Miko?”
I asked, feeling uneasy.

“Be respectful. Miko knows more than she lets on, but don’t let her intimidate you. If you follow my instructions, everything will be fine.”
She said calmly.

“I hope you’re right…”
I whispered to myself, feeling my stomach churn slightly. Ruling a nation and facing someone as important as Yae Miko—nothing in my previous life had prepared me for this.

The carriage came to a gentle stop at the foot of a long stone staircase leading up to the shrine. I swallowed as I looked at the sheer number of steps I would have to climb to reach the top of the mountain.

“That many stairs?”
I said without meaning to, already feeling my neck ache from looking so far up.

“Don’t worry, they’re not as many as they seem. And besides, you have legs to walk with now, don’t you?”
Ei replied in a tone that made me think she was enjoying my discomfort just a little.

I sighed deeply, adjusted my kimono, and began climbing the steps, feeling each one as a personal challenge. As I went on, I could hear the wind whispering through the trees, as if the very air were welcoming me.

At last, I reached the shrine. The Grand Narukami Shrine was even more impressive up close. Massive torii gates and traditional buildings spread across the mountainside, offering a breathtaking view. There weren’t many people—just a few shrine maidens quietly carrying out their duties.

Standing before me at the entrance of the shrine was a female figure with pink hair and a smile that seemed to hold a million secrets. I knew at once that she had to be Yae Miko.

“Welcome, Shogun. What an unexpected pleasure to see you here in person.”

Her voice was gentle, but there was something about it that set my nerves on edge. Ei hadn’t fully warned me what it would be like to face someone like her.

“Remember what I told you—stay calm.”
Ei said in my mind.

I took a deep breath, steeled myself, and with the best composure I could muster, stepped forward toward Yae Miko, hoping she wouldn’t be able to see through my nervous façade.