“Ere-ere! Wake up! The sun is shining on your butt!
Wang Er'er was startled awake by Paimon’s shriek. The moment she opened her eyes, she saw the little spirit desperately tugging at her blanket with her tiny hands. Sunlight streamed in through the window, accompanied by cheerful birdsong—a stark contrast to the disheveled image of her being chased by Fatui members in her memory.
“Just five more minutes…” she mumbled, rolling over and burying her head in the pillow.
“No, no! Paimon directly threw off the blanket. Lord Kujou said today is your first day at work, you can’t be late!”
Wang Er'er finally remembered—after returning to Inazuma City, the Electro Archon had given her a promotion: Special Business Consultant and General’s Guard at Tenshukaku!
“Oh god…” she groaned in pain, struggling to get up. “Why did I agree to this errand…”
“Because it includes room and board, plus a salary!” Paimon counted on her fingers. “And you don’t have to fear the Fatui!”
Wang Er'er sighed and slowly put on her clothes. Ever since the Enkanomiya incident, Ei had had her and Paimon moved into Tenshukaku, ostensibly for protection, but in reality, for surveillance. After all, it was safer to keep an eye on an interdimensional traveler who was suspected to be an avatar of the Heavenly Principles, and a guiding spirit possessing Lumine's Power.
After washing up, Wang Er'er looked at herself in the mirror—dark circles under her eyes, and her hair was as messy as a bird’s nest. If she showed up to see the Electro Archon looking like this, she’d probably be cleaved in two.
“Paimon, how do I look?”
“Like a zombie who hasn’t woken up yet,” Paimon replied honestly.
“…Thank you for your honesty.”
Pushing open the door, Wang Er'er was surprised to find two Onryō guards standing outside.
“Lady Wang,” the soldiers bowed respectfully. “Lord Kujou ordered us to escort you to Tenshukaku.”
Wang Er'er’s mouth twitched—this wasn’t an escort, it was clearly an arrest!
Following the soldiers through the long corridors of Tenshukaku, Wang Er'er couldn’t help but marvel at the grandeur of the building. Unlike the simple models in the game, the real Tenshukaku exuded the majesty of Inazuma’s highest seat of power—intricately carved beams, priceless artworks, and those expressionless, heavily armed guards…
“We’re here,” the soldiers stopped before a massive door. “Her Excellency the General is waiting for you.”
Wang Er'er took a deep breath and pushed the door open—then froze.
Not only was the Electro Archon Ei in the room, but also Yae Miko and an unexpected guest: Childe (Dottore)!
“Partner!” Childe greeted enthusiastically. “Long time no see~”
“You… How are you here?” Wang Er'er stammered.
Ei put down her teacup. “Mr. Dottore has brought important intelligence.”
Childe winked proudly. “I risked my life to steal it~”
Yae Miko chuckled lightly. “Go on, don’t keep us in suspense.”
Childe pulled out a document from his pocket. “The Doctor’s latest plan—the Heavenly Principles Awakening Project.”
Wang Er'er’s heart tightened, and she leaned closer to look. The document was filled with complex formulas and diagrams, but the most striking feature was a blueprint: a colossal device with a humanoid container in the center, surrounded by seven pipes of different colors.
“What is that?” Paimon asked curiously.
“A Soul Crucible,” Childe explained. “The Doctor intends to use this device to extract Lumine’s Power from Paimon’s body, combined with Wang Er'er’s Otherworldly Soul, to artificially create an avatar of the Sovereign of the Heavenly Principles.”
Wang Er'er gasped. “Is he crazy?!”
“Mad scientists are all like that~” Childe shrugged. “But the good news is, the device isn’t finished yet. The bad news is…” he paused, “the Doctor has already found an alternative.”
“What alternative?” Ei asked, her voice deep.
Childe’s expression turned serious. “He plans to directly utilize Inazuma’s Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual, using the power of the Sacred Sakura to complete the summoning.”
Yae Miko stood up abruptly. “What?!”
Ei’s face also turned extremely grim. “How long until the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual?”
“Three days,” Miko replied quickly. “According to tradition, I will preside over it.”
Wang Er'er listened, utterly confused. “What is the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual?”
“A ritual to cleanse the Sacred Sakura,” Miko explained. “The Sacred Sakura connects to Inazuma’s ley lines. If the Doctor interferes with the ritual…”
“The entirety of Inazuma will become a sacrifice,” Ei added coldly.
The room fell silent. Wang Er'er looked at their grave expressions and suddenly realized the gravity of the situation—this was no longer a simple chase and escape, but a crisis concerning the very survival of Inazuma!
“Then what should we do?” Paimon asked timidly.
Ei stood up. “Strengthen security for the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual, and at the same time…” she looked at Wang Er'er, “I need you to assist Guuji Yae in preparing the ritual.”
Wang Er'er pointed to her own nose. “What can I do?”
“Your Otherworldly Soul is unique,” Miko narrowed her eyes. “It can serve as a means to sense the Doctor’s interference in advance.”
Wang Er'er nodded, though she didn’t fully understand. While she wasn’t sure how exactly to do it, it felt good to be able to help.
After the meeting, Childe quietly pulled Wang Er'er aside. “Partner, a word?”
The two went to the Tenshukaku courtyard. After confirming they were alone, Childe lowered his voice:
“There’s something I didn’t mention in the meeting… The Doctor has already sent someone into Inazuma City.”
Wang Er'er’s heart tightened.
“The Harbinger Arlecchino,” Childe’s expression was grim. “She excels at disguise and assassination. Her target is the Electro Archon.”
“What?!” Wang Er'er almost shouted. “Then why didn’t you tell Ei?”
“Because there’s no concrete evidence,” Childe spread his hands helplessly. “And Ei is on high alert right now. If she knew one of the highest-ranking Fatui Harbingers was lurking in the city…”
Wang Er'er understood—this could provoke widespread hostility from Inazuma towards Snezhnaya, or even war.
“Then why tell me?”
“Because you need to be especially careful,” Childe said seriously. “Arlecchino is best at using hostages. You and Paimon are her prime targets.”
Wang Er'er swallowed. “Thanks for the warning…”
Childe patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll be watching from the shadows. But…” he winked slyly, “you’d better take your guard duties seriously~”
After Childe left, Wang Er'er went to find Paimon, her heart heavy with worry. The little spirit was stuffing herself with various Inazuma snacks in the Tenshukaku kitchen, a mountain of them before her.
“Paimon!” Wang Er'er dragged her out. “Stop eating! Something big has happened!”
Paimon, with her mouth still full of dango, mumbled, “Mmph mmph mmph?”
Wang Er'er recounted Childe’s warning. Upon hearing it, Paimon was so scared she dropped her dango. “Th-th-then what do we do?”
“Be more vigilant,” Wang Er'er gritted her teeth. “From now on, we cannot act separately!”
For the next two days, Wang Er'er began her career as the General’s guard. It was less of a guard role and more of a personal assistant—wherever Ei went, she followed. However, this also allowed her to witness a different side of the Electro Archon.
For example, Ei actually had a sweet tooth, especially for dango. Also, she would secretly practice cooking when no one was around (though her skills were abysmal). Most surprising to Wang Er'er was Ei’s keen interest in modern commerce; she often asked about business models from the Otherworld.
“How exactly does the stock market in your world operate?” Ei asked suddenly during a lunch break.
Wang Er'er nearly choked on her tea. “You… you’re interested in this?”
“Inazuma has been in isolation for many years, and its economy is lagging,” Ei sighed, a rare occurrence. “I wish to learn from some advanced experiences.”
Wang Er'er was flattered and immediately explained concepts like stocks, bonds, and futures in detail. Ei listened intently, even taking notes.
“Your Excellency,” Wang Er'er couldn’t help but ask, “why are you so… friendly towards me?”
Ei put down her pen. “Two reasons. First, your soul is pure and harbors no ill will. Second…” she paused, “I need your help to fight the Doctor.”
“Do you truly believe I am part of…”
“Uncertain,” Ei stated frankly. “But Kokomi’s divination is rarely wrong. Regardless, you are now my subject, and I have a responsibility to protect you.”
Wang Er'er’s heart warmed—even the aloof Electro Archon had such a side.
The third day arrived, and preparations for the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual entered their final phase. Wang Er'er followed Yae Miko to Grand Narukami Shrine to learn the ritual’s procedures.
“Your task is to stand at this position,” Miko pointed to a specific spot beneath the Sacred Sakura. “When the ritual reaches the third stage, place your hand on the trunk.”
“And then?”
“Then, feel,” Miko said mysteriously. “If your soul is truly connected to the Heavenly Principles, you will be able to perceive any abnormal fluctuations.”
Wang Er'er nodded. Although she felt uncertain, she decided to do her best.
In the evening, Wang Er'er and Paimon returned to Tenshukaku. As soon as they entered, they saw Kujou Sara rushing towards them:
“Lady Wang, Her Excellency the General wishes to see you.”
The atmosphere in Ei’s room was heavy. Besides the General herself, Yae Miko and an unexpected guest were present—Sangonomiya Kokomi!
“Lady Kokomi?” Wang Er'er asked in surprise. “What brings you here?”
Kokomi smiled faintly. “I’ve come to attend the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual. And also…” she glanced meaningfully at Ei, “to discuss important matters with Her Excellency the General.”
Ei got straight to the point: “Wang Er'er, how much do you know about Arlecchino?”
Wang Er'er recounted the information Childe had provided. Ei and Miko exchanged a look.
“We received similar intelligence,” Ei said grimly. “But from a different source.”
Kokomi added, “Our informant in Snezhnaya from the resistance reported that Arlecchino has infiltrated Inazuma. Her target might be to disrupt the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual.”
“The problem is,” Miko frowned, “we don’t know who she’s disguised as.”
Wang Er'er’s heart tightened—a Fatui Harbinger skilled in disguise and assassination might currently be lurking in Inazuma City in any number of identities…
“Let’s strengthen our vigilance,” Ei finally decided. “Especially for tomorrow’s Cleansing Ritual.”
That night, Wang Er'er tossed and turned. Paimon was already asleep beside her, her little belly rising and falling rhythmically. Moonlight spilled through the window, casting a serene glow over Inazuma City.
Suddenly, there was a faint sound from the window. Wang Er'er sat up alertly, her hand reaching for the Wind Chime by her pillow.
“Who’s there?” she whispered.
The window was gently pushed open, and a familiar figure climbed in—Childe!
Childe made a shushing gesture. “Quiet!”
“Why are you here?” Wang Er'er whispered back. “If you’re discovered, it’s over for you!”
“Urgent matter,” Childe leaned closer. “I’ve figured out Arlecchino’s disguise!”
“Who is it?”
“Tōma!”
Wang Er'er’s eyes widened. “The young lady of the Tenryou Commission? How is that possible!”
“It’s true,” Childe said sternly. “I followed her to a secret outpost outside the city and saw her remove her disguise with my own eyes!”
Wang Er'er’s mind raced—Tōma was a disguise? Then where was the real Tōma?
“We have to tell Ei!”
“No!” Childe stopped her. “Without conclusive evidence, Ei won’t believe us. Besides…” he hesitated, “I suspect there’s a mole within the Tenryou Commission.”
“What do you mean?”
“Arlecchino has been able to lurk for so long, someone must be helping her,” Childe analyzed. “Most likely someone from the Kamisato household.”
Wang Er'er recalled when the Kamisato clan tried to steal her bubble tea recipe—was that a sign back then?
“Then what do we do?”
“During the ritual tomorrow, you keep a close eye on Tōma,” Childe instructed. “If she makes any unusual moves, notify Yae Miko immediately.”
“Aren’t you participating in the ritual?”
Childe gave a wry smile. “If a Fatui member shows up at the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual, they’d probably be struck down on the spot~”
After Childe left, Wang Er'er couldn’t sleep anymore. If Childe was telling the truth, a fierce battle awaited tomorrow. And what could she, a half-baked elemental power user, do?
“Er-er…” Paimon mumbled, waking up. “What’s wrong?”
Wang Er'er told her about Childe’s warning. Paimon immediately sobered up. “Then we have to tell Yae Miko!”
“But Childe said there might be a mole in the Tenryou Commission…”
“Then tell Ei directly!” Paimon urged. “She wouldn’t be a mole too, would she?”
Wang Er'er hesitated—Ei was indeed trustworthy, but what if they tipped off the enemy…
“Fine, we’ll just be more careful tomorrow,” she finally decided. “Besides, with Ei and Miko there, Arlecchino probably won’t dare make a reckless move.”
Paimon nodded worriedly, and the two fell asleep in each other’s arms, conserving energy for the ritual the next day.
On the day of the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual, Grand Narukami Shrine was bustling with activity. Inazuma’s dignitaries gathered, ready to witness the sacred annual ceremony. Wang Er'er, dressed in a shrine maiden outfit prepared by Yae Miko, stood at her designated spot, nervously observing her surroundings.
“Relax,” Miko whispered as she passed by. “You’re as tense as a startled cat~”
Wang Er'er managed a smile, but her gaze involuntarily searched for Tōma’s figure. Soon, she spotted her in the crowd—the young lady was in an exquisite kimono, chatting with several nobles, her demeanor elegant and proper, showing no sign of deception.
“Is it really her?” Paimon whispered.
“I don’t know…” Wang Er'er frowned. “She seems perfectly normal…”
The ritual officially began. Yae Miko, in solemn shrine maiden attire, started chanting ancient incantations. The Sacred Sakura glowed faintly with the rhythm of the chant, petals scattering in the wind—it was a sacred and beautiful scene.
Following instructions, Wang Er'er placed her hand on the trunk during the third stage. Instantly, a strange energy coursed through her! She saw countless images—Inazuma’s history, its present, and… some blurry glimpses of the future.
Suddenly, a discordant image flashed by: the Sacred Sakura was being corrupted by dark purple energy, and a blurry figure stood beneath the tree, laughing maniacally…
“Something’s wrong!” Wang Er'er’s eyes snapped open. “Someone wants to disrupt the ritual!”
Just as she was about to warn Yae Miko, a commotion erupted from the crowd! Several figures in black clothes appeared out of nowhere and began attacking the guards!
“Attack!” Kujou Sara shouted. “Protect Her Excellency!”
The scene descended into chaos. Wang Er'er saw Ei draw her polearm, vigilantly surveying the surroundings. Yae Miko, meanwhile, continued to preside over the ritual, seemingly undisturbed.
At that moment, Tōma moved! She dashed towards the Sacred Sakura with astonishing speed, a peculiar dagger appearing in her hand!
“Stop her!” Wang Er'er shouted. “She’s Fatui!”
Several Onryō guards attempted to intercept, but Tōma flickered, strangely evading them and heading straight for the Sacred Sakura!
Wang Er'er, disregarding everything else, pulled out her Wind Chime and charged forward. She strummed the strings, and a gust of wind rose before Tōma!
“Insolent!” Tōma—or rather, Arlecchino—snorted. With a swing of her dagger, the wind wall shattered instantly!
Wang Er'er was thrown to the ground by the shockwave. Paimon quickly flew over to help her. “Er-er! Are you okay?”
“Can’t let her get near the Sacred Sakura!” Wang Er'er gritted her teeth and got up. “Paimon, use your wings of light!”
Paimon nodded, flew into the air, and fully unfolded her wings of light! A golden ray shot towards Arlecchino, but she dodged it nimbly.
“Little thing, finally showing your true colors~” Arlecchino sneered. “The Doctor will be very pleased!”
Ei and Miko had noticed the commotion but were entangled with other assailants, unable to break free. Wang Er'er knew only she and Paimon could handle this now!
“Paimon! Combined attack!”
Paimon understood, flying behind Wang Er'er. Her wings of light resonated with her Wind Chime. Wang Er'er felt a surge of power, and the strings of the Wind Chime vibrated on their own!
“Gust!”
An unprecedentedly powerful gust of wind roared forth, striking Arlecchino directly! The latter clearly hadn't expected this strike. She narrowly dodged, but her shoulder was grazed!
“Damned insects!” Arlecchino furiously tore off her disguise, revealing her true form—a tall woman with heterochromia, her eyes flickering with a dangerous light.
No longer holding back, her speed surged dramatically. In an instant, she was before Wang Er'er! The dagger, carrying a cold glint, lunged forward. Wang Er'er had no time to react!
Just as disaster loomed, a water projectile accurately struck the dagger, deflecting it!
“Sorry I’m late~” Childe’s voice echoed from above. He stood on the rooftop, Aqua simulacra in hand. “Fourth Harbinger, long time no see!”
Arlecchino’s expression changed. “Childe?! You dare betray the Tsaritsa!”
“I’m just standing on the right side,” Childe jumped down, blocking Wang Er'er. “Partner, step back. The professional is here.”
Wang Er'er quickly pulled Paimon back. Ei and Miko finally broke free from their attackers and arrived.
“Arlecchino,” Ei said coldly. “You dare desecrate the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual.”
Arlecchino knew the situation was lost, but her face showed no fear. “This is just the beginning, General. The Doctor’s plan will not stop!”
With that, she suddenly pulled out a strange device and pressed it! A burst of dark purple smoke erupted. When the smoke cleared, Arlecchino had vanished!
“Spatial teleportation?” Miko frowned. “Has Fatui technology advanced this far?”
Ei sheathed her polearm. “Continue the ritual. Kujou, enhance security.”
Childe walked up to Wang Er'er. “Are you alright, partner?”
“I’m fine…” Wang Er'er breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks to you arriving in time.”
Childe winked. “I told you I’d be watching from the shadows~”
The Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual was ultimately completed successfully. Although Arlecchino’s attack caused some commotion, the ritual itself was not substantially affected. Purified by the ritual, the Sacred Sakura bloomed with new vitality, and the future of Inazuma seemed brighter.
Afterward, Ei summoned Wang Er'er to a private tea room.
“You did well,” the General praised her, a rare occurrence. “If you hadn’t detected the anomaly in time, the consequences would have been unthinkable.”
Wang Er'er scratched her head sheepishly. “Actually, it was all thanks to Childe…”
“Dottore did help considerably,” Ei nodded. “I have granted him permission to move freely in Inazuma—under surveillance, of course.”
“Arlecchino escaped…”
“It matters not,” Ei said calmly. “She won’t dare show her face again anytime soon. More importantly, the Doctor’s plan has been thwarted.”
Wang Er'er hesitated. “Your Excellency, regarding my identity… do you still consider me part of…?”
Ei pondered for a moment. “Uncertain. But no matter where you come from, you are now a member of Inazuma.” She paused. “As long as you remain loyal to Inazuma, I will protect you.”
Wang Er'er was so moved she almost cried—this was a promise from the Electro Archon!
“Thank you! I will definitely work hard!”
Ei’s lips curved upwards slightly. “Excellent. Starting tomorrow, you will officially serve as Tenshukaku’s Business Consultant, responsible for introducing business concepts from the Otherworld.”
Wang Er'er blinked. “Am I really going to undertake economic reform?”
“With the lifting of the Sakoku Decree, Inazuma needs new development strategies,” Ei stood up. “Do not disappoint me.”
Leaving the tea room, Wang Er'er and Paimon walked along the corridor, their shadows stretching long in the setting sun.
“Er-er,” Paimon suddenly asked, “can we… not go back?”
Wang Er'er knew she was referring to returning to their original world. She looked up at the Sacred Sakura in the distance, its petals gently drifting in the wind.
“Perhaps,” she said softly. “But it’s nice here too, isn’t it?”
Paimon nodded, her small hand tightly grasping Wang Er'er’s finger. “Where you are is home!”
Wang Er'er smiled and hugged Paimon close. Whatever challenges lay ahead, at least for now, they were safe and had a home.
And that was enough.