Kujou Sara looked at Akio quietly and said, "Lord Akio, if you're only taking responsibility for what just happened, I really don't think you need to force yourself."
"Force myself? Sara, you're underestimating me," Akio said with a laugh. As if he was forcing himself—he wasn't forcing anything.
"…" Kujou Sara fell silent for a moment, then said, "Lord Akio, I once vowed to dedicate my life to Inazuma. I… won't give up my position as the general of the Tenryou Commission."
"Even if you wanted to leave, I wouldn't let you," Akio waved his hand. Right now, Kujou Sara was the only notable figure in the Shogunate. If she left, there wouldn't even be a proper general.
"Sara, let me tell you a secret," Akio leaned closer to Kujou Sara and whispered, "Even the Shogun is my woman. Do you understand?"
"Huh?" Kujou Sara's eyes widened as she looked at Akio in shock.
"Do you think I'm joking?" Akio chuckled. "It's true. If you're with me, you can truly and forever stay by the Shogun's side."
Akio tempted her, and Kujou Sara's breathing became slightly hurried.
"…" Akio felt a bit defeated. Well, it seemed he still couldn't compare to the Shogun in Kujou Sara's heart. He was self-aware enough to know that.
But having the Shogun as a wingman wasn't bad. Look how tempted Kujou Sara was now.
"Take your time to think about it," Akio smiled and dispelled the Imaginary Space, then turned to leave.
Kujou Sara watched Akio's retreating figure, her face flushing as she recalled the earlier madness.
As Akio approached the Statue of the Omnipresent God, he noticed a figure sneaking around at the base of the statue.
"Huh? Yoimiya?" Akio realized the sneaky figure was none other than Yoimiya. What was she doing?
"Hey~ Yoimiya!" Akio walked up behind Yoimiya and gently tapped her shoulder.
"Ah!" Yoimiya, who was currently using a small shovel to pry a Hydro Vision from the statue, was already on edge. The sudden tap startled her, and she let out a scream.
"Who's there? This is a sacred site! No trespassing!" The patrolling soldiers of the Tenryou Commission approached, shouting sternly.
"Oh no, oh no. Akio, I've been caught committing a major crime!" Yoimiya was on the verge of tears. She was guilty of defacing the statue and stealing a Vision—a serious offense!
"Don't worry, I'm here," Akio patted Yoimiya's head and stood up. "It's me. I'm just here to visit the Statue of the Omnipresent God. No need to make a fuss. You may leave."
"Lord Akio!" The soldiers patrolling near Tenshukaku naturally recognized Akio. Seeing it was him, they quickly saluted. "Our apologies, Lord Akio."
As the soldiers walked away, Akio crouched down to look at Yoimiya.
"Akio, you scared me to death!" Yoimiya pouted, glaring at Akio.
"I didn't scare you. The Statue of the Omnipresent God symbolizes the Raiden Shogun's supreme authority," Akio rolled his eyes and tapped Yoimiya's smooth forehead. "How could you be so bold as to pry a Vision from the statue? This is a grave offense! If you'd been caught, would I have had to bail you out of jail?"
"Oh, Akio, I'm sorry. Besides, if you hadn't shown up, I wouldn't have been scared~" Yoimiya giggled, wrapping her arms around Akio's arm. "Actually, I'm doing this for a friend."
"My friend's name is Asatsuki. She used to be a doctor at a small clinic. When the Vision Hunt Decree was enforced, her Vision was confiscated because she was a commoner," Yoimiya said with a hint of sadness. "She's such a kind and gentle person. Her wish was to cure everyone's illnesses, but after her Vision was taken, she's been in a daze every day."
"I don't want to see her like that! She shouldn't be like this…" Yoimiya said, her voice filled with sorrow.
"You're too soft-hearted," Akio sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Besides, the statue is protected by the Shogun's power. Did you really think you could pry it off?"
"But…" Yoimiya lowered her head, feeling dejected.
"Sigh… just this once," Akio said, looking at Yoimiya's pitiful expression. What could he do? She was his precious girl.
He reached out and pried the Hydro Vision from the statue, placing it in Yoimiya's hand. "Just this once. There won't be a next time."
"Actually, the Shogun is planning to lift the Vision Hunt Decree soon. It'll be officially announced in a few days," Akio said.
"Really?" Yoimiya's eyes lit up with joy.
"Yes," Akio nodded. "The Shogun has her own rules, but before the rules are changed, don't try to break them, understand?"
"I… I understand. I won't do it again," Yoimiya nodded, looking at Akio with puppy-dog eyes.
"You little..." Akio said, exasperated, and hugged Yoimiya.
"Hehe," Yoimiya giggled happily and planted a light kiss on the corner of Akio's mouth.
"Are you also Akio's lover?" Suddenly, a bolt of lightning appeared in front of the two, and the Raiden Shogun materialized. Her cold eyes fixed on them.
"Sh-Shogun?" Yoimiya was stunned. What was it like to be caught red-handed by the Shogun while stealing a Vision from the Statue of the Omnipresent God?
"Shogun?" Akio immediately recognized her by her demeanor.
"Akio, I sensed something unusual at the Statue of the Omnipresent God, so I came over," the Raiden Shogun nodded, her gaze shifting to the Hydro Vision in Yoimiya's hand. "Was it you?"
"Shogun, this is Naganohara Yoimiya. She's also one of my girlfriend. From now on, she'll be your little sister," Akio quickly explained.
"Yoimiya, call her 'Sister Shogun,'" Akio said.
"Ah… S-Sister Shogun," Yoimiya was completely dumbfounded. According to Akio, the Shogun was also his lover?
"Sister Yoimiya," the Raiden Shogun nodded. She knew she had to be tolerant and generous with her family. She said calmly, "The Vision Hunt Decree will soon be lifted, and these Visions will be returned to their owners."
"If any of these Visions belong to your family or friends, you can take them back first," the Raiden Shogun said magnanimously. "Tell me, and I'll help you."
"N-No, Sister Shogun, that's all," Yoimiya knew not to push her luck. Getting one Vision was already more than enough.
"Alright, Akio, come with me to Tenshukaku. Ei and Makoto are waiting for you," the Raiden Shogun said.
"Okay, Akio, you go ahead. I'll take this Vision to Asatsuki first," Yoimiya said obediently.
A/N: Enjoying the story? Read 40+ chapters ahead on Patreon! Your support helps: Patreon.com/nneol