Yoimiya was someone who never lost her childlike heart.
She often played simple yet fun games with children, or accompanied them to search for shiny little trinkets.
The innocence of children brought her immense joy.
Recently, however, because of the Vision Hunt Decree and the Sakoku Decree, the atmosphere throughout Inazuma City had become oppressive.
Yoimiya didn't like that.
But there was little she could do to change it.
Aside from secretly helping where she could, she spent her days playing with children to keep spirits high.
This particular alley was quiet and remote, so Yoimiya often came here.
She simply hadn't expected to see the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine here— and standing behind her was a handsome man.
"I remember this place being empty before.
Why did they suddenly appear?"
Confusion filled Yoimiya's mind.
Could it be they had come here early… for a secret date?
The moment that possibility crossed her mind, she felt a chill.
She had the sudden sense that she had discovered a very dangerous secret.
And if she knew such a secret…
would she be silenced?
Thinking about Yae Miko's reputation, Yoimiya's heart began to race.
A Misunderstanding
"Lady Guuji?"
Hearing the title, Raiden Makoto froze for a moment.
Since when did she have that title?
But she quickly realized—the girl wasn't addressing her.
She was addressing Yae Miko.
"I need to be careful."
Makoto silently reminded herself.
Right now, she wasn't Raiden Makoto.
She was Yae Miko.
After composing herself, she turned to Han Feng with curiosity.
"Boss, do you know who that lively girl is?"
She found the girl rather interesting.
"Naganohara Yoimiya, Inazuma's most skilled fireworks artisan.
She's known as the Queen of the Summer Festival."
Han Feng explained with a faint smile.
In his view, Yoimiya's love for fireworks was much like little Klee's love for bombs.
Both were incredibly creative.
He couldn't help but wonder—if those two ever met, what kind of sparks would fly?
Would Klee take Yoimiya fishing with explosives?
Or would Yoimiya turn Klee's bombs into fireworks?
The thought alone made him quietly look forward to it.
"The Queen of the Summer Festival… that's truly impressive."
Makoto looked at Yoimiya with admiration.
To achieve such recognition at such a young age was remarkable.
It seemed that Inazuma 500 years later had produced many talented individuals.
Yoimiya Approaches
At that moment, Yoimiya finally couldn't withstand the pressure of her own imagination.
After sending the children away, she walked over with her head lowered.
"Lady Guuji, I didn't mean to interrupt your date with this gentleman."
"A date?"
Hearing that loaded word, Makoto's face instantly turned red.
She had never imagined being misunderstood like this.
If it had been Raiden Ei, she might have calmly explained without emotion.
But Makoto was different.
Her gentle personality— combined with the awkward situation—left her momentarily speechless.
"Huh? Lady Guuji is actually blushing?!"
Noticing this, Yoimiya blinked in shock.
If it had been anyone else, she wouldn't have thought much of it.
But this was the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine—
someone famous for her mischievous personality.
How could she show such an expression?
Was this even the real Yae Miko?
Still, despite her confusion, she pressed on nervously.
She patted her chest and said quickly:
"Lady Guuji, please don't worry. I didn't see anything today. I didn't hear anything either. Please spare me—don't silence me!"
"You misunderstand. We just came out of the comic shop."
Makoto finally regained her composure and explained with a smile.
Seeing how frightened Yoimiya looked, she couldn't help but feel both amused and helpless.
The once warm and gentle shrine maiden image had somehow turned into something intimidating.
Just one meeting and people were already this scared.
Truly worthy of someone related to Kitsune Saiguu.
"I see…"
Yoimiya let out a long breath of relief.
So she had been overthinking.
Of course—how could the Guuji possibly come here for a date?
If she were dating someone, she'd choose the Sacred Sakura Tree.
That would be far more romantic than this random back alley.
The Comic Shop
"Lady Guuji, what exactly is this comic shop?"
Now calm, Yoimiya's curiosity surfaced.
When had a shop appeared here?
She had been visiting this alley frequently, yet she had never noticed anything before.
"It's a very extraordinary place. If you read comics there, you can obtain all kinds of miraculous rewards."
Makoto recommended it with a smile.
She felt the boss had helped her greatly, so she wanted to return the favor.
Promoting his business seemed like the best way.
Yoimiya was just the first step.
Later, when she met her sister, she intended to tell her as well:
This opportunity must not be missed.
"Miraculous rewards?"
Yoimiya's interest was instantly piqued.
Anything praised by the Guuji had to be special.
But what kind of rewards could there be?
"Many kinds.
They might be powerful techniques— or even amazing fireworks."
Makoto said with a smile.
She had never personally seen fireworks as a reward.
But given how many comics existed in the shop, there had to be something related.
"Fireworks!"
The moment she heard that word, Yoimiya's eyes lit up.
Power and strength didn't interest her much.
But fireworks?
Now that was something she cared about.
It was just like mentioning bombs to Klee— instant excitement.
"Then I'll go check it out right now!"
Without hesitation, Yoimiya dashed into the alley.
When she saw the Solace Book House inside, her eyes widened in amazement.
It was exactly as the Guuji had described.
There really was a comic shop.
"Operations are temporarily paused right now. You'll have to come back later."
Seeing Yoimiya's eager expression, Makoto gently stopped her.
After all, the shop owner was standing right there.
There was no way the shop could open at the moment.
"That's true… I guess I'll have to come back later."
Realizing she truly couldn't enter, Yoimiya returned reluctantly.
Knowing there might be fireworks inside yet being unable to see them—was a particularly frustrating feeling.
A Serious Question
"Let's go."
Makoto turned to Han Feng with a gentle smile.
He nodded.
He hadn't said much earlier because this encounter had been intentional.
Bringing Makoto here was part of his plan.
Opening a new shop was always difficult at first.
But with Makoto promoting it, things would become much easier.
And just like that—their first potential customer had already been secured.
As the two prepared to leave, Yoimiya hesitated for a moment.
Then she jogged forward, standing in front of them.
She looked up seriously and asked:
"Lady Guuji… what do you think about the Shogun's Vision Hunt Decree?"
—------------------------------
Pat reon Advance Chapters: patreon.com/YonkoSlayer