17 Naganohara Fireworks Show(1)

"Her Excellency … a-actually said that?" Sara's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Yes, I couldn't believe it myself as well - that the Raiden Shogun would actually show interest in it… It's the first time something like this has happened since the Yashiro Commission began the event a century ago."

Jason also doubted what he had heard. They were talking about the Supreme Ruler of Inazuma here … and she actually regarded Yoimiya's skills so high enough to want to watch the fireworks show by her? This owner was definitely not ordinary at all.

"In that case, it is our duty as her subjects to make the event the most memorable one." The general crossed her arms.

Ayaka nodded. "Yoimiya, do you think you could incorporate Her Excellency's Emblem - the Electro Mitsudomoe in the fireworks repertoire tomorrow? The Yashiro Commission will see that any additional costs are covered."

"Of course, I already have an idea ... Haha, just wait for it!" the owner was wearing a wide grin. "But … I may just need a bit of help."

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Soon after, Jason found himself running around the entire Inazuma City. The general was adamant that they began right away; as it would be a huge dereliction of duty on their part should they fail to ensure preparations were ready.

"Since this concerns Her Excellency, we must do everything in our power to fulfill her wish!"

He recalled the look of resolve on Sara's face as she spoke the words; to say the general was loyal to the Raiden Shogun was an understatement - it was undying devotion. He reckoned if the day ever came where she had to surrender her vision to the Electro Deity, she wouldn't even hesitate.

Sara also looked surprisingly cute when she carried that determined expression on her face, not that he planned on ever letting her know that.

"Still, I wonder what made her such an ardent servant of the Shogun … It's probably not a good idea to ask. It might be a personal matter to her."

Quickly shutting down the thought, he continued to focus on the task at hand, placing the launch tubes at the locations Yoimiya had instructed him to do so. Given the urgency and weight of the matter, he hadn't caught a break since evening yesterday; working through the night. It was already noon now.

"Here's the final one … all done!"

Jason had now finished affixing the final piece onto a small clearing right in front of a gigantic building - the Yae Publishing House. Coincidentally, the final spot he was tasked with was near the most renowned bookstore in all of Inazuma.

Since there was still time, he probably could grab a few bestsellers before he went to meet the others at the agreed meeting place.

Stepping into the huge store, the familiar sight of bookshelves lining its walls greeted him. He turned towards the mature light novel sections and walked there as discreetly as he could.

Hopefully, there were some new releases by the author Kaeya Alberich from Mondstadt, his erotic romantic novels were really quite something. The author's introduction in his books stated himself as a Cavalry Captain in the Knights of Favonius, an incredibly busy job, and that this was a side hobby he took on to earn some extra income.

Given how vivid and varied the steamy scenes were written in his books. One had to wonder where Kaeya got his inspiration from. Perhaps his working environment in the Knights of Favonius provided him with plenty of imagination for it; he was probably surrounded by girls unlike him in the Shogunate Army - it was almost a sausage fest here.

Just what kind of attire did the girls in the Knights of Favonius wear at work to give the author so many ideas? Kaeya was such a lucky fellow ...

But again, the Sakoku decree meant it was probably difficult for any outside books to get into Inazuma.

He was about to walk up a flight of stairs when something caught his attention.

"What's going on?" He headed towards a store assistant standing behind the counter and pointed at the atrium.

"As the Naganohara Fireworks Show is happening tonight, the Yae Publishing House is currently having a chess competition. The prize for the winner will be a life-time membership of 20% discount, as well as a copy of the latest novel -I reincarnated as the most powerful fox, but got ignored by my master- written by our company's owner herself; with her autograph too!"

"Oh? That's the first time I've heard of the shop's owner writing her own series."

"Indeed. It's the first in her new series! Do stay tuned for more sequels in the future. Would you like to join the chess competition?"

Jason nodded. When he was a student, he was a member of the chess club; a popular co-curricular activity for introverts like him. While he never emerged as a champion ever in the competitions, he was always able to advance fairly far in them. He believed he stood a decent chance of winning.

Upon signing up, the competition soon began. He won the first two matches with ease, and it was now time for the third.

He eyed a figure strolling slowly in his direction. She wore a blue kimono, and a pair of eyes above a white veil that covered most of her face was all that was visible.

Jason could feel his curiosity stirring. The lady gave off a mysterious aura to her.

The girl placed a book to her right, then extended her hand towards him.

"Hello, you can call me Swordfish ... and I will be your opponent. Let's have a good match."

He accepted the handshake and introduced himself as well while studying the title of the book beside her. "Teyvat Astrology 3rd Edition - Weather" was written across its surface. Why would anyone read such a boring book?

"You seemed surprised."

"Well, it's not every day you see someone interested in such books. People normally come to the shop for light novels."

"It's written by a famous astrologer called Mona in Mondstadt. I've heard from the merchants that you can get her books there for free; the only reason why it costs Mora here is because of the fees involved in bringing it all the way to Inazuma." The girl explained. "Unfortunately due to the Sakoku decree, I don't think there will be any more imports for the time being …"

There was the sound of a bell ringing - signifying the start of the match.

"Black or white?" Jason asked, pointing to the chess pieces on the board. Since it was a lady; he decided to be a gentleman and let her have the choice.

"Thank you. I'll take white." The girl sat down opposite him and moved a pawn forward. "Jason - that was your name isn't it? How do you feel … about the Vision Hunt Decree?"

He moved a pawn as well. "Not particularly anything. It's not my place as a soldier to question the intentions of the Raiden Shogun. I have sworn … and a man must honor his word - It is my duty to realize Her Excellency's dream of eternity as one of her subjects. A promise made should be a promise kept."

"So you're part of the Shogunate. However, do you not think that the aspirations of people are a precious thing? It's something that belongs to them only and should never be forcibly taken away."

"That's the view of mortals like us who cannot comprehend the thought of a God. The Electro Archon is a deity and can probably see something we don't, I believe she did it for the good of Inazuma - It might be related to the dream of Eternity she pursues."

Swordfish's voice lowered. "The decree. It's oppression."

"Well I have no comments on that. Is getting a vision confiscated that bad? ... By the way, it's still your turn."

He wasn't in a position to give a judgment on the matter. Jason had yet to personally meet anyone with their visions taken away - so he couldn't speak on the after-effects of such an action.

"Oh! Sorry." the girl paused, then moved another pawn forward. "It's a terrible thing to lose one's vision …"

He kept quiet, contemplating his next step while Swordfish continued speaking.

"... If a person gives up a vision willingly the effects may be less severe, but visions that are forcibly taken away can often lead to heavy backlashes - in some instances the person may lose their memories and undergo a personality change. Think of visions in these cases as part of one's body. With the loss of what symbolizes their ambition, there is a chance the person simply becomes a hollow shell who simply exists; nothing more."

"I see. That is indeed horrible," he said. "But the impact of the civil war that arose out of it, is many times much greater than the vision hunt decree that affected only a very small minority. It's only been a month, but the deaths alone are already in the thousands according to the Inazuma Times."

The girl retorted firmly. "There wouldn't be a civil war in the first place if the Raiden Shogun didn't issue a decree to go around confiscating visions."

He slid another piece forward; to try to set up a scenario to bait the girl into. "Your move."

The game continued on for a few minutes, with neither of them speaking anymore. Swordfish was surprisingly cautious in her playstyle, refraining from capitalizing on the knights he had offered for her to take. They ended up trading pieces back and forth, with neither side gaining an advantage.

"You're good. It's the first time someone has pushed me this far in chess." the girl murmured. "But I can't lose to someone from the Shogunate!"

Jason narrowed his eyes. "I can't lose to someone who thinks badly of the ruler I serve under too. The level of disapproval you are alluding towards Her Excellency … You sound almost as if you're someone from the resistance."

Swordfish pressed both her hands to her veil, and avoided his gaze. "S-scrutinizing the rights and wrongs of the Raiden Shogun was never my intention! I simply believe that the aspirations of the people should be respected."

He laughed. The girl was surprisingly flustered over just a little tease.

"I'm pulling your leg. I doubt anyone from the resistance would be bold enough to do such a suicidal act - strolling around openly in the capital of Inazuma. Or even playing chess here for that matter."

"Y-yes … I think so too."

The match continued, and soon a small crowd gathered. As a chess player himself, he was well accustomed to keeping his nerves. The girl also appeared to be unperturbed, her eyes reflecting calmness, her movements the same rhythm as before.

Jason had a better grasp of her opponent's mindset now: someone who favored initiative, evident by how she preferred the white side to get the first move. Yet, she was also incredibly cautious; Swordfish would always take a long time to deliberate before making a move and refrained from capitalizing sometimes on his mistakes. She was also unaffected by the presence of the crowd - indicating she could handle pressure and public opinion well.

(This will be a tough opponent …)

Perhaps the bait wasn't enticing enough. He decided to try a different option; he would slowly expose his King, and make it appear unintentional. If his read was correct, the over cautious playstyle of Swordfish would meant she would ...

Jason abandoned the defense he had set up around his king. They exchanged a few more moves, and the girl moved her rook into position. "Check."

He moved his King away, and waited for the girl's next move. If she pressed her attack, the game would be soon over for him.

Instead, Swordfish went straight for his rook - The bait had worked. True to her cautious playstyle, the girl seemed extremely wary of the obvious opening he had exposed and opted to eliminate his other piece first; but this left her defence wide open.

"Check" He moved his queen forward.

Swordfish shifted her king left; it was her only option.

His knight advanced "Checkmate."

The crowd around them clapped, and the girl kept quiet for a moment.

"Just because I've been defeated, doesn't mean I've lost! I-I will definitely have a rematch with you one day, Jason!" Swordfish pointed a finger at him, her body shaking; then stood up and left.

(2k words)