The living room felt spacious and bright. A delicate chandelier hung from the high ceiling, and photos adorned the surrounding walls. Some were clearly old, having faded to a yellowish hue, but from the backgrounds, one could tell the owner of the house had traveled to many places.
Among them, the most frequently appearing subject was a noble-looking woman dressed in a purple kimono, her aura both elegant and distinguished. She held a pink-furred fox in her arms. The harmonious and beautiful composition of the images made it clear she shared a close relationship with the homeowner.
Yae Miko stared dazedly at the pictures on the wall. Meanwhile, Richard brought over two cups of black tea to a small wooden round table by the window. After placing the cups down, he pulled out his chair and sat.
Taking a leisurely sip, Richard didn't disturb Yae Miko but instead quietly gazed out the window.
"What are they doing out there?" Yae Miko snapped out of her daze and walked over to the small table, sitting down beside him and following his gaze.
Outside the window was a street. At its far end stood a small city park, bustling with people as if some event were underway. The most eye-catching was a blue-and-white-haired girl speaking atop a makeshift platform.
"A speech? A performance? Or maybe a media interview?" Richard replied, setting down his tea, showing little interest.
Although he was the Secretary General to the Minister of Administration, Furina, that didn't mean every item on her schedule passed through him.
Furina had a personal life too.
"You've been in Snezhnaya these past years?" Yae Miko asked in the form of a question, though her tone was certain.
"Not exactly. I've spent time in a lot of places," Richard replied after some thought.
"All kinds of places... except coming back to Inazuma." A faint, cold smile appeared on Yae Miko's striking face. Her tone carried a tinge of grievance.
'What exactly are you afraid of?'
With a straight face, Richard replied, "Work's been intense, responsibilities heavy. Little time, much to do. Even if I want to go somewhere, there's no time."
"…" Yae Miko was at a loss for words.
"This is a notebook I prepared for you, though I doubt you even need it anymore," Richard said, offering the item. He felt Inazuma had already stabilized and no longer needed his involvement.
Even though he still didn't understand why Yae Miko had allowed the Sakoku Decree to be implemented, she had already proven herself capable of handling things alone before he left. There was no reason to think she'd regressed.
"I might not need it, but that doesn't mean you don't have to give it." Yae Miko replied softly.
Richard couldn't help but chuckle. "I'm an official of Fontaine's Palais Mermonia now, not of Inazuma's Shogunate. Technically speaking, this could be considered aiding a foreign power."
"Narukami Island is right there. No one ever stopped you from coming back."
"Sakoku Decree," Richard casually replied.
Yae Miko nearly crushed her teacup handle, suddenly regretting having allowed those foolish, incompetent, and senseless officials to enforce that policy.
Even though she knew that was just an excuse, Richard's real reason for not returning clearly wasn't the Sakoku Decree, she couldn't help directing her anger elsewhere.
After all, someone had to take the blame. She couldn't bring herself to be angry at Richard, but she had no problem venting her frustrations on the heads of noble families.
In a sense, that was probably their only real contribution to Inazuma.
"The Sakoku Decree was influenced by the Fatui. Don't tell me you didn't know that." Yae Miko regained her composure and looked directly at Richard.
"I actually didn't know. The Fatui are rife with internal strife. Each Harbinger has their own plans. It's more common for regions to be cut off from each other than you think."
"So you're admitting you used to work for the Fatui?" Yae Miko narrowed her charming fox-like eyes.
"I've never denied it. But let me clarify, I never worked for the Fatui. I merely had dealings with the Tsaritsa. No one can restrict the heart of a half-elf who longs for freedom." Richard responded.
Yae Miko didn't argue with that. She lightly tightened her smooth abdomen and crossed her long legs, shifting to a more comfortable sitting position before continuing:
"If you long for freedom so much, why work as a mere clerk in Palais Mermonia?"
"Though I spent some time in Mondstadt and soaked in their ideals of liberty, I also understand that freedom is relative. Before being a free half-elf, I'm still a Fontaine citizen," Richard replied calmly, eyes straight ahead, unshaken by her allure.
"Also, you probably don't understand Fontaine's bureaucracy. Secretary General is a very high-ranking position. There aren't many people above me."
"But if you'd return to Inazuma, you would be under only me and the Shogun." Yae Miko extended the olive branch once more.
Richard didn't believe that if he returned, he'd simply be third in line under them.
"Let's talk about something else. I'm doing fine in Fontaine. No plans to switch jobs for now," Richard waved her off.
Yae Miko turned her gaze to the photo on the wall. "You kept the photo. But it looks like it was just recently put up. The wall behind the frame is a different color from the rest—did you prepare it just for me?"
"Not exactly, though yes, I did put it up just now. I rotate some old photos from time to time," Richard replied, glancing at the same picture. He didn't deny that he had arranged things intentionally.
"Changing the photos based on the guest? You see an old friend and hang up their photo?" Yae Miko teased, but there was an underlying test in her tone.
A test of what? Naturally, she wanted to gauge how many "competitors" had appeared during the years he'd been away.
"That's really how you see me?" Richard looked genuinely hurt. Sure, everything she said was true, but still—it stung.
"Drop the act. More importantly, looks like your boss is having some trouble." Yae Miko motioned toward the window with her chin.
Richard looked again. His half-elf vision proved quite useful here.
There, wearing a deep-blue formal hat, Lady Furina stood on the platform with an awkward smile, nervously waving her hand. After saying something unclear, she barely managed to brush off a red-beret-wearing reporter.
Then, under the command of her bodyguard Clorinde, the whole awkward event, be it a speech or an interview—was finally wrapped up.
Even from this distance, Richard could clearly see Furina let out a long, obvious sigh of relief once the crowd dispersed and she stepped down from the platform.
What on earth had happened?