As Ying's consciousness faded, the surroundings began to crumble, returning to their original appearance.
"Ying?!"
Seeing Ying emerge in a comatose state, Thoma immediately knew it was the Electro Archon's doing.
Noticing the Archon had instantly appeared before Ying, Thoma, disregarding her status, quickly summoned his spear and flung it towards the Electro Archon, forcing her to block with her blade and preventing her from striking down Ying.
Gaining a moment to breathe, Ying regained some consciousness. Without time to think, she immediately activated her Geo element, unleashing a surge of Geo energy that repelled the Electro Archon.
"Cough... cough..."
Ying stood up, clutching her stomach in pain. That punch was definitely a top-tier attack among all the ones she had endured.
However, it was fortunate that it was only a punch. Compared to being pierced by monster claws, this kind of attack was… somewhat bearable?
"Ugh... One punch almost knocked the wind out of me, absolutely ridiculous..."
After a casual complaint, Ying dared not linger. She gestured for Thoma to retreat and then immediately activated her Electro element, reaching Paimon's side and pulling her towards the direction Thoma had just left.
Ei watched the three depart. Before the Shogunate soldiers could speak, she turned and waved her hand.
"This person, bring them back alive. Also, investigate recent arrivals on the island and compile a list for me."
"Yes!"
The two Shogunate soldiers bowed in response and immediately set off to organize the pursuit.
Some time later, near the Komore Teahouse...
Thoma stood before the railing, sighing with a touch of dejection. But remembering that his savior was still by his side, he quickly adjusted his mood.
"Hahaha, I'm so sorry for dragging you into this."
Paimon shook her little head.
"No, no, no, no matter what, we couldn't just stand by and watch a friend get bullied."
Ying nodded in agreement.
"Paimon's right. And to be precise, I've been a wanted person since the very first day I arrived here."
"Huh?"
Ying's words momentarily confused Thoma.
"But... weren't you with me when you first arrived? I don't recall being pursued by the Shogunate forces then."
"Ah, I almost forgot you don't know my true identity yet."
Ying, suddenly remembering, tapped her hand and briefly explained her and Lumine's situation to Thoma.
Another period of time passed...
"So, you're the Honorary Knight's sister. My apologies, this is the first time I've heard of it."
Saying this, Thoma bowed with sincere apology for his earlier mistake.
Ying waved her hand dismissively.
"It's fine, it's just a small matter."
Then, Ying changed the subject and looked at Paimon, curiously asking,
"Speaking of which, Paimon, didn't you tell Thoma about me back then?"
Paimon shook her head.
"No, Lumine was so heartbroken missing you that she fell into a deep depression. During that time, Paimon was making all the decisions."
Oh dear, I didn't realize my importance to Lumine had reached such a level...
Hearing Paimon's words, Ying also remembered her purpose. She quickly cleared her throat and said to Thoma,
"Ahem~ Well, the reason I came to find you is to inquire about Yae Miko's whereabouts. I don't know if you know the name."
"Yae Miko? I certainly know of her, but why are you looking for her?" Thoma asked curiously.
Ying briefly summarized her purpose.
"It's nothing much, my sister is with her right now, so I need to go find her."
Although it sounds a bit narcissistic, Lumine must be missing me dearly right now...
Meanwhile, on Lumine's side...
Yae Miko: "Next, we'll be trying on this one, a traditional qipao! (^_^)"
Lumine: "........."
"Um, could I have a moment to rest..."
Yae Miko smiled and shook her head.
"We've only just begun. For my new book release in a few days, I'll need you to bear with me~"
Just begun...
Lumine couldn't help but curl her lips, her gaze involuntarily drawn to the pile of clothes that had already formed a small mountain in the distance.
Waaah...
"Ying, come save me! (≧﹏≦)"
Hmm... I really do miss her, but perhaps not in the way Ying imagines...
Ahem!
Returning to Ying's perspective...
After understanding Ying's intentions, Thoma nodded and very cooperatively informed Ying of Yae Miko's usual location.
"Grand Narukami Shrine, is it..."
Upon obtaining the name, Ying immediately opened her map and quickly found the name Thoma mentioned.
"It's on the mountain... Sigh... Oh well, I'll be going then. You take care too."
Ying sighed and, after bidding farewell to Thoma, prepared to set off to reunite with Lumine.
However, seeing Ying without even a disguise, Thoma couldn't help but kindly remind her,
"Ying, you're still a wanted person. After you reunite with your sister, it's best to find a hiding place."
"If I remember correctly, Tatarasuna is a place where the resistance forces frequently operate. They are the enemies of the Shogunate, and I believe they will accept you."
Hearing Thoma's words, Ying nodded in response.
"Thank you, but the problem isn't as serious as you think. After all, those Shogunate soldiers can't beat me."
"Huh?"
Ying's reply momentarily caught Thoma off guard. Of course, she clearly didn't realize her words had disrupted his train of thought and continued speaking.
"I can say that unless the Electro Archon herself comes to arrest me, even if the entire population of Inazuma were gathered, they wouldn't pose much of a threat to me~"
Thoma: "........."
How does it feel to not agree with her idea but find no words to refute it...
After a long silence, Thoma finally managed to utter a few words.
"I... is that so... Then... I wish you good luck..."
"Mhm, you too~"
Ying smiled and waved her little hand. After bidding farewell, she rapidly headed towards Grand Narukami Shrine.
Her decisive action earned her a look of admiration from Paimon within her.
I didn't expect my host to not ask Thoma to be a matchmaker for herself and Ayaka, but instead to go directly to Lumine. It feels a bit unbelievable~
Ying gave Paimon a sidelong glance, continuing to move rapidly and replying,
"Come on, I'm very loyal, okay? Do you think I'm some kind of harem protagonist from a transmigration novel?"