Hearing Ganyu's words, Ayaka gently shook her head and replied softly:

"It's not a trip, it's just…"

Ayaka paused. After thinking it over repeatedly, she still chose not to bring up Inazuma's situation.

She had already received a reply from Ningguang — Liyue would definitely not be able to intervene.

Given that, bringing it up again would just make it seem like she was trying to gain sympathy or morally pressure others.

Forcing a smile, Ayaka continued slowly:

"I just came to Liyue with Sister Beidou to have a look… I heard that there have been many changes in Liyue lately, and I'm curious."

As she said this, Ayaka glanced at Ryen with a complicated expression.

Even Beidou had seen through it — of course Ayaka couldn't pretend not to.

The man before her now… held control over an entire world. And Liyue had been involved in developing that world from the very beginning.

Now, they had even formed cooperation with Mondstadt and Snezhnaya.

In fact, when thinking back carefully to the details of their conversations, and recalling what Tartaglia had said, Ayaka came to a realization.

The Fatui had likely already been split apart by the Tsaritsa. At the very least, Tartaglia and Rosalyne were no longer part of the Fatui.

Just to cooperate with Liyue, the Cryo Archon was willing to dismantle the Fatui?

But… that was understandable.

Ayaka didn't understand what the "Twilight Forest" really was.

But she did understand this—

The dragons of Liyue were being hatched and cultivated from that world, and could continue to be raised further in the future.

Those market goods from Liyue that everyone else thought were high quality and cheap? They were directly obtained from that world — essentially at zero cost.

Even Liyue's redstone cannons and other technology had all come from that world.

And now, there was a new mod that sounded utterly absurd just from the name alone—

The Totem of Ressurection!

Adding in that Twilight Forest… if what Ryen said was true…

Liyue could, in under a year, arm thousands of people with power on par with Genshin's own strongest fighters.

Ayaka couldn't even begin to imagine what kind of national strength that represented.

And yet… a faint sorrow lingered in her heart.

While others were boldly reforming and growing stronger, Inazuma was still mired in civil strife — constantly weakening itself.

If the situation in Inazuma continued to deteriorate, then forget about joining forces with Liyue to explore other worlds…

They might not even have the strength to leave their own shores.

"Miss Kamisato, are you part of Inazuma's leadership?" Lumine suddenly asked, curiously looking at Ayaka.

Ayaka quickly composed herself and replied softly:

"If you don't mind, just call me Ayaka. As for being part of Inazuma's leadership — not really…"

"I simply bear the Kamisato name, but hold no official position myself. However, my elder brother — the current head of the Kamisato Clan — is also the head of the Yashiro Commission."

Lumine's face lit up, delighted:

"Really? That's great! I was just worried about being completely unfamiliar with Inazuma when I got there."

"What do you mean unfamiliar! Don't forget, Lumine has Paimon — the best guide ever!"

Paimon crossed her arms and complained, clearly displeased.

Lumine rolled her eyes.

"Paimon only ever remembers the food, and knows nothing about Inazuma!"

"That's not true!" Paimon quickly argued, though her voice sounded a little uncertain.

"Inazuma… Inazuma has so many cherry blossoms! When the wind blows, they fall across the mountains and fields… it's so beautiful!"

"And what else?"

"Uh… under the cherry blossoms, you can eat Inazuma's special cherry blossom pastries and tricolor dango… it's really a great experience!"

Lumine gave Paimon an exasperated look.

Ayaka, seeing the playful banter between Lumine and Paimon, felt a little lighter in spirit. She softly laughed and said:

"If the Traveler wishes to visit Inazuma, I will personally ensure your stay is enjoyable."

"Inazuma's cuisine indeed has many unique dishes. I can take you to try them all."

Paimon's eyes lit up, and she happily responded:

"Ayaka! You're so kind!"

"But I heard Inazuma is at war right now…"

Paimon muttered quietly, and visibly, Ayaka's expression grew a little downcast.

Lumine, with a hint of annoyance, poked Paimon. The group didn't linger on the topic any longer.

After a brief silence, Ayaka herself shifted the subject, her voice soft as she asked:

"Mr. Ryen, may I visit that world?"

"I understand that Inazuma hasn't signed any contract with you, but I won't be entering as part of Inazuma."

"I just want to see the wonders of that world. Please don't worry, I've already signed a contract and will not speak of it recklessly."

"Before Inazuma has officially signed a cooperation contract with you, I will take personal responsibility for my actions and keep everything confidential."

Ryen didn't seem concerned with the contract matter. He glanced at Ningguang.

She leaned closer and whispered to him:

"Inazuma's situation is very complicated, with rampant war and unrest. For now, they cannot cooperate with us and can't offer us much help. She has indeed signed a contract, but whether or not she can join is up to you."

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