In addition to the information related to the life simulator, Yilan roughly told Raiden Makoto all the information he knew.
Because this was a copy created by the life simulation, he didn't feel the need to keep anything secret. After the simulation ended, everything he experienced here would vanish into nothingness anyway.
Moreover, his next actions might require Raiden Makoto's cooperation.
In mutual cooperation, integrity and the exchange of information are very important, and as a senior executive of Mondstadt, he was naturally very aware of this.
"So… so many things will happen next?"
When Makoto heard that she would die in Khaenri'ah, that the Traveler Ying would come after her and cry while holding her lifeless body, that Inazuma would fall to the Abyssal beast tide due to the absence of the twin Thunder God sisters, and that her close friends—such as Kitsuné Saiguu, Mikoshi Chiyo, and Sasayuri—had died one after another, a look of deep sadness appeared on her face.
"I'm sorry for letting you see me lose my composure."
After recovering from the shock,Makoto bowed deeply to Yilan.
She addressed him with a respectful title and kept a very humble attitude, as if she were not the noble and honored Shogun in charge of Inazuma, but merely a messenger serving a god.
"Thank you sincerely for telling me these things. Although you are not the Ruler of Time I was waiting for, you undoubtedly possess a power no less than His."
"Since you've told me everything without reservation, I will return the favor. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask."
Yilan did have many doubts in his heart, so he raised a finger and asked, "First—can you control this body now?"
"No."
Raiden Makoto shook her head. "I dare not speculate on the method you used to take over my body, but this method is clearly extremely complicated. It completely severed the connection between my consciousness and my body, dominated my body, and even…"
As if remembering something embarrassing, the purple-haired beauty blushed slightly, shifted her star-bright violet eyes, and said softly:
"Even my consciousness is at your mercy."
"Ahem… Let's move on to the second question."
Although what Raiden Makoto said was tempting, Yilan knew that even if he wanted to mess around with her, now wasn't the time.
He genuinely needed her help. If he made her dislike him and the mission failed, it would be more trouble than it was worth.
…But then again, would you feel anything while doing that kind of thing in a shared consciousness space?
Yilan raised two fingers and asked, "Second question. In the eyes of others, is there any difference between the Raiden Makoto possessed by me and you the original?"
"That's exactly what I wanted to tell you before."
Makoto nodded seriously. "Your magic is clearly profound and unfathomable. The soul fluctuations you emit now, the elemental characteristics produced by the vitality in your body, even your spirit—all of it indicates that you are the real Raiden Makoto. If my mind weren't firm enough, I might have the illusion that I'm the fake."
"But you said earlier I might be exposed in front of Raiden Ei?"
"Yes. Even though your soul, body, and spirit show that you are the real Raiden, Ei is… well, as dumb as a melon…"
Although she was criticizing her sister, a fond expression appeared on her face. She covered her mouth and chuckled softly.
"But a fool has her own unique instincts. She doesn't believe in souls or appearances—only in her warrior's intuition. If you start displaying habits that differ from mine in daily life, she might notice something is off."
"What would happen if I were exposed?"
"She would likely throw you in the dungeon for interrogation."
Basement play?
Sounds kind of fun, but let's forget that for now.
"So aside from Raiden Ei, no one else would notice that Raiden Zhen has become a different person?"
"People like Kitsune Saiguu, Sasayuri, and Mikoshi Chiyo—those close to me—might notice something's off, but beyond them, I believe even Lord Celestia wouldn't be able to tell the difference between you and me."
"Is that so…"
Hearing Raiden Makoto's answer, Yilan closed his eyes in thought. After a long pause, he opened them again, a faint smile flashing in his dark eyes.
"I think I've found a way to save you."
"May I ask what it is?" Makoto asked curiously.
Of course, if she could live, she didn't want to die.
But in Yilan's description, their final opponent was the great enforcer of justice.
Even someone as wise as Raiden Makoto couldn't think of a way to defeat Lord Celestia. Even Istaroth, the Ruler of Time, had no hope of defeating them.
"Sorry. That's a secret."
Yilan shrugged. Seeing the dissatisfied and curious expression on Raiden Makoto's face, he couldn't help but smirk a little smugly.
All riddlers must die!
Anyone who won't let me be the riddler must die!
Sure, it's annoying watching riddlers in games and anime, but being the riddler? That feels amazing.
"Don't worry. Once I confirm your life is no longer in danger, I'll leave your body. I won't do anything to harm Inazuma."
"But before that, I hope you'll help me keep this a secret from Raiden Ei and the others. If I ever risk revealing something, please help me cover it up."
Yilan extended his hand to Raiden Zhen, his eyes filled with sincere warmth.
"Also, there's no need to address me so formally. My name is Yilan. Please take care of me."
Raiden Makoto did not shake his hand but gently placed her hands in his palms, leaning forward slightly in a respectful bow.
"As One of the Seven Rulers of the World, The Everlasting Thunder, so long as you remain true to your word, my power is at your disposal."
[You have gained the trust of Raiden Makoto]
[Back in the Tenshukaku, with Raiden Makoto's help, no one noticed your flaws.]
[You handled the day's official duties on behalf of Raiden Makoto.]
"Ugh…"
Looking at the text in the simulator, Yilan was glad he had exited motion-sensing mode in time.
Working in real life was one thing—but working in the simulator? That was just cruel.
[On the second day, there is still some time before the Khaenri'ah disaster. With some idle time, you decide to put it to good use—by asking Raiden Ei for martial arts instruction.]