Genshin Impact, all those behind-the-scenes big shots are me

As the thunderclouds dissipated, the people of Daofu recovered from their anxiety and, finding that nothing serious had happened, the Dragon King Festival proceeded as scheduled.

Although the main venue was Narukami Taisha Shrine, most people actually followed the principle of proximity, and various shrines within Inatsuma territory, including Inatsuma Castle, had corresponding festival activities.

Under the overall coordination of the organization, everything was held in an orderly manner.

Swish!

Lightning appeared, transforming into three figures: two large and one small.

Wow! It's so lively!

Looking at the scene inside Inazuma Castle not far away, Paimon said excitedly, "Let's hurry over there!"

With such a lively atmosphere, how could Lord Paimon be missing?

"You may go," Ying said calmly.

"Huh?" Paimon scratched his head. "Such a lively festival, isn't the General going to attend?"

Of course I want to participate, but why should I go with you guys? ...Kage thought to himself, I'll call Torachiyo later and have her see the Dragon King Festival again after so long, as a formal farewell to Cardodia.

"I have other plans."

"Don't say that," Paimon chuckled. "Anyway, the Dragon King Festival has already started, so let's go take a look."

She was still thinking about currying favor with a powerful figure. How much would it cost to eat all the delicious food at the Dragon King's Festival? If the General were there, it would be a different story. He could easily come up with a few million Mora, enough for them to eat to their hearts' content... Hmm, Paimon, I'm really going to great lengths to save travelers money!

"Perhaps Su Chen will also come. We can introduce him to you, General. He is Mondstadt's diplomatic envoy. According to procedure, shouldn't he also pay a visit to the General?"

"Um..."

Shadow looked towards Inazuma City.

Humans like those from Cardodia... never mind, they're just annoying to look at.

“Let’s walk around, then the person will disappear,” Shadow said. “Perfect timing, it’s been a long time since I’ve been to Inazuma Castle.”

"Great! Let's go!" Paimon exclaimed excitedly, having successfully latched onto Paimon's coattails.

"Wear this."

Ying took out two masks.

As a wanted criminal, she was always aware that she could disguise herself at any time.

As for Ying, it would be terrible if she were recognized.

Shadow was disgusted, but when Fire said it might cause panic and prevent her from properly experiencing the Dragon King Festival, she put it on anyway to avoid trouble.

The three entered Inazuma Castle.

Centuries later, I once again immersed myself in this ancient city. The familiar cityscape, streets, buildings, and people who worshipped the Thunder God were all there. The small toys, the Dragon King statue, and the seashells on the street were all identical to the Dragon King Festival in my memory.

However, compared to before, I am now accompanied by two strangers, and one of them is arguing with me to death.

"Wow! Traveler, look! That Dragon King sugar figurine is huge, and it looks so delicious!"

"What's that? A wooden carving of the Dragon King? It's so lifelike!"

"Dragon King Cuisine? I wonder what's in it... Hehe~ Let's go try it."

"welcome!"

...

I was urged to come in. It was a very ordinary-looking shop, but it was packed with people. I was about to leave when the aroma was so enticing, so I decided to sit down.

The signboard reads "Ryudo Tonkotsu Ramen," a name whose meaning is unclear, but it was surprisingly delicious. I had the Tenryo Magistrate deliver it to the castle tower every few days.

When I was checking out, I noticed the traveler kept looking in my direction, and I didn't understand what he was trying to say.

Leaving, I arrived at a fighting arena with a sign that read "Dragon King's Martial Arts Competition." I signed up to participate in the competition, and the winner would receive a generous reward. Hmm, that's quite in the style of the Inazuma Samurai.

A demon won the match. Although he was not as good as Chiyo, his strength was still quite good. However, he was loud and a bit noisy. He actually hugged and cried with a group of 'little brothers' for a mere million Mora. What kind of behavior is that?

Speaking of which, why isn't Chiyo here on such a lively day?

Perhaps it's at Narukami Taisha Shrine.

Next up is a chess competition. They've brought in something called Go from Liyue. It's said to have been invented by the Human Emperor. My sister loved it and would play a game every time she saw Kadodia.

My sister said that the chess pieces being played represent people's hearts.

I don't really like it; it's too complicated and not as pure as martial arts.

The stage for the sacrificial ceremony was well-made this year, with a large statue of the Dragon King. Fireworks were set off during the ceremony, although fireworks are usually prohibited in Inazuma Castle, but today was an exception.

The fireworks were beautiful, but also very short-lived.

Paimon kept shouting that it looked just like that human named Su Chen, right? Ha~ How could a human compare to the Kadodia?

Oh well, now that I've let it go, there's no need to dwell on it anymore.

The ritual was the same as before, but the priest added some strange performances. The kagura was good, but the rest was nothing special.

A pastry shop, whose owner claims to be an old establishment, said that his ancestors made pastries for the Dragon King, and that even the Dragon King praised the pastries. The traveler and Paimon were fooled; there's no such thing as a fake.

However, the desserts tasted good.

...

Walking through the bustling streets of Inazuma Castle, with cherry blossom petals fluttering in the air and the noise surrounding him, Kage felt as if he were isolated from the world. Perhaps having come to terms with those things, Kage's heart was unusually calm.

A voice came from beside me, seemingly indicating that I was an outsider.

"The Dragon King Festival is indeed very lively. Karls, how much money does Lord Su Chen have left? Let's go buy some local specialties to take back with us."

"Yeah, my partner told me to buy local specialties before we left. I bought all the local products from Liyue to Inazuma. Now I'm really going to have to eat dirt when I get back."

"Don't panic, it's not a big problem. Ask Lord Su Chen for reimbursement."

"Speaking of which, where did Lord Su Chen go? That monster girl is still waiting at home."

"I don't know. Speaking of which, the demon girl is quite kind-hearted. I hope Lord Su Chen won't let her down."

"What was her name again... Torachiyo?"

"Yes, that's the name. They're so attached to Lord Su Chen, their relationship must be really good."

"Speaking of which, have you noticed that Lord Su Chen looks quite like that Dragon King?"

Ying paused in her steps.

The sound faded into the distance, and she turned around.

"Someone is coming."

Narukami's aura was released instantly, and the powerful airflow dispersed the crowd, creating a vacuum zone where only she stood.

Ying and Paimon were stunned and stood there dumbfounded.

Ta-ta-ta-ta-ta.

The samurai responsible for maintaining order at the festival rushed over, and when they saw the figure with the mask off, they were first taken aback, then quickly knelt down.

"Greetings, General!"

The surrounding people also knelt down and shouted the name of "General".

"Take those men down."

Mondstadt delegation: "???"

...

...

Narukami Taisha Shrine!

As the main stage for the Dragon King Festival, the level of excitement here is unimaginable.

Even though Narukami Island is only so big due to geographical limitations, it still couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the Inazuma people.

Looking at the long queue that almost stretched to the mountainside, Su Chen was speechless. There were so many more people going up the mountain than coming down. By the time the later ones entered Narukami Taisha, the Dragon King Festival would already be over.

Are you guys going to step on the Dragon King's tail?

Su Chen, who had originally planned to climb the mountain step by step, immediately abandoned the idea and flew directly into the shrine.

Crowds of people.

Surrounded by cherry blossoms, the shrine is filled with various activities for the festival, including eating, drinking, playing, and having fun. There's everything you could want in the festival, from fishing and barbecuing to making ema (votive plaques). It's a vibrant and chaotic scene.

"Check out the Dragon King's portrait! A masterpiece by the renowned artist Bai'e, don't miss it!"

"Master Miyaji's book 'The Legend of the Dragon King' is now on sale! Purchase now for a chance to win a copy personally signed by Master Miyaji!"

"The Dragon King himself said it was delicious after eating the first bowl of noodles!"

"I pray on an ema (votive plaque) that the Dragon King will bless me!"

"The Dragon King impersonation contest has begun! Let's go check it out!"

The crowd began to surge in one direction.

Su Chen was squeezed until he was covered in sweat, and when he turned around, he found himself already off that stage.

Dangdang!

The gongs and drums sounded.

Su Chen asked in confusion, "Brother, what kind of program is this?"

Inazuma said from the side, "You don't know this? The Dragon King cosplay contest is a program that Lord Yae no Kami arranged a few years ago. It's been going on for several years now, and it's been quite exciting every year!"

How exciting was it?

"To put it simply, there are many people who look remarkably like the Dragon King. There are several Dragon Kings standing together... Of course, the main thing is the temperament. The Chief Justice scores based on temperament, and then there's the performance. It's a role-playing competition, so you have to have the spirit. Actually, all of these are connected by a story. Everyone has prepared a script, and only those who perform well can win awards."

"So, it's similar to the Liyue Theater?"

"It's not that formal. Are you from Liyue? Hmm? Hmm?"

The person who finished speaking turned around and saw Su Chen's appearance, and was so frightened that he almost jumped up.

"Lord Cardodia! If you were to participate in the competition, you would definitely win first place!"

Su Chen laughed and said, "Forget it, I'm from Mondstadt, I don't even know this Dragon King."