Genshin Impact: I, the Winter Prince, reign supreme.

In the rigidly hierarchical Inazuma, Su Yu's words tonight were like a bolt from the blue.

Those present today fell into deep thought, some surprised, some confused, and most... shocked.

Because fireworks displays require one to stay alert at all times, Xiaogong, who never drinks, downed the wine in his cup in one gulp and, emboldened by the alcohol, asked, "Your Highness, is Zhidong's gunpowder technology the most advanced? Do you need any apprentices? I want to learn, and I'm willing to pay any tuition fee."

"Why do you want to learn gunpowder technology? That stuff is quite dangerous, and it's not suitable for girls."

"The 'Eye-Hunting Order' has taken away everyone's divine eyes, leaving many people without the means to defend themselves. Therefore, I want to develop a weapon using gunpowder technology to give people the ability to protect themselves, and most importantly, to enhance everyone's sense of security."

Xiaogong had secretly approached the Fools on several occasions, saying he wanted to go to Zhidong to learn gunpowder technology, but was firmly rejected by the Fools.

The advanced gunpowder technology is a secret in Zhidong. Not only can a foreigner like her not learn it, but even the locals of Zhidong have to go through strict screening to be qualified to learn it.

However, Xiaogong learned an important piece of information: Zhidong's gunpowder technology was developed by Prince Zhidong.

With Prince Zhidong right in front of her, she wouldn't let this opportunity slip by no matter what.

"Miss Yoomiya, both of you possess gunpowder technology, so why is it that Inazuma's gunpowder can only be used for fireworks, while Shifuyu's gunpowder has been developed into the most advanced military technology? Let me tell you the reason: it's because of different governing philosophies that this situation has arisen."

"The Ice Queen believes that a strong military is the foundation for Winter's development. General Thunder, on the other hand, believes that isolation is the only way to maintain the nation's permanence. I suggest you take a long-term view. Instead of learning Winter's gunpowder technology, you should encourage your people to change General Thunder's governing philosophy and persuade her to abolish the 'Eye Hunt Order.' This is the long-term solution."

Xiao Gong felt as if he had been enlightened; he had never thought of doing this before.

Su Yu's words gave her a new goal to strive for.

Not only Xiaogong, but also Yae no Miko's beautiful eyes made no attempt to hide her appreciation and gratitude for Su Yu.

Because what Su Yu said was exactly what she had always wanted to do.

Although she had her own thoughts, she was a member of the Narukami family and could not disobey the Thunder General in her words or actions. Today, almost all the nobles and aristocratic families of Inazuma were present, and Su Yu said what she was not comfortable saying.

If Inazuma wants to become stronger, it needs to reform from the root.

And the root of this lies in General Lei Dian's governing philosophy.

The siblings, Ayaka and Ayato, smiled and greeted Su Yu.

They have always wanted to overthrow the "Eye Hunt Order" and change General Raiden's will.

Harboring those who possess the Eye of God and helping them escape capture by the Heavenly Commander is a secret operation that the Society Commander has been carrying out.

Hiiragi Senri is the representative of the Kancho Fengyou (Minister of Finance), who holds the power of Inazuma's finances. Her greatest wish is to lift the "isolation order" and restore Inazuma's normal foreign trade.

Although the "Eye Hunting Edict" and the "National Isolation Edict" were two different laws, if the "Eye Hunting Edict" could be abolished, then the "National Isolation Edict" could naturally be abolished as well.

Therefore, she supports Su Yu's statement.

The only one of the three inspectors who was unhappy was the Heavenly Commander, because it was their organization that was carrying out the "Eye Hunt Order".

Kujo Takayuki was relegated to a nearby table, already feeling wronged and resentful. To him, Su Yu's words sounded like a challenge to the authority of the Thunder General, inciting the Inazuma people to rebel against the Thunder General.

He was so angry he was fuming.

His son, Kujo Kamaji, looked as if he had swallowed a dead fly.

But they dared not say anything.

After all, even the Eightfold Divine Child didn't stop it, so they had even less right to.

The banquet continued, with everyone toasting, chatting, and laughing.

People came one after another to toast Su Yu, and Su Yu returned the toasts one by one.

Interpersonal relationships are an art, and Su Yu certainly wouldn't refuse the flattery of the powerful and influential.

Hayato, along with Hisaki Shinobu and Araki Ichito, toasted Su Yu.

"Hoo hoo... Prince Zhidong, haven't we met before? Zaoyou always feels that you are kinder to us than to others."

Zaoyou was yawning, clearly still half asleep, just like in the game—cute and adorable.

"Only because of Zaoyou's kindness can she feel my warmth."

Su Yu smiled casually, brushing it off, and then looked at Hisagi Shinobu.

“Miss Hisaki Shinobu, I’ve heard that you have the reputation of being ‘Inazuma’s best waist.’ Seeing you today, I can confirm that the reputation is well-deserved.”

Hisaki Shinobu wore an Araki-ha mask, but the smile on his lips became shy.

Afterwards, Kujo Sara, representing the Tenryo magistrate, offered a toast to Su Yu.

This time, Su Yu gave her face.

Although Kujo Sara is Kujo Takayuki's adopted daughter, she will not associate with them; she is only loyal to Raiden-shogun.

If one day the Kujo family betrays General Raiden, she will not hesitate to turn the knife on her own family.

Su Yu casually mentioned the plight of his cousin, the Lady of the Hidden Mirror, and Kujo Sara immediately said that she would return the Eye of God the next day and personally deliver the medical expenses.

"This is indeed an overreach of law enforcement by our Heavenly Territory, and the fault lies with us. The Fools are not citizens of this country, and the 'Eye Hunting Order' has no binding force on them. I apologize again to His Highness for this incident, and I assure you that such a thing will never happen again."

Kaedehara Manyo and his close friend came to offer a toast.

The two expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Su Yu. If Su Yu had not been present, Wan Ye's best friend would have been doomed in the duel before the emperor.

"Your Highness, the day I met you at the hotel, I heard someone vomiting in the bathroom of the next room... I suppose it was one of your envoys, or perhaps someone was seasick?"

Manyo's close friend suddenly recalled his experience that day and asked this question.

“One of my attendants.”

"There are a few simple ways to relieve seasickness symptoms: chewing raw ginger and smelling orange peel..."

"I will pass on the message."

Su Yu hid his embarrassment and answered naturally.

The lady behind the mirror secretly smiled to herself.

She knew very well that when they went to the hotel that time, only His Highness went in; there were no attendants at all.

It turns out that even the all-powerful prince has a little-known "secret"—he gets seasick.

Despite my happiness, I was already thinking that next time I set off, I must prepare ginger and orange peel for His Highness.

The drinking session was held around the middle of the month.

Yae no Miko whispered intimately in Su Yu's ear:

Let's talk privately over there.

Chapter 14 Parting from You

The lady with the hidden mirror followed behind Su Yu with several Winter Warriors, looking very nervous.

"Let's go have dinner. It's rare for Inazuma to host a dinner like this. Enjoying life is just as important as working."

Su Yu told them.

"But Your Highness..."

The woman in the hidden mirror stared intently at the Eightfold Divine Child.

"I told you last time, the goddess isn't a tiger. Are you worried I'll be eaten by her?"

A smile appeared on Su Yu's lips.

Loyal subordinates certainly have their advantages, but sometimes they may lose their rational judgment.

"As ordered, Your Highness."

The lady with the hidden mirror led her people away.

Amidst the dazzling starlight, the Eightfold Divine Child and Su Yu walked side by side.

"It's obvious that your personal maid cares about you a lot."

"Of course. Any man could be captivated by Inazuma, the most intelligent and beautiful woman in the world."

Su Yu said humorously.

Yae no Miko brushed a strand of hair from between her brows and smiled sweetly: "Then, will you be captured?"

"That depends on the sincerity of the divine child."

Yae no Miko chuckled, laughing so hard she was shaking.

“Let’s get down to business. You embarrassed Kujo Takayuki in front of me and in public. Even if he was wrong, it’s not Prince Shifuyu’s place to reprimand him. After all, he is my minister in Inazuma.”

"I understand that Miss Shenzi wants to protect her subordinates. So what do you want?"

Su Yu publicly ordered Kujo Takayuki to leave the table and had Yoshimiya take his place, which was tantamount to humiliating Inazuma's senior retainer.

"The Heart of God resides within me, and even if Shadow agrees, I will not hand it over to you for the time being."

Yae no Miko did not directly stand up for Kujo Takayuki at the banquet; she was waiting for this moment.

She will later send someone to inform the Kujo family of this decision.

She needed to give the Kujo family an explanation; this was her way of winning people over and appeasing them.

If subordinates are bullied by outsiders and the master does not stand up for them, it will chill the subordinates' hearts.

"Inazuma's God Heart must be given to me tonight."

Su Yu stopped in his tracks, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

If it concerns the great cause of defying the laws of heaven, and the Eighth Prince insists on going his own way, he would not hesitate to resort to violence.

"Come and try to steal it if you dare."

Yae no Miko replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.

A ray of light shone inside her chest cavity; it was the Heart of God.

She hid the Heart of God in her chest, making it difficult for Su Yu to make a move.

"Miss Miko would resort to such low-level tricks; it's not gentlemanly conduct."

"Being a gentleman is a matter for you men; I am a woman."

The Eightfold God's Son is complacent.

Suddenly, Su Yu set up a barrier around himself, blocking the prying eyes of the outside world.

He then pulled out a piece of black silk from his spatial ring and covered his eyes with it.