Chapter 44 Fireworks fade away, but human feelings last forever

Previously, Bai Luo had conducted investigations into the Vision of the Gods and had also explored other topics.

For example, whether the attributes of the Vision are related to one's personality and living environment.

It turns out there is indeed some connection.

For instance, people with Pyro Visions are always the most passionate and lively, regardless of their circumstances.

Hmm... except for a certain person, who shall remain unnamed.

As a representative character of the Pyro element, Yoimiya is one such person.

It can be said that Hanamizaka is more lively than the town streets because of Yoimiya and Arataki Itto.

Though the latter is more of a troublemaker.

"Customer, were you also observing that oni earlier?"

Yoimiya appeared carefree, but she was actually paying close attention to Bai Luo's expression.

When she accidentally mentioned Arataki Itto's name, Bai Luo's expression clearly changed. It was subtle, but definitely not positive.

"Yes, I haven't seen an oni in many years."

"In fact, the oni aren't that bad. Though everyone in Hanamizaka complains about him, they actually like him a lot. Otherwise, they wouldn't let him stay in Hanamizaka for so long."

Yoimiya explained enthusiastically.

As she said, she had witnessed the xenophobic attitudes in Inazuma. Not only non-human races but even the Fatui were only accepted after a long time.

Yet, such xenophobic people allowed an oni to wander the streets, which shows their attitude.

"By the way, what type of fireworks are you interested in? And do you happen to have any of our fireworks paper slips?"

Yoimiya listened carefully to what Bai Luo said and remembered he had mentioned visiting more than once.

However, Yoimiya didn't recall seeing Bai Luo before; perhaps he was a customer of her father's?

If he was a regular customer, he would surely have a fireworks paper slip.

"Paper slip?"

Bai Luo was momentarily stunned but soon remembered a paper slip he had received after completing the main storyline in the game.

But what's in the game can't be brought here.

"Yes, that's a tradition in Naganohara Fireworks. Speaking of which... The fleeting bloom of fireworks may seem to go against the eternity of the Shogun, but the beauty and emotion passed down by the paper slip, and the brilliance of fireworks left in people's hearts, are precisely a kind of eternity, aren't they? Perhaps that's why the Shogun didn't make things difficult for us."

"Sorry, I didn't bring the slip."

"That's alright. Just describe the specific features of the fireworks you're looking for, and I can help you find them."

Yoimiya didn't show any signs of disappointment or complaints.

She always manages to strike a perfect balance—neither too verbose nor overstepping, neither cold nor excessively persistent.

From elderly people to toddlers, everyone can talk to her, and it's this art of communication that makes her so popular in Hanamizaka.

"Let the past be the past... Maybe I need a new beginning. Yoimiya, do you have any good recommendations?"

"Well... There's the Hanabi Pearl, which bursts into petals upon collision; the Cheerful Top, which emits a bright bird-like chirp while spinning; and the Neon Dragonfly, which changes color as it ascends. These are quite popular recently. Of course... There's also a new type I've developed that produces bubbles, the Goldfish."

Talking about fireworks, Yoimiya became more talkative, enthusiastically introducing her fireworks to Bai Luo, occasionally bringing out some samples from the store.

If it weren't for the fact that it was still daytime, she might have directly rolled up her sleeves to start lighting them.

"Choose as you like. I trust the craftsmanship of Naganohara."

Fireworks were merely an excuse for Bai Luo; any kind would do. But Yoimiya noticed his disinterest in the fireworks.

"Customer, fireworks fade away easily, and people separate easily.... No matter how difficult the past was, there are always things worth remembering, aren't there?"

Yoimiya didn't know Bai Luo's thoughts; she just guessed from his words that he might have an unpleasant past.

"Fireworks fade away easily, and people separate easily..."

"Indeed, people often say fireworks are ephemeral and momentary. But as long as they are beautiful enough, they can bloom eternally in people's hearts."

Yoimiya moved a full box of fireworks in front of Bai Luo.

"Fireworks can carry wishes. When I made this box of fireworks, I had received my own Vision. Speaking of which... At that time, I even used the Vision as a fire starter.

Since the gods chose to give me the Vision at such a moment, it means that even the gods like fireworks. Maybe they can bring you a different feeling."

Bai Luo could tell that Yoimiya genuinely cared about him.

This is the charm of Pyro Vision holders. No matter when, they are like the fiery sun in the sky, warming everyone.

Except for a certain red-haired man.

"How much?"

Fireworks that even gods like must be quite expensive, right?

But it doesn't matter; for him, Mora is just a number. He has earned a lot from buying books, and with the Fatui's resources, he doesn't need to worry about money.

"No charge. If you feel bad about it, you can write down your feelings about the fireworks. It might give me great ideas for improving them."

Yoimiya waved her hand.

She had done this kind of thing before. Her father used to complain a bit, but now that the Naganohara Fireworks Shop was in her hands, the decision was hers, and her father wouldn't interfere too much.

"Then thank you very much."

Bai Luo was initially surprised but not too surprised, as he thought Yoimiya would be the kind of person to do such things.

Later, Bai Luo chatted with Yoimiya about some interesting things in Hanamizaka and inquired about the green-haired girl who resembled Yoimiya.

Until she was called by her father to help.

Bai Luo carried the fireworks and left alone.

After walking a few steps, his stomach began to growl, and Bai Luo remembered he had come out for lunch.

By the afternoon, there were few people at the food stalls on the road. Bai Luo found a small stall in Hanamizaka and ordered some simple food.

Compared to the town streets, Hanamizaka might not be as luxurious, but it has a strong human touch.

A girl carrying a fishing rod, an old man carrying a hoe, a woman carrying a child on her back. Each of their faces is full of stories, and eating here has its own unique flavor.

After a satisfying meal, Bai Luo returned to the courtyard with the fireworks. But as soon as he reached the entrance, he saw his subordinates frantically pacing.

"What's wrong? Is there news from the Tenryou Commission?"

Seeing this, Bai Luo thought the Raiden Shogun, who had been quiet for a long time, was finally going to meet with him.

"Sir, you're finally back. There's a letter from Her Majesty the Tsaritsa!"