The only thing more exhausting than going shopping with a girl is going shopping with a whole group of them.
Raiden Ei stood there with arms full of shopping bags—lingerie, pajamas, toiletries, and a mountain of other essentials—clutching them as a sudden doubt flickered in her mind.
Where exactly am I supposed to sleep tonight?
"That was so much fun!" Kiana said, letting out a massive yawn and a long stretch. She'd spent the entire day out with the two Meis, and she still looked like she hadn't had enough.
"We hit the Homu Amusement Park, the Homu Supercenter, and then that stroll along the beach with everyone... man, if only every day could be like this!"
"Keep dreaming. Tomorrow, you're getting your butt to class," Himeko said, rolling her eyes playfully at Kiana before turning her attention to Ei.
"Ei, once you're done... well, after you shower, get ready for bed. I've already had someone set up a bed for you in my room."
"I see. Thank you."
A tiny spark of excitement flared in Ei's chest at the mention of sharing a room with Himeko. After all, in the comics, Himeko was notorious for lounging around in—let's just say—very skimpy outfits.
There were even stories of her getting so wasted she'd crash in Kiana's bed without a stitch of clothing on!
"However, I do not require sleep," Ei added, her expression turning dead serious as she looked at Himeko. "I am not human; therefore, I have no biological need for rest."
"When you say you don't 'need' to sleep, do you mean you can't, or you just don't have to?" Himeko asked, her gaze softening with a mix of curiosity and genuine concern.
The rest of the girls in the living room shifted their attention to Ei, their eyes filled with interest.
"...I do not know."
Ei went silent for a moment before answering. "I have never attempted to sleep. It was only today that I attained... self-awareness."
"Hold on a second!" Kiana shouted, jumping on the most shocking part of that sentence. Her jaw practically hit the floor. "You mean to tell me you were basically born today?!"
"By mortal standards, yes," Ei nodded, completely unbothered by the admission. It was the simple truth; she had indeed manifested as Raiden Ei earlier that day.
"Whoa..." Kiana muttered, her eyes widening as she scanned Ei's striking, elegant figure—one that was, arguably, even more perfect than Mei's.
Thump!
Raiden Mei, face flushed bright red, retracted the hand she'd just used to smack Kiana. She turned to Ei, her gaze turning even more tender.
"If that's the case... Ei, before you have to go back... why don't you try living like a mortal for a while?"
"..." Ei looked at her, a hint of confusion clouding her eyes.
"There are no burdens for you to carry here," Mei said, stepping forward to take Ei's hand in hers. "And besides... if you truly wish to protect Inazuma, you need to understand the people you're protecting—how they live, and who they really are."
"I... understand."
Ei nodded slowly, though the confusion didn't entirely vanish. "I will attempt to experience what it means to live as a mortal."
"Good," Mei said, a warm, joyful smile breaking across her face.
"Wait a minute..." Kiana grumbled, a sudden wave of indignation washing over her. "Expecting Ei to protect an entire nation when she's only a day old... that's just totally irresponsible!"
"It sounds like we have a big responsibility on our hands, too," Theresa sighed, resting her hands on her hips. "It's a good thing she ended up with us right after she was 'born.' We can actually teach her things so she doesn't try to run a country without knowing the first thing about life."
"That would be a total disaster," Himeko agreed with a nod, looking relieved. "Alright, everyone, let's get cleaned up."
Raiden Mei began ushering everyone toward the bathroom like the organized head of a large household. However, she paused and looked back at Ei with a questioning tilt of her head.
"Ei, these modern appliances... do you know how to use them?"
"I do not," Ei answered bluntly. Deep down, however, her heart began to race with anticipation.
As expected, a look of realization dawned on Mei's face. She spoke softly, "In that case, I'll show you how everything works."
"Understood," Ei replied with a solemn nod, as if she were accepting a high-stakes military mission.
"You don't need to be so serious. Like I said, try to treat this place as your home. You can do what you want, and you can say no to things you don't like."
"Very well."
Ei nodded again, but the bewildered look remained. She looked like a robot experiencing a glitch in its core logic.
"Mei! Mei! Let me take Ei for her bath!" Kiana interjected, practically huffing with excitement.
"Kiana, you dummy! Stop trying to take advantage of Mei!"
"Hey! I... I'm not! And besides, Ei isn't Mei!"
"But she looks exactly like her!"
It's fine, it's fine, I really don't mind, Ei thought to herself. She was so giddy about what was coming next she almost burst out laughing.
"Honestly, you two..."
After giving Kiana a light scolding, a flustered Raiden Mei led Ei toward the bathroom.
Is it finally happening?!
Ei was internally cheering as she followed closely behind, empty-handed. She only got a few steps before Mei stopped and turned around with a helpless smile.
"Ei, you need to bring a change of clothes if you're going to shower."
"A change of clothes?"
Ei thought about it for a second, looked down at her current outfit, and shook her head seriously. "It is unnecessary. These garments were crafted by the Narukami herself; they do not gather dust or stain."
"Even so, girls should change their clothes regularly," Mei laughed softly. "Consider it... part of the 'mortal experience'." She gently nudged Ei back toward the bags of new clothes.
"I see. Then I shall do so."
Like someone with zero life experience, Ei solemnly followed Mei's instructions, picking up a set of clothes and a towel. Her movements were a bit stiff, as if she were trying to calculate the deep philosophical meaning behind holding a bath towel.
"Let's go."
Mei took her hand again and led her into the bathroom.
"I'm so jealous..." Just before the door clicked shut, Ei caught the sound of Kiana's voice, thick with envy. "I wish I could take a bath with Mei and Ei too."
I'm looking forward to it too!
For a split second, Ei felt a tiny pang of guilt.
Sorry, Kiana, but I'm the one going for a soak with your Mei!
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