"Is that truly the Almighty Shogun?"

"Has someone done something horrible to warrant her personal wrath?"

"She's so pretty..."

The sheer amount of whispering around us makes me feel a bit flustered, as the few humans I normally interact with tend to be quite direct, as I have little time to waste. It's even more concerning since there's far from a single opinion held by the common people of Inazuma, and most of them seem quite content on expressing their many thoughts, even if only quietly amongst themselves.

I turn to look at the beautiful face of Miko beside me, her robes fanning about her in the powerful winds here in Inazuma City. Though her face remains locked in the easy smile she always wears, I can tell she's quite excited to listen in on the whispers surrounding us as her fox ears flick this way and that in order to catch everything said. I do not know why, but the hushed tones of the humans seem to hold something very different for her than for me.

Noticing my stare, Miko turns to me, her purple eyes glimmering in the bright sunlight. "Is there something you require, Ei?" she asks in her mature voice, showing no restraint in using my true name in front of so many people.

I hesitate for a moment, something I've found myself doing far too often recently. Miko's question is quite innocent, but she has shown a deep level of cunning in the last few weeks that even I find surprising. In truth, it's a little saddening that my closest friend has become so unreadable to me, a much-desired constant denied to me in this time of ever-changing ideals and events. Using a hand to toss my hair back, I reply "I admit, Miko, that your request today surprised me, but even moreso, after asking me out on this 'date' you have not spoken a word. We have simply strode through the streets of Inazuma City with no clear goal. I must ask why you desired me to join you today, if you have refused to speak to me?"

Miko's smile turns ambiguous and she simply turns her attention back to the road in front of us. Most of the humans have stepped off to either side, allowing us easy access through the streets, and the vendors that populate the area have turned silent at our approach. It is confusing as to why, since I have not come to disrupt their business nor to levy enforcement. Their wary gazes cut into me, making me a little annoyed that the people I have defended for so long have come to be so suspicious of me.

Of course, such suspicion has been earned. My decisions as of late have been... questionable to say the least, outright wrong at worst. Being duped by my own officials, betrayed by foreign diplomats, losing for the first time in hundreds of years to a complete stranger. It is no wonder the people seem to have lost their previously unshakeable confidence in my ability to rule. Perhaps that is what Miko wishes me to see, since no words could hurt me more than the gazes leveled my way by these humans.

Miko's ears swivel my way, apparently picking up on my dark thoughts. For the first time today, her smile slips just a little, though I cannot tell whether it is from concern or resignation at the emotions swirling within my head.