Chapter 1571: The Shock and Caution of Yagokoro Eirin

In the world of Gensokyo, within Eternity Pavilion.

"...... Your Highness, what is this?"

Yagokoro Eirin scanned her—Hakurei Kaguya, dressed in imperial robes—for a long while before asking, with evident hesitation, "Why have you suddenly begun to care about your appearance?"

In Yagokoro Eirin's memory, since Hakurei Kaguya connected to the outside internet, she had become utterly useless, a complete shut-in.

Though Yagokoro Eirin had repeatedly tried to restore Hakurei Kaguya to the elegant, noble Moon Princess she once was, repeated failures taught her it was futile... Over time, even Yagokoro Eirin herself gave up.

Yet today, Yagokoro Eirin suddenly realized Hakurei Kaguya had returned to her former self.

Noble and graceful.

But seeing this, Yagokoro Eirin felt no joy—only a flicker of dread.

This was because the situation was far too abnormal.

"I've made many new friends recently! And now, those friends are coming to visit Eternity Pavilion."

Hakurei Kaguya lightly smiled, half-covering her face with her fan, "So naturally, I must present my best side... to my friends."

What do you think, Eirin!"

"...... Are your friends male or female?"

Yagokoro Eirin's gaze sharpened.

Though nominally, Yagokoro Eirin was Hakurei Kaguya's servant.

In reality, Yagokoro Eirin was closer to being Hakurei Kaguya's elder.

"Both male and female!"

Hakurei Kaguya replied without the slightest hesitation.

"That's..."

Learning they weren't boyfriends, Yagokoro Eirin exhaled in relief, "Then I'm reassured."

Suddenly sensing something, Yagokoro Eirin froze, her gaze turning icy as she fixed it on a corner of empty air, her voice devoid of any emotion.

"Youkai Sage, what are you doing in my Eternity Pavilion?"

In midair, a gap slowly opened.

Ba Yunzi stepped out from the gap, smiling faintly, holding a sun umbrella, her posture elegant and composed.

"Oh my, Yagokoro Eirin! Is this how you greet an old friend?"

"Enough!"

Yagokoro Eirin stared at Ba Yunzi without expression, her voice low, "State your purpose."

Few understood better than Yagokoro Eirin just how dangerous this Youkai Sage—the one who founded Gensokyo—truly was.

A moment's lapse in vigilance, and Ba Yunzi might sell her out.

Yagokoro Eirin believed the connection between Eternity Pavilion and Ba Yunzi was shallow.

Ba Yunzi showing up uninvited was unlikely to mean anything good.

"I came with no ill intent,"

Ba Yunzi's gaze passed over Yagokoro Eirin and settled on Hakurei Kaguya, smiling sweetly, "I merely came to attend the banquet hosted by Your Highness."

"I never invited you, Ba Yunzi."

Hakurei Kaguya's voice was calm.

She picked up the teapot and poured several cups of tea before herself.

"But I am also your internet friend,"

Ba Yunzi showed no annoyance at Hakurei Kaguya's rejection, covering her mouth as she chuckled softly, "Besides, I truly wish to meet them...

I think you can't refuse me."

Yagokoro Eirin's brow knotted tightly as she scrutinized both Ba Yunzi and Hakurei Kaguya with suspicion.

From their exchange, she realized Hakurei Kaguya and Ba Yunzi had communicated more than once.

And from their words... it seemed they were "internet friends." "When did this happen?"

Yagokoro Eirin rubbed her temples, sinking into thought, "...... What scheme is Ba Yunzi hatching? Why did she contact the Princess first?"