Chapter 407: What I Saw Along The Way

The three commissions of Inazuma oversee all aspects of the nation, and when issues arise within these commissions, the entire land of Inazuma is affected.

Whether it's the Sakoku Decree or the Vision Hunt Decree, both policies were implemented by the Raiden Shogun herself. However, this doesn't mean that all the blame lies solely with the Shogun. Do the three commissions bear no responsibility? When formulating these policies, the Raiden Shogun couldn't have just acted on a whim, disregarding everything else, could she?

If Raiden Ei were truly that kind of person, Inazuma would have fallen into chaos long ago. There wouldn't be any foundation left to squander now.

The three commissions—specifically, the Tenryou Commission and the Kanjou Commission—provided Raiden Ei with misleading information, leading to her misjudgment.

The Vision Hunt Decree might very well have been born out of this very reason. Think about it carefully: the current state of the wilderness in Inazuma is concerning. Yashiori Island is a given, but even around Mt. Yougou, there are plenty of monsters lurking.

Li Mo's thoughts were tangled in the current situation of Inazuma, all because of a document handed to to him by Kamisato Ayaka.

He is currently walking alongside the White Heron Princess of the Kamisato Clan, holding the documents provided by the Yashiro Commission.

"Have you read this document, Kamisato Ayaka?"

"No, Your Excellency. My brother only instructed me to deliver it to you."

Li Mo was walking alongside Kamisato Ayaka. Given her presence, he chose to take the main road rather than the shortest path between two points.

This route would pass through Konda Village and would take about half a day, even with both of them walking at a brisk pace.

Li Mo tucked the documents away and said, "That Yae Miko, she even shared this kind of information with others? Well, it doesn't matter. The more people who know, the better. Miss Kamisato, did you come all the way back from Inazuma City just to wait for me?"

"My brother said you had something important to attend to."

"I see."

Kamisato Ayato was likely busy dealing with connections to the resistance army.

These past few days, I haven't just been studying techniques; I've also been reviewing the current situation. Yae Miko really acts like she doesn't care about anything, just tossing the documents aside and leaving everything to me. If I hadn't strongly expressed my dissatisfaction, she would have probably already wandered off to the Yae Publishing House.

But these past few days, she's always had a book in hand, complaining that the current light novels are all trash, nothing more than toilet paper.

In comparison...

"Thank you for your hard work, Miss Kamisato."

"Your Excellency, there's no need to be so formal. You can call me Ayaka. If it means resolving Inazuma's current predicament, I am willing to do whatever it takes."

The aura of a noble lady was palpable, making the laziness of a certain fox even more apparent.

Li Mo asked, "What do you know about what I'm about to do, Ayaka?"

The change in address came naturally. Li Mo was curious about how much Yae Miko had revealed to Kamisato Ayato and how much Ayato had told Ayaka.

He was very curious.

"I don't know much. My brother only told me that you are the one most capable of resolving Inazuma's current situation."

"Oh, I wonder if Yae didn't tell your brother, or if your brother didn't tell you? It doesn't matter. At most, I'm just a punching bag who can withstand the Raiden Shogun's blade, which is why I can face her."

After a pause, Li Mo continued, "I think it's likely that your brother doesn't know the specifics either. Yae is too lazy to reveal my information."

The awkward small talk about the mission ended. Li Mo gave Ayaka a bit of reassurance, stating that he was going to break the current deadlock.

As for the method... Ayaka already had an idea.

From Mt. Yougou to Inazuma City, Konda Village was a the only way. If the Sakoku Decree were lifted, this place would become a bustling hub. The distance from Ritou to Inazuma City wasn't short, and travelers would need to rest in Konda Village overnight, or else they'd have to travel through the night. But unfortunately, many monsters are active day and night, and even Treasure Hoarders and ronin have become more active.

Like the time Li Mo returned from Kannazuka to Konda Village, it took several days. Narukami Island is a large island.

In Konda Village, he exchanged a few words with the Kamado family. Kamado Ichirou had been sent to the Tenryou Commission, while Kamado Jirou remained at home, idle. He also visited Tejima, who seemed somewhat disoriented after losing his Vision.

After a brief exchange, the two continued on to Inazuma City.

"Later, I'll use a Yin-Yang technique to speed up our journey. Don't be alarmed when it happens."

After a slight delay in Konda Village, Li Mo didn't want to waste any more time and used a spell to accelerate their movement. Ayaka, being a Vision holder, was able to maintain her composure even as they sped up.

"Your Excellency, do you know Tejima?"

"That was years ago. Before joining the Grand Narukami Shrine, I lived in Konda Village," Li Mo said. "The Vision Hunt Decree... I knew that losing a Vision would have a significant impact on the person, but I didn't expect it to be this severe..."

He recalled how Tejima had been a steadfast warrior when they fought together against the Hilichurl mages. Now, he didn't seem like the same person.

"The Yashiro Commission is aware of Tejima's situation. The effects of losing a Vision vary from person to person. Some, like Tejima, become disoriented and lose their spirit. Others, like Arataki Itto and Kuki Shinobu, seem unaffected after losing their Visions."

Ayaka explained as they moved, the spell making their walking speed faster than running.

She mentioned names Li Mo was familiar with. Aside from his connections in Konda Village, Arataki Itto had crossed paths with the shrine, and Kuki Shinobu, being from a shrine maiden family, had close ties to the Grand Narukami Shrine.

Li Mo said, "I know. Speaking of which, that traveler named Lumine helped Tejima, didn't she?"

"Yes."

Ayaka didn't hide the fact that she knew the traveler. The Grand Narukami Shrine and the Yashiro Commission were on the same side. Even though the Shogun had issued a warrant for the traveler's arrest... the shrine was preparing to lift the Vision Hunt Decree, so they wouldn't care about the traveler's wanted status.

Li Mo said, "She seems like a kind-hearted person. Aoi in Kannazuka also received her help."

Inazuma's environment is oppressive. Having a golden-haired traveler around is a good thing.

No one understands better than Li Mo what kind of person the traveler is. She jumps around for quests, running errands all over Teyvat, never refusing a task as long as there's a reward.

Unfortunately, she's probably in Watatsumi Island now, so I won't get to meet her. But we'll cross paths eventually.

As time passed, Inazuma City finally came into view. Ayaka was greeted warmly by the people along the way, her reputation as the White Heron Princess clearly high among the citizens. They treated her like a neighbor's child, with natural affection.

By the time the sun dipped below the western horizon, the two finally arrived at their resting place—the Komore Teahouse.