Chapter 450: Guidance

Watatsumi Island's problems were rather troublesome. Its agriculture, livestock, and mining industries were all underdeveloped. The only somewhat viable industries were fishing and textiles, but neither was competitive. 

Li Mo didn't outright dismiss the situation. From Ei's perspective, Watatsumi was still part of Inazuma—it simply retained autonomy outside the Tri-Commission's governance. Given that the title of "Raiden Shogun" referred to both Makoto and Ei, Ei's stance toward Watatsumi had followed Makoto's policies. 

In other words, while Ei had slain the serpent Orobashi, it was Makoto who handled the aftermath. From Li Mo's current viewpoint, there must have been some unspoken understanding between Orobashi and Makoto—one that Ei, ever the blunt warrior, would never have grasped. 

Thus, Li Mo felt it necessary to offer Watatsumi some guidance. Desperation bred recklessness, so it was better to give the desperate a way out. 

He inquired about Watatsumi's current state, focusing on commerce—only for Kokomi to give him an unexpected answer. 

"Wait… Lady Sangonomiya, you're certain you didn't misspeak?" 

"Yes. As of now, Watatsumi has only one merchant," Kokomi admitted with a faintly bitter smile. "Her name is Kiyoko. Her goods are affordable and of decent quality, but her profit margins are… negligible." 

After cross-checking the numbers, Li Mo sighed. "This is practically charity." 

Watatsumi's situation was worse than he'd imagined. 

Kokomi explained further: "Before the Vision Hunt Decree, we organized trade caravans to sell and purchase goods in Narukami. After the decree, that became impossible." 

The decree had pushed Watatsumi into open rebellion. Kokomi didn't elaborate on the reasons, and Li Mo didn't press. It always came down to economics. 

A heavy silence fell over the room, broken only by the faint clinking of teacups from neighboring guests. 

Lumine finally whispered, "Your Excellency, is there really no solution?" 

"Enriching one person is easy; enriching a society is far harder," Li Mo said. "Watatsumi's natural resources are lacking. No minerals, no viable agriculture—just radishes. No crops mean no livestock. Your textiles can't compete with Narukami's. It's a deadlock." 

Worse, Watatsumi had been omitted from his and Ei's development plans. While Inazuma City's economy had faltered under the Sakoku and Vision Hunt Decrees, its foundations remained. The Kanjou Commission's trade profits were substantial, and Tatarasuna's revival was underway. Watatsumi, however, had no such foundation—not even a first seed of capital. 

After a pause, Li Mo continued, "The Shogun intends to develop Seirai Island. It was inhabited centuries ago, and despite Fatui interference, labor is scarce. The pay for development work will be substantial. Additionally, Watatsumi should establish a merchant guild." 

He leaned forward. "Inazuma's trade with other nations will expand. Commerce will flourish. Watatsumi must participate—unless you resolve the 'Tatarigami's Corruption.'" 

The blighted soil prevented agriculture. Without minerals, industry was impossible. 

"Any progress on reversing the corruption?" Li Mo pressed. 

Kokomi shook her head. "If our ancestors couldn't solve it, I doubt our generation can." 

"Then I suggest sending envoys to Sumeru. Not to study, but to lure scholars into researching the corruption. Ancient elemental phenomena would intrigue the Akademiya. The rest is up to you." 

Despite saying so, Li Mo knew it's hopeless. The Holy Soil isn't something scholars could solve unless they can build a creation on the level of Divine Nails, worse yet, a permanent solution would require something on the level of the Sun Quake Huitzilopochtli scaled down.

Watatsumi's options were few, and cultural barriers with Narukami worsened matters. The only silver lining was the Shogun's acknowledgment of the rebellion's legitimacy, which had bolstered Watatsumi's standing. 

Li Mo then questioned why Watatsumi hadn't profited from Crystal Marrow—a byproduct of Orobashi's remains. If they couldn't halt its extraction, why not demand a share? 

Kokomi offered no answer. Another historical wound. 

After Kokomi left, Lumine lingered hesitantly. 

"Your Excellency…" 

"You're concerned about Watatsumi's role in Seirai's development?" Li Mo guessed. 

Lumine nodded. 

Paimon, mouth full of snacks, mumbled, "What's the issue?" 

"Focus on your food," Lumine chided. 

Li Mo explained, "If Watatsumi's people go as Kanjou Commission hires, tensions will flare. Past conflicts run deep. They must go as Watatsumi citizens. How Kokomi manages that is her challenge." 

Kokomi was capable. His endorsement was enough—how much she could leverage was up to her. 

Lumine relaxed slightly. If Kokomi could govern Watatsumi so adeptly, she'd handle this too. 

Then Li Mo added, "Lumine, a suggestion." 

"Yes?" 

"Have you been to Tsurumi Island? Visit it when you can. Or seek out Tsurumi's descendants first. A task related to it may arise soon." 

"Understood." As an adventurer, Lumine never refused a quest.