Chapter 44 Rosalyne, You Don’t Want to…

In the end, Tsumugi Kujo rejected Lisa's tempting proposal.

There was no other choice. The new policies that Tsumugi Kujo implemented in Inazuma included collective farms, state-run salt and iron ore, and other measures. If such "unfree" policies were implemented in Mondstadt, the people would likely take to the streets to protest the very next day.

The reason Tsumugi Kujo dared to implement these new policies in Inazuma was that she had the two major enforcement bodies, the Kanjo Commission and the Tenryou Commission, at her disposal. Those who were dissatisfied with her policies didn't dare to express it openly. Later, her policies even won the support of the Raiden Shogun and gained a reputation for being just. Although the Hiiragi family was very displeased with the Kujo family's "infringement," they didn't dare to voice their objections directly. As a result, after the implementation of the new policies, the situation in Inazuma remained stable.

However, Mondstadt was different. It was full of Fatui agents. If Jean's measures caused dissatisfaction among the people, the Fatui would undoubtedly fan the flames.

Still, Tsumugi Kujo didn't give a definitive refusal, suggesting that she could provide Jean with some financial guidance in the future.

After all, to ensure sustainable fishing, one must first achieve sustainability and then begin fishing. What if Mondstaht, the sheep, loses all its wool? How will Tsumugi Kujo gather more wool in the future?

After this conversation, the group finally got down to business. Given Mondstadt's limited Mora, Jean could only grant Lumine the title of Honorary Knight as a reward for expelling Dvalin.

Lumine, fully embodying the spirit of a tool-wielder, accepted the title of Honorary Knight.

The reason Jean had summoned Tsumugi Kujo at this time was, as mentioned before, to seek economic guidance.

Afterward, Lumine and Paimon mentioned that Amber had promised to treat them to dinner at the Good Hunter and left. Lisa also said her farewells after lingering for a while.

Just as Tsumugi Kujo was about to leave, Jean stopped her.

Jean asked Tsumugi Kujo a question.

"Ms. Kujo, if you were the leader of the Knights of Favonius, facing the current internal and external troubles of Mondstadt, what would you do?"

This question left Tsumugi Kujo stunned. After thinking for a while, she shrugged.

"It's simple. I'd give up the position and run away immediately. Mondstadt may seem like a free city, but its future is bleak, and there's no clear way forward."

"If you want to drive out the Fatui, you need money. To get money, you need to centralize power and increase taxes. Increasing taxes would burden the people and lower their standard of living, leading to widespread discontent. Centralizing power would remind the people of Mondstadt of the tyranny of Decarabian and the Lawrence clan. If the Fatui stir up trouble again, there might be demonstrations or even rebellion."

"And suppressing demonstrations and rebellions requires expanding the Knights of Favonius, which would strain finances further, necessitating more taxes… It's a vicious cycle."

"Honestly, the best situation for Mondstadt right now is to do nothing. At least that way, basic peace can be maintained," Tsumugi Kujo said, shaking her head.

But even so, the situation in Mondstadt is still better than in Inazuma. Though their economic and military strength is lacking, at least the people here live and work in peace, without the constant threat of war.

As for Inazuma…

Thinking of those scheming priestesses on Watatsumi Island, a hint of murderous intent flashed in Tsumugi Kujo's eyes.

If the Raiden Shogun had sunk Watatsumi Island along with the Orobashi five hundred years ago, Inazuma wouldn't be in such chaos now.

However, in some ways, Inazuma's situation is better than Mondstadt's. At least Tsumugi Kujo knows her enemies—those damned priestesses on Watatsumi Island. Once they are dealt with, and after decades or centuries of education and influence, unifying beliefs in Inazuma and eliminating the roots of division isn't impossible.

Mondstadt's situation, on the other hand, is like a hidden cancer, worsening without anyone noticing, leaving Jean unsure where to begin fixing it.

"By the way, Grandmaster Jean, I heard there's a captain in the Knights of Favonius named Eula Lawrence. I was hoping to speak with her."

"Eula? She made a mistake last night and is currently in the detention room. May I ask what Ms. Kujo needs with her?"

Hey, why is this different from the game's plot?

Jean's answer caught Tsumugi Kujo off guard.

"It wasn't a major mistake. She just got drunk and got into a fight with someone."

Jean explained.

However, her explanation puzzled Tsumugi Kujo even more. With Eula's in-game personality, she wouldn't easily get into fights. It would be more in character for Eula to leave with a parting shot like "Hmph, I'll remember this grudge!" and then walk away.

Could Eula have really been drunk last night? But that doesn't seem right—she doesn't seem the type to get drunk easily… Is the simulation system affecting her somehow?

"She'll be released from the detention room tomorrow, so I'll have her visit Ms. Kujo and deliver the five million Mora at the same time."

"Alright, let's proceed as Grandmaster Jean has arranged." Tsumugi Kujo nodded. Although she was curious about the simulation system's effect on Eula, she wasn't in a rush. After telling Jean the location of her hotel, Tsumugi Kujo left Jean's office.

Back in her hotel room, Tsumugi Kujo locked the door and activated the system.

"Do you want to enter the special scene with Rosalyne?"

Yes!

Rosalyne, I'm going to overpower you tonight. If I don't make you beg for mercy, I'm not deserving of the name Kujo!

This time, the special scene resumed from the timeline where Tsumugi Kujo was dining with Rosalyne, just as she had returned to the room to retrieve the sleeping tea.

To prove her "strength," Tsumugi Kujo roughly pushed Rosalyne to the ground, lifted her chin with one hand, and spoke in the tone of a domineering CEO from a novel in her past life.

"Rosalyne, you don't want anyone to know you drugged me, right?"

… Did I do this wrong?

Tsumugi Kujo immediately felt something was off.

In the moment of distraction, Rosalyne quickly countered, shoving Tsumugi Kujo away and swiftly moving behind her.

Hmph, what's the point of getting behind me? Tonight, I'll make sure you can't get out of bed!

As Tsumugi Kujo was thinking this, she suddenly heard two "click" sounds. She turned to see a pair of handcuffs on her wrists.

"Why are there modern handcuffs in a fantasy game?"

Tsumugi Kujo couldn't help but curse.

But soon, she was unable to utter another word as Rosalyne silenced her—with her lips.

And so, that night, Tsumugi Kujo was forced to beg for mercy.