Chapter 143: Caviar
Sangonomiya Shrine—perhaps not the most beautiful place in all of Teyvat, but certainly the most dreamlike.
According to The Chronicles of Sangonomiya Shrine, written by the esteemed historian Kujou Michimasa—one of the Three Great Kujou Scribes of the Shogunate—"Sangonomiya Shrine was once part of the abyssal sea, until the Great Serpent crossed the waters, coiling and rising in a whirlpool, shaping the coral into an island."
Just as the book described, Sangonomiya Shrine was entirely composed of coral and massive seashells, its colors a blend of pink and violet.
Compared to the Tenshukaku of the Raiden Shogun, this place lacked the austere and imposing presence of Inazuma's ruler. Instead, it carried an air of mystique.
Bubbles emerging from the coral, along with ethereal elemental lifeforms drifting in the air like jellyfish, created an illusion of being submerged in the ocean—a truly mesmerizing sight and an ideal destination for travelers.
Sangonomiya Kokomi understood people well. She knew what the seafaring men desired.
That evening, the Watatsumi Army hosted a grand bonfire celebration in Bourou Village, a feast prepared to welcome the visiting sailors.
As for Captain Beidou, her senior officers, and the merchants who had come from Liyue for trade, they were naturally invited to Sangonomiya Shrine itself.
Here, it was quieter and more secure—ideal for discussing sensitive matters without fear of prying ears.
"Simple fare and humble hospitality—please forgive us. But this is truly the best that Watatsumi Island has to offer."
As the shrine maidens placed the dishes on the banquet table, Kokomi offered a slight bow, her tone carrying a trace of apology.
And indeed, compared to the cuisines of Liyue and Inazuma City, the food of Watatsumi Island was rather… how should one put it?
In one word—Hu Tao's signature trait: poverty.
However, the chefs had done their best, turning these simple ingredients into dishes that at least looked luxurious.
Once the shrine maidens had served the dishes, they quietly left the banquet.
Kokomi had summoned them personally for this occasion. Since the banquet was of great importance, she trusted no one else but these close confidants.
"Sangonomiya-dono jests. We rough sailors, drifting across the seas, are used to going hungry half the time. Having a full meal is already a blessing—how could we dare be picky?"
Beidou returned Kokomi's courtesy with a respectful nod, speaking with her characteristic boldness.
To her, as long as there was meat and alcohol, even dining in the wilderness would be a delight.
Following Beidou's lead, the merchants also chimed in with agreement.
No matter how young she was, Kokomi was still the ruler of Watatsumi Island—far from someone mere traders could afford to act superior toward.
Only Bai Luo remained silent, staring at the dish of caviar before him, lost in deep thought.
"This is caviar, made from freshly harvested fish roe. It is a delicacy passed down by a friend from Snezhnaya before the Shogunate's period of isolation. Nowadays, Watatsumi Island is the only place in all of Inazuma where one can find authentic caviar."
Noticing Bai Luo's interest in the dish, Kokomi enthusiastically introduced this unique delicacy.
"Thank you for the explanation, Sangonomiya-dono. It's just that… never mind."
Caviar, huh? Bai Luo had certainly had his share of it before.
Back in Snezhnaya, it was a highly prized delicacy among the nobility.
But seeing it here, on Watatsumi Island of all places, felt… rather strange.
Those who understood the detail of the said food would understand.
"Well then, everyone—tonight's banquet is meant to welcome our esteemed guests. Let's set aside matters of state and business and simply enjoy the feast."
As the banquet began, Kokomi ignored the pointed glances from her high-ranking officers. With practiced elegance, she lifted her cup and spoke with quiet confidence.
She might have looked carefree, but in Bai Luo's eyes… she was simply running low on energy, wary of exhausting herself in negotiations with the merchants of Liyue and vanishing the next day out of sheer depletion.
Truly, a difficult position for her.
Sangonomiya Kokomi's words also left the attending high-ranking officials of Watatsumi Island exchanging uncertain glances.
This… wasn't part of the plan.
A few of them discreetly signaled each other using coded gestures.
One of them, for instance, casually touched the sole of his foot—"Should we step outside and discuss our options?"
Another, appearing meticulous as he neatly aligned his chopsticks—"Let's wait and see."
However, not everyone agreed.
An older official, stroking his graying beard twice, subtly responded—"How about the two of us step outside for a chat?"
Fine. Let's talk.
And so…
Three figures simultaneously rose from their seats, discreetly excused themselves, and quietly exited the banquet hall.
One of them… was Bai Luo.
As for the coded gestures they had used—Bai Luo recognized them all too well. After all, he had once been involved in developing this particular system.
Yes.
It was a cipher devised by the Fatui's intelligence network.
And those using it… well, their identities were now obvious.
"Gentlemen, heading out to relieve yourselves? Mind if I join?"
"B-Battousai-dono is also… going to relieve himself?"
Seeing Bai Luo emerge with them, the two Fatui spies tensed up slightly.
Judging from his timing, it was most likely a coincidence.
But they had come out for a different reason—discussing urgent matters. Not actually to relieve themselves.
Yet at a time like this, even if they weren't actually feeling the urge, they had no choice but to go along with it.
Worst case scenario? Blame it on a weak bladder.
And if necessary… they could always find another excuse to step out again later.
One thing was certain—attacking this man was out of the question.
Everyone knew that Battousai was someone who could wound gods with his blade. He had even slain a servant of a fallen deity on his way here.
Not someone they could dispose of easily.
"How long have you two been in Sangonomiya Shrine?"
Cradling his Reverse Blade Sword, Bai Luo asked softly.
Apart from Captain Beidou, he was the only person allowed to carry a weapon inside Sangonomiya Shrine.
Given that he had once injured a god with a Reverse Blade Sword, most people figured that even a pair of chopsticks in his hands could become a deadly weapon.
So they simply let him bring it in.
"I was born and raised on Watatsumi Island. A native through and through."
The older man with the graying beard bowed slightly as he answered.
In Inazuma, strength dictated respect. Despite his seniority, he still had to bow to Bai Luo.
"As for myself, I was once a wandering swordsman, much like you, Battousai-dono. I've been settled in Sangonomiya Shrine for quite some time now."
The younger spy spoke with ease.
These were surface-level facts—things that could easily be verified—so neither of them bothered to conceal anything.
But Bai Luo needed only this simple exchange to determine who was the spy… and who was the traitor.
And so…
He quietly rolled back his sleeve, ensuring that only the younger spy could see, and subtly lifted his mask—just enough to reveal a hint of his true identity.
"Guess who I am?"
. . . . .
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