chapter 51

Chapter 51: Negotiations Between Kujo Sara and Sangonomiya Kokomi

After learning that the Kujo family had lost its influence, Kujo Sara quickly adjusted her mindset. Though she was furious at the head of the Kujo family for colluding with the Fatui and deceiving the Raiden Shogun, the damage had already been done. What she awaited now was the final judgment.

However, to her surprise, despite her association with the Kujo family, she wasn't blamed for their actions. This baffled her. Although she had no knowledge of the conspiracy, she was still the adopted daughter of the Kujo family. She had expected people to look down on her or at least question her loyalty.

Instead, Kujo Sara found that those around her were not displeased. On the contrary, her continued presence, despite the downfall of the Kujo family, gave her soldiers a sense of stability. If someone as significant as Kujo Takayuki had been arrested, and even Kujo Kamajiro—Takayuki's eldest son—had been accused of failing to report the conspiracy, yet Kujo Sara remained free, it was proof of her innocence.

With this reassurance, the knot in her heart unraveled. She believed that the Raiden Shogun trusted her, and with that trust, she would lead the Kujo family into a safer future.

Now, with confidence, Kujo Sara arrived at the negotiation base to meet with the rebels. Sangonomiya Kokomi had been waiting there for some time, but her face was tense and serious. Next to her stood a woman in Liyue clothing, immediately drawing Kujo Sara's attention. As the general of the Tenryou Commission, Kujo Sara knew this woman from her involvement in trade matters, though trade was not under her direct jurisdiction. But why was she here with the rebels?

"It's been a while, military strategist of the resistance," Kujo Sara said.

In preparation for this meeting, both the shogunate and the rebels from Watatsumi Island had spent considerable time organizing. Many among the rebels couldn't understand why peace talks were being proposed now. Even with the leadership of Sangonomiya Kokomi and General Gorou, dissatisfaction brewed among their ranks.

"Long time no see, General Kujo," Kokomi replied, glancing around. Apart from Kujo Sara and a few soldiers, there was no one else of note from the shogunate present.

"Excuse me, General Kujo, but didn't the Raiden Shogun accompany you?" Kokomi asked. Her concern wasn't just about the Eye of Stormy Judgment or the isolation decree but rather about the dream that had enveloped all of Inazuma's inhabitants. She already knew of the terrifying power of this dream, thanks to Beidou.

"This is a dream that no mortal can escape," she thought.

"Of course not," Kujo Sara responded matter-of-factly, causing Kokomi to frown.

"I remember that in my request, I specifically asked to meet the one who controls Inazuma, didn't I?" Kokomi pressed. Although Kujo Sara represented the will of the shogunate and the Raiden Shogun, Kokomi wanted to speak directly with the god in control of Inazuma. Negotiating with Kujo Sara wouldn't achieve the results she needed.

"I am merely the voice of the gods and the military strategist of the resistance. You must remember, you are not in a position to demand a meeting with a god," Kujo Sara replied sharply. Though Kokomi held great influence on Watatsumi Island, the island was still just a part of Inazuma. Even if they were granted some autonomy, it wasn't enough to warrant a personal visit from a god. "What General Kujo means is... if you wish to see the god, you must go to the Tenshukaku yourself," Kujo Sara said, emphasizing the last two words. The rebels behind Kokomi began to murmur in agitation.

"And when will I be able to meet with the god?" Kokomi asked.

"Once these peace talks are concluded, and you are no longer an enemy of the shogunate, then you may go to Tenshukaku to see him," Kujo Sara answered.

Just as Kokomi was about to ask about the conditions for reconciliation, one of the rebels stood up in defiance. "No, Lady Kokomi! We've lost too many comrades fighting the shogunate. How can we reconcile so easily?"

The rebels behind Kokomi quickly raised their weapons, aiming at Kujo Sara's group. The shogunate soldiers responded in kind, and the atmosphere was tense, as if a fight could break out at any moment. Beidou watched, sensing that the situation was taking a dangerous turn. Even Kokomi felt troubled.

But Kujo Sara remained calm, unmoved by the threats before her. "Lady Kokomi, I offer you a word of caution. The Lord God controls everything. Life, death, rebirth, aging—none of it is outside his dominion. You have no right to resist his will."

Kokomi felt her heart sink at Kujo Sara's words. If even life and death were under the god's control, what hope did they have? And it was clear from Kujo Sara's language that this god was not the Raiden Shogun. The dream they were all trapped in had nothing to do with her.

"What happens if these negotiations fail?" Kokomi asked, testing the waters.

"Then you will remain as you are—until the Lord God loses interest. Once that happens, you will be exiled," Kujo Sara replied.

"Exiled?" Kokomi thought, her heart heavy. She understood that to be exiled from the dream didn't mean returning to reality. It likely meant something far worse, perhaps an even more terrifying place.

Negotiating with a god was never in a mortal's favor. She felt utterly exhausted by the weight of it all.

"Comrades, we no longer have a choice," Kokomi said, standing up and turning to address the rebels behind her. "The god who controls everything has already acted. If we continue to resist, we will only face an even worse fate."

In the past, the resistance had been able to fight the shogunate because the gods had never directly intervened. But now, with the gods involved and all of Inazuma trapped in a dream, their chance to resist was long gone.

For advanced chapters visit our patreon

Ahead 50+

Patreon.com/Robyrobs

Daily 3+ chapter update available @ $6