Chapter 113

"It seems the people of Watatsumi Island don't like war," Paimon said after she and Lumine spent a day touring the island and asking many locals for their opinions. Almost no one supported the war, especially now that Akio had resumed supplying food. The people were even more reluctant to see Watatsumi Island continue its conflict with the Shogunate.

"When people have enough food to fill their stomachs, they naturally don't want war," Lumine shook her head.

Many feared that the Resistance might provoke the Shogunate, leading to another food embargo. Others were in awe of the divine might, afraid of angering the gods and facing their wrath. After all, hadn't the great god of Watatsumi fallen on Yashiori Island? Hadn't Yashiori Island been split by the Musoujin Gorge? Watatsumi Island couldn't withstand a single divine strike.

"Let's go. Our final task is to meet the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island, Sangonomiya Kokomi," Lumine said. "After meeting her, we can report back to Akio."

"Alright," Paimon nodded, pointing ahead. "The Sangonomiya Shrine is right up there. Let's hurry."

After a short walk, the Sangonomiya Shrine came into view.

"Wow! The Sangonomiya Shrine is so beautiful! I didn't expect it to actually be built on shells and coral," Paimon exclaimed.

"Yeah," Lumine nodded. No wonder it was called the Sangonomiya Shrine.

As the two approached the entrance, they were stopped by Resistance soldiers on guard.

"Halt! Who are you two?" one of the soldiers asked, eyeing Lumine suspiciously. "What business do you have at the Sangonomiya Shrine?"

"We're here to see Sangonomiya Kokomi," Paimon quickly explained.

"Her Excellency is extremely busy. What do you need to see her for?" the soldier asked.

"Um..." Paimon and Lumine exchanged a glance before Lumine decided to be honest. "We've been sent by the Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven to discuss some matters with the leader of Watatsumi Island, Sangonomiya Kokomi."

"The Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven?!" The soldier's expression changed drastically, and he immediately became more alert. Who in the Resistance didn't know of the Great Divine Sovereign? He had forcefully suppressed their elite forces and was the Shogunate's new god. From the accounts of comrades who had returned, they all knew of his divine might.

Hearing that these two claimed to be sent by the Great Divine Sovereign, the soldier didn't dare to stop them. "Wait here. I'll go and inform Her Excellency."

"Alright," Lumine nodded.

Inside the Sangonomiya Shrine, Sangonomiya Kokomi was deep in thought. Recently, there had been many voices within the Resistance calling for a return to war, which had left her feeling overwhelmed. On top of that, the soil degradation had worsened, leaving her swamped with work.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. "Come in," Kokomi said quickly.

"Your Excellency!" The soldier entered after receiving permission.

"What is it? Is there something you need?" Kokomi asked.

"Your Excellency, there are two individuals outside who claim to have been sent by the Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven. They wish to discuss some matters with you," the soldier reported.

"Who? The Great Divine Sovereign?" Kokomi's expression changed, and she quickly confirmed.

"Yes," the soldier nodded.

"Why would he send someone here?" Kokomi's mind flashed to the image of that incredibly handsome yet intimidating man.

"Please bring them in... No, wait, where are they? I'll go with you," Kokomi said hurriedly.

"Right this way, Your Excellency," the soldier led Kokomi out.

Outside the shrine, Lumine and Paimon were idly admiring the scenery around the Sangonomiya Shrine.

"Lumine, did you notice how the soldier suddenly got really nervous when he heard we were sent by Akio?" Paimon asked, puzzled.

"I felt it too," Lumine nodded. She could clearly see the soldier's body tense up the moment he heard the name "Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven."

"Do you think Akio might have done something to them?" Paimon speculated. "But then again, Watatsumi Island doesn't have a god. Facing a god, fear is probably natural."

"Paimon!" Lumine called out just as Paimon was rambling. Paimon immediately shut her mouth, realizing that Sangonomiya Kokomi had already come out.

"Your Excellency, these are the two," the soldier said.

"Alright," Kokomi nodded and stepped forward to greet them. "Hello, I'm Sangonomiya Kokomi, the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island."

"Hello, Miss Kokomi. I'm Paimon, and this is Lumine," Paimon quickly introduced.

"I heard you were sent by the Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven?" Kokomi looked at the two girls, wondering why Akio would send two young women.

"Yes," Lumine nodded. "We're here to confirm some matters."

With that, she took out the Divine Official's Token.

"This is the Divine Official's Token from the Grand Narukami Shrine. As the priestess of Watatsumi Island, I'm familiar with it," Kokomi said. "The Shirasagi Himegimi once told me that the Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven is also the Great Divine Official of the Grand Narukami Shrine. You really are sent by him."

"Please, follow me," Kokomi confirmed their identities and led Lumine and Paimon to the reception room.

"Please, have a seat," Kokomi sat down and looked at the two across from her. "What matters does the Great Divine Sovereign wish to discuss?"

"Actually, it's nothing too serious. Akio just wants to confirm how Watatsumi Island is handling the Delusions," Paimon said.

"Oh, that's what this is about," Kokomi breathed a sigh of relief. She had been worried that the voices calling for resistance against the Shogunate had reached the Great Divine Sovereign's ears. Since that wasn't the case, she felt much more at ease.

"Please inform the Great Divine Sovereign that he can rest assured. Watatsumi Island understands the dangers of Delusions and will strictly manage them. We've already confiscated and destroyed seventy-two Delusions," Kokomi said.

"In that case, we'll let him know," Paimon nodded. "Miss Kokomi, though it might be overstepping, I'd like to remind you that Akio takes the Delusion matter very seriously. It's best to handle it carefully."

Paimon knew that a significant reason for Hiiragi Shinsuke's gruesome death was related to Delusions!

"I understand," Kokomi nodded. She didn't dare to take this lightly. When it came to Akio, she couldn't afford to be careless.

"Miss Kokomi, there's something I'd like to ask you," Lumine suddenly spoke up.

"Go ahead, Miss Lumine," Kokomi nodded.

"As we traveled here, we kept hearing about the soil degradation causing the land to become barren and unproductive. I'd like to know, what exactly is this soil degradation?" Lumine looked at Kokomi and asked.

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