Chapter 131

"Let's go. This isn't a good place to stay." Akio led Lumine and Raiden Ei out of the Delusion Factory.

With a gentle clench of his hand, the entire Delusion Factory crumbled into dust.

After finishing this, Akio turned to Lumine, who said, "Akio, we'll continue our journey now!"

"Alright." Akio nodded. Lumine and Paimon were restless by nature, and keeping them cooped up at the Grand Narukami Shrine would've been impossible.

"See you later!" Lumine waved, taking Paimon with her as they left.

"Let's head back to the Grand Narukami Shrine," Akio said, leading Raiden Ei back to the shrine.

---

Soon, it was the day agreed upon for the Tenryou Commission and the Kanjou Commission to meet at Watatsumi Island to discuss matters. Hiiragi Chisato arrived early at Tenshukaku, where Kujou Sara had been waiting for some time.

"Lady Kujou, sorry to keep you waiting," Hiiragi Chisato approached with a smile.

"Not at all. Ritou is quite far from Inazuma City. You must be tired, Lady Hiiragi," Kujou Sara replied politely. Both of them were acting commissioners now, so a certain level of formality was expected.

The Tenryou Commission oversaw military affairs, while the Kanjou Commission managed economic matters. This meeting marked their first official interaction in their roles as commissioners.

"Lady Kujou, why are there so many soldiers?" Chisato asked, noticing the orderly ranks of the Shogun's army outside. "Are we expecting trouble? I thought Watatsumi Island was allowed to maintain its own military."

"That's correct, but according to Lord Akio's orders, starting today, the Shogunate will station troops on Watatsumi Island and revoke their autonomous military rights," Kujou Sara explained.

"They organized an army and rebelled against the Shogunate. It's only right to strip them of that power," Chisato agreed.

"Since everything's ready, let's not waste any time. Lady Kujou, shall we depart?" Chisato suggested with a smile.

"Of course. Lady Hiiragi, please board the carriage," Kujou Sara nodded, and the two of them climbed into the carriage.

(Don't ask if there are horses in Teyvat. If there are carriages, there must be horses, right? What do you think, Kaeya? How can you be a Cavalry Captain without horses?)

Once inside the carriage, Kujou Sara asked, "Lady Hiiragi, may I ask how much you plan to demand in reparations from Watatsumi Island?"

"Reparations?" Chisato nodded. "After calculations, the direct losses to the Shogunate during their rebellion amounted to 220 billion Mora. Indirect losses, including compensation for fallen soldiers, rebuilding damaged structures, and the homes of Inazuma's citizens, total up to a staggering 6 trillion Mora."

"6 trillion Mora…" Kujou Sara whistled. It was an astronomical sum, but she knew that war was incredibly costly. With all the post-war reconstruction and compensation, 6 trillion wasn't too surprising.

"However, we don't expect them to pay 6 trillion Mora all at once. They'll need to sign some reparation agreements," Chisato explained. "We'll finalize those during the meeting."

"After this, Watatsumi Island should be much more compliant," Kujou Sara remarked. She actually had a lot of respect for Sangonomiya Kokomi and Gorou.

Despite her youth, Kokomi's strategies were incredibly effective, often putting the Shogun's army in difficult situations. Kujou Sara felt there was much she could learn from her.

As for Gorou, Kujou Sara admired his loyalty, which seemed as strong as her own devotion to the Shogun. To her, he was a worthy opponent.

As Kujou Sara was lost in thought, Chisato suddenly leaned closer, studying her.

"???" Kujou Sara looked at Chisato, confused.

"Lady Kujou, I heard that you and Akio had some… intimate moments. Tell me, do you like him?" Chisato asked seriously.

"Huh? How… how do you know about that?" Kujou Sara's face turned red as she recalled the embarrassing incident. She thought only Akio and she knew about it.

"Actually, Akio and I are lovers," Chisato revealed with a smile. "He mentioned you to me before."

"What?" Kujou Sara stared at Chisato in shock. Wait, you're also Akio's lover?

"Surprised?" Chisato chuckled.

"Very," Kujou Sara admitted. "He's the Shogun's lover. I didn't expect you to be involved too."

"What's the big deal?" Chisato shrugged. "Akio loves beautiful women. We all know that. It's not just me and the Shogun. The Shirasagi Himegimi of the Yashiro Commission and the Guuji are also his lovers."

"…" Kujou Sara's eye twitched. This was the first time she'd heard the full extent of it!

"Lady Kujou," Chisato continued, "deep down, you know that after what happened, you wouldn't consider anyone else, right?"

"…" Kujou Sara sighed and nodded.

"Then think it over carefully," Chisato said with a smile.

The carriage fell into silence. Chisato pulled back the curtain to look at the scenery outside, while Kujou Sara remained deep in thought.

After a while, Kujou Sara looked up at Chisato.

"Have you made up your mind, Sara?" Chisato asked, using her first name. She already knew what Kujou Sara's decision would be.

"Yes…" Kujou Sara nodded. "But is it really okay?"

"Are you doubting yourself, or do you not trust Akio?" Chisato asked with a smile.

"Neither. I just don't know how to handle this," Kujou Sara admitted. She had grown up under the strict guidance of Kujou Takayuki and had no experience with matters of the heart.

"That's easy! I'll teach you!" Chisato said cheerfully.

"Thank you, Chisato," Kujou Sara said, touched. She's so kind, teaching me how to win over her own man!

Seeing Kujou Sara's expression, Chisato couldn't help but smirk. Akio was truly impressive. With this, he'd essentially gathered all of Inazuma's elite into his harem!

The journey to Watatsumi Island was uneventful. Whether it was the Kairagi, the Nobushi, or even the Fatui agents on missions, they all kept their distance upon seeing the well-equipped Shogunate army. They weren't ready to die just yet, so they avoided any confrontation.

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