Chapter 193

"Miss Sangonomiya, the Lord is inside. Please be respectful when you meet him." The shrine maiden pointed inside with a smile before stepping away.

Sangonomiya Kokomi looked toward the inner room, her heart inexplicably filled with... fear?

Right now, Kokomi was desperate. For her—and for all of Watatsumi Island—the soil degradation crisis had reached its most critical point.

She wasn't sure if it was because of that previous "Honkai Energy" incident, but the soil degradation had rapidly worsened. The corrupted land could no longer sustain any crops. Entire fields had withered away, plunging the already impoverished Watatsumi Island into deeper despair.

Even the Watatsumi Goryou Matsuri had lost its effect. The Bloodbranch Coral, infused with the power of the Great Serpent Orobashi, sank into the barren earth like a stone into the sea—utterly useless.

If this continued, Watatsumi Island would truly face extinction.

After the Sakoku Decree was lifted, food prices had stabilized, but Watatsumi simply didn't have the Mora to purchase enough supplies.

Moreover, the people of Watatsumi had relied on farming for generations. If the land became completely infertile, what would they eat? The island couldn't sustain free food distribution forever.

After much deliberation, Kokomi could only think of one solution—Akio.

The newly ascended god of Inazuma, the Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven, the being who had effortlessly resolved the "Honkai Energy" crisis.

But before coming here, Kokomi had spent a long time mentally preparing herself. She knew Akio held deep resentment toward Watatsumi's past rebellion.

She didn't know what she could offer to persuade a god to intervene. But she had to try—for the sake of Watatsumi's people!

With that thought, Kokomi stepped into the dining room.

The moment she entered, she saw Akio surrounded by beautiful women, laughing and enjoying a meal together.

His gentle tone, his radiant smile—it left Kokomi momentarily stunned.

The Akio she had seen before was always imposing, his voice carrying unquestionable authority. She had never seen him so... warm.

And these women—some she recognized. Were they all his lovers?

As Kokomi stepped forward, the room fell silent. Every pair of eyes turned toward her.

Gritting her teeth, Kokomi bowed deeply.

"Sangonomiya Kokomi, the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island, greets Lord Akio."

"And what brings you here?" Akio didn't even glance at her, continuing to pick at his food with his chopsticks.

"..." Kokomi kept her head lowered. "Watatsumi Island is on the brink of ruin. I... I beseech Lord Akio to lend his aid and help us overcome this crisis."

"Oh?" Akio finally turned to look at her—but only after placing a piece of chicken in Lumine's bowl.

The silence stretched uncomfortably before Akio finally spoke again, his tone laced with amusement.

"What new catastrophe has befallen Watatsumi this time? For the priestess of Orobashi to come begging for help from Inazuma's deity?"

The mocking tone made Kokomi tremble slightly.

"The soil degradation is spreading too quickly. Soon, it will consume all of Watatsumi... If that happens, the island will become uninhabitable. Our people will be left homeless."

"Hmm..." Akio nodded indifferently. "And Orobashi can't save you? I recall you have that... Watatsumi Goryou Matsuri, don't you?"

"What was it called again?" He glanced at Lumine. "Lumine, didn't you help them retrieve something back then?"

"Bloodbranch Coral," Lumine answered.

"Right, right. Bloodbranch Coral." Akio looked back at Kokomi. "So? It can't help you anymore?"

"I... I apologize, Lord Akio. The Bloodbranch Coral can no longer suppress the degradation." Kokomi shook her head helplessly.

"Tch." Akio scoffed. "So you're asking for my help. Fine."

"While Inazuma has accepted Watatsumi, your people still worship Orobashi—not me, not the Shogun." His voice was cold. "If you want my intervention, then offer me something worth my while."

"Did you really think a few words would be enough to move a god you don't even worship?" He smirked. "I'm not that generous."

Watatsumi Island had always pledged its faith to Orobashi. Neither he nor Ei had ever been their gods.

In the past, Ei had been kind enough to grant them shelter. But Akio was different—if they didn't acknowledge him as their sovereign, why should he lift a finger for them?

"Lord Akio..." Kokomi was at a loss. Watatsumi was practically destitute—they still owed Inazuma billions in reparations!

What could such a barren island possibly offer that would move a god?

Kokomi's face paled, her body trembling slightly. Was this his way of refusing her outright?

"So Miss Kokomi expects me to work for free?" Akio chuckled before turning back to his companions. "Well then, show her out. I'd like to finish my meal."

"Miss Sangonomiya, the Lord has spoken. Please." The shrine maiden gestured toward the door.

"I..." Kokomi froze. Then, slowly, she sank to her knees.

As the Divine Priestess, she represented Watatsumi and Orobashi. This act was a complete surrender—a relinquishment of all dignity.

"There's no need for that." Akio waved his hand, and Kokomi found herself unable to kneel further.

"Miss Sangonomiya, if you think this will sway me, you're mistaken." His voice remained indifferent. "Your kneeling means nothing to me."

"Little girl, don't try to emotionally manipulate a god. It's pathetic," Rosalyne sneered from the side. Moral blackmail? Pointless against divinity.

"Lord Akio!" Kokomi's eyes welled with tears. "I know Watatsumi has nothing of value to offer you!"

"But if you agree to help... I will pledge myself to you. I will serve you faithfully, forever." She shut her eyes tightly, tears streaming down. "Is my worth... enough to move your heart?"

The words tasted like ash in her mouth. Was it shame? Humiliation?

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