Chapter 139: The Price

Raiden Ei gripped the small token tightly in her hand, as though it held the very fate of Inazuma.

She closed her eyes, furrowing her brows, attempting to calm the storm of emotions within her, striving to regain control over her rationality.

After a long pause, she slowly opened her eyes and let out a cold snort.

"Hmph, your words may sound grand, but in reality, isn't it just a matter of survival or death?"

Her gaze was sharp as she fixed her eyes on Shajin.

Then, she shifted her attention to the token in her hand and coldly asked,

"So, what exactly is the price for this token?"

Shajin shrugged indifferently, then slowly extended his right hand, spreading his fingers. A subtle smile played at the corner of his lips, as if he was confident in what he was about to say.

"As for the price… I believe it is well within your capacity to bear."

"First, Inazuma must cede all territories west of Yashiori Island and the Watatsumi Island to Snezhnaya."

"Second, you will owe Snezhnaya a military payment of 20 billion Mora."

"Third, the ports of Araumi, Kanjin Island, and Inazuma City must be opened for exclusive trade with Snezhnaya."

"Additionally, you must allow Snezhnaya's Northland Bank to operate freely within Inazuma."

"And finally, and most importantly—immediately repeal the so-called 'Vision Hunt Decree' and 'Sakoku Decree.'"

"How about it, Lady Ei? These terms aren't too harsh, are they?"

Upon hearing Shajin's series of harsh and unreasonable demands, a fleeting ripple of emotion flashed across Raiden Ei's beautiful, deep purple eyes, but it quickly faded into an unreadable calm.

She sat silently, still as a statue, her body frozen in a long, heavy silence.

Time passed, each second stretching on endlessly.

The air around them seemed thick, almost suffocating with the weight of the moment.

The entire coastline was silent, save for the anxious beating hearts and shallow breaths of those present.

It was well known that Watatsumi Island had originally been a territory taken over by Raiden Ei out of necessity when Orobashi sought death. For Inazuma, this land was like a wasted effort—a piece of land that offered little value, neither desirable nor entirely dispensable.

The area to the west of Yashiori Island was frequently plagued by the 'god's resentment,' rendering it unfit for human habitation.

Thus, giving up these territories might not cost Inazuma much.

However, the subsequent demands—designating specific ports for trade, allowing foreign financial institutions to operate within their borders—were outright insults to Inazuma's national sovereignty.

Agreeing to these terms would create long-term risks for Inazuma's future development.

But with the current situation, Raiden Ei knew there was no room for hesitation. After much deliberation, she realized that apart from making a painful compromise, there seemed to be no better solution.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Raiden Ei slowly lifted her head.

She took a deep breath, as if making a difficult decision, then gently but decisively placed the token, symbolizing Inazuma's interests, on the right side of the scales…

As the token fell, the scales began to tip toward the right. Shajin watched, a smile creeping onto his face.

"Looks like you've made your choice," he said softly.

Raiden Ei closed her eyes again, and after a moment, opened them once more, a resolute gleam in her gaze.

"I choose Inazuma's 'future.' But this does not mean I abandon 'Eternity.' Instead, I believe that in the 'future' ahead, we will find the true 'Eternity.'"

Shajin shrugged, noncommittal.

"Shogun! Shogun!!" Kujo Takayuki staggered onto the deck at the harbor, his frail form made even weaker from the rush. After just a few steps, he was already gasping for air.

His face flushed red, he gasped for breath, then shouted hoarsely toward Raiden Ei across the sea.

"Shogun… Shogun, we absolutely cannot agree to this!"

Hearing his urgent cries, Raiden Ei frowned slightly, a trace of displeasure flashing across her face.

However, she restrained her frustration and patiently asked, "Kujo Takayuki, head of the Kujou Clan, what is it that has you in such a panic?"

Upon hearing the question from the general, Kujo immediately fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face as he cried out.

"Shogun, our national treasury is down to just 16 billion Mora! If we pay this amount now, Inazuma will fall into a fiscal deficit, and soon, we won't be able to make ends meet!"

"I beg of you, please reconsider! Use the 'Musou no Hitotachi' to eliminate this scoundrel right here and now!"

Raiden Ei's brow furrowed slightly as she heard this.

Although she didn't have a clear grasp of the exact amount of Mora, as a ruler, she understood the significance of financial stability for a nation.

Her gaze softened slightly, but she remained firm.

"Kujo Takayuki, I understand your concerns."

Raiden Ei's voice was calm yet resolute.

"Though our treasury is tight, it is not without a way forward."

"We can reduce unnecessary expenditures, raise taxes, or even seek external aid."

Kujo Takayuki's face showed disbelief. He hadn't expected Raiden Ei to accept such terms so easily.

He tried to persuade her once more, "Shogun, these terms are an outright insult to Inazuma! How can we yield so easily?"

Raiden Ei shook her head, her eyes hardening with resolve.

"Kujo Takayuki, I know this is hard to accept. But we must think of Inazuma's future. Ceding territory, paying reparations, opening ports—these are heavy sacrifices, yes. But they will buy us time and room to maneuver."

"And time is the most valuable resource we have."

_

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