"So this is Watatsumi Island? The scenery is quite beautiful."
Hiiragi Chisato and Kujou Sara stepped out of the carriage, admiring the picturesque landscape of Watatsumi Island.
At that moment, Sangonomiya Kokomi, along with several high-ranking officials from Watatsumi Island, was already waiting not far from the Sangonomiya Shrine.
Seeing the Shogunate's convoy and the densely packed army behind it, their expressions turned grim. But there was nothing they could do. The situation was against them, and they couldn't refuse the Shogunate's military presence.
Composing herself, Sangonomiya Kokomi stepped forward with a smile to greet the two.
"Hello, Miss Kujou, Miss Hiiragi." Kokomi recognized Kujou Sara and had heard that she was now the Acting Commissioner of the Tenryou Commission. The other woman must be the Acting Commissioner of the Kanjou Commission, Hiiragi Chisato.
"Hello," the two nodded. Kujou Sara couldn't help but feel a sense of irony. The last time they had met was on the battlefield, and now they were here to negotiate—or rather, to deliver a one-sided verdict.
"Miss Kujou, Miss Hiiragi, please have a seat." Kokomi led them into the meeting hall.
Kujou Sara and Hiiragi Chisato sat down, facing Sangonomiya Kokomi and the other high-ranking officials of Watatsumi Island.
"Let's begin today's discussions," Hiiragi Chisato said, opening the conversation. "I hope we can resolve all issues amicably."
Sangonomiya Kokomi nodded, her gaze fixed on Chisato.
Chisato continued, "As the Acting Commissioner of the Kanjou Commission, I'm here to discuss the reparations Watatsumi Island must pay for the damages caused to the Shogunate during the war."
"Go on," Kokomi said, her tone calm.
"According to the Kanjou Commission's calculations, during this war, Watatsumi Island initiated twenty-three battles, destroying buildings and economies on islands such as Yashiori Island and Tatarasuna. You will be responsible for covering the costs of rebuilding these islands."
"Additionally, you must compensate for the death benefits of all soldiers who perished in the war, as well as all expenses incurred by the Shogunate during the conflict," Chisato stated matter-of-factly. "Including the reparations for your rebellion, Watatsumi Island is required to pay a total of 6 trillion Mora."
"6 trillion?!" Even though Kokomi had mentally prepared herself, she couldn't help but exclaim in shock.
"Yes, these are the specific compensation items," Chisato nodded, glancing at her assistant.
The assistant handed a document to Chisato, who then passed it to Kokomi. "Take a look."
Kokomi took the document and carefully read through it. Her expression darkened as she pointed out certain sections. "Miss Hiiragi, some of these claims are completely unfounded. Watatsumi Island did not commit these acts."
Chisato glanced at the sections Kokomi indicated and shook her head with a faint smile. "No, you initiated the war, and many civilians were severely affected. Naturally, you must cover these costs."
"As for the Delusion compensation, many of your soldiers used Delusions during the war, causing significant losses to our army. It's only fair that you compensate for that," Chisato added.
"Miss Hiiragi, negotiations should be based on fairness, shouldn't they?" Kokomi frowned. "We were also victims of the Delusions. I'm sorry, but I cannot agree to these terms."
"Miss Sangonomiya, I think you've misunderstood your position," Chisato said coldly, her gaze piercing. "As part of Inazuma, you rebelled against the Shogunate. You are the traitors here, and you should understand that."
"Moreover, your actions have severely weakened Inazuma. The reparations we're demanding from Watatsumi Island are already quite lenient," Chisato continued. "By all rights, you should bear full responsibility."
"Bullshit! Who says it's our fault? If it weren't for the Raiden Shogun—" One of the Watatsumi officials suddenly stood up, slamming the table in anger.
But before he could finish, he was frozen into an ice sculpture.
"I advise you to show some respect when speaking of Her Excellency the Shogun," Chisato said, her eyes glowing with a crystalline blue light, her voice icy. "Although Her Excellency has allowed you to continue worshiping the Great Watatsumi God, that doesn't mean you can disrespect her."
"Miss Hiiragi! You…" Kokomi was furious that Chisato had publicly killed one of her officials.
"Miss Sangonomiya, I'm saving you," Chisato said indifferently. "If the Shogun or Lord Akio were to hear about this disrespect, I doubt things would end well for you."
"I understand…" Kokomi's confidence wavered as she thought about Akio and the Raiden Shogun's personalities. She nodded reluctantly.
"Wouldn't it be better if we all got along? Why do you insist on crossing the line?" Chisato said with a smile.
Kujou Sara was also shocked by Chisato's actions. She had always thought the Acting Commissioner of the Kanjou Commission was an ordinary person, but it turned out she was a formidable figure.
The power Chisato had displayed in that moment made Kujou Sara realize she was no match for her.
Chisato didn't even have a Vision, yet she could wield Cryo power that surpassed that of a Vision holder.
Could this be a blessing from Lord Akio?
"Miss Hiiragi, Watatsumi Island cannot afford 6 trillion Mora in the short term. Aside from maintaining the daily lives of our people, we don't have much Mora left," Kokomi sighed. The Sakoku Decree had already devastated most of their industries.
Coupled with the barren land and the reliance on the Yashiro Commission for food and supplies, Watatsumi Island's Mora reserves were nearly depleted.
"Miss Sangonomiya, I understand the difficulties Watatsumi Island is facing. So, I have another proposal for you to consider," Chisato said, signaling her assistant to place another document in front of Kokomi.
"Sigh…" Kokomi looked at the document and took a deep breath. She had to brace herself—this was likely another exorbitant demand.
Kujou Sara watched as Chisato skillfully controlled the negotiation, even leading someone as composed as Sangonomiya Kokomi by the nose. It was clear why she had been entrusted with the role of Acting Commissioner of the Kanjou Commission.
After reading the terms, Kokomi's expression turned even grimmer. The conditions were inhumane! While they allowed for repayment over several years, the annual interest was astronomical, and the other terms were equally outrageous.
But Kokomi had no other choice. With trembling hands, she signed her name on the treaty.
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