Gulp!
Paimon, watching from the sidelines, swallowed hard and turned to Lumine, who was equally shocked.
"Tr-Traveler, do you think you can beat Nahida?"
Under Paimon's expectant gaze, Lumine shook her head. "I don't know. I'd have to fight her to find out."
Lumine was honest. While there was an element of luck involved, the fact remained that Nahida had defeated Xingqiu in one move. Lumine wasn't confident she could do the same.
Paimon laughed dryly. "Haha, good thing Beidou promised us that even if we lose, she'll still take us to Inazuma. Otherwise, we might have been stopped by these two."
...
Another day dawned, the sun hanging high in the sky, shining equally on all living beings. However, this day was extraordinary. News from Watatsumi Island had shaken the entire Teyvat.
At the hour of Si today, Sangonomiya Kokomi, the leader of Watatsumi Island, made a declaration to all of Teyvat, announcing that they had gained the protection of the Immortal Phoenix and would no longer be restrained by the Shogunate.
This announcement sent shockwaves across Teyvat. While people hadn't heard of the Immortal Phoenix, they immediately connected it to Liyue, as it was common knowledge that adepti were unique to Liyue.
In Tenshukaku, upon hearing the news, the Raiden Shogun summoned the heads of the Tri-Commission to discuss the matter of Watatsumi Island.
Now, Kamisato Ayato, Kujou Takayuki, and Hiiragi Shinsuke had all arrived. Kujou Sara, the Shogun's most trusted general, was also present, standing to the Shogun's left, awaiting orders.
"The Immortal Phoenix? Is Liyue openly declaring war on Inazuma?" Hiiragi Shinsuke said bitterly, his eyes filled with malice.
"Your Excellency, we cannot let this slide! Allow me to lead troops to Watatsumi Island, capture the Immortal Phoenix and Sangonomiya, and reclaim our lost territory!" Kujou Takayuki requested, ready to personally lead the charge.
At this moment, Kamisato Ayato, who had been silent, stepped forward and bowed slightly to the Shogun. "Your Excellency, has Liyue responded to this matter?"
"Hahaha! Let me answer that, young Kamisato." Before the Shogun could respond, a light laugh came from behind the Tri-Commission heads. They turned to see Yae Miko, the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine, walking gracefully toward them.
"Lady Yae." x3
The Tri-Commission heads greeted her in unison. Yae Miko, the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine and a close confidante of the Shogun, was not someone they, mere commissioners of a few decades, could compare to.
"Yae, you're here." The Shogun's eyes lit up, indicating that Ei herself had taken control.
"Yes, I'm here. If I hadn't come, Inazuma might have been turned upside down." Yae Miko sighed.
"Yae, what is Liyue's response?"
"Ah, we've only just met, and you're already ordering me around? How heartless!"
"..." Ei fell silent, her hand reaching toward her chest as a flash of lightning signaled her intent to draw the Musou Isshin.
"Cough, cough, I'll tell you, alright? No need to get violent!" Seeing Ei's serious expression, Yae Miko panicked. Her dear friend could be heavy-handed, and she didn't want her beautiful tail to get singed.
"I've already spoken to Liyue's diplomats. They immediately used a divine artifact to communicate with the adepti in Liyue. According to Cloud Retainer, there is no adeptus known as the Immortal Phoenix in Liyue. So, this so-called Immortal Phoenix is likely a fraud." Yae Miko explained, watching as the others pondered her words. She continued, "Furthermore, Liyue has offered to assist us in investigating the Immortal Phoenix. If we capture the impostor, they will reward us handsomely."
"I see." Ei nodded slightly, then looked down at the heads of the Tri-Commission.
"The situation is clear. Do you have any suggestions? Feel free to share them."
The three remained silent for a moment before Kujou Takayuki, the eldest, spoke up.
"Your Excellency, my stance remains the same. Regardless of whether the Immortal Phoenix is real, Watatsumi Island's rebellion is undeniable. If they dare to align with a so-called adeptus, they might next merge with another nation. They are a threat to Inazuma."
"My daughter, Kujou Sara, has served you faithfully for years. Please allow her to lead troops to quell Watatsumi Island and capture the Immortal Phoenix." After speaking, Kujou Takayuki knelt and bowed deeply to Ei.
Seeing this, Hiiragi Shinsuke also knelt. "Your Excellency, I share Kujou's view. I implore you to send troops to quell Watatsumi Island."
"Hmm." Ei nodded indifferently, then turned her gaze to Kamisato Ayato. In previous decisions, this youngest commissioner had left a strong impression on her.
"Kamisato Ayato of the Yashiro Commission, what are your thoughts on this matter?" The Shogun's voice echoed through Tenshukaku, and Ayato, upon being addressed, bowed slightly.
"Your Excellency, forgive my bluntness. In my opinion, Watatsumi Island may have been deceived by a schemer, leading them to commit such treason. As Lady Yae said, there is no Immortal Phoenix in Liyue, so this is likely a plot by another nation."
"Of course, we cannot rule out the possibility that Liyue's adepti are lying to cover this up. However, in my humble opinion, the people of Watatsumi Island are still your subjects. Please think carefully before acting."
Kamisato Ayato knelt on one knee, offering his earnest advice.
"Hmm." Ei nodded again, finding Ayato's reasoning more acceptable. Her sister had loved the people dearly, and Ei's pursuit of eternity was, in part, to protect the Inazuma her sister cherished.
With this in mind, Ei turned her gaze to her dear friend, Yae Miko.
Seeing Ei's gaze, Yae Miko, for once, showed a hint of reluctance. Truth be told, she didn't really want to get involved in this matter.