In Fudé Port during the height of summer, the scorching sun was like fire, the sunlight like liquid gold spread across the ground, as if intending to melt every inch of land into flowing metal.
Akashi Kojiro, bloated and heavy-footed, shuffled down from the deck of a passenger ship. His clothes were soaked with sweat, clinging to his skin, giving off an unpleasant odor of perspiration. Two attendants rushed to meet him. One quickly opened a parasol to shield him from the merciless sun that was scorching the earth; the other gently fanned him with a palm fan, sending gusts of cool air in an attempt to dispel the suffocating heat.
Akashi Kojiro's mood was as restless and anxious as this intense heat. Were it not for Kujou Takayuki's strict order, he would still be lying in his cool and quiet bedroom, enjoying the tender ministrations of his concubine. He walked with heavy steps towards the office building in the center of Fudé Port. Due to his heavy build, he had to stop frequently to catch his breath. A distance that would take a normal person just fifteen minutes to walk took him nearly half an hour to complete.
When he finally stood in front of the entrance to the grand reception hall of the building, Akashi Kojiro suddenly felt an inexplicable surge of nervousness and apprehension in his heart. He took a deep breath and walked inside with his two attendants.
As soon as he entered, he immediately felt a cool breeze wash over him. The indoor temperature was noticeably lower than outside, and a white machine was constantly blowing out cool air, as refreshing as a mountain spring. He sighed comfortably, as if all the heat and fatigue in his body were carried away by this cool air.
Then, with a slightly forced smile, he slowly walked up to the front desk and said to the reception staff, "Hello, I am Akashi Kojiro, the representative of the Tenryou Commission. I have been ordered by Lord Kujou Takayuki to come here specifically to negotiate peace with Director Yide."
The reception staff, catching the scent of sweat emanating from him, couldn't help but frown slightly. They responded briefly, "Please wait." They quickly picked up the phone and dialed Lin Yide's number. The call was answered quickly, and they concisely reported Akashi Kojiro's arrival and intention to Lin Yide.
After waiting for a moment, they received clear instructions from Lin Yide. Under Akashi Kojiro's expectant gaze, the reception staff conveyed the message with an expressionless face: "The Director said that there is currently no need for negotiation, and therefore he refuses your request."
Upon hearing the news that negotiations were refused, Akashi Kojiro instantly panicked. He said urgently, "Please convey to Director Yide again that our Shogunate is willing to offer money, beautiful women, even land, as long as you no longer support Kaedehara Kazuha."
The disdain in the reception staff's eyes deepened. They said coldly, "Now, either you leave yourself, or I will make you." Saying this, they pulled a cold handgun from their pocket and slapped it onto the reception desk with a "slap." West Factory was never a place for pleasant talk!
Akashi Kojiro was startled by this scene. He quickly left with his two attendants. After leaving the West Factory office building, he couldn't help but curse wildly under his breath until passersby gave him strange looks, making him realize his mistake and quickly shut his mouth.
He did not go back directly but walked towards the bustling Fontaine Commercial Street. Having finally made the trip, he couldn't return empty-handed. Over the next half-day, Akashi Kojiro enthusiastically browsed the entire Fontaine Commercial Street, leisurely selecting and purchasing many desirable items. His two attendants were also kept busy, their bodies hung with various shopping bags. As night fell, he chose the most luxurious hotel in the area and booked himself a top-tier room to fully enjoy the luxury and comfort. His two attendants, however, had to spend the night on the street outside the hotel.
The next morning, Akashi Kojiro went to Fudé Garden and grandly purchased ten properties. The funds for these purchases all came from the budget Kujou Takayuki had originally allocated for him to bribe West Factory officials. After witnessing the prosperity of Fudé Port firsthand, new thoughts emerged in Akashi Kojiro's heart. The Inazuma Shogunate was showing signs of decline, and collapse was an inevitable outcome. Rather than waiting for death, it was better to prepare in advance and pave his own way to ensure he could still live a comfortable life in the future.
In fact, he was not the only noble with such thoughts. Everyone began to corrupt and accumulate wealth by any means necessary, planning for their future. Akashi Kojiro stayed in Fudé Port for a full week before reluctantly starting his journey back. Compared to backward and ignorant Inazuma, he preferred this land where even the air was sweet.
But what he didn't know was that as soon as he left, West Factory had already confiscated his properties. The Inazuma Resistance's military expenses couldn't possibly be paid by West Factory!
...
Upon returning to Inazuma, Akashi Kojiro immediately went to the Tenryou Commission headquarters and urgently requested an audience with Kujou Takayuki. Hearing of Akashi Kojiro's return, Kujou Takayuki rushed to meet him. As soon as they met, Kujou Takayuki eagerly asked, "What was the outcome of the negotiations? How much compensation did Yide demand?"
Akashi Kojiro had a grave expression. "Master, I regret to say that Yide refused my negotiation proposal." This news was like a bolt from the blue for Kujou Takayuki. His face immediately contorted, and he roared angrily, "How is this possible? We are willing to meet all his demands. Does he intend to push us to the brink?"
Facing the enraged Kujou Takayuki, Akashi Kojiro was inwardly panicked but still managed to maintain his composure and said, "Master, please calm your anger. Actually, there is still a possibility. While I was staying in Fudé Port, I secretly contacted some high-ranking officials in West Factory. They hinted to me that I could try bribing Yide privately, rather than negotiating openly."
Kujou Takayuki instantly understood what he meant, secretly cursing himself for being foolish. Discussing these compensations openly would only result in the funds going into West Factory's pockets, without directly touching Yide's personal interests. He pondered for a moment. Although it pained him slightly, he decisively said, "I will give you another one hundred million Mora. You must ensure you successfully persuade Yide."
A hint of unnoticed greed flashed in Akashi Kojiro's eyes. He respectfully replied, "Please rest assured, Lord Kujou. I will do everything in my power to complete this mission."
Several days later.
Akashi Kojiro returned to Fudé Port with one hundred million Mora. At the same time, he also brought his family members with him. This time, he didn't even go to the West Factory office building. He directly purchased a super luxury mansion in Fudé Garden and moved in. Just as he was preparing to enjoy the rest of his life, a young man in red clothing approached with a troop of soldiers.