The next morning, Akio felt something tickling his nose. He opened his eyes to see Hiiragi Chisato playfully brushing her hair across his face.
"Awake?" Akio reached out and pulled Hiiragi Chisato into his arms with a smirk. "Already causing trouble this early? Do you want me to punish you?"
"Eh?" Hiiragi Chisato's face turned red as she quickly shook her head. "No, no! Husband, you're such a bad guy! You were already messing with me and Kokomi last night. Enough is enough!"
"Hurry and get up! Kokomi has already prepared breakfast and is waiting for you," Hiiragi Chisato said, kissing Akio's cheek.
"Fine, I'll let you off for now," Akio chuckled, allowing Hiiragi Chisato to help him dress.
Akio and Hiiragi Chisato entered the dining area of Sangonomiya, where Sangonomiya Kokomi greeted them. Remembering the events of the previous night, her face turned slightly red.
"Husband, Sister Chisato, breakfast is ready," Sangonomiya Kokomi said shyly.
"We're here, what delicious food did you prepare?" Akio took Hiiragi Chisato's hand and walked over. On the table was a spread of exquisite breakfast dishes—evidently, Sangonomiya Kokomi had woken early to prepare them.
Akio picked up a piece of sushi and popped it into his mouth. The delicate flavors exploded on his tongue.
"Husband, how is it?" Sangonomiya Kokomi asked eagerly.
"It's excellent. You've outdone yourself, my dear Kokomi," Akio nodded in satisfaction.
"I'm so glad you like it!" Sangonomiya Kokomi beamed.
The three sat down to enjoy the meal. Akio turned to Sangonomiya Kokomi and asked, "So, feeling confident about meeting Ningguang today?"
"Don't worry, Husband. I'm very confident," Sangonomiya Kokomi nodded.
"That's good," Akio nodded. Watatsumi Island's development ultimately needed a strong external force to guide it.
If they could gain the support of Ningguang and Liyue, it would be a major boon.
Soon after they finished breakfast, Sangonomiya Kokomi tidied up, and the three flew back to Inazuma City.
At the Liyue outpost in Inazuma City, inside Ningguang's room, Ningguang playfully slapped Keqing's backside.
After a long day of shopping yesterday, the two had been exhausted and simply decided to rest in Ningguang's room—they were as close as sisters now, after all.
"Ow! What was that for?!" Keqing groaned, waking up and glaring at Ningguang.
"Ningguang, why are you bothering me so early in the morning? Can't we sleep in?"
"…" Ningguang looked at her incredulously. "Did you forget that our husband is bringing Kokomi today to discuss cooperation?"
"Isn't that your business? What does it have to do with me?" Keqing grumbled, rolling over and pulling the blanket over her head.
"I need to assess Watatsumi Island's situation," Ningguang sighed. "If there are projects beneficial to Liyue's development, we'll establish formal relations and create a mutually beneficial partnership. You're Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing. This diplomatic mission requires your presence—you can't just skip it."
"And if Watatsumi Island doesn't have anything worth investing in, she's still one of us—our husband's wife. We can't just turn her away, can we? If that's the case, I'll have to assist her personally."
"Didn't our husband say it's fine either way? Is all this really necessary?" Keqing sat up, looking at Ningguang.
"Our husband said that to prevent us from feeling pressured, but that doesn't mean we should just ignore it," Ningguang explained. "Keqing, we're family now. If we don't support each other, how can we all live together harmoniously?"
"…" Keqing was silent for a moment before nodding. "Fine, you have a point. I'm not well-versed in this, so I'll leave the decision-making to you."
"What a hassle," Keqing muttered as she got up, putting on her formal Yuheng attire.
"You used to be so diligent—since when did you start enjoying sleeping in?" Ningguang teased.
"Humph," Keqing huffed. "Our husband is right. We should balance work and rest. Since there's not much to handle here in Inazuma, I'd be a fool to keep myself constantly busy."
"Ha…" Ningguang chuckled. This version of Keqing was rather endearing.
"Hey, what's with that smirk? Am I a child to you?" Keqing frowned.
Ningguang simply smiled, not answering. The way Keqing was pouting right now was indistinguishable from a child's tantrum.
"Ugh, this is infuriating…"
Sounds of Keqing's frustrated grumbling filled the room.
As Akio, Sangonomiya Kokomi, and Hiiragi Chisato approached Inazuma City, Akio noticed Sangonomiya Kokomi tensing up in his arms.
Seeing her silent, Hiiragi Chisato teased, "Little Kokomi, why so quiet?"
"Sister Chisato, don't make fun of me," Sangonomiya Kokomi sighed. "Even though I'm confident in my plans, the future of Watatsumi Island is at stake here. It's hard not to feel nervous."
"Don't worry. As long as you're capable, there's nothing to fear," Akio reassured her gently.
"Phew…" Sangonomiya Kokomi took a deep breath.
"Relax," Akio's soothing words, laced with his influence, instantly calmed her.
Within a few moments, the three arrived at the small courtyard where Ningguang was staying.
"Your Excellency!" The Tenryou Commission samurai on patrol immediately saluted upon seeing Akio descend from the sky.
Akio nodded and led the two women inside.
Hiiragi Chisato, being the Acting Commissioner of the Kanjou Commission and overseeing Inazuma's economic affairs, naturally had to be present for such a business negotiation.
When they reached the meeting room's door, Sangonomiya Kokomi took a deep breath, mentally psyching herself up before knocking.
"Come in," Ningguang's melodic voice called from inside.
Sangonomiya Kokomi pushed the door open, and the three entered.
As they stepped inside, Sangonomiya Kokomi met Ningguang's scrutinizing gaze. It had to be said—Ningguang, as the Tianquan, had an aura of authority that was quite intimidating.
Sangonomiya Kokomi, however, didn't back down. She calmly assessed the legendary businesswoman of Teyvat.
Akio and Hiiragi Chisato, meanwhile, took their seats to the side. This was a confrontation between Sangonomiya Kokomi and Ningguang—they had no place to interfere.
Formal occasions required formality. Treating official matters like child's play would only invite ridicule.
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