"Hiss—this atmosphere is terrifying," Hiiragi Chisato whispered into Akio's ear.
Akio shrugged, watching the scene before him with keen interest.
Sangonomiya Kokomi and Ningguang both wore stern expressions, their tension so thick it seemed to freeze the air in the room.
Though it wasn't quite a standoff, the mood was undeniably heavy.
Keqing, sitting nearby, rolled her eyes. Seriously, even though this is official business, everyone here is practically family. Do they have to be so dramatic about it?
"Through my husband's introduction, I've heard that Watatsumi Island has a proposal for establishing diplomatic relations with Liyue. Might Miss Kokomi have brought a detailed plan?" Ningguang spoke first.
"Yes, please take a look, Lady Ningguang." Kokomi nodded, stepping forward, she took a seat opposite Ningguang and handed over the proposal.
It had to be admitted—when it came to diplomacy, Sangonomiya Kokomi and Ningguang were both geniuses in their own right.
Though Kokomi needed Liyue's assistance, she was confident that Watatsumi Island could also offer substantial benefits in return, refusing to lower herself in the negotiations.
Ningguang, while acknowledging the feasibility of Watatsumi's plans, still had to engage in a battle of wits with Kokomi to secure the best terms for Liyue.
"Sigh—" Akio, Chisato, and Keqing sat to the side, idly watching as the two women debated the details of their collaboration.
"By the way, Keqing," Akio suddenly asked, "Shouldn't Ganyu, as the secretary of your Ministry of Civil Affairs, also be attending this meeting? I don't see her here."
"No idea," Keqing shook her head. "Neither Ningguang nor I have seen her since this morning. Lately, she's been in low spirits—always spacing out, sometimes even sighing to herself."
"Actually, Ganyu's been like this for a while now. Ever since Rex Lapis passed, she's been in this state," Keqing added with a sigh.
"I see," Akio nodded. So, Ganyu is questioning her own worth to Liyue after Rex Lapis's death. And without the contracts upheld by the Geo Archon, she's lost on how to proceed.
Ganyu had dedicated most of her life to Liyue. For her to now doubt her own purpose was a serious issue.
It had even led her to consider simply… leaving. After working diligently for thousands of years, the thought of suddenly having no duties left her utterly directionless.
"It's a shame Ganyu won't talk to us about it. Every time we ask, she just brushes it off," Keqing sighed.
"Maybe she's just sensitive and doesn't want her worries to affect you," Akio suggested with a smile.
"Maybe. But I'm not exactly a mortal anymore either," Keqing huffed, hands on her hips. "She should be able to confide in us. As our secretary, she's more than welcome to share her troubles."
Watching Ningguang and Kokomi still deep in discussion, Akio chuckled. "Looks like they won't be done anytime soon. I'll go look for Ganyu in the meantime."
"That works. You were friends with Rex Lapis, and you're a god yourself. She might actually open up to you," Keqing agreed.
"Chisato, stay here with Keqing. Don't wait for me for lunch—just arrange something for them later," Akio said, turning to Hiiragi Chisato.
"Mm, understood, Master," Chisato nodded.
Akio stepped out of the meeting hall.
Just outside, he ran into a secretary from the Ministry of Civil Affairs who had accompanied the Liyue delegation.
"Great Divine Sovereign!" The secretary immediately saluted upon seeing him.
"Hello," Akio nodded. "Do you know where Ganyu is? I need to speak with her."
"My apologies, Your Excellency," the secretary shook her head. "Miss Ganyu took leave early this morning, saying she wanted to go out to clear her mind. She hasn't returned yet."
"Got it." Akio nodded and left the building.
His divine consciousness instantly expanded, enveloping all of Inazuma. After a moment, his expression shifted slightly. How the hell did Ganyu end up there?
But his face quickly darkened. Ganyu's in serious danger right now! Without hesitation, he tore through space and stepped into the void.
Tsurumi Island…
Ganyu stared at the massive Golden Wolflord, her expression tense.
The monstrous beast radiated an aura of malevolent corruption, its oppressive presence sending chills down the spine of even a half-adeptus like her, who had lived for millennia.
"A monster I've never heard of before…" Ganyu gritted her teeth. She had originally come out to clear her mind, wandering through the islands of Inazuma.
By chance, she had arrived at Tsurumi Island—a place shrouded in thick fog and teeming with monsters. After kindly clearing out several waves of creatures, she had inadvertently stumbled into this area.
A massive spatial rift dominated the landscape, the Golden Wolflord surrounded by countless dog-like monsters, all exuding the same foul energy.
From the rift, more of the smaller wolf-like creatures continued to pour out, snarling at her.
Perhaps sensing that Ganyu was no ordinary mortal, the Golden Wolflord hesitated, not immediately attacking.
After a long standoff, the beast suddenly threw its head back and howled. Dozens of Riftwolf lunged at Ganyu with terrifying speed.
To her shock, these creatures seemed capable of tearing through space itself—appearing right beside her in an instant.
"Frostflake Bloom!" Ganyu swiftly retreated, barely dodging the Riftwolf' razor-sharp claws as an ice lotus blossomed amidst the pack.
A surge of Cryo energy erupted from the lotus, instantly freezing the leaping Riftwolf solid.
A flash of gold lit up Ganyu's hand as her azure bow materialized. Drawing it to full draw, she unleashed a torrent of adeptal energy, obliterating the frozen beasts.
But in the next moment, even more Riftwolf surged forward in a frenzied tide, forcing Ganyu's expression to darken.
"Trail of the Qilin!" Not daring to relax, she backstepped rapidly, unleashing a blizzard of Cryo that impaled wave after wave of Riftwolf.
Dodging and firing in rapid succession, Ganyu eventually cleared out most of the creatures.
"Hah… hah…" Ganyu finally allowed herself a moment to breathe, panting heavily. Her Vision was nearly drained of energy, its glow dimmed.
But before she could recover, space beside her ripped open.
The Golden Wolflord's massive tail swung down—
"Oh no—!"
Her eyes widened as the tail struck her full-force, sending her flying.
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