At that moment, in the Liyue delegation's meeting room in Inazuma City, a black hole suddenly expanded.
Akio stepped out, holding Ganyu's hand.
The moment they emerged, they saw four women chatting animatedly together.
"Oh? Looks like you've reached an agreement," Akio teased.
"Husband!" ×2
"Lord!" ×2
Hiiragi Chisato, Ningguang, and the others quickly stood up to greet them as they saw Akio leading Ganyu over.
Ningguang's lips curled into a knowing smile as she took in Ganyu's flushed face, the lingering traces of bashfulness still evident.
Keqing, ever straightforward, grinned when she saw their intertwined hands.
"Wow, looks like Ganyu's been conquered by you too, huh?"
At Keqing's blunt remark, the already shy Ganyu immediately hid behind Akio. Being teased by her colleagues was way too embarrassing.
"Alright, alright," Akio chuckled. "So, you all finished your discussions?"
"We did," Ningguang nodded. "Even I have to admit, Kokomi is quite capable. After hearing her out, I can see Watatsumi Island's potential for development."
"Though, of course, actual progress will have to wait until I return to Liyue and send people for an on-site survey," she added. "But we've already signed the contract, and I trust Kokomi won't deceive us."
After all, they were practically family now. There was no way Sangonomiya Kokomi would betray their trust.
"Don't worry, Sister Ningguang. Watatsumi Island will definitely bring Liyue substantial returns," Kokomi declared confidently.
"Good. I'm glad you've reached a collaboration," Akio said with satisfaction.
"Oh, Lord Akio, I also finalized a few cooperation agreements with Ningguang," Chisato chimed in.
Liyue was the most prosperous economic power, after all. Any partnership with them promised significant benefits.
"Chisato, you're the Kanjou Commissioner. I trust your judgment," Akio nodded. "No need to run it by me."
Despite her youth, Chisato was exceptionally sharp. Even Raiden Makoto had full confidence in her ability to manage the Kanjou Commission.
"Mhm!" Chisato beamed. This kind of trust is what makes everything worthwhile.
"Alright, my darlings, let's go eat," Akio announced, sweeping them all toward Uyuu Restaurant.
---
Fontaine, Opera Epiclese
A farcical trial had just concluded.
Furina and Clorinde walked side by side, heading back to the Palais Mermonia.
On a bench not far away, a golden-haired beauty sat quietly, lost in thought. Two men in suits stood guard beside her, a small oven beside them emitting a faint, sweet aroma—likely baking something.
"Navia…"
The moment Clorinde saw her, her expression turned complicated.
She and Navia had once been close—until the day Clorinde had personally executed her father.
Over the years, Clorinde had tried repeatedly to mend their relationship, but Navia had never given her the chance.
"Furina, I need to go over there for a moment," Clorinde murmured.
"Huh?" Furina blinked, following her gaze. "Oh, the Spina di Rosula's president, Navia? I know her. She's a good girl."
"Alright," Furina nodded, sitting on a nearby bench. "Go ahead. I'll wait here."
A few stray cats, sensing Furina's presence, trotted over and began rubbing affectionately against her legs, making her giggle.
Clorinde took a deep breath and approached Navia.
"Halt— Oh, Miss Clorinde?" One of the suited men moved to block her path but quickly stepped aside upon recognizing her.
"Melus, Silver. It's been a while," Clorinde greeted them.
"Are you here to see the young lady?" Melus asked.
"Yes."
"She's right there," Melus sighed. He had watched Navia grow up. He wished the two could reconcile, but the death of Callas remained an unhealed wound in Navia's heart.
"You?" Navia's voice cut through the air as she turned, her expression darkening the moment she saw Clorinde. "What do you want?"
Dressed in elegant finery, Navia was the picture of a refined noblewoman—yet her eyes still held a youthful spark.
Clorinde met her gaze, regret lacing her words. "About Callas, I just wanted to—"
"Enough!" Navia snapped, cutting her off. "If that's all you came for, then I'm not interested. Melus, see her out."
"Young lady…" Melus sighed. He knew Clorinde had no choice back then. He wished they could move past this.
"Tch." Navia crossed her arms and looked away.
An awkward silence settled over them.
Finally, Clorinde's shoulders slumped. "…I'm sorry for disturbing you."
Just as she turned to leave—
"Hey."
Navia's voice stopped her.
"Melus made too many macarons. I can't finish them all. Since you're here… you might as well have some."
Clorinde turned back, her expression unreadable.
"What's with that look?" Navia huffed. "Don't overthink it. I just don't want them to go to waste."
"…Thank you."
Clorinde sat beside her, accepting the macaron Silver handed her. The delicate pastry melted on her tongue—sweet, with the perfect balance of almond and egg.
"It's delicious. Thank you."
"Ugh, stop saying thank you all the time!" Navia groaned. "It's annoying!"
"Only for you," Clorinde murmured.
She had spent years trying to make amends—helping the Spina di Rosula in secret, funding them when they were in trouble, even stepping in to resolve their crises.
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