"Hm… it's hard to judge the Fatui's actions," Akio said with a nod.
Their ultimate goal seemed to be overthrowing the rule of Celestia and creating a new world. Yet, their methods were often incredibly violent.
Of course, Snezhnaya was a powerful nation, and a hardline approach in diplomacy was to be expected. Weak nations have no diplomacy—a universal truth in any world.
Take Mondstadt, for instance. On the surface, it's a nation without divine rule, and the Fatui act with unrestrained arrogance there.
In Liyue, however, even someone as haughty as La Signora wouldn't dare act as recklessly as they do in Mondstadt.
Ever since word of Inazuma's unique situation—one nation under four gods—spread to other lands, it was clear that foreign diplomatic offices had started to view Inazuma differently.
"But now that we're together, I hope Liyue and Inazuma can always stand united and maintain peaceful relations," Akio said, looking at Ningguang with a smile.
"Naturally," Ningguang replied with a nod. "With us here, Liyue will always coexist peacefully with Inazuma."
…
After the meal, as the sky darkened, Hiiragi Chisato and Sangonomiya Kokomi exchanged a few words before heading hand-in-hand toward the Tenshukaku.
Just moments ago, Raiden Makoto had sent word that she wished to meet the legendary strategist of the Resistance, the leader of the 260 soldiers.
When the message arrived, it had startled Kokomi.
Could it be that the Raiden Shogun intended to hold her accountable?
Since becoming one of Akio's women, Kokomi had learned that the current Raiden Shogun was not the same as the one before.
Still, even if this was a different Raiden Shogun, this deity had once strived to govern Inazuma—a nation Kokomi had led a rebellion against. Surely she wouldn't…
Akio, sensing Kokomi's unease, pulled her into his arms and planted a gentle kiss on her lips.
"Don't worry. Though Makoto and Ei are sisters, the first Narukami's temperament is far gentler than Ei's. Besides, she can distinguish right from wrong. Since Watatsumi Island has no obligation to pay reparations, why would she hold you accountable for no reason?" Akio reassured her.
"She likely just wants to meet her sisters," Akio said with a chuckle. "For a mortal to defy a god's will—Makoto actually admires your courage. Go with confidence."
Even Chisato offered words of comfort to ease Kokomi's nerves.
Kokomi nodded. Though she still felt apprehensive, she mustered the courage to face Raiden Makoto.
Given their current relationship, she and the Raiden Shogun were sisters of sorts. Surely she couldn't avoid meeting her forever?
Watching Chisato and Kokomi's retreating figures, Keqing turned to Akio with a question.
"Darling, didn't Kokomi once oppose the will of a god? Was she really that brave?"
It wasn't surprising that Keqing was so shocked.
After all, the Raiden Shogun was renowned for her divine might, and tales of the Thunder God's power resonated even in foreign lands.
"Yes," Akio nodded, sipping his tea before explaining.
"The people of Watatsumi Island, led by Kokomi, don't worship the Electro Archon. They have their own faith in a god, a great serpent named Orobashi."
"Orobashi once brought the people of Watatsumi Island from the darkness of Enkanomiya to the surface, granting them the endless warmth and sunlight of the world above. For this, Orobashi is revered as the Watatsumi Orikami."
"Watatsumi Omikami Orobashi? I've heard of it," Ganyu said after a moment of thought. "I recall now. During the Archon War, Rex Lapis once defeated a demon god named Orobashi. It fled Liyue after its loss—could that be the same one?"
"Exactly," Akio nodded. "After bringing Watatsumi Island to the surface, it settled near Inazuma."
"However, the ruling god at the time was Makoto. Her gentle nature and dislike of conflict led her to tacitly allow Orobashi and Watatsumi Island to exist near Inazuma."
"But Orobashi touched forbidden knowledge and, fearing judgment from Celestia, initiated an invasion," Akio continued in a calm tone.
"During this war, one of Inazuma's great generals, Sasayuri, fell in battle. In her fury, Ei struck down Orobashi with a single blow at Yashiori Island."
"However, Ei incorporated Watatsumi Island into Inazuma's governance, allowing it autonomy and the freedom to continue worshiping Orobashi."
"…" Ningguang, Keqing, and Ganyu fell into a thoughtful silence. Who would've thought there was such a complex history?
"So when Inazuma later issued the Sakoku Decree and Vision Hunt Decree, they…" Keqing began to ask.
"Correct," Akio nodded.
"Sigh…" Ningguang let out a breath. "But by doing so and angering a god, weren't they afraid of divine punishment?"
"Ningguang, that's not the right way to look at it!" Keqing countered. "If mortals are pushed to the brink by divine decrees and can no longer survive, should they just sit and starve to death? I believe that daring to resist a god's will is precisely the unyielding spirit of humanity!"
"Hah… Keqing, have you forgotten? Mortals are as weak as ants before gods. Even if they resist, doesn't it often end with them being struck down by a god's blade?" Ningguang said with a faint smile.
"Or are you suggesting gods wouldn't raise their swords against defiant mortals?"
"Take Watatsumi Island, for instance. As my husband mentioned, they don't worship the Electro Archon. Their rebellion against Inazuma's rule—doesn't that undermine Inazuma's national strength? If Inazuma were truly pushed to the brink, with troops at the gates of the Tenshukaku, do you think they'd have the standing to negotiate with a god?" Ningguang said coolly.
"Given Ei and the Shogun's temperaments, it's certainly possible," Akio nodded.
"You—" Keqing was momentarily at a loss for words, caught off guard by Ningguang's sharp rebuttal.
"Even Rex Lapis wouldn't tolerate anything that threatens the foundation of Liyue, let alone the far stricter Raiden Shogun of Inazuma," Ningguang continued.
"I'm not denying the will of mortals, but I want you to understand that Teyvat is a world governed by gods. So long as gods remain in power, mortals must never defy them."
"Don't foolishly assume that mortal will can solve every problem," Ningguang added, her tone suddenly serious.
"You…" Keqing was visibly irritated by Ningguang's words. "Are you just going to dismiss mortal will like that?"
Watching the heated debate between Ningguang and Keqing, Akio chuckled lightly without intervening and instead turned to Ganyu.
"Hm, I somewhat agree with Miss Ningguang," Ganyu said softly.
"Let them argue it out. Whether it's mortal will or divine might, neither can convince everyone," Akio said. "Let them express their views. We'll stay out of it."
"Mhm," Ganyu leaned against Akio with a nod.
Soon, Ningguang looked at Keqing with a smile and said, "But don't forget, Keqing. Our husband, too, is a god—the ruling deity of Inazuma."
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