"I…" Kokomi took a deep breath, nodded, and pressed forward with Chisato.
"Halt! This is the Tenshukaku, a restricted area. What brings you here?" The samurai guarding the entrance blocked their path.
"It's me," Chisato said.
"Commissioner of the Kanjou Commission!" Recognizing Chisato, the samurai quickly saluted.
The samurai guarding the Tenshukaku knew well that the Commissioner of the Kanjou Commission, alongside the Shogun, were wives of the Great Sovereign.
"This is Sangonomiya Kokomi, also one of Lord Akio's wives. From now on, you are not to impede her passage," Chisato said, gesturing toward Kokomi.
"Understood," the samurai responded promptly.
"Let's go, Kokomi," Chisato nodded, leading Kokomi into the Tenshukaku.
As they passed through the main hall of the Tenshukaku, Kokomi caught sight of the three figures of the Shogun seated in the center of the room, deep in conversation.
Hearing the footsteps of Chisato and Kokomi, the three turned their gazes toward the newcomers.
"Makoto, Ei, General, this is Sangonomiya Kokomi, another of our sisters," Chisato introduced, guiding Kokomi forward.
"Sangonomiya Kokomi pays her respects to the Shogun," Kokomi said hastily, bowing.
"There's no need for such formality. We are all wives of Akio, and thus sisters. No need to stand on ceremony," Raiden Makoto said gently. "From now on, address us as sisters."
"Yes, Sister Makoto," Kokomi replied quickly. Since Makoto had offered her a way to ease into this, she naturally took the opportunity.
"So, you're Sangonomiya Kokomi?" Raiden Ei said coolly.
"Yes, Sister Ei," Kokomi responded without hesitation.
"My husband mentioned that it was you who once led the Watatsumi Resistance in rebellion against the Shogunate?" Ei asked with mild curiosity.
"Sister Ei, we only sought a small chance to survive. If we hadn't been pushed to the absolute limit, we would never have dared such defiance," Kokomi explained swiftly.
"You disrupted the eternity we once pursued…" the Raiden Shogun said coldly.
"Enough, General," Raiden Makoto interjected, cutting off the Shogun's words.
"The pursuit of eternity back then was a mistake. Even our husband never approved of it. Now that we are sisters, let's not be so harsh," Makoto said earnestly.
"Understood…" The Raiden Shogun fell silent for a moment before nodding. Since her husband didn't acknowledge that past eternity, she had no reason to cling to it either.
"Alright, then," Makoto smiled gently, rising to her feet and guiding Chisato and Kokomi to sit with them.
"Kokomi, tell me about the current state of Watatsumi Island's people," Makoto said warmly.
"Of course, Sister Makoto," Kokomi replied, casting a grateful glance at Makoto for defusing the tension. She felt deeply moved.
She's so gentle. How could anyone not adore a god like her?
…
"Looks like Kokomi is getting along well with Makoto and the others," Akio murmured as he retracted his divine sense from the Tenshukaku.
Truth be told, since the Shogun had once devoted everything to pursuing eternity, he'd worried she might clash with Kokomi upon meeting her.
"It's porcelain figurines!" Keqing suddenly exclaimed, pointing at a nearby stall with delight.
The stall was selling figurines of Akio as the Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven. Unlike others, the figurines here were remarkably lifelike and utterly adorable.
Keqing hurried over eagerly.
"Look at that. Keqing is absolutely smitten with you, darling," Ningguang said, exchanging a playful smile with Akio.
"And what about you, Ningguang?" Akio teased, turning to her. "And my dear Ganyu?"
"Of course, I'm deeply in love with you, darling," Ningguang said tenderly, clasping Akio's hand. "We eat from the same stalk, drink from the same branch."
"I feel the same," Ganyu said softly, looking at Akio with warmth. "Our voices harmonize like drums and zithers; our tones blend like a melody. Please guide me always, darling~"
Akio pulled both women into his arms. They truly were so lovable.
As the trio approached the stall, they overheard Keqing questioning the vendor.
"Hey, stall owner, are these Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven figurines authentic?"
"Oh, my dear customer, rest assured! These are officially registered goods with the Kanjou Commission," the vendor explained. "Absolutely authentic! Just look at the exquisite craftsmanship—how could they be fake?"
"They do look amazing!" Keqing said, picking up a small figurine to examine it closely.
"Hahaha! The Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven looks so cute! This figurine is adorable," Keqing chuckled, marveling at the unique and delicate design.
"You've got a sharp eye! This design was personally sculpted by the Commissioner of the Kanjou Commission herself, shaped entirely according to her vision," the vendor said. "As the wife of the Great Sovereign, she understands him best!"
"I see," Keqing nodded. So this was Chisato's handiwork. That made sense—ordinary folk wouldn't dare craft such an adorable depiction of the Great Divine Sovereign.
"Oh? So, in Chisato's eyes, I'm this cute?" Akio said as he approached, picking up a figurine with a laugh.
"Great Sovereign!" The vendor was stunned, feeling immensely honored by the deity's personal presence.
"No need for formalities," Akio nodded, inspecting the figurine with a smile. "How many of these do you sell in a day?"
"In response, Great Sovereign, I sell at least five hundred of these figurines daily," the vendor replied eagerly. "Your divine presence is admired far and wide; people from all nations adore your likeness."
"Hahaha, that's good to hear," Akio laughed. He didn't mind what form his figurines took.
Even if people got a bit creative with his image, he wouldn't be offended, so long as it wasn't done to slander him.
In fact, he liked the idea of his image becoming more endearing and relatable in the hearts of mortals.
"Hmph, boss, I'll take all these figurines you have left. How much?" Keqing asked, eyeing the remaining stock.
"There are fifteen Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven figurines left. I'll give them to you for 200,000 Mora," the vendor said promptly.
"Deal," Keqing nodded, readily pulling out the 200,000 Mora.
"Keqing, didn't I say I'd be covering tonight's tab?" Akio interjected with a smile, stopping her.
"No way, these are your figurines. I want to buy them myself!" Keqing shook her head. She was fine with Akio paying for other things, but this—she had to buy with her own money.
"So, you're also one of the Great Sovereign's wives? In that case, I won't accept your payment," the vendor said quickly.
"That won't do," Keqing shook her head. "A fair transaction is an equal contract. I can't disrupt that just because of my status."
"Keqing is right. This is your livelihood, and you must earn from it. Our relationship shouldn't interfere with that," Akio agreed with a nod.
A/N: Enjoying the story? Read 60+ chapters ahead on Patreon! Your support helps: Patreon.com/nneol