"!!"
The three of them trembled instantly... especially the leading one, Tadakatsu, who lowered his head in pain. The woman before them made them feel so ashamed they wished the ground would swallow them whole.
Although Sangonomiya Kokomi usually had a gentle personality and was easy to talk to, often giving others a way out of awkward situations, at times like this she would absolutely not do so.
Instead, she would mercilessly strike at the other party's sense of shame, disregarding things like saving face. It was another extreme entirely. Her words were gentle, yet filled with hidden barbs. This was the terrifying side of Sangonomiya Kokomi when her mood turned low-pressure.
"You cannot force others to pay the price for your own beliefs. During the war, we experienced low points and victories alike. To you, perhaps it felt like a passionate and exhilarating experience."
Seeing the three remain silent, she crossed her arms and softened her tone slightly. She was no longer excessively cold. She knew when to stop, and she was skilled at controlling that balance.
"But during the war, there were also many people you never saw, living every day in suffering."
"The people of Watatsumi Island long for peace because everyone has sacrificed too much for war. They are already exhausted. They do not wish to be dragged back into it by you once again."
"The Vision Hunt Decree has already been abolished. I also believe that the Shogun-sama will eventually lift the Sakoku Decree. The war is over. Peace has arrived. I want all of you to live happily, not spend every day trembling at the sound of blades clashing."
"..." ×3
They remained silent, but it was clear that Kokomi was gradually influencing them.
"You may constantly talk about 'continuing the fight,' but I know that deep down you still long for peace. It's just... haa... you haven't realized it yet."
She lowered her gaze, a hint of guilt appearing, her voice tinged with sadness.
"Sangonomiya-sama... we..."
Their voices trembled now, as if they might break into tears at any moment.
"Haa... I understand. This is my fault. I failed to care properly about your thoughts. I taught you how to resist, but I never taught you how to let go."
She pressed her lips together as she spoke. In the past she had been too naive. Perhaps now she had grown a little... though everyone was still growing.
"It's not your fault! We... were just too selfish!"
Tadakatsu refuted immediately.
"Regardless, we are willing to accept punishment under military law."
All three knelt before her at once.
"..."
Seeing their actions, Kokomi sighed softly.
"You once risked your lives for Watatsumi Island. You have merit, and I will not execute you, but—"
She had already decided on their punishment.
"You have still committed serious wrongdoing. You will be stripped of your ranks and return to the fields, reflecting on yourselves as ordinary civilians. If one day your impulsiveness fades, I will speak with you again. I hope that by then you will be more mature than you are now and able to contribute to a peaceful Watatsumi Island."
She spoke calmly.
"...Understood! We obey Sangonomiya-sama's orders, and thank you for sparing our lives." ×3
The three lowered their heads respectfully, then abandoned their ranks and departed.
"...Haa."
After they left... Kokomi let out a soft breath, her tone becoming much lighter.
"Are you satisfied with my decision?"
She asked toward the wall behind her.
Tap... tap...
The Shogun appeared, returning to her side with her arms crossed.
"Acceptable... I suppose I am satisfied."
After all, she had not executed those two either. She understood.
"Only 'suppose'? Then how can I make you completely satisfied?"
Kokomi smiled helplessly, taking her hand and leading her to sit on the steps behind Teppei's house. She asked in a sweet tone.
"Haa... nothing in this world is ever truly perfect. Even for me, that might be difficult."
Sitting beside Kokomi, the Shogun looked at the hand being held as she spoke.
"Then... how did you deal with those two?"
Kokomi asked curiously.
"...I did not kill them. I simply imprisoned them."
Her eyes flickered with a complicated expression.
"Did your heart soften?"
Kokomi asked gently, leaning closer with concern, like a girlfriend who watched her constantly.
"..." (nod)
She nodded silently.
"Does that feel strange?"
She looked at the face close to hers and asked in confusion.
"Why would it be strange? Doesn't that just prove you have a heart? Here."
Kokomi's hand, clad in white silk, gently touched her chest, feeling the steady rhythm beneath. The Shogun had already changed into a gentian-colored kimono, so her hand made direct contact with warm, soft skin. The sensation felt... very nice.
"///"
Feeling the touch over her heart, the Shogun's face flushed adorably. She gently pressed Kokomi's hand down.
"Hehe..."
Kokomi smiled indulgently, then leaned her head lightly against the person beside her, continuing to hold her hand, savoring the delight of having taken advantage of her earlier.
"Are you low on energy?"
The person beside her asked softly.
"Mm~ It feels like my 'energy' is dropping again... I'm so tired~"
Kokomi muttered cutely, acting spoiled.
"Shall I read you military strategy books?"
She asked.
"Pfft... I feel like that would have the opposite effect. It's fine, I'll recover soon enough."
Kokomi smiled and shook her head.
"I've always wanted to ask... what is your recovery mechanism?"
She turned to look at the girl resting on her shoulder.
"Hmm—there are many ways. For example, leaning against you like this, feeling your warmth and breathing in your scent helps me slowly recover. Or a lap pillow works too. Even a kiss can completely refill my energy~!"
Kokomi answered teasingly, listing them one by one.
"...Is it really that mystical?"
She asked in surprise.
"Hehe... yes, it's just that mystical."
Kokomi narrowed her eyes slightly with a smile.
"Then—lie down. I'll give you a lap pillow."
Seeing the girl's state, the Shogun leaned back helplessly and offered her thigh for support.
"Wow... you're so kind."
With a happy smile, Kokomi slowly lay down on her soft thighs wrapped in deep-purple thigh-high stockings, gently rubbing against them, causing a faint ticklish sensation.
"Mm~ my energy is recovering~"
Kokomi murmured lazily.
Watching the cute, languid girl resting on her lap, she revealed a doting smile and gently brushed aside the loose strands of hair at her neck. The twin pink tails rested on her lap like little fish, and her pale cheeks looked impossibly soft.
"Shogun-sama..."
"Mm?"
"I really am not good at handling large crowds. Although I've improved a lot compared to before... whenever there are too many people, I still feel nervous and afraid."
As she spoke, Kokomi covered the back of her hand with her palm, playing with her fingers. Their slender hands intertwined together.
"If only... someone could handle negotiations like that for me instead."
Kokomi complained cutely.
"Should we let Gorou handle it next time?"
Kokomi suggested.
"Then I will have Sara come along to counterbalance him, and we will negotiate a draw?"
She replied jokingly.
"Pfft... true enough..."
Kokomi laughed softly. In the end, Watatsumi Island still depended on her... haa...
"Actually, by the standards of a Divine Priestess, I am still far from enough."
Thinking this, Kokomi showed a trace of worry again. She slipped off her shoes, revealing her shapely white-stockinged feet to the air, then lifted her legs onto the steps to align with her upper body, truly lying on her side across the Shogun's lap in a comfortable position.
The Shogun shook her head slightly at the sight, then gently poked the girl's cheek with her fingertip.
"What did I say before? Even the Divine Priestess needs rest. Do not pressure yourself. You are already doing very well."
"Mm..."
Chu~
Kokomi lightly touched her fingers, then kissed her fingertips again like a little fish.
"Before... I only wanted to ensure Watatsumi Island's stability so that everyone could live happily, but—"
"Now I realize that is not enough. People's wishes are countless, and therefore the definition of happiness differs for everyone."
Holding the hand she had just kissed, she guided the other's palm to gently caress her face, murmuring absentmindedly.
"The path I must walk is still very long. But that's okay... if I cannot finish it in one breath, I will simply walk it slowly..."
After saying this, Kokomi slowly sat up, leaving her lap, yet still holding her hand tightly. She faced her at close distance, meeting her gaze.
"Right now I am still not mature enough. I know it is unrealistic to ask you to remain here. However, your presence stays with me at all times. Before you leave, could you stay with me a little longer? Even after you leave, even if you are far away on Narukami Island, it doesn't matter. Watatsumi Island belongs to Inazuma. You only need to visit me occasionally, accompany me like this, encourage me, smile at me, care about my health, sometimes sleep beside me so I won't have nightmares anymore."
"..."
At this point, Kokomi's eyes turned red as she pressed her lips tightly together, trying not to cry.
"...I will. I will come see you. Didn't I say before... we will meet again in the future."
She answered gently to the girl who was on the verge of tears.
"Mm... then, may I kiss the corner of your lips one more time?"
Kokomi asked carefully.
"...You may."
She nodded and closed her eyes, waiting for the girl's kiss.
Chu~
Kokomi cupped her face and gently kissed the corner of her lips with closed eyes. This time it lasted a long while, as if savoring something.
Drip~
A single tear finally slipped from the corner of the girl's closed eye... a mermaid's tear.
I like you, Shogun-sama.