As Setaria was about to leave, he suddenly remembered something and turned to report to Azar.
"Grand Sage Azar, according to reports from officials at Port Ormos, an Inazuma Delegation is about to arrive in Sumeru. I've heard that the Inazuma Regent will be leading it. If we follow diplomatic protocol, you, Grand Sage Azar, should personally receive them. What do you think...?"
Azar showed little interest in the arrival of the Inazuma Delegation, saying disdainfully, "Inazuma? Oh, I remember now, there was such a thing. Hmph, they've really picked a bad time to come.
It's just a small, isolated country. If Inazuma didn't still hold the title among The Seven Nations of Teyvat, making it difficult to outright refuse their entry application, I truly wouldn't have approved this matter.
Let Master Kavaja go. He is one of Sumeru's Six sages, and his status is noble enough. I have no interest in those crude warriors from Inazuma. Just say I'm busy preparing for the Sabzeruz Festival and cannot leave."
Upon hearing Azar's words, Setaria looked troubled and said, "But, Grand Sage Azar, I heard that the new Inazuma Regent possesses the power to overturn seas and rivers, having slain Osial, the Vortex Vanquisher in Liyue, and The Dragon Ursa in Mondstadt. Such a figure should not be treated lightly, should he?"
Azar's face grew exceptionally grim. He stared intently at Setaria. Although Azar was merely a frail scholar, the aura he exuded from his high position made Setaria feel a little breathless.
Azar: "Setaria, you must remember, this is Sumeru, the nation of wisdom created by Greater Lord Rukkhadevata. wisdom is this country's greatest reliance. The strength of individual martial prowess is simply not worth mentioning in Sumeru!
If it weren't for that eternal God possessing some wisdom related to the Kshahrewar School, I wouldn't even send Master Kavaja to greet them. For a sage of Haravatat to greet an Inazuma Regent who only possesses martial power, this is truly a disgrace to Sumeru.
Furthermore, a God sealed by Lord Rex Lapis for over two thousand years, a Dragon researched and replicated by that Akademiya exile, how much combat power could they possibly retain? Hmph! It's nothing but exaggerated rumors, a little trick to mislead people. Such petty schemes won't fool me.
Notify the people of Port Ormos to ensure that all members of the Inazuma Delegation wear our Akasha Terminal. Let those bumpkins witness the legacy of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata."
Setaria: "Yes! I'll go arrange it now."
Since Azar had spoken, what could Setaria, a mere assistant, do? He could only agree and then left to implement the Grand Sage's instructions.
After Setaria left in the elevator, the vast office area returned to its usual tranquility.
Azar sat in his chair, eyes closed in contemplation, constantly calculating the specific procedures of his current plan in his mind.
After an unknown amount of time, a smile appeared on Azar's stern face. He couldn't help but turn his head to look above him. His gaze seemed to penetrate through layers of walls, seeing the God imprisoned in the Sanctuary of Surasthana.
He muttered to himself, "Lesser Lord Kusanali, your wisdom is insufficient to advance Sumeru further. Since the departure of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata is irreversible, then we shall use our own wisdom to create a God for Sumeru! Hahahahahahaha!"
In the empty office, Azar's unrestrained laughter echoed, his eyes filled with a fanatical obsession for the birth of a God.
One day later, Port Ormos.
As Sumeru's largest port and the hub of its trade economy, Port Ormos's daily throughput was not inferior to Liyue Harbor's. Commerce was extremely prosperous. Due to the numerous ships and complex personnel situations, it had also become a venue for many dangerous transactions.
However, today, the merchants and citizens of Port Ormos all looked towards the dock. A magnificent official ship, full of Inazuman characteristics, was moored near the dock, undergoing inspection by Sumeru port officials.
That's right, even an official ship from Inazuma had to undergo necessary inspections to check if it carried goods not on the trade list.
Before Inazuma and Sumeru officially established diplomatic relations, these were standard procedures.
Port Ormos's actions were undoubtedly a show of force to the Inazuma Delegation, causing great dissatisfaction among its members. After all, whether it was Liyue or Mondstadt, which they had visited before, both had been very polite. Only Sumeru not only failed to send an official of sufficient standing to greet them but also searched their official ship under the pretext of inspection.
After Miyashiro presented the entry permit issued by Sumeru, Reza, the chief port official, finally showed a hint of respect and surprise on his face.
Reza: "My apologies, esteemed guests from afar, you've finally arrived."
Miyashiro said discontentedly, "Why does Master Reza's tone sound as if he was hoping for our early arrival, yet I see no sincerity from Sumeru's side?"
Reza chuckled, "Regent, you misunderstand. We received the news and reported it to the Akademiya via the Akasha. The Akademiya has arranged for Master Kavaja, a sage of Haravatat, to welcome you all."
Kokomi and Ayaka frowned upon hearing that only a sage would greet them. This did not conform to diplomatic reception etiquette.
Miyashiro looked around, not seeing any sage-level figures coming to greet them, and asked, "Then where is this sage Kavaja you speak of?"
Reza: "Regent, forgive me for not being clear. Master Kavaja is waiting for you in Sumeru City. Port Ormos is merely the gateway to Sumeru. You can travel by waterway from Port Ormos, through Vimara Village, and finally reach Sumeru City. It will only take a few hours."
Miyashiro, Kokomi, Ayaka: ...This treatment is truly unprecedented. Miyashiro let out a cold laugh towards Sumeru City. Azar, huh? You'll get what's coming to you.
Reza also noticed the Inazuma Delegation's bad mood and quickly changed the subject, saying, "Oh dear, esteemed sirs of the Inazuma Delegation, you've finally arrived in Sumeru! I've been truly overwhelmed these past few months.
Since Inazuma lifted its Sakoku Decree, the smuggling ships traveling between Sumeru and Inazuma have been incessant. There are so many smugglers that we can't catch them all, which has put a lot of pressure on the port authority.
Once you officially establish diplomatic relations with Sumeru, the trade between Sumeru and Inazuma will become more regularized. Therefore, our department has been eagerly awaiting your arrival!"
Eagerly awaiting what? For you to reduce your workload, is that it?
Reza took out several Akasha Terminals from a box he had prepared earlier and handed them to the members of the Inazuma Delegation: "Oh, and these are the Akasha Terminals prepared for you. Every traveler entering Sumeru receives one. This is the legacy left by Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
Currently, within Sumeru, as long as you wear and activate an Akasha Terminal, you can connect to the Akasha and obtain the knowledge you need."
Miyashiro looked at the Akasha Terminal in his hand, a cold, imperceptible smile on his face.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 40 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
[patreon.com/TripleCrown07]
Thank you so much for your support!!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"