"Hmm..." Akira studied Sangonomiya Kokomi.
This pink-haired jellyfish, he had to admit, was seriously easy on the eyes.
After she spoke, Kokomi looked at Akira with tear-filled eyes.
She'd long heard that the Great Divine Sovereign of Heaven was surrounded by many beautiful confidantes. She considered herself attractive, and offering herself to Akira as a gift -it was humiliating for someone as proud as her. But for the sake of Watatsumi Island, she had no choice.
"You really are quite pretty," Rosalyne also gave Kokomi a once-over and nodded. "Definitely worthy of being Akira's woman."
Akira felt like Rosalyne had been acting a little off lately-constantly trying to recruit more women for him.
Is this what a good wife is supposed to be like? Why does she keep trying to find more women for her husband?
"I know you-Sangonomiya Kokomi," Rosalyne said, turning to Akira. "In our Fatui intel, you're considered a rather tricky leader. My dear, I think she's qualified to be one of your women."
"I think so too," Akira nodded.
As for whether this counted as taking advantage of someone in a vulnerable state? Akira didn't care.
He helped her solve Watatsumi Island's crisis-what's wrong with her offering herself in return?
Looking at Kokomi, Akira said flatly, "Miss Sangonomiya, if you're unwilling, you can leave. No need to cry like that."
"You're the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island. You're making it seem like I'm bullying you."
"..." Kokomi wiped her tears and shook her head, looking at Akira. "Please... Lord Akira, I'm doing this of my own will. You haven't bullied me..."
She'd already said something so humiliating-if Akira rejected her now, wouldn't that be a double slap in the face? She'd lose her dignity and fail to save her island.
"Heh..." Akira chuckled and turned back to continue eating.
"Lord Akira..." Kokomi wanted to say something more, but then she realized the power restraining her had been lifted.
Smart as she was, Kokomi instantly understood Akira's meaning. She quietly stepped over to his side.
Looking at Akira's impossibly handsome face, the turmoil in Kokomi's heart seemed to settle a little.
Serving a powerful and attractive god... maybe it wasn't such a bad thing? She tried to comfort herself with that thought.
After all, to the people of Inazuma, the Great Divine Sovereign had always been a gentle and loving deity.
As if convincing herself, Kokomi gently lowered her body and said, "Lord Akira , please allow me to serve you during your meal."
"Well, damn."
Akira honestly hadn't expected Kokomi to go that far. He had just released her restraints, that's all-he didn't mean anything else by it. If she didn't want to leave, he'd take her in.
But he really hadn't expected her to act like this. Not that he minded-it was incredibly pleasant.
That meal turned out to be one of the most enjoyable Akira had had in a while. Even though Kokomi was clearly inexperienced, there was a delicate charm in her clumsiness that made Akira feel deeply captivated.
But hey, he was a god now. What's wrong with enjoying a little indulgence?
So yes, that meal was extremely satisfying.
"Lord Akira... were you pleased with my service?" Kokomi asked softly, hands folded in front of her, standing by his side.
"Not bad. Still a little rough around the edges. Keep practicing," Akira nodded.
"It was my first time... I'm sorry, Lord Akira. I'll do my best to improve," Kokomi whispered.
"Very good." Akira leaned back on the rocking chair under the Sacred Sakura, basking in the sun.
Meanwhile, the other women had gone inside to chat.
Even Rosalyne and Lumine, who usually clashed in secret, had been dragged into the room by Miyuki.
Kokomi, however, remained by Akira's side, standing quietly, waiting for his instructions.
The sun was warm, and the breeze so soothing it made one drowsy.
"Yawn~" Akira stretched and closed his eyes for a nap.
"..." Seeing that Akira didn't mention Watatsumi Island at all, Kokomi bit her lip. She'd already offered herself...
But she held back her anxiety and stood silently beside him, not daring to disturb. She was smart enough to know that one wrong move could anger him.
Two hours passed in the blink of an eye.
Akio woke up with a stretch and saw Kokomi standing nearby, dozing off.
He was quite pleased-Kokomi was so well-behaved in front of him! Having such a quiet, obedient little attendant at his side felt really good.
"Lord Akira, you're awake." The creak of the rocking chair startled Kokomi awake.
"I'm sorry... Lord Akira, I fell asleep," she quickly apologized, seeing the look he gave her.
Seeing her slightly timid expression, Akira's gaze softened a little, but he didn't say much. He simply asked, "You stood there for two hours?"
"Mm-hmm~" Kokomi nodded, her voice meek. "I... I was just too tired and closed my eyes for a moment. I'm sorry, Lord Akira..."
She had rushed overnight from Sangonomiya Shrine to the Grand Narukami Shrine, then gone through all this-of course she was exhausted in both body and mind.
"It's fine. No need to apologize. Go rest in my room for a bit," Akira waved his hand and pointed to his room.
"Huh? No, no! Lord Akira, I'm fine-" Kokomi panicked, thinking he was upset with her, and quickly waved her hands to refuse.
"Ah-"
But Akira didn't listen to her protests. He simply hoisted Kokomi over his shoulder and carried her into his room.
"I told you-get some proper rest. As my attendant, all you need to do is be obedient."
After tossing her onto the bed, Akira turned and walked out.
"..." Watching his retreating back, Kokomi lowered her head, clutching the blanket that still held Akira's faint scent.
But once she lay down on the soft, comfortable bed, waves of drowsiness came crashing in.
With her body and spirit utterly drained, Kokomi quickly fell into a deep sleep.
From outside the window, Akira glanced at the slumbering Kokomi and raised an eyebrow. He had to admit-she really was an excellent leader.
Honestly, Akira still didn't quite understand why Ei had once allowed the people of Orobashi to abandon their faith in her, yet still offered them protection.
Morax had accepted the people of Sal Terrae and Guizhong's followers; Havria's people had at least pretended to change their faith; and Guizhong's had long since merged with the people of tribe.
And yet, what Ei had done-wasn't that the perfect display of a loving god's compassion?