"And the best way out for Watatsumi Island is trade."
"The land here can't grow crops, but pearls, coral, specialty seafood, and processed seaweed products are in high demand in other parts of Teyvat."
"In the past, the path was blocked by the layers of exploitation from the Sakoku Decree and the Tri-Commission, but now..."
His gaze shifted toward Ritou: "Ritou has a 'Special Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone,' managed by Fontaine. The order and rules there are the fairest."
"Although the people of Watatsumi Island are not citizens of Fontaine, they can enjoy similar tax incentives for two years."
"Within these two years, most of the Mora you earn will return to the islanders themselves to help restore the economy."
This was a genuine path to survival.
Sangonomiya Kokomi's eyes lit up, and she nodded vigorously.
A few days later, after handling the most urgent matters on Watatsumi Island, King took everyone back to Ritou aboard the 'justice'.
Joining the original crew was Sangonomiya Kokomi, who followed closely behind.
She needed to personally understand the operation model of the cooperation zone to open up markets for Watatsumi Island's products.
When the 'justice' docked at Ritou Dock once again, even King slightly raised an eyebrow.
In just over ten days, the place had undergone a complete transformation.
The once old, cluttered, and decaying dock area was now clean and tidy, with repaved roads, newly renovated warehouses, and clear signage.
Although there were many ships coming and going, everything was orderly. Gardes in deep blue uniforms with Fontaine emblems patrolled everywhere, their eyes sharp and their postures upright.
Along the streets, there were far fewer luxury teahouses and high-end restaurants that were once occupied by the powerful and wealthy.
In their place were more inns, restaurants, and grocery stores catering to merchants, sailors, and ordinary citizens.
The sounds of shouting, bargaining, and work chants for moving goods intertwined, creating a noisy yet vibrant atmosphere.
Even more striking were the people walking on the streets.
Although most of them looked sickly and were very thin.
But that lingering, bone-deep despair had already faded away.
There was light in their eyes, and their backs were a bit straighter as they walked.
When they spoke to each other, their voices carried a hint of lightness.
"Where was I sent? Is this still the same country??"
Standing at the dock, Sangonomiya Kokomi looked at the bustling scene before her, her pinkish-blue eyes filled with daze.
How did this still look like Inazuma?
This vigorous vitality and efficient operation were like another country entirely!
Just then, a squad of five Fontaine Gardes marched in unison from the other end of the street.
Their deep blue uniforms were crisp, their equipment well-made, and their expressions serious.
Sangonomiya Kokomi's heart instinctively tightened.
In her past experience, the appearance of Inazuma's Officials or samurai usually meant trouble.
The Watatsumi Island attendants behind her also couldn't help but shrink back.
However, what happened next completely overturned her perception.
Seeing the Gardes, the street vendors didn't flee in fear; instead, many of them smiled and nodded in greeting.
An auntie selling naku weed pancakes even called out, "Boys, hard work on the patrol! Freshly baked pancakes, want a taste?"
The Gardes stopped. The captain leading them was a Fontaine youth with a resolute face.
He gave the auntie a slightly embarrassed but sincere smile and waved his hand: "Thank you, ma'am, but we have discipline. We can't take things from the public. May your business prosper!" His polite attitude left Kokomi dumbfounded.
What shocked her even more followed.
A little girl, about seven or eight years old, was carrying a small basket and selling coral ornaments she had woven herself.
Seeing the Gardes pass by, perhaps out of fear from being oppressed by the Tri-Commission or for some other reason, she knelt down with a "thud." Her small head knocked against the ground repeatedly as she cried out, "Great Lords of Fontaine! Long live! Long live! Long live for ten thousand years!"
"Hiss—!"
The squad of Fontaine Gardes collectively gasped, as if they had seen something extremely terrifying, their faces turning pale.
The captain lunged forward, scrambling to help the little girl up, his voice cracking with urgency: "Get up! Little sister, please get up! You mustn't! You absolutely mustn't do this!"
The other members also surrounded her, explaining all at once in panicked tones:
"Our Fontaine is a nation of justice! We follow the law and equality! We don't do this here!"
"Right, right! Everyone is equal! There are no 'Lords'! Please, never kneel again!"
"If our superiors find out about this, we'll be writing self-criticism reports until next year!"
"Yeah, yeah, we'll definitely be hauled in by our superiors!"
The little girl was dazed by their reaction and was blankly helped up.
One member quickly pulled out several Mora coins of significant value from his pocket, wanting to give them to the girl to calm her down.
The little girl waved her hands frantically as if she had been burned, her small head shaking like a rattle:
"No, no! I can't just take other people's money!"
Another young female member fumbled in her pockets and pulled out a handful of fruit candies wrapped in colorful cellophane, looking very cute.
She squatted down, her voice gentle: "How about this then? Let me give you some candy, okay?"
The little girl looked at the handful of shiny candies, her eyes lighting up instantly. After a moment's hesitation, she carefully took them, a shy smile blooming on her face: "Thank you, big sister!"
"You're welcome!" The female member smiled and ruffled her hair. "If you have any trouble in the future, just come to the guard post over by the dock to find us. Don't be afraid."
The little girl nodded vigorously and ran off like a happy little bird, clutching her candies and basket.
Sangonomiya Kokomi stood there, watching the departing Gardes and the little girl with her eyes curved in a smile, her heart in a state of turmoil.
If it were a samurai of the Tenryou Commission, the moment the girl knelt down, she would likely have received a disgusted kick in return.
If it were an Official of the Kanjou Commission, they would probably have already 'confiscated' that basket of coral ornaments and extorted a'stall management fee' on top of it.
But these Fontaine Gardes, they were actually afraid?
Afraid of the people kneeling to them?
The stark contrast made her feel a wave of dizziness.
"It seems things are running well here in Ritou."
King's voice pulled her back from her chaotic thoughts.
He glanced over the orderly dock and streets; his face was expressionless, but there seemed to be a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.
"Aeval and Itto did a decent job."
"Lord King!"
Speak of the devil.
Aeval hurried over with small steps, followed by a white-haired, spiky-headed figure swaying his head.
After not seeing her for just over ten days, this little Melusine's temperament had undergone a subtle change.
Her sapphire-like eyes had lost some of their timidness and gained a bit of steadiness and confidence.
"Lord King! Good day!" Aeval stood before King, trying to steady her breathing, and began to report in a crisp voice, "The Ritou Cooperation Zone is running smoothly. The first batch of Fontaine merchant ships has completed cargo handover, the tax registration system is in trial operation, security incidents have dropped by 99% year-on-year, and channels for public complaints are open. The main feedback received so far is regarding..."
She spoke very quickly and clearly, obviously having put a lot of effort into her work.
"Very good." King's mouth twitched; he didn't understand it at all, so he just nodded and gave a brief affirmation.
"Hehehe."
Aeval's eyes grew even brighter, like stars being lit up.
"It's all thanks to Lord King's excellent leadership! And Mr. Itto helped handle many troubles!" she added, her cheeks flushed.
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