Chapter 288: Leaving Aside the Fact That Battousai Is the Ausbilder
A leader with strong, unwavering resolve can guide the people around them toward a clear direction.
But Sangonomiya Kokomi was not such a leader.
She respected the will of every individual and acknowledged the desires of all.
Like the vast ocean—capable of housing countless forms of life, and equally capable of embracing their wishes.
Up until now, what had all her efforts been for?
The duties of the Divine Priestess?
Her mother's dying wish?
Or… was it the expectant eyes of the people on the day she first became the Divine Priestess?
None of those.
She remembered that day clearly—standing outside the Sangonomiya Shrine, overlooking all of Watatsumi Island.
Seeing the thriving, vibrant land beneath her, she had a single wish:
To protect everything on Watatsumi Island, to let every person here live happily and peacefully.
And it was because of that wish that she received her Vision.
But now… has she truly accomplished that?
On the surface, the people of Watatsumi Island lived better than before—food, clothing, housing, and daily necessities were all improved.
The shadows left by wartime trauma were slowly fading, replaced by smiles.
But was happiness under the Fatui's reach truly happiness?
Every time the masked figure appeared in her thoughts, an uneasiness spread through her heart.
"Kokomi-sama, this is an opportunity we cannot miss!"
Seeing Kokomi's furrowed brows, the people waiting beside her suddenly dropped to their knees with a thud.
Battousai had returned.
For Kokomi, this was terrible news.
But for the others on Watatsumi Island, it was the perfect opportunity.
Everyone in the Watatsumi Army knew well that Battousai held deep hatred toward the Fatui.
And since he had returned… that meant the oppressed could finally rise and push back against their invaders.
"This matter… I will decide."
Facing their hopeful gazes, Kokomi could only give that answer.
Even if Bai Luo had never signed a contract with her back then, she still wouldn't dare reveal that he was a Fatui Harbinger.
Battousai was not only Teppei's spiritual pillar, he had also become the symbol of faith for the entire Watatsumi Army.
If she revealed his true identity, it wouldn't just "affect morale"—it would destroy Watatsumi Island entirely.
This was one of the reasons why she nearly collapsed the day he told her the truth.
Because he already held Watatsumi Island's lifeline in his hands.
A single sentence from him would be enough to decide the island's fate.
"But—"
Someone below still wanted to argue—but Kokomi cut him off.
"Battousai— Lord Battousai has done so much for Watatsumi Island. Are we really going to force him into direct conflict with his enemy—the Ausbilder—just for our own selfish desires? Even if Watatsumi Island truly regains its past peace thanks to his efforts… could any of you enjoy that peace with a clear conscience?"
"..."
Under Kokomi's gaze, the kneeling men instinctively averted their eyes, unable to meet hers.
Leaving aside the fact that Battousai was the Ausbilder—even just looking at the situation on the surface, it was exactly as the Divine Priestess said.
If they pushed this matter, they might indeed harm Lord Battousai.
And if their selfishness got him killed at the hands of the Ausbilder, then they would be extinguishing Watatsumi Island's final hope.
"We'll discuss this matter later. For now, make sure you do not alert Lord Battousai. I will deal with the Fatui woman myself. And… whatever happens, do not expose this place. It is our last pure sanctuary."
"Understood!"
After giving their reply, the group quietly slipped away through the hidden passageway.
Soon, the entire secret base was silent—only Sangonomiya Kokomi remained.
Only now did she allow herself to sink, tired, into her chair.
She had to deal with that Fatui woman, and she also had to deal with her own subordinates—those who could not bear living under Fatui control.
She was more exhausted now than she had been before.
Fortunately, many administrative duties had been taken over by the Fatui. Otherwise… she felt the persona she maintained in front of the people of Sangonomiya might have collapsed long ago.
But… the more precarious the situation, the calmer she had to be.
If even she became unsettled, what would the others do?
The burden she carried was heavy.
From among the thick stacks of military texts, she found an inconspicuous-looking manuscript and opened it once more.
The handwriting inside was extremely… sloppy? And the prose was far inferior to the version sold by Yae Publishing House.
But she could tell—this was the original manuscript of My Electro Archon Can't Be This Cute.
She could guess it had been left for her by the Ausbilder.
And despite everything, she couldn't bring herself to reject the charm of this draft; she kept it by her side.
Not just because the story was compelling. Within this version, she found many things that didn't appear in the published book—secrets related to the Raiden Shogun, amusing stories about the Tri-Commission, and more.
Yae Miko had removed a great deal during her editorial review.
As she continued reading, drowsiness washed over her. Eventually, she fell asleep atop the manuscript.
She had no idea how much time passed when she finally woke, yawning and stretching.
She felt safe in this place.
No one could find it except those she had personally told.
But this time, she sensed something different.
The book—formerly under her arm—had disappeared.
"My little fish, you're awake? Do you still remember what morning looks like?"
A gentle voice spoke, yet it sent a spike of fear through Kokomi's heart.
Because she knew that voice far too well.
"Last night, you whispered, 'May the night forever remain.'"
"Ausbilder…"
How did he find this place?
Did someone betray her?
No— they wouldn't betray her—!
But then how—how was the Ausbilder standing before her now?
"Nothing can escape my eyes—not even if you flee into the Abyssal Depths."
Closing the manuscript in his hand, Bai Luo still wore that friendly, gentle smile.
A deceptively warm expression—one that only made Kokomi feel even more uneasy.
The Abyssal Depths?
He even knew about that place?
Just how much did he know?
"Well… how should I put it? Not just the Abyss. I may also know some things that you'd find surprising—such as Byakuyakoku, Enkanomiya, the ritual of the Land's Sanctification, and so on."
Once again, Bai Luo applied psychological warfare.
The moment he mentioned "Abyssal Depths," Kokomi's expression had shown clear shock.
Which meant she was very likely thinking about one thing:
How does he know about the Abyss?
Using that question as his foundation, Bai Luo could craft just the right responses—perfectly achieving the effect of I can see straight through your thoughts.
In this way, whether in negotiation or normal conversation, she would inevitably reveal far more information.
Especially someone like Sangonomiya Kokomi—a strategist.
The more she thought, the more angles she needed to consider.
And that gave Bai Luo opportunities to pressure her from every direction, until she eventually gave up struggling altogether.
. . . . .
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