They had already exhausted the Resistance's resources , they still couldn't beat an army like this.
"So… you called for a ceasefire to assemble a force like this?" Kokomi asked, looking up at Kujou Sara, disappointment in her eyes. "Where did you find these dragons… Kujou Sara, why would you lie to us on behalf of the Shogun?"
"Strange…" Beidou muttered suddenly.
"That's the Liyue Dragonriders, isn't it? Why are they in Inazuma?" came a voice.
Juza (the heavy-armed officer) stared at the dragons in the sky with feverish eyes. The moment they appeared, he'd recognized them , or rather, he'd recognized the Qianyan Army riding on their backs.
"Is that Dashi? I thought he wasn't in Liyue lately… so he actually became one of the Dragonriders behind my back!"
"He's damn lucky , so awesome!"
Beidou chuckled and didn't press the matter further. If she told Juza that their old friend Dashi had become not just a Dragonrider but the commander of the Dragonriders , the leader of Liyue's Qianyan troops in the MC-world projects , Juza would burst with envy.
"Captain Beidou… is that… Liyue's legion?" Kokomi's hope was rekindled; she looked toward Beidou expectantly.
Beidou smiled proudly. "Why would I lie about something like that? The Qianyan Dragonriders' armor is distinct, but I still know how to spot them. Besides, right now across Teyvat, the only place that can muster this many Dragonriders is Liyue!"
"But why would they come to Inazuma? Following Kujou Sara? I don't recall Ningguang arranging this…" Beidou frowned. It's odd , Ningguang hadn't mentioned this to her.
Seeing Kokomi worry, Beidou reassured her: "Relax. The Dragonriders are Liyue's premier force, commanded directly by the Qixing and the Geo Archon. If the Dragonriders are deployed, the Adepti would be involved too. They're the ones we use against Demon Gods , they don't meddle in other nations' internal politics lightly. I can guarantee that."
Hearing that, Kokomi finally breathed easier. After thinking for a moment, she said softly, "So… they've come for negotiations? The show of force is enormous."
At that moment, the Dragonriders found a place to land. Over a hundred dragons dove down, whipping up violent storms of wind that pushed the Resistance back in sudden panic. Before long, the Dragonriders touched down in orderly formation.
Dashi leapt down and walked quickly to Juza, punching him playfully on the shoulder. "Long time no see, Juza. You've been doing well lately, huh?"
Juza stared with envy at Dashi's brand-new armor and the dragon behind him. "You? Lucky bastard , you snuck off and became a Dragonrider! Riding dragons must feel amazing!"
Dashi grinned and waved his hand. "Not just a Dragonrider , I'm the Dragonrider corps commander!"
"…You're the worst!" Juza said, half jealous, half exasperated.
Juza let out a wail of frustration, then quickly said,
"Honorable Captain Dashi, do you think I'd fit in? Can I join the Dragon Riders?"
Dashi could only shake his head helplessly.
"The selection for the Dragon Riders must be personally reviewed by the Geo Archon and Lady Ningguang. I only lead the unit on missions. Besides, you're not even a member of the Qianyan Army."
"It's not too late to join now, right?"
Juza said shamelessly, trying to massage Dashi's shoulders.
"Enough of that, let's get to business."
Dashi gave him a helpless glance, then straightened his posture and turned to Beidou.
"Captain Beidou, by order of Lady Ningguang, two hundred and thirty Dragon Riders have come to Inazuma to demand justice for the merchants of Liyue."
"We'll need the ledgers , to present to the Commission for reparations and proper settlement."
Beidou immediately understood and nodded.
"So that's what this is about. Sounds just like her. I take it the Traveler has already returned to Liyue?"
Dashi nodded slightly and replied in a low voice,
"Miss Lumine returned to Liyue two days ago with the news. Both the Geo Archon and Lady Ningguang were furious."
"Even the Conqueror of Demons has arrived , he should be at Tenshukaku right now."
Kokomi's mind raced.
Two days ago…
That was exactly when the ceasefire began.
It seemed something must have happened between the Traveler and the Raiden Shogun.
Beidou gestured for her aide to come forward , Huixing stepped up and handed a ledger to Dashi.
"All the property losses of Liyue and Mondstadt merchants are recorded inside. I've verified everything , no issues."
Dashi accepted the ledger, nodded, and stepped back respectfully.
Seeing that the Dragon Riders had no intention of interacting with the Resistance, Kokomi finally exhaled in relief.
Whether it was out of neutrality or caution, it didn't matter , so long as Liyue had no plans to intervene, that was for the best.
Otherwise, the Resistance truly wouldn't stand a chance against such a force.
Still…
What on earth had happened in Liyue, that they now possessed an army of such terrifying power?
"To fight gods…" she thought.
"What kind of unfortunate god could possibly draw the wrath of this many dragon riders?"
As she pondered, Kujou Sara stepped forward slowly, fixing her gaze on Kokomi.
"Sangonomiya Kokomi."
Gorou's tail began flicking rapidly, his body tensing as he moved protectively in front of her.
But Kokomi shook her head, stepping past him to stand face to face with Kujou Sara.
"General Kujou," she greeted calmly, "it's been a while."