Victory.
Lumine had won.
News came from the vanguard that stormed Tenshukaku: across the sea, in Inazuma City, Lumine had defeated the Raiden Shogun. The Shogun had promised—the Vision Hunt Decree, which had brought suffering to so many, would soon be abolished.
Yet the events didn't align exactly with what Victor Wang knew.
Lumine had not stumbled into the Fair Lady. Rather, she had sensed her presence, and deliberately proposed challenging her to an official duel before the Shogun herself.
Barbatos' stolen Gnosis, Liyue's people nearly imperiled, Inazuma's stolen ambitions and the lives lost in Resistance… With the power of three elements coursing within her, Lumine was no longer who she had once been. But the Fair Lady—presumably as contemptuous as always—likely thought she was still the same girl who'd been pinned down by two Debt Collectors outside Mondstadt Cathedral.
At most, the Fair Lady might have considered her the one who scraped by against the lowest-ranking Harbinger in a fight that wasn't to the death.
If she truly accepted the duel with that mindset, then she was leading herself into ruin: unable to win, and with no escape from the divine judgment the Raiden Shogun dealt to the defeated.
Defeat the Fair Lady. Expose the Fatui's schemes in front of the Shogun. Let those blinded see the truth—and then, end the Vision Hunt Decree.
That was Lumine's plan.
Up until defeating the Fair Lady, things went according to plan. But even knowing the Fatui's deeds, the Raiden Shogun still upheld the decree. She was not misled. Which meant Lumine was still the top criminal who had disrupted the "Vision Hunt Ritual."
Yae Miko had not warned her of this—but after all, all of Yae's preparations were meant for defeating the Shogun.
Lumine was shocked at the Shogun's power, one strike reducing the Fair Lady to ashes. In a haze, she staggered from Tenshukaku—only to face that very same strike at its gates.
Thanks to intelligence on the city's defenses provided by Kamisato Ayato, the Resistance succeeded in breaking through to Tenshukaku. With Kazuha and his friend's will, fate itself ensured that he blocked that strike for Lumine…
And with the strength of hundreds of Visions' worth of wishes, Lumine defeated the Raiden Shogun.
Just like that, a legend that seemed far removed from him drew to a close.
"Did you hear? The Vision Hunt Decree's being abolished!"
"I know! General Lumine, General Gorou, and Kazuha defeated the Shogun right at Tenshukaku! Our Resistance's name has spread far and wide!"
"Amazing! When General Lumine first arrived, I even doubted whether she truly saved the hundredth Vision bearer right under the Shogun's nose… how blind I was!!"
"And Kazuha! Blocking that crucial strike—it must've fulfilled his friend's wish… What, you don't know his story? Hah, when he drifted to Watatsumi Island, he was in my unit. I saw him wearing two Visions and asked him about it…"
Watatsumi and Yashiori Islands bustled like New Year's festivals. Everywhere—soldiers, shrine maidens, common folk—all were talking excitedly about these events.
"What about the Military Advisor?" someone suddenly asked. "Wasn't this operation his plan?"
"Him? He didn't even take part this time."
"Eh, that's exaggerating. General Lumine was recommended by him. Her special training a few days ago was arranged by him. The strike force—even Kazuha, who had left the Resistance—was chosen by him."
"Then I guess his talent for selecting people really is something!"
"Tch! Sending General Gorou and our brothers into Tenshukaku while he cowered here on Watatsumi? If we'd lost… don't even want to imagine! No wonder he's the strategist—always leaves himself a way out."
Victor Wang gave a wry smile. These soldiers… Did they not realize he could hear their words so clearly?
"As long as he uses his head, it's fine if the Military Advisor stays behind the lines. He is quite capable."
"You clearly don't know—during the Delusion Factory assault, he volunteered to lead the charge. For strength, he's much stronger than us ordinary soldiers! But only dares to play the hero against weaklings in that factory. When it came to the Shogun, he chickened out!"
"Exactly! He said something like 'I have a personal grudge with the Shogun, can't show myself or it might change things.' Ha! General Lumine saved someone right in front of the Shogun—what bigger grudge could he have? He just didn't dare go!"
"Still, his contributions to Watatsumi are undeniable."
"I admit that. But doesn't stop me from looking down on him."
From the moment the assault fleet set sail, Victor Wang had been hearing such words—half the army questioned him, half defended him.
He had wanted to make a name for himself starting here in Inazuma. Missing out on the Tenshukaku raid left him disappointed. But if he couldn't go, he couldn't go—there was no way to explain that to these soldiers.
Getting angry at them would only mean losing dignity.
"Show some respect!"
"Lady Sangonomiya! What are you doing here?"
The soldiers' voices wavered in panic. Victor himself was surprised.
"I didn't take part in this operation either. Why don't I hear you criticizing me?"
"You're Watatsumi's leader… how could you risk yourself like that?"
"These plans were made together. We trusted the Military Advisor's judgment. When he charged ahead at the Delusion Factory, it was because he feared for your safety. You know nothing, and yet you judge with petty hearts. Stop slandering. Stop speculating. I'd better not hear this again."
The soldiers fell silent. Only Sangonomiya Kokomi's footsteps drew closer until she entered the tent.
Seeing Victor Wang, she sighed with weary frustration. "The main fleet of the strike force isn't even back yet, and already the soldiers are saying these unpleasant things. I'll think of a way to curb it."
"Words belong to them. Can't silence everyone. I was prepared for this… You came all the way here from Sangonomiya for something?"
"There are a few matters. Mainly, to discuss the Resistance's future."
"With the decree abolished, won't the Resistance dissolve?"
"…Yes. The outsiders who joined us will surely leave. Most of the army is Watatsumi natives, but without war, we must downsize. Otherwise, the costs will eat us alive."
"So, what do you want to discuss?"
"Even if we shrink, Watatsumi would welcome you to remain as our Military Advisor—our Military Advisor of Watatsumi. I could give you all military authority." Kokomi looked at him with earnest eyes. "Will you… leave?"
"Sorry. I have to go."
"That's really a pity… Still, until the decree's abolition is fully secure, the Resistance must remain for a time. And truthfully, most outsiders came here because of the Sakoku Decree. The end of the Vision Hunt won't solve their plight."
"The Sakoku Decree will be lifted too. It won't take long."
"Mm. But ending it too suddenly would shock Inazuma's economy, so the Shogun will likely take time to prepare. Which means… we'll still be working together a while longer."
"Don't worry. I won't just run off."
"Hehe… another thing—Lumine and the others will be back soon. I've already ordered the chefs to prepare. Tonight, the Resistance will hold a great banquet of victory. Also—the vegetables you first planted have matured. I plan to harvest them and cook myself. I came to ask your opinion."
The crops were ready?
"My opinion is… no opinion. Let's go! I'll take a look too!"
…
"By now, I'm sure everyone knows the news—the Raiden Shogun has agreed to abolish the Vision Hunt Decree. This is true.
The abolition was the very reason we formed the Resistance. It has always been our goal. Now, that goal has been achieved. This is a victory for us all.
Thanks to General Lumine, General Gorou, Military Advisor Victor, Kazuha, Captain Beidou, and thanks to every soldier of the Resistance. Thank you for daring to stand against the Shogun, for your effort and sacrifice, for standing by the Resistance until this day.
This banquet belongs to us all. Please, enjoy this hard-won triumph."
"Wooo—!!"
With Kokomi's speech finished, the banquet began.
Since Lumine was not drugged and spirited away by Yae Miko this time—but instead had approached her as a Resistance officer to cooperate—after securing Thoma's safety in the city, she returned together with Gorou and Kazuha.
Her prestige in the Resistance reached its absolute peak…
"So, at the very end, it was Yae Miko who guided the wishes of the Visionless into you?"
Recalling Yae Miko's words to Ei, Lumine nodded. "Whether channeling consciousness through charms to help me, or entrusting those wishes to me—it was all thanks to her."
"Seems she truly was sincere… after such help, we must find a chance to thank her." Kokomi sounded drained when she said this—perhaps fellow shrine maidens in high positions repelled one another.
Beidou sighed. "Entrusting consciousness to objects? Amazing. Like a Liyue adeptus art."
"It was like that in Liyue!" Paimon, mouth full of food, still couldn't stop herself. "Back then, Lumine bore the power of six adepti to sink the Jade Chamber in one strike—and to wound Osial!"
"To withstand such power… that itself is a remarkable feat."
As they enjoyed the rare feast, along with some fresh greens no other table had, their discussion of the final battle was interrupted by a commotion.
"You guys—what are you doing? Stop! Stop it!"
It was Teppei's voice. Victor turned to see several soldiers, faces flushed and steps unsteady, staggering toward them.
They were from Sardine Unit One. Teppei too. After the Resistance expanded, he'd been moved from logistics to the frontlines. Diligent in training, he now served as the unit's vice-captain.
But alone, he couldn't hold back his drunken comrades—he was dragged along instead.
The noise drew attention. Lumine, Gorou, and Kokomi all frowned. Alcohol was still forbidden in the army.
The war had only just quieted. If they were drunk and the Shogunate struck back, the losses would be catastrophic.
"Lady Sangonomiya! When are we marching to take Kujou Encampment?!"
The drunkest of them—Unit One's captain, Matsuo Osamu—spoke loudly. Kokomi's brows furrowed deeper. The banquet hall fell silent, countless eyes turning to them.
Feeling their stares, Kokomi answered. "The decree is abolished. There is no longer need to fight the Shogunate."
"Y-you can't say that! Didn't the Great Watatsumi Omikami die for nothing then?!"
Slurred though his words were, his sentiment was not his alone.
Kokomi rose, her gaze sweeping the room. Some met her eyes, others looked away. At last, she faced Matsuo Osamu. Though speaking to him, her words were for all.
"The Great Omikami's Eastern Expedition was not for war, but for Watatsumi's people. Whatever the rights or wrongs of that war, the Omikami could always face it with a clear conscience.
The Resistance was not formed to wage war, but to defend the wishes betrayed by the Shogun. In name and in truth, we have always been a righteous army.
Watatsumi did not support the Resistance for revenge, but because when the god who slew our god committed injustice, we had the right to resist.
The Omikami would not wish you to seek revenge for Him. He wished for you to live well—that's why He waged the expedition. Do you understand?
Once we confirm the decree's abolition is genuine, I will consider peace talks with the Shogunate. In those talks, I will demand favorable terms for Watatsumi. And now, we have farmland. Life will only get better."
Matsuo Osamu pressed on. "But General Lumine defeated the Shogun! We could take her place!"
Shocking words indeed. But everyone knew Watatsumi had once dreamed of such a thing, so none were too startled.
Still, Paimon instantly retorted: "Hey! You can't say that without asking us first!"
Lumine stood. "The only reason I could win was the power of so many Visions. With the decree lifted, I have no reason—or ability—to face the Shogun again. She's too powerful."
At that, some soldiers' hopes crumbled. Matsuo Osamu tried to speak again, but Teppei quickly covered his mouth.
"Alcohol is now forbidden. Now for these drunkards—take them away for court-martial." Kokomi ended the farce.