After sobering up, Kokomi finally stretched comfortably, her slender body extending to reveal alluring curves.
"Haa~ mm~"
She let out a satisfied breath, then lightly hopped down from the Shogun's lap. Standing up, she moved her legs to wake herself further.
"Sobering up really clears the mind... haa... even the breeze feels slightly cool."
She tucked the loose strands of hair behind her ear and spoke to the Shogun, who was resting her chin on the table while watching her.
"You may feel refreshed..."
The Shogun muttered in complaint before turning her gaze toward the crowd, which had begun to gradually quiet down. The banquet was nearly over; it had already lasted close to two hours, and most people had finished eating.
Kokomi smoothed her skirt and sat beside her again, the two quietly observing the crowd together. Their position felt almost isolated from the world—calm, undisturbed, and hidden. None of their earlier intimate interactions had been noticed by others; this truly was a secluded corner.
"Are you tired?"
Resting her chin on her hand, the Shogun casually asked the girl beside her.
"A little... but it's fine. The energy I stored earlier is just enough—and after kissing you, my energy increased again~"
Kokomi tilted her head playfully as she spoke.
"Smooth talker... troublesome little tease~"
The Shogun muttered, lightly poking Kokomi's forehead with a finger.
"Hehe..."
Kokomi simply smiled gently, rubbing the spot she had been poked.
"You don't like me like this?"
Leaning her head against the woman's shoulder, Kokomi asked softly.
"...That's a very sly question."
The Shogun avoided looking at her.
"Then what's your answer?"
Kokomi leaned closer, her nose lightly brushing against her cheek like a small fish nudging affectionately.
"..."
The Shogun turned to look at her. They fell into silence for a moment, gazing at one another. Kokomi stopped moving and returned the calm look.
"I never said I disliked it."
Click~
After saying that, she stood up and left her seat.
"...So that means you like it, right?"
Kokomi glanced toward the direction she left and quickly followed after her.
"That's your interpretation."
The Shogun did not answer directly. Seeing her follow, she deliberately changed positions again, as if trying to avoid an overly clingy admirer.
"Then... I'll take it as my interpretation~?"
Seeing her reaction, Kokomi's lips curved into a beautiful smile. She moved along with her, hands clasped behind her back, leisurely matching her pace. Her white-stockinged feet stepped lightly into the footprints left in the sand, creating a scene that felt sweet—like someone chasing after the person they loved.
"Do as you wish."
The beautiful woman folded her arms and replied simply. Even so, her gradually slowing pace betrayed her softening heart, allowing Kokomi to draw closer and closer.
"Mm, you like me."
Seeing her softened behavior, warmth filled Kokomi's heart as she stated the conclusion directly.
"Don't twist my words///~!"
The Shogun turned around with a flustered expression to protest.
"I'm not twisting anything. You like this teasing side of me—and that's part of my personality. My personality is part of me, so... if we round it off, doesn't that mean you like me?"
The beautiful girl walking behind her smiled sweetly, tilting her head slightly as she spoke in a voice clear like spring water.
"...Haa, forget it. I can't win against you. This topic is over~!"
The Shogun crossed her arms and forcibly ended the discussion, turning her head aside in an adorably stubborn manner.
"Mm... alright."
Kokomi pursed her lips slightly in mock disappointment and obediently stopped teasing. She walked up beside the woman, both of them gazing toward the endless sea. Their shadows stretched across the sand, almost merging into one.
"Kokomi..."
Staring at the vast ocean, she called softly.
"Mm?"
The girl responded with a sweet nasal hum.
"...Were you happy tonight?"
The question came suddenly.
"...Of course. The banquet went smoothly, and nothing went wrong."
Kokomi answered after glancing at her. Most importantly, her relationship with someone had deepened again.
"What about you, Shogun-sama? Were you happy?"
Kokomi asked in return.
"Haa... it was alright."
The Shogun sighed before replying.
"...Are you thinking about tomorrow's peace negotiations?"
Kokomi quickly sensed the reason.
"...Before coming here, I already prepared Narukami Island's negotiation terms. You need to review them tonight."
She finally shifted to serious matters.
"Mm. I've already prepared Watatsumi Island's conditions as well. I'll need you to review them tonight too."
Kokomi's tone also became serious—her usual calm, formal voice when discussing important matters.
"Understood."
She replied.
"As for the location... how about my room?"
Kokomi suggested.
"That's fine."
She agreed immediately.
"Next... regarding the matter of the Tenryou Commission colluding with the Fatui—there's still no further evidence. I'm worried tomorrow's negotiations may run into problems."
Kokomi turned to watch the celebrating crowd, her brows furrowing slightly.
"...Perhaps it's only a rumor?"
The Tenryou Commission had recently undergone a purge under her authority. Surely no one would repeat such foolish mistakes.
"Mm, that's possible—but we can't rule out the chance that it's real."
Kokomi said.
"Maybe we can use this opportunity to gather information. When people are happy, they're more willing to talk. Shogun-sama, let's split up."
Kokomi suggested.
The banquet had reached its peak. Many people were already tipsy—and sometimes people revealed truths after drinking. It was a good chance to try.
...
A few minutes later—
The Shogun walked alone toward a fish supplier named Hirai. Hearing her footsteps, he looked up.
"Oh? Aren't you... the one beside Lady Sangonomiya..."
"Her friend," she corrected.
"Ah, yes! Thanks to Lady Sangonomiya, Watatsumi Island finally has peace."
The fisherman sighed emotionally.
"You're happy?"
"Of course! The war is finally over for us, and we can go out to sea to fish again!"
Hirai became animated.
"When the war was ongoing, there were warships everywhere. We could only catch tiny fish nearby."
He began complaining.
"Sometimes the harvest was poor, and people couldn't get enough to eat. Children cried day and night—there was nothing we could do."
"Going to bed hungry, unable to sleep, barely making it to morning... now things are finally better. How could we not be happy?"
He sighed after finishing.
"Haa... if not for Lady Sangonomiya, we'd still be starving. Oh—you deserve credit too!"
"?"
She froze. What credit did she have?
"Lady Sangonomiya said that you helped us at a critical moment. Without your help, we wouldn't have achieved peace."
"..."
She felt slightly stunned, but soon understood.
'At that time in the Plane of Euthymia, I told you 'we are struggling.' Because I knew we never truly had a chance of winning—especially against you. The abolition of the Vision Hunt Decree was your own sincere decision, not our achievement.'
'Our role was simply to let you see how far people would go for their wishes. In the end, you had to make the choice yourself.'
That girl...
Haa... she sighed helplessly. The so-called "help" must refer to the moment she—or perhaps Ei—came to her own realization. She couldn't help admiring Kokomi's thoughtfulness.
"Here, please take these two fish."
Hirai suddenly picked up two raw fish and tried to hand them over.
"...What is this for?"
She quickly refused.
"Lady Sangonomiya always teaches us to repay kindness. This is our way of thanking you."
He said.
...Did this really need to be taught?
Well—at least for certain people of Watatsumi Island, perhaps it did.
She complained inwardly.
"So please, take them!"
"Ahem, I—"
She felt slightly repelled by the fishy smell.
"Thank you. Please send them to Sangonomiya later."
Kokomi suddenly appeared at the perfect moment, stepping in to rescue her.
"Lady Sangonomiya! Understood!"
The man nodded obediently.
"(Let's go.)"
Kokomi grabbed her hand and whispered softly.
"You finished asking already?"
She whispered as they walked away.
"Mm, very quickly."
Kokomi crossed her arms with a completely matter-of-fact expression.
...What kind of speed was that?!
"Hehe... let's go together."
Noticing her surprised expression, Kokomi laughed softly and led her toward another stall run by the Urasawa family, who provided fruits and vegetables.
"(You go ahead. I don't feel like asking—it's troublesome~)"
The Shogun nudged her hand lightly and whispered, trying to pass the task off.
With a professional here, she felt like slacking off.
"(Pfft, yes yes~ little lazybones~)"
Kokomi replied softly with indulgent affection.
Hearing that, the Shogun lightly pinched the flesh of Kokomi's palm in complaint, which only made the girl smile more tenderly.
"Come take a look—fresh fruits and vegetables! ...Oh? Isn't this Lady Sangonomiya and Miss Mio?"
Why did everyone already know her? Did news spread this fast?
She sighed inwardly.
"Hello... Miss Urasawa, have you heard anything about the Tenryou Commission colluding with the Fatui?"
Kokomi skipped small talk and went straight to the point.
"Ah... that matter. Mm—I've heard some rumors, but I don't have any additional information."
Urasawa shook her head regretfully.
"I see... then have you noticed anything unusual lately?"
Kokomi asked again.
"Something unusual? Oh—over there... that soldier."
"?" ×2
The two looked in the indicated direction at the same time. In the open area nearby, a drunken soldier was wildly swinging his spear at empty air as if fighting an invisible opponent, looking almost possessed. He took occasional swigs from a bottle between movements.
"That's him. He's been overly excited lately—not normal at all. Loud voice too. Keeps randomly swinging his spear; it's really frightening."
Urasawa glanced at him with distaste.
"..."
Kokomi silently watched the soldier, her brows drawing together slightly.
"Sigh... the war just ended. I really don't want any more trouble."
The woman sighed.
"Understood. Please enjoy the celebration banquet."
With that, Kokomi took the Shogun's hand again and led her away.
"..."
The Shogun lowered her gaze to the gloved hand holding hers, feeling slightly conflicted. Why did it feel like she was being led around like a child? She wasn't a child.
Fortunately, Kokomi released her at the right moment.
"Let's go take a look, Shogun-sama?"
She turned and suggested.
"As you wish."
She replied indifferently.
When they approached the soldier, a strong smell of alcohol hit them—clearly a heavy drinker.
"He reeks of alcohol..."
She muttered softly, visibly displeased.
"Wh-What?! I've fought all my life... c-can't I drink a little?! Drink more, swing more~!"
Whoosh! Whoosh!
After complaining, he resumed wildly swinging his spear at empty air.
"Soldier, compose yourself."
Kokomi stepped forward with arms crossed, subtly shielding the Shogun behind her. Her previously gentle voice turned cold, and the aura of a military strategist emerged instantly.
"Ah! L-Lady Sangonomiya! Why are you here?"
Recognizing her voice, the soldier immediately stopped, standing stiffly in place.
"..."
Kokomi examined him calmly. The overwhelming smell of alcohol made her frown slightly. He had definitely drunk a lot—perhaps now was the perfect moment to ask questions.
"What is your name?"
She asked.
"I'm... Kouzen."
He answered drunkenly.
"Why are you behaving like this?"
Kokomi asked.
"Huh? Oh... I'm frustrated... I... sigh!"
The drunken soldier sighed heavily, stumbling backward as he stared blankly at the sky.
"Lady Sangonomiya... everyone's becoming strange. Peace, stability... people keep talking about these pointless things with no future."
Just as Kokomi had anticipated, alcohol loosened his tongue.
"Oh? Is that so? Then tell me—what does have a future?"
Kokomi showed no surprise, calmly asking in return.
"A future? Heh. Even you don't know? Hehe... Lady Sangonomiya, do you remember what mattered most to the Resistance Army?"
He laughed coldly, seemingly forgetting his position under the influence of alcohol.
"..."
The Shogun frowned slightly at his attitude, inwardly scoffing. She could already guess what he would say next.
But Kokomi did not react to his tone. She simply closed her eyes briefly before answering.
"The Resistance's most important goal was 'abolishing the Vision Hunt Decree and restoring the people's wishes.'"
She opened her eyes again and spoke firmly.
"Wrong!—It was the will to fight!!!"
He rejected her answer outright.
Tap...
The Shogun deliberately turned her back slightly, making it clear she had no intention of interfering—for now.
"That is merely your distorted interpretation. The Resistance was formed to abolish the Vision Hunt Decree. Moreover, fighting is no longer necessary."
Kokomi frowned faintly and rebutted calmly.
"Tch..."
He clicked his tongue dismissively.
"This discussion ends here. I came only to ask you something—regarding the Tenryou Commission's collusion with the Fatui. Do you know anything about it?"
She shifted the topic directly.
"..."
This time, he fell silent.
"...Silence suggests you do remember something—and quite clearly, isn't that right?"
Kokomi observed his expression carefully.
The Shogun also glanced at him slightly.
"Haa... to be honest, we fabricated that rumor."
The soldier said as if it were perfectly justified.
"..."
Kokomi closed her eyes slowly, pressing her lips together as she took a deep breath—clearly restraining her emotions.
The Shogun watched her composed profile before turning her gaze toward the man with undisguised disdain.
"Why would you do that? Peace negotiations are tomorrow, yet you spread false rumors? Do you understand the consequences?"
Kokomi asked coldly.
"Exactly! We want those consequences. Peace talks? Heh... Lady Sangonomiya, forgive my rudeness, but because everyone thinks like you, Watatsumi Island has no future!"
He crossed his arms defiantly.
"Heh."
The Shogun let out a soft scoff, watching like one might observe a clown.
"...Future? I don't know what future you imagine. But I can tell you what I envision—Watatsumi Island's future is peace. Only peace can create a future."
Kokomi replied firmly.
"Peace?! Who can guarantee the Tenryou Commission won't betray us?! Who can guarantee the Raiden Shogun won't issue another Vision Hunt Decree?!"
He grew agitated, shouting even before the Divine Priestess.
"Neither the Tenryou Commission nor the Raiden Shogun can be trusted! The only thing we can trust is ourselves!"
"Ignorant and foolish."
The Shogun finally spoke.
"!"
He glared at her, but one look into her oppressive gaze crushed his momentum instantly.
"Afraid we'll issue another decree? Afraid we'll betray you? Heh... who knows whether you would betray first? If you fear it so much, then never agree to peace. When Watatsumi Island is reduced to nothing with a single strike, perhaps you'll be satisfied?"
She mocked coldly.
"Y-You are—?!"
The soldier pointed at her with a trembling finger.
"Who I am is irrelevant. Just remember—the only reason you still stand here enjoying yourself is because of Lady Sangonomiya. Don't push your luck. Do you think you're some great hero? What are you, really? In my eyes, you are nothing but a selfish insect—ungrateful, deceitful, disrespectful. A worthless remnant of this world."
"!!"
His body trembled, face paling.
"Kouzen, do you not understand the suffering civilians endured during the war? For your so-called will to fight, you trample their pain. You make me worry, you make the people uneasy—do you truly believe such a will is righteous?"
Kokomi finally spoke again. She had allowed the Shogun to scold him without interruption—she knew the words were harsh, but also deserved. Her own tone remained gentler by habit.
"..."
He remained silent, clearly unwilling to concede.
"Kouzen, tell me—what do you fight for?"
Seeing his silence, Kokomi changed her approach.
"I fight for the will to battle! I fight for Lord Orobashi!"
He finally lifted his head and answered resolutely.
"But the one standing before you now is me—Sangonomiya Kokomi, Divine Priestess. The one leading you now is also me, not Lord Orobashi."
Kokomi finally spoke words that sounded somewhat disrespectful—but necessary.
"Lady Sangonomiya, this is where your naivety lies. Leaving Watatsumi Island's future in your hands was a grave mistake!"
Such blatant disrespect—and he dared to speak it aloud.
The Shogun inwardly scoffed, though her attention shifted to the girl beside her. Kokomi's bangs shaded her eyes, hiding her expression.
Her temper really was astonishingly gentle...
So gentle that it almost hurt to watch.
—
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