"How was it?"
Seeing Keqing return, Ningguang asked, "What happened at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"
Keqing had rushed out to deal with the fire earlier. Her quick return suggested the situation wasn't dire.
"The Fire Dragon that Director Hu is raising ate too much, lost control, and spewed flames, setting the parlor on fire," Keqing shook her head. "Mona put it out. No major damage, just some scorch marks. I've warned them to be careful."
"That Fire Dragon."
Ningguang rubbed her temples.
She hadn't expected the fire to be caused by the creature Hu Tao pulled from the jar.
The fire itself wasn't the issue. The issue was a growing, fire-breathing dragon in the middle of Liyue Harbor.
If it grew too large and went on a rampage, it would be a disaster.
"Tell Director Hu to restrain that dragon properly."
After a moment of silence, Ningguang stopped rubbing her temples. "Send someone to remind her again tomorrow. Baiwen, you go."
"Understood, Lady Ningguang."
Baiwen nodded.
"If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving," Keqing said. "I still have some matters to attend to."
"Very well."
Ningguang nodded, and Keqing left.
"Ganyu, you should rest early too."
After Keqing left, Ningguang turned to the Qilin. "It's late. You can keep the Seelie Map; I have no use for it. As for taking care of the stray animals in Liyue, I'll leave that responsibility to you."
"Yes."
Ganyu nodded and took her leave.
"It's getting late. Time for bed."
Watching Ganyu leave, Ningguang murmured softly, "I wonder what the Shopkeeper is doing right now."
She was amazed by what Ganyu had pulled from the jars. The slimming pill was particularly intriguing, though she knew Ganyu needed it more, so she hadn't asked for any.
Thinking that she could open jars again in a few days, Ningguang smiled.
What will I get next?
...
Inazuma Sea. Watatsumi Island.
The Steam Battleship approached.
"Look! What is that?"
"My god! A ship made entirely of steel? And it's coming straight for Watatsumi!"
"Everyone, get ready! It might be a Shogunate invasion! We must stop anyone from disembarking!"
"Lady Kokomi isn't here! We must defend the shrine!"
"It can't be Shogunate. If they had this, they would have used it ages ago. And look at that hull—it's pure steel!"
"Quick! Assemble everyone!"
...
The Resistance soldiers panicked at the sight of the metal leviathan.
They rushed to the beaches, weapons drawn, fear visible in their eyes.
Against such a ship, they felt powerless. The sheer technological gap was terrifying.
On the Battleship.
"Liyue is truly prosperous."
Sitting across from Beidou, Kokomi looked excited. "And that Jar Shop... to think such a magical place exists."
During the trip, Beidou had told her tales of Liyue's wealth and the shop's wonders.
Kokomi yearned for it.
Living in Liyue sounded like a dream.
And if she could open jars... maybe she could find something to protect Watatsumi Island forever.
"Of course," Beidou smiled at the enthusiastic priestess. "You're always welcome to visit."
"When are you leaving, Beidou-jie?"
Kokomi hesitated, then asked, "How long will you stay here?"
"About half a day."
Beidou checked the last red dot on her map. "I have one more pirate ship to clear near Watatsumi, then I'm gone. This is Inazuma; lingering too long invites trouble."
"But I promised to accept your invitation. I'll tour Watatsumi Island for a bit. My crew needs to stretch their legs anyway. Once we've rested, we'll leave."
"Mhm!"
Kokomi nodded vigorously.
Spending time with Beidou made her feel at ease—a feeling she rarely experienced as a leader.
Moments later, the battleship docked.
The Resistance soldiers on the beach were sweating bullets, ready for a fight to the death.
But as the figures on the deck came into view, their fear turned to disbelief and joy.
They saw their beloved Divine Priestess, Sangonomiya Kokomi, standing on the ship!
And she didn't look like a hostage. She stood beside a bold-looking woman.
"It's not an enemy!"
"It's Lady Kokomi! She's back!"
"She brought back such a ship? It must be reinforcements!"
"Haha! With this ship, the Shogunate stands no chance! Our time for revenge has come!"
"Lady Kokomi is amazing! Where did she find such powerful allies?"
...
The soldiers cheered wildly.
Seeing Kokomi return on a steel battleship convinced them she had secured a massive alliance.
With this firepower, they could crush the Shogunate navy.
Their eyes burned with fanatical devotion.
"I didn't expect you to be this popular," Beidou remarked, looking at the worshipping crowd.
She was surprised that such a cute, delicate girl commanded such a massive, loyal army.
"It's thanks to the help of a few friends," Kokomi blushed, feeling shy under Beidou's praise.
compared to Beidou's strength, her efforts felt small.
"That's a lot of people. The Resistance is bigger than I thought," Huixing commented. "No wonder you can fight the Shogunate. But... it still feels weird."
Huixing frowned. "If I were a god, and a rebellion like this happened, I'd wipe it out instantly. You guys have a static base on this island. If the Shogunate concentrated their full force, they could take it. Why haven't they?"
It didn't add up.
"Alright, let's go down," Beidou laughed, cutting off the heavy talk. "You guys haven't had a break either. Leave a skeleton crew on board, rotate shifts, and go explore the island. Don't wander too far or I'll leave you behind!"
"Yes, Captain!"
The Crux crew cheered. Watatsumi Island was beautiful, and they were eager to explore.
"Lady Kokomi!"
A guard rushed up as they disembarked. "You're finally back! Are these the reinforcements you brought?"
He looked at Beidou hopefully.
"Beidou-jie is a new friend I made," Kokomi smiled diplomatically. "I'm going to show her around. Do not cause trouble. Beidou-jie's crew are honored guests of Watatsumi. Treat them well."
"Yes!"
The guard nodded and looked at the descending crew with respect.
Anyone who arrived on that ship was worth befriending.
Beidou followed Kokomi into the heart of Watatsumi Island.
Meanwhile. Inazuma City. Tenshukaku.
Kujou Sara, expression grave, stepped into the throne room.
She knelt respectfully on one knee before the Electro Archon.
"Almighty Shogun."
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