Kokomi understood what Lora was implying. She sighed softly and nodded.
"Yes… the resistance has grown beyond what we expected. Many believe we shouldn't negotiate with the Shogunate. They want to seize this moment and extract more for themselves."
"Ambition without foresight," Lora replied quietly. "A shame they don't grasp the consequences." Did they truly think the Raiden Shogun's blade would never descend? Musoujin Gorge still stood as proof of what that lightning could do.
Kokomi managed a faint smile. "This isn't a matter to discuss out in the open, Miss Lora. Let's return to the shrine."
Lora followed her toward Sangonomiya Shrine. Along the path, they passed numerous resistance fighters. Those who had traveled to Narukami Island regarded her with caution—but many others made no effort to hide their hostility, especially at the sight of the Okuzumeshuu accompanying her.
Short-sighted.
"Please, have a seat."
Once inside, Kokomi invited her to sit and personally brought tea and pastries. It was evident she wasn't used to attending to guests herself; her movements were careful, almost restrained.
"I'm not certain what sweets you prefer. These are my favorites. I hope they suit your taste."
Lora lifted her teacup with a small, knowing smile as she watched her.
"Would you like me to step in?"
Kokomi paused, confusion flickering across her face. "Step in… how?"
"You're exhausted," Lora said gently, her smile steady. "Those hardliners in the resistance—no, those who think they can ride this moment to advance their own agendas. They haven't made things easy for you, have they?"
Under that calm, knowing gaze, the composure Kokomi had been holding together finally eased. She nodded, the fatigue no longer fully concealed.
"Yes… On my own, I can't untangle the resistance's internal tensions quickly. Now that the Shogunate has withdrawn, if anyone starts using the resistance's name to provoke trouble, it would harm both Watatsumi and the Shogunate."
And if that happened, any hope of reconciliation would collapse. Another conflict could flare up at any time.
Lora's smile deepened slightly.
"Then, if you're willing to pay a modest fee, I'd be happy to help. After all… I am a deity."
"A fee?" Kokomi hesitated. "May I ask what you have in mind?"
"Well…" Lora tilted her head thoughtfully. "Ten percent of Watatsumi's annual revenue. How does that sound?"
"That's all?"
Kokomi blinked. Given Lora's status, she had expected something far more demanding. For a fleeting moment, she had even feared Lora might insist that Watatsumi formally devote itself to her worship.
And yet… this was the request?
And that was it?
Ten percent of Watatsumi's annual revenue?
It was no small amount—but compared to Lora's standing, it felt almost trivial. As a deity, what could she possibly lack? Why would she care about something as mundane as finances?
Kokomi assumed, almost instinctively, that Lora had named a symbolic condition—something light enough to spare her further strain. It never crossed her mind that the deity before her might genuinely be short on funds.
"That's all," Lora confirmed with a nod, blissfully unaware that Kokomi had already elevated her into the role of a magnanimous goddess who, unable to watch her struggle, had chosen the gentlest possible excuse to help.
Had she known, she likely would have embraced the image.
Kokomi bowed deeply, her tone reverent.
"Thank you, Miss Lora. What you have done for Watatsumi will not be forgotten. I will see that a shrine is erected in your honor, and that offerings are made throughout the year."
"Ah—well…"
That had not been part of the plan.
"May I ask your divine name?" Kokomi looked at her with earnest expectation.
"My divine name…" Lora straightened, matching her seriousness for a moment.
"I am the God of Accounting."
"The God of… Accounting?"
Kokomi blinked, head tilting slightly. Surely she was joking. That hardly sounded like the title of a proper deity.
"Miss Lora," she said gently but firmly, "please don't tease me."
"Ahem…"
Lora cleared her throat and scratched the back of her head, faintly embarrassed. After a brief pause, she continued,
"Truthfully, I hadn't intended to make it public. But since you insist… I am the Sovereign of the Sevenfold Tides, queen of all benevolent waters."
Half truth, half embellishment—blended seamlessly.
Kokomi's expression did not entirely soften.
Lora waved a hand dismissively. "Titles are mostly ceremony. There's no need to dwell on them."
Kokomi inclined her head. "Understood."
"Good. Gather the resistance. I won't be staying on Watatsumi for long. While I'm here, I'll resolve your internal problems."
"Yes."
Kokomi stepped outside at once to notify Gorou. They split up to summon every available resistance fighter.
Before long, the fighters assembled before Sangonomiya Shrine. Murmurs rippled through the crowd—no one knew why they had been called so suddenly.
Those with private ambitions even assumed Kokomi had decided to resume hostilities with the Shogunate, and a few could barely conceal their excitement.
Kokomi and Gorou took their place behind Lora as she stepped out to face the gathered ranks.
Aside from those who had traveled to Narukami Island, most of the resistance did not recognize her. They watched in confusion, wondering why an unfamiliar woman stood before them.
Lora drew in a quiet breath and spoke.
"Hello. I'm Lora Chaya. I've come from Narukami Island—to deliver a warning."
The words had barely left her mouth before the crowd broke into an uproar.
Even Kokomi, standing just behind her, stiffened in surprise. She had not expected Lora to open so… bluntly.