"A surprise?"
Lora paused.
"What kind of surprise?"
Kokomi smiled gently. "I did say it was a surprise. If I told you now, it wouldn't be one anymore. Just think of it as Watatsumi's way of expressing its sincerity."
"A gesture of sincerity…?"
For reasons she couldn't quite explain, that only made Lora more uneasy.
She followed Kokomi out of the shrine and headed west across the island.
After climbing onto a small offshore rise, she noticed a crowd gathered ahead—ordinary citizens, solemn and reverent as they made their way up the winding path toward the summit.
When Lora reached the top beside Kokomi, she stopped short.
"This is…"
A shrine stood before her.
And within it—her likeness.
"This is the Shrine of the Sevenfold Tides," Kokomi said earnestly. "It is dedicated to you—the Sovereign of the Sevenfold Tides."
Seeing the stunned look on Lora's face, she added gently,
"Have you forgotten? I mentioned before that we intended to build a shrine in your honor."
"Ah… right. You did…"
Lora forced a nod, slowly regaining her composure.
As the worshippers' prayers drifted upward—"May the Sovereign of the Sevenfold Tides bless us"—a shiver ran down her arms.
If only she'd chosen a better title.
"If there's anything you'd like changed, we can adjust it at once," Kokomi offered with a smile as they stood watching the citizens pray.
"I think… the name might be a little much…" Lora muttered.
"The name?" Kokomi blinked in confusion. "Everything was done according to what you told me before. Is something wrong?"
"Uh…"
Forget it. She had brought this on herself.
Lora let out a quiet sigh.
"It's fine. It's only a shrine. It's not a big deal."
Kokomi smiled and inclined her head.
"To you, perhaps. But to the people of Watatsumi, your kindness is no different from being granted new life. We cannot treat it lightly."
These days, Lora's following on the island was second only to Orobashi's.
Orobashi had long since fallen, yet the Water Mirror she had raised still hung high above, a constant reminder of her presence. In time, reverence and awe toward her would only grow stronger.
After leaving the Shrine of the Sevenfold Tides, Kokomi spoke again.
"Since you've just returned from Enkanomiya, there is another matter I hope to ask your help with—if you're willing."
"What is it?"
"Please don't be concerned. It isn't complicated. The Shogunate has sent word requesting negotiations regarding what comes next. I will represent the island and meet their delegation on Yashiori Island. If you are available, I would be grateful if you accompanied me."
Lora regarded her thoughtfully.
"This concerns Watatsumi and the Shogunate. What role would I play?"
"Your presence alone would be enough," Kokomi replied plainly. "Though the Shogunate is currently conceding, they still stand under the Raiden Shogun's authority. At the negotiating table, we remain the weaker side. If you are there, the balance shifts."
The implication was clear.
Lora understood exactly what Kokomi intended. The shrine had already declared whose protection Watatsumi stood beneath.
Even so, she had no desire to entangle herself too deeply.
"I'll go with you," she said at last. "But the negotiation itself is yours to handle. I won't remain in Inazuma for long. In the end, this is your island to govern. If things are pushed too far, it won't benefit anyone."
Kokomi understood immediately.
"Of course."
With that decided, she selected those who would accompany her to Yashiori—herself, Gorou, and a small group of trusted resistance soldiers.
When they reached the negotiation site, the disparity was obvious at a glance. The resistance delegation was small, almost sparse, while the Shogunate's formation stood in rigid ranks behind their commander.
Sara led them, hundreds of soldiers arrayed at her back.
"You've finally arrived, Sangonomiya Kokomi. I was beginning to wonder whether Watatsumi had any intention of negotiating."
Her tone was as cold as ever.
Though open hostilities had ceased, the general of the Tenryou Commission—and former enforcer of the Vision Hunt Decree—had not forgotten the conflict so easily.
"Let's not start with sparks," Lora said lightly as she stepped forward from behind Kokomi, a faint smile on her lips. "It's a negotiation. If you open like that, how are we meant to proceed?"
"We meet again, Kujou Sara."
"You—"
Sara stiffened, instinctively taking a step back. Her gaze sharpened at once.
"What are you doing here? Aren't you a close ally of the Raiden Shogun?"
"I had business on Watatsumi and simply accompanied them," Lora replied casually. "Pay me no special attention. Continue as you normally would. There's no need for forced concessions. If anything is truly unjust, I'll speak."
To Sara, Lora was still a confidant of the Raiden Shogun. Whatever doubts lingered about her past actions, they had ultimately served Inazuma—and the Shogun herself.
Apprehension remained, but not distrust.
After a brief pause, Sara gave a curt nod.
"Very well. Let us begin."
She gestured toward the table prepared nearby, inviting Kokomi to take her seat. Documents outlining the positions of both sides were laid out for review.
True to her word, Lora moved aside and sat quietly, offering neither interruption nor opinion.