This time, without Yae Miko needing to explain, Kujou Sara immediately filled Kamisato Ayato in on the situation.
Ayato hadn't expected such a story at all.
After a moment of silent amazement, he decisively abandoned all his previous plans.
In a situation like this, what plans could possibly matter anymore?
Just looking at Ei, sitting there like a child who'd done something wrong, head lowered in guilt...
With Makoto back, Inazuma was no longer Ei's burden to carry.
And knowing Makoto's personality, when it came to Inazuma's troubles, she'd be more eager than anyone to set things right.
From now on, all Ayato had to do was wait for her orders.
The resolution to Inazuma's problems was already right before his eyes.
Joy filled his heart, but he quietly took a seat beside Kujou Sara.
Soon after, the sweets that had been prepared were brought in. Lumine and Paimon didn't stand on ceremony, they happily began to eat, treating the place as if it were a banquet hall.
Ei, however, kept her head lowered in silence.
She didn't even dare to reach for the tricolor dango she usually loved the most.
She was afraid Makoto might scold her again.
Seeing her younger sister's pitiful expression, Makoto's heart softened a little.
With a sigh, she said,
"Ei, don't you like tricolor dango anymore?"
Ei froze, then looked up at her sister.
That same gentle smile from five hundred years ago hit her heart once again.
Her eyes reddened slightly.
My sister...
She's still the same sister.
But Ei also understood clearly now,
Before being her sister, Makoto was first and foremost the Raiden.
She had made mistakes. And Makoto, as the true Archon of Inazuma, had to stand on Inazuma's side to judge her.
But Ei didn't mind anymore.
As long as Makoto had returned, she would do anything her sister asked.
She had always been Makoto's sharpest blade.
Even if Makoto ordered her to strike down Celestia itself, Ei would draw her sword without hesitation.
Makoto had dedicated her life to Inazuma.
And Ei, had dedicated hers to Makoto.
That was the true bond of the twin gods.
Nibbling quietly on the tricolor dango, Ei lowered her head again, lost in thought.
Makoto then turned her gaze toward Kamisato Ayato and Kujou Sara.
"Everyone's here," she said softly. "Let's get down to business."
After a pause, her voice grew firm and resolute:
"First! I hereby abolish the Vision Hunt Decree and the Sakoku Decree, along with all unreasonable taxes and policies established by the Tri-Commission during Ei's rule!"
Hearing Makoto go straight to the very roots of Inazuma's chaos, Kujou Sara and Kamisato Ayato exchanged glances, both seeing the same relief and excitement in each other's eyes.
As expected,
With Makoto here, everything would be fine.
Ei frowned slightly. She had no objections to anything Makoto decided; the Vision Hunt or Sakoku Decree meant nothing to her now.
But the Raiden Shogun, her autonomous puppet, clearly didn't think the same.
Resistance flared once again.
However, Ei refused to let the puppet's rebellion interrupt her reunion with her sister.
Without hesitation, she unleashed her full power and forcefully suppressed it.
Makoto turned toward her and asked calmly,
"Ei, do you have any objections?"
Ei responded firmly, without hesitation,
"Whatever you say, that's what it shall be."
Makoto gave a small nod, then turned her gaze toward Kamisato Ayato and Kujou Sara.
"The Vision Hunt Decree and the Sakoku Decree are our highest priorities. Kamisato Ayato, you'll be responsible for handling Inazuma's internal communication and policy coordination."
"Kujou General, I'll trouble you to visit the Resistance and deliver this message to them."
Ayato looked calm, it wasn't a difficult task for him; something like this could be handled easily.
But Kujou Sara looked slightly troubled.
"Lord Shogun, the Resistance leader, Sangonomiya Kokomi, she might not believe me…"
Makoto shook her head gently.
"That's fine. Let them choose the meeting place. I'll go and speak with her personally."
Ei immediately frowned, her tone sharp with concern.
"Let her come to you! Why should you risk yourself?"
Makoto's power wasn't particularly strong, though she was an Archon, even two hundred dragons had once posed a serious threat to her.
Having lost her sister once before, Ei couldn't bear the thought of Makoto stepping into danger again.
In her mind, Makoto should stay safely within Tenshukaku, never again exposed to harm.
Any mission, any potential battle, Ei would take care of it herself.
That had always been their rule, even five hundred years ago.
Now, Ei practically wished she could stay by Makoto's side every hour of the day, terrified something might happen again.
But Makoto only looked at her calmly.
"This is Inazuma. The Resistance are our people as well. Why should I fear they'd harm me?"
"But, sister…"
"No buts. General Kujou will accompany me, and Lumine and her companions will serve as intermediaries."
Ei didn't dare argue further.
She only shot Kujou Sara a meaningful glance.
Sara understood. Makoto was shaping up to be the perfect Raiden Shogun, she would never allow anything to happen to her.
And besides, Makoto was a god after all.
Makoto then turned back toward Kamisato Ayato.
"Can the abolition of the Vision Hunt Decree be implemented within three days?"
Ayato nodded confidently.
"No problem at all."
"Good. Then, the second matter."
Makoto's tone softened, but her words carried purpose.
"After lifting the Sakoku Decree, we'll fully reopen trade routes. Merchants from Liyue and Mondstadt will take the lead, officially dispatched to reestablish commerce with us."
"This concerns the reopening of Inazuma's trade lines, it's of utmost importance."
"The Kanjou Commission has been deeply corrupt, committing numerous offenses that left merchants with a terrible impression of Inazuma. We must change that image."
"For now, Kamisato Ayato, you'll temporarily take charge of Ritou. Host the merchants properly. Any outstanding debts shall be paid, with double compensation, to all foreign merchants who were detained or inconvenienced."
"The Mora will come from the Kanjou Commission's coffers. Treat the guests well. Can you manage that?"
Ayato nodded decisively. It would be a heavy workload, but he could handle it.
Once trade reopened, Inazuma's economy would quickly recover, and that was something he was determined to make happen.
~~----------------------
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