"Snap."
Bai Luo snapped his fingers, and Tatyana, who was waiting at the side, took the cue and produced a pre-drafted contract.
"Sign this contract, and I will no longer pursue the matter of the Mora and Igor. At the same time, I will also provide funding to your Watatsumi Island in the name of the Harbinger [Scaramouche]."
The paper and brush were all placed beside Sangonomiya Kokomi. Bai Luo leisurely returned to his seat.
Hmm? You ask why in Scaramouche's name?
Doesn't sponsoring Watatsumi Island cost money? If he used the Instructor's name, wouldn't he have to pay for it out of his own pocket?
Using Scaramouche's name was different.
That way, even if funds were deducted, it would be from Scaramouche's budget, having nothing to do with him, the Instructor.
After struggling internally for a moment, Sangonomiya Kokomi picked up the contract Bai Luo had given her.
But as she read on, her expression turned to one of confusion.
This... was this really a request from the Fatui?
The terms of the contract were simple. Once she signed it, the Fatui would not only provide funding to Watatsumi Island but also help them open new sea routes, allowing them to establish a trade channel with Ritou.
Due to the Sakoku Decree, the oppressed international merchant guilds would be very willing to trade with them.
Not only that, but the Fatui would also help them develop Watatsumi Island, assist in cultivating farmland, transport military equipment, and disseminate knowledge.
And what their Watatsumi Island needed to give in return was merely to agree to the Fatui's presence and to unconditionally support Fatui recruitment on the island.
Moreover, this recruitment was not to be forced conscription, but a voluntary system.
What on earth were the Fatui after?
"So, Miss Sangonomiya, will you sign? Or will you sign? Or perhaps... you'll sign?"
"..."
"Did you even give me a second choice?"
"This matter concerns the development of Watatsumi Island. I hope Mr. Instructor can grant us more time for discussion."
The terms were indeed tempting, but Sangonomiya Kokomi did not sign immediately.
As the leader of a faction, she saw much further than the average person.
She was not unaware of the Fatui's actions in Inazuma City.
What she feared more now was that the Fatui would gradually erode her influence on Watatsumi Island, eventually turning her into a figurehead and taking complete control of the entire island.
At that time... whether this piece of paper still held any effect would no longer be for her to decide.
"My time is very valuable and cannot be wasted on such useless waiting. I have a rather good relationship with the current Kujou Clan General, Miss Sara. I imagine the Shogunate's Kujou Clan... would be more than happy to cooperate with us to take down your Watatsumi Island."
Bai Luo said with a light chuckle.
Sangonomiya Kokomi knew very well that he was not bluffing.
Judging by the Fatui's style of doing things, he was more than capable of such an act.
More importantly, there had seemingly been rumors about this Instructor and that General Kujou Sara before.
"Please... please treat the people of Watatsumi well."
With a bitter smile, Sangonomiya Kokomi picked up the pen beside her.
Did she have a choice?
Of course, she could heroically refuse this contract, and then watch as the Fatui and the Shogunate army cooperated to crush their Watatsumi Island.
Look at the Tatarigami incident a while back. A Fatui mole merely spoke a few words and nearly brought eternal damnation upon Watatsumi Island.
If they were to fully support the Shogunate army...
For Watatsumi Island, it would be a catastrophic disaster.
But the so-called "aid" on the contract was like the description of a Sunset Berry in the archives—"fragrant and sweet-tasting."
Once you put it in your mouth, you can't help but exclaim:
What damn nonsense! It's so sour it could kill me!
After weighing her options, she signed her name with a trembling hand.
A faint golden glow, representing the Geo element, lit up, signifying that the contract had officially taken effect from this day forward.
Would Sangonomiya Kokomi regret it?
Once her energy was replenished, she would absolutely regret signing this contract.
It was like when some people lose an argument and, replaying it alone, regret certain details.
"If only I had said that, the other person would have been speechless."
But it was all too late.
Why did Bai Luo have Tatyana come first?
It was because he knew about this "energy" mechanic of Sangonomiya Kokomi's.
First, he had Tatyana exhaust a wave of it in an overwhelming fashion, and then he suddenly descended to continue applying pressure.
This one-two punch combination left Sangonomiya Kokomi completely dazed, and she signed the contract in a stupor.
One could only say... the ornamental fish was still too young.
"The contract is made. Those who break their word shall suffer the punishment of eating rock. This is a contract with exclusive certification from Morax. If you go back on your word, that god will personally descend to deliver divine punishment, you know."
"..."
At the same time, in Liyue's "Third-Round Knockout," a certain old man listening to a story and sipping tea spat out a mouthful of tea.
'A contract from Bai Luo?!'
Regardless of how the God of Contracts felt, back on Watatsumi Island, Sangonomiya Kokomi just sighed silently.
All she could do was pray that the Fatui would truly treat Watatsumi Island as well as the contract stated.
"If there is nothing else, please take your leave. The night is late, and I wish to rest early."
This one evening, Bai Luo had tormented her to the point of a throbbing headache. She could barely even stand steadily now.
She just wanted to rest early.
However, to her surprise, Bai Luo took out another contract and placed it in front of her.
"What is the meaning of this?"
Clenching her hands into fists, Sangonomiya Kokomi glared at Bai Luo with a resentful gaze.
Had he just finished signing the contract, and he was already going to turn on her?
Was this the extent of the Fatui's integrity?
"A non-disclosure agreement. I ask that you maintain strict confidentiality regarding all contents of this meeting, including everything that happened before we leave this room after signing. This information must not be disclosed to any sentient being, be it living, dead, a dog, or a fish."
Bai Luo showed her the contents of the contract. Just as he had said, it was a simple confidentiality clause with no additional stipulations.
Sangonomiya Kokomi had held similar talks with others before and knew that such meetings were confidential.
But this was the first time she had encountered someone as strict as this Instructor, requiring a signed non-disclosure agreement.
But since she had already signed the first one, what was the harm in signing another?
So, she nodded, looking slightly weary, and once again picked up the pen beside her, signing her name.
Only after the contract took effect did Bai Luo finally nod.
Putting away both contracts, he then looked at Sangonomiya Kokomi with a smile.
"There's one thing I forgot to tell you, Miss Sangonomiya. Actually, the 'Battousai' who has been staying on Watatsumi Island this whole time... was me."
"???"
Seeing her "are you freaking kidding me?" expression, Bai Luo knew she still trusted the Battousai deeply.
And so...
He took out his dagger and lightly tapped his own head.
In an instant, a dazzling crimson filled Sangonomiya Kokomi's widening pupils. Accompanying the crimson was the faint scent of plum blossoms she was so familiar with.
"Crack!"
The pen in Sangonomiya Kokomi's hand could not withstand her strength and snapped in two.
"You... I..."
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